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Academic Information Traditional Programs

Assessment Program

The assessment program at Concordia University, St. Paul is a process for educational improvement that helps both the institution and the individual student. Assessment results help determine how well the institution is meeting its mission and goals for students, what is working and where changes need to be made. In addition, assessments provide students with feedback to monitor progress toward their own educational goals. This assessment program uses a variety of tools to measure students learning and development beyond what simple grades can indicate. In some cases, assessment results will demonstrate how Concordia students compare in certain subject areas to students across the country. Many of the assessment activities will be part of courses and some will be a part of the process of applying for an academic major. Other assessments will involve student participation in surveys, focus groups or interviews. As part of the general education program and at the completion of the academic major and minor, students will also complete an outcomes assessment. As alumni, students will be asked to participate in assessment surveys that inquire about the impact their Concordia education has had for them. More information about assessment activities can be obtained from academic advisors or the associate dean for academic affairs.

Registration

The average academic load for a full-time student is 16 credits. The maximum load without payment of additional fees is 19 credits. Students who desire an academic overload without the required cumulative grade point average must petition through the advisor for permission.

Ordinarily freshmen and sophomore students register for courses numbered from 100-299. Advisors assist in the planning and approval of the course registration. Credits earned in courses numbered less than 100 are not applicable to graduation requirements.

Classification of Students

Students are placed by class according to the number of credits they have earned:

Freshmen: up to 31 credits
Sophomores: 32/63
Juniors: 64/95
Seniors: 96 credits and above

Full-Time Students

Full-time students are those who have satisfied the entrance requirements, have been admitted to the university and are registered for a minimum of 12 credits per semester. Minnesota State Grant program defines a full-time student as one who is registered for a minimum of 15 credits per semester.

Part-Time Students

Part-time students are those who have satisfied certain requirements for admission to the university but carry fewer than 12 credits per semester. Students carrying 9 to 11 credits are classified as three-fourths time students; students carrying 6 to 8 credits are classified as half time students.

Repeating a Course

Student may repeat a course. If students repeat a course, only the higher/highest grade is used in computing cumulative grade point average (CGPA).

Auditing Courses

Students who satisfy the requirements for admission may register to audit a course without receiving academic credit for the course. Registration procedures are the same as for credit-bearing courses. The course fee is at a reduced rate unless the course fits under the regular credit limit of 19 credits per semester. Auditing students need not meet regular course requirements but should confer with the instructor as to their privileges and responsibilities in the course. Upon completion of the course, an entry is made on the student's permanent record along with other classes. Students may find it helpful to audit a course to review materials for a more advanced course or to enrich an interest area. Auditors are excluded from laboratory and studio participation. Students may change regular registration to an audit before the end of the eighth week of the semester. Registration may be canceled for non-attendance.

Co-Curricular Activities

Members and managers of an intercollegiate team (one complete season) and cheerleaders and drill team members may apply a maximum of three credits in three different athletic activities toward graduation requirements as electives. Any additional credit earned in the same or other co-curricular activities will be indicated on the transcript but will not meet graduation requirements.

Independent Study

Independent study is an educational experience conducted for credit outside the regularly scheduled classroom offerings. It may be an existing course or an approved student/faculty designed course. Either experience must be conducted under the supervision of an instructor who is responsible for the academic soundness of the proposal. Each credit awarded must represent approximately 42 clock hours of work.

Credit for independent studies may be used to fulfill any curriculum requirement. Only four credits of independent study may be taken at one time. No more than 12 credits of independent study may be counted toward graduation requirements. Students are responsible for completing an application form that specifies course goals/objectives and projected outcomes, learning strategies and evaluation procedures. The proposal must be approved by the advisor, instructor, department chair and the dean of the college. An independent study application form may be submitted during regular registration times but no later than the end of the second week of classes in a semester. Forms are available in the academic advising office, on the web, and the registrar's office.

Internships

Students may apply for internship programs with the approval of the instructor, the advisor, the department chair, the director of advising and the registrar. Internship guidelines are available from the appropriate department. Application blanks are available in the academic advising office and on the web. No more than one-third of a major or a minor may consist of internship credits; normally, no more than 12 field-based experience credits may be applied toward the minimum of 128 credits required for the baccalaureate degree. The number of credits applicable to a major, minor or emphasis is determined in advance by the appropriate department(s). Separate learning contracts are written with the department(s) and work is evaluated by a faculty member or an adjunct faculty member from each department involved. The Director of Christian Education and Director of Christian Outreach programs require an internship. Separate guidelines apply to these internships. The P-N grade is given for all field-based learning experiences.

Attendance at Class

Students are expected to attend all class meetings and laboratory sessions for the courses in which they are enrolled. In cases of extreme emergencies and unforeseen circumstances students are expected to notify their instructors and arrange to make up assignments. Instructors will record attendance and specify procedures for handling absences in course syllabi.

Withdrawal from Courses/Withdraw without Record

Full semester courses
Students may withdraw from a course without record during the first ten class days of a semester.

Half semester courses
Students may withdraw without record within the first five days of half semester courses.

Less than half semester courses
Students may withdraw without record through the first one-seventh of the class meeting times.

Withdrawal with Record

Full semester courses
Students may withdraw from full semester courses anytime from the eleventh day through the fiftieth day and receive a "W" grade.

Half semester courses
Students may withdraw from half semester courses anytime from the sixth day though the twentieth-fifth day and receive a "W" grade.

Less than half semester courses
Students may withdraw from less than half semester courses and receive a "W" through the first five-sevenths of the class meeting times.

Withdrawal Procedures

1. Prior to the week classes start: Students must obtain a Course Change form from the office of the registrar or the academic advising office. Complete Course Change forms must include the student's advisor signature and be submitted to the office of the registrar.

2. The week classes start: Students must obtain a Course Change form from the office of the registrar or the academic advising office. Completed Course Change forms must include the student's advisor and instructor signatures and be submitted to the office of the registrar.

3. Effective dates for withdrawals will be determined by the date when the properly completed Course Change form is received in the office of the registrar.

Grading System -- Effective Fall Semester 2005

Prior to the end of the term the student files a form with the professor requesting the "I" grade and indicating a planned completion date. Normally, an "in-progress" (I) grade should be removed by the end of the seventh week of the following semester in which the "I" grade was incurred, or at a date set by the professor on the form provided. The grade of "I" will be changed to the grade of "F" by the registrar unless an instructor assigns a passing grade or requests an extension beyond the normal time limit. Permission may be granted by the instructor to extend the time of an "I" grade to a maximum of one year when extenuating circumstances warrant. Any further extension must be approved by the instructor and vice president for academic affairs and filed with the registrar.

Pass/No-Pass Grading

A course usually graded A-F may be taken P-N by a student if the course is an elective.  A course is designated as elective when it is not used by a given student to meet any specific area or course requirement including the general education program, major, minor, emphasis, or professional courses.  To take a course usually graded A-F as a P-N course, a student must file the appropriate P-N form with the Office of the Registrar before the end of the seventh week of the term.  The “P” grade is equated to the normal “A” to “C-” grade range.  P-N courses transferred in by students as required courses (a course is designated as required when it is used by a given students to meet any specific area or course requirement including the general education program, major, minor, emphasis or professional courses) are acceptable only from colleges where the grading system is the normal system as described above. 

There is a four-credit limit of P-N courses per semester for sophomores, juniors and seniors.  Other courses and internships (see below) which are graded by the P-N system do not count towards these limits. 

In courses only graded P-N

Field experiences required in liberal education, business/economics, professional programs (teacher aide, student teaching, internship, practicum) and co-curricular athletic activities are offered ONLY on a “Pass-No Pass” basis.  A student may earn a maximum of eight credits in the combined music/drama area and one credit in each area of athletics that are applicable to the total credits for graduation requirements.  The maximum credit limit applies to students who are not music/drama majors, minors or emphases.  Although these courses apply toward graduation requirements, they are not calculated into the cumulative grade point average. 

In-Progress Grades
An In-Progress Grade may be given to students who have missed part of their assigned work due to circumstances which are beyond their control and who are otherwise doing satisfactory work. However, any in-progress grade could affect the students? probationary and disqualification status (See Satisfactory Progress Policy). Students and instructors will develop an agreement, which includes these guidelines for completion of their work:
1. All course requirements must be completed within four weeks from the last day of class of the current term.
2. Extensions may be requested for a maximum of six months from the last day of the course if students are unable to complete the work in four weeks.
3. The grade will automatically turn to an "F" if the course requirements are not completed within six months.
4. The maximum number of In-Progress grades students may carry at one time is two (2).

Student in Good Standing
A student in good standing is one who:

1. Is registered for the current term;
2. Is attending class in accordance with the class attendance policy;
3. Has no financial obligations to the university;
4. Is not on disciplinary probation; and
5. Is not on academic probation.

Eligibility to participate in certain inter-scholastic activities necessitates the fulfillment of additional requirements.

Satisfactory Progress Policy

This policy provides early identification and intervention for students of Concordia University who have difficulty maintaining satisfactory academic progress. In an effort to help all students achieve satisfactory academic standards and successfully progress through their chosen curriculum, the university will extend professional assistance.

Students are expected to meet satisfactory academic progress standards for each term.   Students not maintaining the specified standards will be required to meet with their advisors to assist in detecting and alleviating problems they may be experiencing. To be eligible to register continuously without conditions, a student must achieve satisfactory progress by maintaining a 2.00 Cumulative Grade Point Average and:

1.       Traditional Term Students must complete a minimum of 12 credits each term.  Incompletes (I) and withdrawals (W) do not count toward completion.  Credits earned in courses listed as less than 100 level may be used to complete the minimum 12 credits.  The 12 credit minimum will be adjusted proportionately for less than full-time students. (Students taking 9-11 credits will need to pass 9 credits and students taking 6-8 credits will need to pass 6 credits). 

2.       Accelerated Program Cohort Students taking 12 or more credits must complete at least 12 credits each term. (Students taking 9-11 credits will need to pass 9 credits and students taking 6-8 credits will need to pass 6 credits).   Incompletes (I) and withdrawals (W) do not count toward completion.

 When a student does not maintain satisfactory progress, the university will impose certain restrictions that will affect the student’s eligibility for enrollment andfinancial aid. 

1.     Traditional Term Students

       a.     Academic Alert:  Academic alert is a warning that students either did not complete 12    credits or a proportional number of the registered courses for the term, or their CGPA was below 2.0 for their first term at Concordia. Students will be notified that they are on academic alert.  Students placed on academic alert may enroll for no more than 16 credits for the following term without written permission of the dean of their college.  Students are required to meet with their academic advisor within the first two weeks of the new term to determine a plan of assistance. The plan of assistance will identify the academic difficulties the student is experiencing and recommend possible solutions.  A student success class may be required.  Students must submit a copy of their plan of assistance to the director of academic advising to remain registered for the term.  Financial aid continues for the term.  An academic alert appears on the student’s internal records, but it is not part of the permanent transcript.   The status of academic alert is only in effect during a student’s second term of attendance. 

b.       Academic Probation:  Academic probation is a formal warning that students did not achieve satisfactory progress. Students will be notified that they are on academic probation.  Financial aid continues for the term.  Students placed on academic probation may enroll for no more than 16 credits for the following term, without written permission of the dean of their college. Academic probation status appears on the student’s internal records, but it is not part of the permanent transcript.   A student on academic probation must see his or her advisor within the first two weeks of the new term to determine a  plan of assistance.

c.        Disqualification (unsatisfactory progress for two consecutive terms) Students will be notified of their disqualification in writing by the registrar.  Financial aid is suspended.  Students may appeal to be readmitted by completing the Disqualification Appeal Form.

2.             Accelerated Cohort Students

a.       Academic Probation:  Academic probation is a formal warning that students did not achieve satisfactory progress. Students will be notified that they are on academic probation.  Financial aid continues for the term.  Students placed on academic probation may enroll for no more than 16 credits for the following term.  Academic probation status appears on the student’s internal records, but it is not part of the permanent transcript.   A student on academic probation must contact his or her advisor to determine a plan of assistance.

b.       Disqualification (unsatisfactory progress for two consecutive terms) Students will be notified of their disqualification in writing by the registrar.  Financial aid is suspended.  Students may appeal to be readmitted by completing the Disqualification Appeal Form.

Disqualification Appeal Process

 An appeal form must be submitted to the academic appeals committee.  The appeal must state what undue hardship caused the student’s inability to meet satisfactory progress standards.  Students may also show successful completion of 12 semester credits with a CGPA of 2.0 or higher from another accredited institution to indicate that they have overcome the challenges that caused the original disqualification.

If the appeal is successful, the student is readmitted on probationary status.  Appeals are approved for one term only.

Traditional Term Students being readmitted by appeal who have not attended Concordia in the five years prior to the appeal will be readmitted under academic alert.  Accelerated Cohort Students being readmitted by appeal who have not attended Concordia in the five years prior to the appeal will be readmitted under academic probation.

Withdrawal from the University

Students wishing to change their status by discontinuing, taking a leave of absence or changing their cohort will discuss their plans with their advisor. Traditional students will contact the director of academic advising, Rosemary Braun [AD121, (651) 641-8708, or braun@csp.edu.] for an exit interview. It is the student's responsibility to fulfill all necessary obligations for these offices: financial aid office, student accounts, library/information services/help desk, security, and offices issuing special equipment, such as: laptops, instruments, keys, and athletic equipment. Students who officially withdraw from school will receive refunds and grades according to the standard schedule. Students who discontinue without notice will be liable for any unpaid accounts.

If you leave Concordia as a result of administrative dismissal or academic disqualification, you may appeal. Contact the director of academic advising, Rosemary Braun [AD121, (651) 641-8708, or braun@csp.edu.] for the appeal form.

Honor Recognition

Dean's List
Traditional program full-time students, who earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 and above in a given academic semester, are included on the dean's list. To be considered, all incompletes must be removed by the end of the second week after exam week.

Graduation Honors

Full-time students in bachelor degree programs in Concordia University, St. Paul who have earned at least 64 credits at Concordia and who have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.90 or higher are designated as graduating summa cum laude; those students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.75-3.89 are designated as graduating magna cum laude; those students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.60 to 3.74 are designated as graduating cum laude.

Students in bachelor degree programs at Concordia University, St. Paul who have earned fewer than 64 credits and have at least a 3.90 GPA at Concordia will be recognized as graduating "with high distinction."  Students who have earned fewer than 64 credits and have a GPA between 3.75 and 3.89 will be recognized as graduating "with distinction."

Academic Honors Convocation
Students receiving dean's list recognition, special departmental awards, and merit scholarships will be recognized at the annual Academic Honors Convocation in April.

Honorary Societies

Lambda Pi Eta
Concordia University, St. Paul is home of the Nu Beta chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, having been chartered in 2001.

Lambda Pi Eta is the official communication studies honor society of the National Communication Association (NCA). As an accredited member of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS), Lambda Pi Eta has nearly 300 active chapters at colleges and universities worldwide. Lambda Pi Eta was founded in 1985 at the University of Arkansas. Lambda Pi Eta became a part of the National Communication Association (NCA) in 1988, and the official honor society of the NCA in July 1995. Lambda Pi Eta represents what Aristotle described in his book, Rhetoric, as the three ingredients of persuasion: Logos (Lambda) meaning logic, Pathos (Pi) relating to emotion, and Ethos (Eta) defined as character credibility and ethics.

The goals of Lambda Pi Eta are to:

• recognize, foster, and reward outstanding scholastic achievement;
• stimulate interest in the field of communication;
• promote and encourage professional development among communication majors;
• provide an opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas about the field;
• establish and maintain close relationships and understanding between faculty and students; and
• explore options for further graduate studies.

http://www.natcom.org/StudentOrgs/LPH/LPH.HTM

Sigma Tau Delta
Sigma Tau Delta, The National English Honor Society, was founded in 1924. In 1987, the Mu Chi Chapter was established at Concordia. The purposes of the Society are to confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature; to promote interest in literature and the English language on the campus and in the surrounding community; and to foster the discipline of English in all its aspects, including creative and critical writing. Membership is open to students who have completed at least five semesters of college work with a minimum of 3.00 average in English and who rank in the top 35 percent of their class in general scholarship.

Off-Campus Study

Concordia encourages students to broaden their horizons and explore their surrounding world through off-campus study programs. In order to apply for off-campus study, the student must meet certain criteria that is dependent on the study option. Concordia will allow only two semesters of off-campus study or a maximum of 32 off-campus study credits to be applied to the 128 credits for B.A. degree. Concordia's Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Business Administration graduation requirements will remain in effect. Students enrolled in pre-approved off-campus study will also be considered in the financial aid process. In no way will program leaders or instructors of programs/courses be responsible for personal injury or property damage arising out of the act or negligence of any direct carrier, hotel or travel service or any other person rendering any service offered in connection with off-campus study.

Off-Campus Enrollment

Students wishing to apply for an Off-Campus Enrollment (OCE) for required courses must be (1) an admitted student, (2) currently registered for six or more credits, (3) maintaining satisfactory progress as defined in this catalog, (4) have a serious unavoidable class conflict which prevents the student from graduating on time, or (5) planning to take a course that is a part of the approved majors and minors but not currently taught at Concordia. Although new courses, majors and minors will not be created through an OCE, the student may earn majors and minors at other institutions and transfer them to Concordia. The student who meets these criteria may proceed to apply by contacting their advisor and completing the OCE form, which is available from the academic advising office. Following approvals, the student accounts office will provide authorization to register at the host institution. Students must request the host institution to send a transcript to Concordia's office of the registrar for final documentation. If the transcript is not received by the registrar within three months of the OCE completion, the student's account will be assessed for fees paid to the host institution.

Global Off-Campus Enrichment Study
Another off-campus study option available to students is the Global Off-Campus Enrichment (GOE). The student must be (1) in good standing and (2) request approval through the academic advising office. The student will complete a GOE form with their advisor and turn the form into the academic advising office. New programs are being approved yearly. Check in the academic advising office for the latest information.

ROTC

Air Force ROTC

A cooperative program between Concordia and the University of St. Thomas provides Concordia students with the opportunity to concurrently enroll in credit courses in aerospace studies at St. Thomas. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps is an educational and leadership development program designed to prepare students for commissioning as second lieutenants in the United States Air Force. Air Force ROTC complements the academic major of the student's choice and increases the student's career options. Students incur no obligation by enrolling in the courses; the Aerospace classes are free and are paid by a St. Thomas grant. Credit is transferable. Scholarships are available, especially in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, and nursing. For more information, contact the Department of Aerospace Studies at the University of St. Thomas, (651) 962-6320 or 1-800-328-6819, ext. 6320.

Army ROTC

ROTC trains and prepares men and women for a commission as an officer in the regular Army, Army Reserve and National Guard. In addition to instruction in military fundamentals, ROTC develops leadership qualities and self-confidence essential to success in today's world.

Concordia's program, six semesters in length, is completed concurrently with course work required for a B.A. degree through the University of Minnesota. The first two semesters constitute the Basic Program, while the four remaining semesters are the Advanced Program.

Cadets/students are under no legal obligation while in the Basic Program. Upon entrance into the Advanced Program the students sign a contract and begin receiving a monthly stipend from the ROTC program.  Traditional Concordia University students who are also Army ROTC scholarship winners shall receive a room and board scholarship assurance each term while they are on a scholarship contract.  Non-traditional degree completion students enrolled as cadets in the University of Minnesota Corps of Cadets by means of a scholarship contract shall recieve a $500 per semetser stipend for each semester they are enrolled in an undergraduate degree completion program.   For further information, call (612) 626-1584.

Naval ROTC

Naval ROTC two-year scholarship and non-scholarship programs allow students to earn a commission in the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps. Concurrent completion of degree requirements at Concordia and Naval Science requirements at the University of Minnesota results in an active duty commission. Career options include aviation, submarine warfare and surface warfare (Navy), or aviation and ground office positions (Marines). For further information, call (651) 625-6677.

Simultaneous Enrollment

The Simultaneous Enrollment program is a method for Concordia University, St. Paul students to enroll for classes and other educational opportunities on another Concordia University System campus for up to one year without loss of credits. Any student currently enrolled and in good standing is eligible to apply for the Simultaneous Enrollment programs of the Concordia University System. Students must have completed at least one term at the home campus, have at least a sophomore standing and have at least a 2.00 cumulative GPA. Visiting students are limited to 2 semesters (3 quarters) visiting other campuses. Students should contact the registrar's office for details. Many of the universities have strict quotas and a limited number of applicants are accepted.