Students enrolled for 12 hours or more are considered full-time. All students having met regular entrance requirements are classified by the university registrar. Classification is based on the following scale:
Freshmen |
0-28 Semester Hours Completed |
Sophomore |
29-59 Semester Hours Completed |
Junior |
60-89 Semester Hours Completed |
Senior |
90 or more Semester Hours Completed |
Evaluations are not made for unclassified students who are admitted without submitting full credentials for regular admission. Such students are auditory, guest students, postgraduates, or pre-university students and may take up to 18 hours under this classification but no more than 6 hours in one semester. By submitting proper application, an unclassified student may change to regular admission.
A letter grade is used to evaluate coursework. For the purpose of determining scholastic standing and awarding honors, grade points are granted according to the letter grades and semester hours of credit. The grade-point average (GPA) is the number of quality points earned divided by the number of credit hours attempted.
Grade |
Quality Point |
Definition |
A |
4.0 |
Superior |
A- |
3.7 |
|
B+ |
3.3 |
|
B |
3.0 |
Above average |
B- |
2.7 |
|
C+ |
2.3 |
|
C |
2.0 |
Average |
C- |
1.7 |
|
D+ |
1.3 |
|
D |
1.0 |
Passing |
F |
.0 |
Failure/Also given for all |
|
|
unofficial withdrawals |
WF |
.0 |
Failing work at time of official |
|
|
withdrawal after the tenth week of the semester/Counted as "F" in grade-point average |
The following grades are not figured into the student's grade-point average:
O |
Outstanding |
S |
Satisfactory |
U |
Unsatisfactory |
W |
Passing work at time of official |
|
withdrawal |
I |
Incomplete |
CR |
Credit |
NC |
No Credit |
AU |
Audit |
NA |
No Audit |
A grade of "I" may be given if circumstances beyond the student's control prevent completion of the work. A faculty person, at his or her discretion, may offer an incomplete to a student. Any incomplete extended beyond the end of the next term must be approved by the Associate Dean of the governing school. The entire incomplete policy is available at the Records Office.
A student may repeat once any course in which a grade below "C" ("C-," "D+," "D," "F," or "NC") was previously earned. Some specific graduate level courses are identified as repeatable and can be repeated if a student earns a grade higher than "C" but below the level required for that specific course. The course may be repeated once. Whenever a course is repeated, the last grade and credits earned replace the previous grade in computing the student's grade-point average (GPA). All entries, however, remain a part of the student's permanent academic record. Duplicate credit hours are not given for two or more passing efforts. A course taken in a classroom format may not be repeated for a grade through independent learning, credit-by-examination, by assessment of prior learning, by transfer of credit, or online.
Since a course may be repeated once, failure to achieve a satisfactory grade in a required course after two attempts will result in academic suspension or ineligibility to complete the major in which the course was repeated.
No credit is received when a course is audited; however, a transcript record is made. With the approval of the instructor, any student is eligible to audit any course for which the prerequisites have been met. Students may not register at the Records Office under this category until after the first day of class and on a space-available basis. Those auditing courses will be charged the current audit fee. No grades or evaluations of papers or tests are given. No change may be made from audit to credit, or credit to audit, after registration closes.
At the midpoint of each semester, grades below "C" are reported to the director of records. A progress report is then sent to each student who falls into this category. A copy also is sent to advisors and professors for counseling purposes. Mid-semester grades are not recorded in any way on the student's permanent record. Final grade reports are sent to all students at the end of each term.
A final grade cannot be changed after it has been verified by the Records Office unless there has been an error in calculation or assignment. In the event a non-routine change of grade becomes necessary, a written recommendation must be submitted by the faculty member to the vice president for Academic Affairs within 90 days of the original grade submission. The vice president will determine the validity of the recommendation.
If a student registers for classes but does not attend any classes, the registration may be cancelled by the director of records if the student has not attended by the last day to add or drop classes.
The student's official transcript is prepared by the Indiana Wesleyan University Records Office and will show the course, grade, credit, and dates of instruction for each course. Requests for transcripts of coursework at Indiana Wesleyan University must conform with the Privacy Act of 1974, which requires that all transcript requests be submitted in writing and signed by the student, for protection of the student's confidentiality. A transcript is official only when it bears the university seal.
It is university policy not to release a transcript if the student owes anything to the university or if he or she is delinquent on any loan received through Indiana Wesleyan University. A $3 fee is charged for each transcript and must be enclosed, along with a complete address to which the transcript is to be mailed. Please provide a current address if request is to be sent to student's home. Students requesting a transcript should write to the Indiana Wesleyan University Records Office, 4201 South Washington Street, Marion, IN 46953. For more information, call 1-765-677-2966 or www.indwes.edu/records/transcripts.htm.
The following table indicates the minimum cumulative grade-point averages (GPA) that will result in the application of academic sanctions:
Earned Credits |
Academic Probation |
Academic Suspension |
Academic Dismissal |
0-28 credits |
< 1.80 |
< 1.70 |
< 1.50 |
29-44 credits |
< 1.90 |
< 1.80 |
< 1.70 |
45-89 credits |
< 2.00 |
< 1.90 |
< 1.80 |
90 + credits |
|
|
< 2.00 |
The sequence of levels of achievement is allowed in order to help students accommodate the graduation requirement of 2.0 for most programs (students should be aware that some programs require more than this minimum for graduation).
Students who fall below the minimum GPA levels indicated above and are allowed to remain at the university will be placed on "academic probation," will be limited to a registration of 13 credits, must meet all requirements made by the Enrollment Management Committee, and are ineligible for most extracurricular activities. No student is entitled to more than one semester on probation.
Students who fall below the minimum GPA levels indicated above and have been placed on "academic probation" status are ineligible to participate in campus leadership or represent the university unless such participation is connected with a credit bearing course required in the student's current major area of study. Ineligibility for participation includes, for example, cheer team, club teams, extramural teams, intercollegiate athletics, ministry teams, and theatre productions/performances. Students on academic probation are not eligible to enroll in courses offered through the College of Adult and Professional Studies.
Most student leadership positions have requirements in addition to the minimum above. Please reference IWU Student Handbook. http://cas.indwes.edu/resources/handbook.pdf
Music majors on probation may register for ensembles and attend scheduled rehearsals for academic purposes but may not participate in performances.
Certain organizations have requirements in addition to the minimum above.
Students suspended for academic reasons may reapply after one semester away and must complete the following to be considered for readmission
Readmission is not guaranteed; however, all applications will be reviewed by the Enrollment Management Committee.
Students dismissed for academic reasons may reapply after two semesters away and must complete the following to be considered for readmission
Readmission is not guaranteed; however, all applications will be reviewed by the Enrollment Management Committee.
Students are expected to attend all sessions of classes for which they are registered. Official excuses may be given by the Academic Affairs Office for absences due to university-sponsored activities* (see below), for illness requiring hospitalization, death of a first degree relative, or other emergencies. University and World Impact groups taking students on off campus trips which require those students to miss class shall notify and gain approval of the Academic Affairs office prior to final arrangements for the trip. Faculty may not give a penalty for a university approved absence. A student is responsible directly to the instructor for all classes missed and to see that all work is made up. A student failing to attend classes and not withdrawing officially will receive a grade of "F." Students are not allowed to attend classes for which they are not registered.
* Policy on Excused absences for Organizational Activities
Students participating in one or more student organizations may receive only one excused absence per semester for each course (evening courses excluded) in order to participate in an approved activity.
A final examination is required in each course. It should be comprehensive in nature, requiring the student to use the accumulated knowledge and skills of the whole course. The two hours of final examination are scheduled as part of the total hours required in the semester. If a student has more than two final exams scheduled on one day, arrangements can be made with the professor to change the exam that falls in the middle. Request forms may be obtained in the Records Office.
Certain kinds of courses such as clinicals, practica, student teaching, studio instruction, and seminars may be exempted from final examinations but must plan to meet for instruction in the scheduled time.
Scheduled final examination times are expected to be adhered to unless an emergency situation arises. If a student requires a makeup examination, it must be given at a time later than the scheduled period.
Academic dishonesty is inconsistent with scholarship and the pursuit of knowledge and Christian character. Thus, Indiana Wesleyan University expects students to be honest in all academic work.
Coursework
Students are expected to exhibit honesty in the classroom, in homework and on quizzes and tests. Each instructor should define what constitutes honest work in a specific course. Any deviation from ordinary standards, such as the permitted use of notes for an examination or an "open book" test, should be stated clearly by the instructor.
Cheating is defined as the use or attempted use of unauthorized materials or receiving unauthorized assistance or communication during any academic exercise. Examples of cheating include:
Plagiarism is defined as "the false assumption of authorship; the wrongful act of taking the product of another person's mind and presenting it as one's own" (A. Lindey, 2006, Plagiarism and Originality). The Prentice Hall Reference Guide (2006) indicates, "To plagiarize is to include someone else's writing, information, or idea in a paper and fail to acknowledge what you took by indicating whose work it is" (p. 292). In other words, it is not giving credit where credit is due. Plagiarism is both a moral and ethical offense and sometimes a legal one.
Examples of plagiarism include:
Sanctions
It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of policies regulating academic conduct including definitions of academic dishonesty, the possible sanctions, and the appeals process.
Any undergraduate student apprehended and charged with cheating, including plagiarism, during his or her college matriculation, shall receive the following discipline:
A graduate student is expected to understand clearly the nature of cheating and is subject to dismissal from the university for a single incident of academic dishonesty or cheating. Incidents of cheating and/or plagiarism will be investigated and judged by the appropriate graduate faculty.
Because the matter of cheating cumulatively leads to dismissal, faculty are required to report each case to the appropriate university administrator who in turn reports the case to the academic leader of the specific college/school. Unquestionable evidence must be in hand before any action will be taken to confront and accuse a student of cheating.
A student who is not satisfied with the disciplinary action may follow the grievance and appeal policies below.
Falsification of Academic Records or University Documents: Falsification of academic records or documents includes but is not limited to altering any documents affecting academic records; forging signatures; or falsifying information of an official document such as a grade report, ID card, financial receipt, or any other official university letter or communication. This includes information downloaded (printed) from student information available via Web (online) services.
Unauthorized Access to Computerized Academic or Administrative Records or Systems: Unauthorized access to computerized academic or administrative records or systems means viewing or altering the university's computer records without authorization; copying or modifying the university's computer programs or systems without authorization; releasing or dispensing information gained through unauthorized access; or interfering with the use or availability of computer systems information.
Students who are found to have falsified university documents or participated in unauthorized access to computerized academic or administrative records or systems are subject to dismissal from the university for a single incident. The university may consider legal action for any individual found to have participated in these actions.
A student may seek recourse from any university nonacademic program or employment-related dispute, alleged discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, color, sex, disability, or age, including alleged violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments Acts of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or other state or federal legislation through the following procedures:
A. Informal Procedure
B. Formal Procedure
Each stated time frame will be the ordinary process. More time may be necessary in the event of a lengthy investigation, hearing, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances.
The complainant will be notified of results at each step of the grievance process. All grievances, with all papers, recommendations, and decisions related to federal or state regulations, will be reported to the vice president for Academic Affairs in whose office all files will be kept.
Because grievance and appeal processes are private university administrative hearings, legal counsel or representation is inappropriate.
A student who has a grievance related to a course grade or an academic policy decision, including those believed to be discriminatory based on race, national origin, color, sex, disability, or age, should follow these procedures for resolution.
Students must begin with the awareness that the university follows generally accepted college and university practice in the development of academic policies, the operation of classrooms, and use of grading techniques. These differ widely from professor to professor and from college to college. Indiana Wesleyan University allows its instructors independence in following generally accepted practices.
Protest of Grade
If the student feels that an instructor has not followed fair practice nor followed his or her own published grading policy, the following procedures should be followed:
The complainant will be notified of results at each step of the grievance process. All grievances, with all papers, recommendations, and decisions related to federal or state regulations, will be reported to the vice president for Academic Affairs in whose office all files will be kept.
Protest of Policy
If a student believes that the university has not followed published policies regarding academic decisions or has been discriminated against based on race, national origin, color, sex, disability, or age, including Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504, the student may follow the following procedures:
The decision of the Academic Affairs Council will be made within 15 working days of such a request and will be final in all academic policy disputes.
The complainant will be notified of results at each step of the grievance process. All grievances, with all papers, recommendations, and decisions related to federal or state regulations, will be reported to the vice president for Academic Affairs in whose office all files will be kept.
Because grievance and appeal processes are private university administrative hearings, legal counsel or representation is inappropriate.
The most common way in the College of Arts and Sciences to earn university credit is by registering in the semester programs of the university, attending classes under the instruction of a university professor, submitting the required work, and passing the required examinations.
Students who have attended other accredited colleges or universities may transfer credit toward their education at advanced levels, depending on the amount of credit transferable from the other institutions. Transcripts of all other university work must be submitted directly to the Indiana Wesleyan University Records Office from the office of the registrar at the college or university attended.
Many high schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses to students. These are evaluated as subequivalent to university freshman-level courses and appropriate credit will be given for grades of 3 or above.
All of the other following requests for credit are subject to the completion of 12 credits in an IWU program, acceptance into a major, and the achievement of a grade-point index of 2.0, as well as approval by the appropriate offices and advisors. A $25 per credit hour transcripting fee will be assessed.
The College Level Examination Program (CLEP), the Proficiency Examination Program (PEP), and DANTES offer examinations of university-level achievement. CLEP examinations may be accepted for credit by the university upon admission and registration. Scores on selected examinations at a level of "C" or above will be acceptable for credit in appropriate areas. The essay portion of the DANTES examination is not used as part of the scoring. Examinations can be scheduled by The Aldersgate Center after consulting with the director of records. A $25 per credit hour transcripting fee will be assessed.
Students with life experience education may have developed a body of information equivalent to university-level learning. This may be work experience, nonaccredited institutions, or other nontranscripted learning. After a student has been admitted into a major and has accumulated at least 12 classroom credits, assessment of such learning may be attempted. Students must work through their advisors. Guidelines and applicable fees are available in the Records Office or Office of Student Services.
Occasionally, students may benefit from academic enrichment by Independent Learning. Students with special learning goals may find it possible to obtain credit by independent learning in one or more of the following venues: Independent Scholarship, Tutorial, or Practicum/Internship.
Independent Learning requires signatures of the Division Chair and faculty member prior to the approval of the Dean of Academic Affairs and must be obtained by petition. A $100 per credit hour fee will be assessed on Independent Learning coursework. For more information on independent learning, contact the Records Office.
Application for graduation must be made prior to the student's final semester, preferably two semesters before graduation. The application form must be completed and signed by all academic advisors. A student may complete his/her requirements at midyear, in the spring, or in the summer. Commencement exercises are held in December, April, and August. Only those completing all requirements by August and December are eligible to participate in the August and December commencements, respectively. Undergraduate CAS students whose graduation is conditional upon May or summer school attendance may be granted the right to special participation in the spring commencement exercises before all graduation requirements have been met. The degree would then be awarded in August, after all degree requirements have been completed.
This student would have 99 of 124 graduation credits met in the above categories, with 25 left as free electives.
Total Credits Needed For Graduation |
124 |
—Completion of 124 semester hours
—Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
—Completion of at least 40 semester hours in the major area with a GPA of 2.25 or higher; major requirements as prescribed by each department must be met.
—Completion of all general education requirements
Attendance at graduation exercises is required. Petitions for the "in absentia" granting of degrees must be approved by the university registrar.
Graduation Honors are a recognition given to baccalaureate students at commencement to acknowledge outstanding grade point averages earned. Eligibility for Honors is determined as follows
Baccalaureate degree candidates will be awarded Honors as follows
No Honors are awarded at the associate or the master's degree level.
Diplomas are mailed after the conferment of degrees. Diplomas indicate degree earned, date of degree, major, specialization, and honors. A student's financial account must be settled to receive a diploma.