Students registering for classes at the university are responsible for complying with the academic regulations of the university catalog. The academic policies outlined in this section are applicable to all programs. Some programs have Handbooks with additional requirements. Students must comply with the academic requirements for their Graduate Program. Unfamiliarity with these regulations does not constitute a valid reason for failure to comply. If there are questions, students should ask their advisor, the registrar, or the academic dean.
Good Academic Standing
Academic Probation
Academic Suspension
Academic Suspension Appeal Procedure
Application after two academic suspensions
Students with a second academic suspension may not enroll in any LCU graduate course until two full academic years (six academic semesters) have elapsed since their last suspension. Direct inquiries for reinstatement to graduate studies to the office of graduate studies.
Program Policies
Some programs have Handbooks with program specific requirements. Please see the advisor for information. What follows are policies common to all graduate studies programs.
Academic Integrity
The university expects its students to conduct themselves with a level of honor and integrity befitting members of a Christian learning community, and in keeping with the university mission. The Code of Academic Integrity, which includes the appeals process, is found in the Student Handbook.
Leveling
Graduate students are expected to demonstrate appropriate competencies in the academic discipline to which they are applying. Students changing disciplines may be required to complete leveling work of up to 18 upper-division hours in the new academic discipline.
Grading System
The following are calculated at zero grade points per hour.
Note: Grades lower than a C will not be recognized for graduate credit.
Grade Point Average
The GPA is a system for assigning a numerical average to student grade averages. Under this system, A is 4, B is 3, C is 2, and F is 0 points. If students earn an A in a three-hour course, 12 grade points are earned (4 points multiplied by 3 hours equals 12). The grade points from each course are totaled and then divided by the number of hours attempted.
Grading Changes
A grade can be corrected or changed with the written authorization from the teacher of record and the academic dean. A statement explaining the reason for the correction or change must accompany the written authorization. Grade changes should be received in the office of the registrar within one semester after the initial grade was given. Final grades are available to students in the student information system.
Grade Appeals
After final grades for an enrollment period are entered, students may appeal a grade within two weeks into the following enrollment period. The procedure for appealing a grade is as follows.
Class Changes
Students enrolling during advance registration may change their class schedules prior to the first day of class without penalty. Class changes consist of adding classes, dropping classes, or canceling all classes. Students who want to cancel their classes must contact the registrar prior to the first day of class. Schedule changes after classes begin must be completed within the drop/add period. Students dropping or adding classes after the drop/add period will be charged a $25 drop/add fee per course. Courses dropped after the drop/add period but before the last day to drop with a W, will receive a grade of W. Drop/add period dates are found on the academic calendar. To drop or add classes, a request, approved by both student and advisor, must be provided to the registrar. Students who elect to leave without formally withdrawing will be given a grade of F.
Withdrawal
Students desiring to withdraw from the university must complete a withdrawal form. Withdrawal forms are available from the office of the registrar. The withdrawal process includes consulting with the office of financial assistance and the business office to determine financial implications. An appropriately executed withdrawal results in a W recorded on the transcript in lieu of a grade. In cases where a course was completed before a withdrawal, the earned grade is recorded. Students failing to complete the withdrawal process receive grades of F.
Repeating Courses
Students wishing to raise their GPA may repeat a course at Lubbock Christian University. Both grades will appear on the permanent record, but the last grade received is used to calculate the GPA. For information on financial aid eligibility for repeated courses, check the Graduate Financial Assistance section of this catalog or consult personnel in the Office of Financial Assistance.
Class Attendance
Failure to attend classes results in fewer learning opportunities. Absences must be explained to the satisfaction of the instructor. Acceptance of late work is up to the instructor. Students disrupting class may be dismissed from class. Students dismissed from class may appeal to the academic dean.
Requirements for Graduate Degree
Comprehensive Examination and Portfolio Requirements
Candidates for a graduate degree must pass a written comprehensive examination, capstone course with competency examinations, and/or complete a portfolio assignment prior to graduation, depending on program requirements. Specific culminating capstone, project, portfolio, or examination requirements are communicated by the academic program.
For programs requiring comprehensive examination: the examination may be taken during the last semester of course work, but it must be taken no later than thirty days following the completion of required course work. The specific examination will be prepared under the guidance of the advisor who will consult the members of the graduate faculty teaching in the discipline. At least two members of the graduate faculty will grade the written examination. Students who fail the examination must retake the examination or meet corrective stipulations established by the graduate faculty. Permission to take the comprehensive examination a third time must be approved by the advisor and the academic dean.
Second Master's Degree in the Same Discipline
Students are not permitted to pursue two master’s degrees concurrently. Students holding a master's degree from the university may request that a portion of the hours from their first master's degree be applied to the second master's degree. Courses must directly apply to the second master's degree and be approved by the advisor. The maximum number of hours applicable to the second master's degree varies by program. In 30 hour master’s programs, up to 9 hours may be applied toward the second degree. In 35-37 hour master’s programs, up to 12 hours may be applied. In 48-49 hour master’s programs, 15 hours may be applied.
Degree Plan
It is the responsibility of students to know their academic plan and to register for and complete courses that fulfill the academic plans. Degrees will be awarded only when students satisfactorily complete the conditions of their academic plans and meet all other requirements for earning a degree. Students must complete the application for graduation when registering for their last semester.
To participate in commencement exercises, students must have successfully completed, or be currently enrolled in and completing, all program requirements for the degree during the term in which they intend to graduate.