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Undergraduate Academic Policies and Information
Graduate Academic Policies and Information
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Academic Information
MA; Ph.D,; and Psy.D. Thesis/Applied Thesis/Action Research/Dissertation Withdrawal from Graduate School
Graduate programs are offered leading to the Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical and Theological Studies, Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, the Master of Arts in Teaching, and the Master of Arts in: Biblical and Theological Studies Christian Formation and Ministry Intercultural Studies and TESOL
The graduate programs are arranged to allow maximum flexibility for each student to individualize a program to best meet the student's interests and goals. A student can develop a program in a variety of concentrations within these broad areas of study. In addition to the degree programs, three non-degree, graduate-level certificate programs are available: the Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, the Certificate of Urban Evangelism, and the Certificate of Urban Mission.
Students must be officially registered for all courses they attend. Newly admitted or readmitted students can pre-register after they have confirmed their admission and submitted their final Bachelor’s degree transcript. To register complete and submit a pre-registration form by June 30 for the fall semester or December 15 for the spring semester or register during the registration time at Graduate School Orientation Day. For more information and the necessary forms go to www.wheatongrad.com.
Students who expect to enroll in subsequent semesters must complete advance registration during the scheduled time. Financial accounts must be paid and all holds remedied before students may advance register for the following semester. Information regarding registration is sent to campus post office boxes two weeks prior to Advance Registration. Before going online to register via BannerWeb, students must obtain an additional “semester PIN” from their advisors.
Schedule changes should be made during the first week of the semester in the Registrar’s Office or via BannerWeb. Full semester courses may be added through the second week of the semester with the instructor's approval. (For quad courses and other deadlines, see Registrar's Calendar in this catalog.) Full semester and quad courses may be dropped without a grade of “W” during the first two weeks of the semester (or B quad). After that time a student withdraws with a "W" grade. Full semester courses may be dropped through the twelfth week of the semester; quad courses, through the fifth week. To drop a course after the second week of the semester, each student must submit the appropriate drop form to the Registrar's Office. The student's transcript will indicate a grade of "W" (withdrawal) for such withdrawals after the second week of classes. Students who do not officially drop classes will automatically be assigned a grade of "F" (failure) by the instructor. Refunds will be given according to the schedule listed in the Financial Information section of this catalog.
All Master’s degree candidates electing to write a thesis must submit a thesis/applied thesis proposal to the Graduate Academic Affairs Committee and be granted permission before beginning their projects. A candidate writing an action research paper must submit a proposal to the Education department for approval before beginning the project. Master’s degree candidates writing a thesis/applied thesis/action research paper must apply for permission and register for it in their last semester in residence and pay the appropriate tuition. Registration and billing for thesis/applied thesis/action research paper/dissertation continuation will be processed in the Registrar’s Office if the thesis/applied thesis/action research paper/dissertation remains incomplete after the completion of course work. It is the responsibility of the student to register for continuation of thesis/applied thesis/action research paper/dissertation each term (Fall, Spring, Summer), and is required in order to retain an active status with the College and the use of the College's learning resources facilities, as well as other student benefits. A $50.00 fee will be charged for each term of thesis/applied thesis/action research paper/dissertation continuation. If a student fails to register for each term of continuation or fails to complete the M.A. thesis/applied thesis/action research paper/dissertation within five years of the beginning of their course work they will be dropped from the degree program. A Ph.D. student will be granted six years, and a Psy.D. student will be granted seven years from the beginning of their degree program to complete the dissertation. Students working under the thesis/applied thesis/action research paper/dissertation requirements will not receive a degree until their work has been accepted by Buswell Library. An M.A. program change from thesis/applied thesis/action research (after initial registration) may be made by submitting and academic petition to the major department and the Registrar’s Office to substitute additional course work and comprehensive exams. The major department and the Registrar will determine whether or not it is appropriate to grant the request. In the event that the request is granted, and if the additional course work requested is an independent study based on the original registration for thesis/applied thesis/action research, a processing fee of 20% of the current fall/spring tuition will be charged. If additional courses are taken, current tuition is charged. M.A.T. candidates should register for the action research paper for the semester following the completion of all course requirements. The student will obtain approvals and guidance from the Education Department. Students are hereby notified that copies of a student's thesis or applied thesis will be made available to the public through the College's library. Requirements for the Ph.D. dissertation in Biblical and Theological Studies are specified in the Ph.D. Student Handbook. Requirements for the Psy.D. clinical dissertation are specified in the Psy.D. Student Handbook and the Clinical Dissertation Manual.
Any student carrying a full-time academic schedule (12 or more semester hours) may audit one course without charge by filing an approved audit application by the end of the second week of the course at the Registrar's Office. In addition, part-time graduate students who will complete all graduation requirements by the end of the current semester are entitled to a free audit. No credit is given for audited courses and the courses are not automatically recorded on the student's academic record. A transcript audit will be recorded on a student's transcript when the lower portion of an audit form is completed according to the instructions on the form. Part-time graduate students auditing courses are charged the audit rate.
The audit privilege for a full-time graduate student may be used by the student's spouse if the student is not auditing a course. Application for a spouse audit is made through the Graduate Student Services Office. The spouse of a graduate student is not eligible for a transcript audit while using the spouse audit privilege.
To be classified as a full-time student, a master's-level student must be enrolled for a minimum of 12 hours, and a Ph.D. or Psy.D. student should be enrolled for a minimum of 10 hours per semester. A full-time load for a four-week summer session is considered to be a minimum of four hours; for Psy.D. students, a minimum of six hours for the entire summer session. Students desiring to enroll in more than 16 hours per semester must have the approval of the department chair. Since many graduate students are employed they should carefully consider their academic course load in relationship to the number of hours they must work. Students should consult with their advisors concerning the number of credit hours to register for each semester. Psy.D. students enrolled in the fifth-year Clinical Internship will be considered full-time students if working on the internship full-time. Ph.D. students working full-time on their dissertations (and confirmed by their dissertation advisors) are considered full-time students for up to one year.
The chair of the department, or a member of the faculty designated by the chair, will advise students concerning their program. Only those courses approved by the student's advisor may be used toward the graduate degree.
Eight grades are given for passing work, with significance as follows: A, outstanding; A-, superior; B+, very good; B, satisfactory; B-, C+, C, acceptable but below average; P, satisfactory. B is the acceptable norm for graduate school study. Grade points are granted on the following basis:
(Students in Ph.D. courses may earn grades of “High Pass (for doctoral seminars),” “Pass,” or “Fail”.) A student should resolve any questions about grades as soon as possible after grades have been received. A student has four months from the day grades are issued to appeal the grade earned. After that date grades will be considered final. Within the four-month period, a grievance by the student should be resolved with the instructor of the course. (See grievance procedure in the Student Handbook.)
An incomplete grade (INC) may be assigned only for deficiencies that result from illness or situations beyond the control of the student and not because of neglect on the part of the student. The Incomplete Grade Request is available in the Registrar’s Office or on the Web at http://www.wheaton.edu/Registrar/forms/undgr_grad_forms/incompleterequest.pdf. The Incomplete Grade Request form must be filed by the last day of final exams (or the A Quad class) in the Registrar’s Office. An incomplete grade must be made up by the end of the sixth week from the end of the course. If the course is not completed within the six-week time limit, a grade of F will be assigned. The six-week time limit can be extended only by special permission of the Registrar and the instructor using the academic petition. An In-Progress (IP) grade will be given when work cannot be completed by the end of a semester for non-classroom independent course work, such as an Independent Study, Internship, Thesis, Applied Thesis or Dissertation, or Tutorial. The completion deadline for finishing the work in order to receive a grade will lie with the professor. In-Progress grades will not affect the student's grade point average.
This privilege may be granted for general undergraduate or graduate courses or elective courses not used for the M.A. degree. In each case the student will need the approval of an advisor and the instructor of the course before the pass/fail option is granted. Under the pass/fail option a student must receive a regular grade of B- or better in order to receive a pass "P" grade in a graduate course. The possible grades for a pass/fail course are P (pass), C (calculated in GPA) and F (failure). The form for requesting the pass/fail option can be found at www.wheaton.edu/Registrar/forms/grad_forms/pass_fail_form.pdf. See Registrar’s Calendar for deadlines for submission to the Registrar’s Office.
By affirmation of the Wheaton College Community Covenant, all students, faculty, and staff are expected to understand and subscribe to the ideal of academic integrity and to take personal responsibility and accountability for their work. Academic dishonesty is a serious offense against an academic community and against the standards of excellence, integrity, and behavior expected of its members. Academic dishonesty degrades the educational and missional ethos of the College. Truth and honesty are to be followed in all academic endeavors, including the taking of examinations and in the preparation of class reports and papers. Areas of concern related to academic integrity include plagiarism, cheating, fabrication of information or data, unauthorized collaboration, lying, defrauding, misrepresentation, or deception related to assigned or voluntary academic work. The definition of academic dishonesty, the method for reporting violations, and the procedures of the disciplinary process are stated in the “Academic Integrity” section in the Graduate Student Handbook, available in the Graduate Student Services Office, or at www.wheatongrad.com.
Each year several graduate students are selected by various departments to receive special recognition for unusually meritorious achievement. The awards take into consideration academic excellence, professional competence, and moral and spiritual character. The awards are: The Mary LeBar Award in Educational Ministries in Christian Formation and Ministries The Lois LeBar Award in Educational Ministries in Christian Formation and Ministries The Norton Award in Missions and Intercultural Studies The Lonna Dickerson Award in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages The John A. Gration Gospel and Culture Award The Dolores Gallagher Memorial Award The Rech Award in Psychological Studies The Schultz Award in Old Testament Studies The Tenney Award in New Testament Studies The Kantzer Award in Christian History and Theology The Waterman Award in Old and New Testament Studies The T. W. Wilson Award in Evangelism and Leadership The William Hiram Bentley Award for Ministry to the African-American Community The Elizabeth Wymond Richardson Award for Excellence in Biblical and Theological Studies The Frances J. White Award for Psychology and Ministry
A student who leaves the Graduate School during an academic term must officially withdraw from all classes, as well as secure approval from appropriate campus offices. Withdrawal forms are obtained from Graduate Student Services or the Registrar’s Office. Only those students who follow these procedures and return all appropriate documents to the Registrar will be eligible for a tuition refund (see Refunds or Tuition section of the catalog). For refund information see the Financial Information section of this catalog. A student who leaves the College during the semester without obtaining permission to withdraw will be administratively withdrawn and may forfeit all fees or deposits paid to the College and "F" grades assigned. If a student is asked to withdraw or is dismissed for disciplinary reasons, grades of "W" will be recorded on the transcript for courses in which the student is enrolled. The regular refund policy applies for a student who is dismissed for disciplinary reasons.
Students are expected to pass enough hours and maintain a grade point average sufficient to be making satisfactory academic progress. A student's academic status will be checked at the end of each semester and at the end of summer school. When a student's cumulative grade point average falls below 2.80 (3.00 for Psy.D.), the student will be placed on academic probation for the following semester of enrollment. Any student who fails to pass three-fourths of the credits in which s/he was enrolled may also be placed on probation. The PhD Committee will notify PhD students in writing when satisfactory progress is not made. During the probationary semester, the student must receive a semester grade point average of 2.80 (3.00 for Psy.D.) or higher in order to be continued on probation. When the student's cumulative grade point average reaches 2.80 (3.00 for Psy.D.), the probationary status will be removed. If the student's semester grade point average for the probationary semester is below 2.80 (3.00 for Psy.D.), the student is subject to academic dismissal. Dismissed students may apply for readmission after one year has elapsed. A student who wishes to appeal dismissal status must make a written appeal within three days from the time the dismissal notification is received. Students must maintain satisfactory progress to receive financial aid. When a student qualifies for academic dismissal, financial aid cannot be awarded. If, therefore, a student appeals a dismissal status and the appeal is granted, the student will be allowed to enroll on a probation status but will not receive financial aid. If a student who has been dismissed applies at a later date for readmission and the application is granted, the student will enroll on probation status but will not be eligible for financial aid until the dismissal conditions have been remedied. Graduate students who still have athletic eligibility for an undergraduate athletic team cannot participate in intercollegiate athletics if they are on academic probation.
All requests for academic transcripts must be made in writing to the Office of the Registrar. Transcripts will not be released to current or former students who have not paid their college bills in full or who are delinquent in loan repayments. The form for requesting an official transcript is available at www.wheaton.edu/Registrar/forms/grad_forms/Transcript.pdf.
A master of arts program called GradLink, is offered in Missions, Intercultural Studies or Evangelism and Leadership. These programs include up to 16 hours of Distributed Learning courses. Students in other programs may apply 8-10 semester hours of Distributed Learning course work to a degree program, provided the students receive documented approval prior to enrollment in the courses and the courses meet degree requirements. Documented approval is obtained by academic petition to the Graduate Academic Affairs Committee. Enrollment in an individual Distributed Learning course does not imply admission to a Wheaton College Graduate School program. Distributed Learning courses are offered in one or more of the following formats: instructional CDs, audio cassette tapes with printed materials, online instruction and interaction via the World Wide Web. Students taking these graduate courses complete assignments and examinations that are evaluated and graded by Wheaton College faculty. The following courses are available: BITH 546 Romans (from the English text) BITH 548 Life and Teachings of Paul INTR 536 Theology of Development in World Perspective
With the exception of the GradLink program, independent-study-type Distributed Learning courses cannot be taken for credit toward a degree once a student has begun taking classes on campus unless special permission is granted. If granted, on-campus Graduate School tuition rates apply. Any qualified student may enroll in Distributed Learning courses that include ongoing engagement with the professor and other students. These courses are listed and available through the Registrar’s regular fall, spring, or summer schedule and registration at on-campus tuition rates. Independent study Distributed Learning courses cannot be used to meet the Biblical and Theological Studies requirement for any degree programs. For more information contact:
Distributed Learning courses will be billed at the time of registration and payable within 30 days of billing. Tuition refunds will be according to the following schedule if no work has been attempted: 100% refund — within 30 days of registration 50% refund — within 60 days of registration 0% refund — after 60 days
The goal of Graduate Student Services is to provide a supportive atmosphere for students as they learn how to relate the eternal truths of God to a complex and changing world. Students at Wheaton know that education is more than books and tests. We are involved in a learning process encompassing all of life and ministry. It is in the context of a vibrant, loving community that studying becomes learning.
Spiritual life is an important feature of the Graduate School. Our desire is for each student to grow closer to the Lord while studying in Wheaton. A variety of activities are planned to encourage spiritual growth. Weekly chapel services unite the entire Graduate School community in worship. In addition, prayer meetings and small group fellowships help students develop in their Christian walk. Graduate students frequently join the undergraduate student body for special services with well-known Christian leaders.
The Theological Society is an organization of graduate students primarily in the Theological Studies program. The Society seeks to promote theological learning and to provide a framework for fellowship. In addition to other services, an important part of the Society's activities is the presentation of outstanding scholars to the Wheaton College community. The Graduate Psychology Student Association is an organization of the graduate students in the M.A. and Psy.D. programs. Its purpose is to provide opportunities for involvement in the implementation of the policies and procedures governing the graduate psychology programs. It provides encouragement and fellowship for the students, as well as providing opportunities to develop skills and direction in professional development. Officers and Standing Committee members are elected by the student body each year to represent the classes in each program.
The intramural sports programs offer over 20 activities to the college community including individual, dual, and team sports, as well as recreational programs, including group fitness classes and club sports. Athletic facilities include: Leedy Field (softball), McCully Stadium (football/track), Bean Stadium (soccer), and Legion Field (baseball). The Sport and Recreation Complex houses King Arena (basketball, volleyball and wrestling), Chrouser Aquatics Center (swimming, water polo), and Eckert Recreation Center (an 8,000 square foot fitness area, a walking/jogging track, a one-court wooden floor practice gym, and a two-court synthetic rubber recreational gym with a climbing wall), as well as open leisure space where students can relax. The College provides a full and diverse activities calendar. Concerts, Chicago special events, selected films, theater productions, and campus "specials" are just a few of the offerings. The College's student newspaper, the Record, is published weekly. Many activities occur in the Todd M. Beamer Student Center which houses the College Post Office, the Stupe, the Stupe Grill (the student-operated snack shop), the TV room, and meeting rooms.
To help new students adjust to life as a graduate student, the Graduate Student Services Office provides an orientation session before the start of each semester. These activities are designed to familiarize the student with the campus, faculty, and peers, and to provide an atmosphere of Christian love and fellowship.
The College rents a limited number of apartments to graduate students on a first-come, first-served basis. Single graduate students are housed in one-bedroom apartments, two students per apartment. A limited number of one-bedroom apartments are available for married international students and Colson Scholars. Family houses are available on a limited basis for both married international students with children and married Colson Scholars with children. All units are furnished. College-owned graduate housing is administered through the Housing Office, and applications are available upon request from the Assistant Director of Housing. Graduate students who opt to live off campus are responsible for making their own housing arrangements. The Graduate Student Services Office and the Housing Office assist by providing a list of off-campus options, including apartments and rooms for rent. Each college-owned residence is equipped with basic, on-campus telephone service, and the cost for this service is included in the student's housing charge. Students have the option of securing additional telephone equipment (enhanced telephone sets, answering machines, fax machines, or modems) at their own expense; however, Wheaton College assumes no responsibility for installation or maintenance of such equipment. All residence telephone lines are provided with access to local and long distance service. Students are presented with monthly call detail and charges are applied to the student's account. Payment is accepted in Student Accounts in the form of cash, check, or money order.
Anderson Commons provides cafe service and seating for 700. Well-balanced meals offer menu variety for individual tastes. Several meal plan options are available through the Housing Office for those choosing to use this service. Meal plan start dates coincide with the beginning of each semester. Meal Plan additions or changes must be completed through the Housing Office, Room 218 Student Services building, by the end of the first week of classes each semester. The “Thunder Bucks” are for use in Anderson Commons, the Stupe, and Stupe Grill, which are all located in the Beamer Student Center. “Thunder Bucks” are flex dollars that are a part of the 10, 13, or 18 meal plan, $50 per semester, and can be rolled over to use for the Spring Semester. Unused “Thunder Bucks” will be forfeited at the end of the academic year. “Thunder Bucks Plus” dollars are dollars that you may purchase and place directly on your meal card which can be used as a debit card in all three food venues: Anderson Commons, The Stupe, and the Stupe Grill. To obtain additional information about Thunderbuck’s Plus, visit the Bon Appetit office located on the main level of the Beamer Student Center. Graduate students who purchase a 65-block meal plan in the fall semester may utilize the meal plan into the spring semester as well.
The Student Health Services provides comprehensive health care to all students and their spouses. These services include: lab tests, medications, wellness exams, routine immunizations, and care for acute and chronic illness. Other services provided are travel immunizations, and travel consultation for Wheaton College sponsored trips. While college is in session, registered nurses are on duty Monday through Friday 7:30 am—5:00 pm, Saturday 11 am—1 pm. All other times while school is in session, a nurse is available for emergencies by calling Public Safety at 630.752.5911. Medical providers may be seen by appointment after a nurse assessment. During the summer term, services are available on a modified basis. In most circumstances, each entering degree seeking student, or special student enrolling for more than 5 credits is required to have the following: health history, physical examination including documentation of immunizations and a TB skin test which are required by Illinois State Law and Wheaton College for all students. Students may consult the website for more information at www.wheaton.edu/healthsvcs.com. All undergraduate and graduate students are required to have medical insurance coverage. The Student Health Insurance Plan is automatically billed to the student's account. Only those students who are under other medical insurance that covers them for emergency and nonemergency illness and injury in the Wheaton area and have completed and submitted the online waiver form by the stated deadline will be exempt. An outline of the health insurance requirements and online waiver may be accessed at www.wheaton.edu/healthsvcs. All international students are required to carry the Student Health Insurance Plan for themselves and their families. Privacy Statement: All health information is treated confidentially. Nothing is released without written consent unless a life is in danger or a community risk exists. Each student will sign a confidentiality statement upon his/her first visit to the Health Center.
For students with disabilities (as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990), Wheaton College takes an individual, holistic approach in providing accommodation. Such a student must formally notify the College of his/her disability, either at the time of admission or before accommodation is requested. Required documentation includes recent (within three years) formal medical evaluation by a physician or licensed learning specialist (for learning disabilities), a description of what specific accommodations have been offered in the past, and what specific needs and services will be requested from Wheaton College. When appropriate an ADA committee meets to assess a prospective student's need and to determine what specific services will be offered. Contact the Registrar for further information (630.752.5044). Counseling is provided by the Director of Graduate Student Services, International Student Advisor, the College Chaplain, faculty advisors, and the College Counseling Center. Provisions of the Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 are observed in the use of records for counseling.
The Graduate Student Services Office cooperates with Career Services to aid graduate students in locating employment opportunities and conducting skill inventories. Résumé and curriculum vitae assistance is also available.
For the convenience of students, the College operates a post office, a bookstore, a duplicating service, and transportation facilities for field trips and Christian service. The College Bookstore offers fax service to students for a nominal fee.
All motor vehicles must be registered at the Parking Office. There are a limited number of parking spaces available. Parking permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. At the beginning of the academic year, permits are issued by class: graduate students and seniors first, juniors second, and sophomores third. A parking fee is charged.
Wheaton College is in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act which is designed to protect the privacy of educational records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings. Students also have the right to file complaints with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office concerning alleged failures by Wheaton College to comply with provisions of the Act. Such complaints should be sent to: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202-4605. Wheaton College has adopted a policy that explains in detail the procedures used for compliance with provisions of the Act. Copies of the policy are available in the Registrar's Office.
International students are an important part of the Wheaton College community. The International Student Office, located on the second floor of the Billy Graham Center, attempts to meet the needs and concerns of all international students on campus. A week of special orientation is required for international students who come from other than the North American continent. A varied program of cultural, social, spiritual, and academic activities is planned to give students maximum assistance in adjusting to life in the United States. Opportunities are provided for students to interact regularly with other internationals, as well as American students. Applicants having any questions are encouraged to correspond with the Director of International Student Services, who maintains correspondence with each accepted student.
Graduates become part of the Wheaton Alumni Association. A listing of the regional and international Wheaton Alumni clubs is available by contacting the Alumni Office.
Membership in an academic community, particularly a Christian one, carries with it a unique and privileged responsibility. As a Christian institution, Wheaton seeks to relate biblical Christianity to academics, to cocurricular activities, to one's personal life, and to society in general. The goals of Wheaton College Graduate School stated earlier in the catalog, therefore, assume that a member is both committed to Christ and desirous of a meaningful educational experience in an evangelical context. The student, by virtue of enrollment, agrees to accept the Community Covenant as a member of the campus community. Revision Date: May 1, 2008
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