Masters Student Retention Policies
Enrollment Expectations
You should complete a minimum of two courses per semester. University policy states that when completed courses are eight-years old, they no longer count towards degree completion and must be repeated. You may petition to count older courses but will need to take a fee-based assessment to verify competency (up to 9 credit-hours total).
Inactivity
When you miss a Fall or Spring semester, your status will be changed to “inactive” and you will have to reapply to the program (per university policy). To reapply, navigate to the admissions website > and complete the online application, specifying that it is for readmission.
Grades
You are expected to earn a minimum grade of "B-" or “S” in each graduate-level course. Grades of “U” or “D+” and below do not count towards degree completion, though they are computed in your cumulative GPA.
Additionally, the program does not accept more than 7 hours of “C+”, “C”, and “C-” credits for degree completion purposes.
The master’s program defines unsatisfactory performance as:
- A “U” in any program-related course
- A "D+” or below in any program-related course
- More than two grades below a "B-“ in program-related courses
If you exhibit unsatisfactory performance, you should meet with your advisor to discuss problems, identify corrective measures, and establish a performance plan and timeline for change. Failure to meet all aspects of the performance plan may result in program dismissal.
Professional Conduct
In addition to maintaining high scholastic standards, you should develop professional skills necessary to work effectively with a variety of people. Faculty members expect you to:
- Commit to personal growth and professional development
- Care about others
- Receive and give constructive feedback
- Apply skills covered in course work
- Adhere to the code of ethics of your professional associations
Example behaviors that evidence problems include but are not limited to:
- Violation of professional or academic standards such as plagiarism
- Unwillingness to acquire or manifest professional skills or understandings
- Behaviors that can reasonably be predictive of poor future professional functioning (e.g., excessive late work, unwillingness to apply feedback)
- Disrespect shown towards faculty, staff, or other students
Members of the faculty evaluate student performance on an ongoing basis based on observations of course performance, evaluations of students' oral and written work, and performance in internships and other client relationships. When, in the professional judgment of a program faculty member, a student is not meeting professional guidelines or meeting university standards, the faculty member will consult with the department head to determine appropriate actions. Actions may include (but are not limited to) formal reprimand, a performance improvement plan, unsatisfactory grades, a mandatory leave of absence, additional course work, formal probation, encouragement to withdraw from the program, or formal dismissal.