Policies
Academic Honesty Code
Seattle University is committed to the principle that academic honesty and integrity are important values in the educational process, and that violations in this area should be dealt with in an appropriate and effective manner. Violations and penalties are described in the current Graduate Catalog.
Attendance and Participation
Attendance and participation are required in all courses and are important for your success in the program.
In case of illness or a serious family emergency which prevents you from attending class, notify your instructor before class. Arrange for another student to provide you with class notes and handouts. You are responsible for missed class content; this might also entail extra assignments as arranged with your instructor.
Candidacy
Students are considered pre-candidates while taking the first 15 credits in the program (including EDUC 500 and CUIN 510), and maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. To proceed in the program, students must qualify for Candidacy. At this time, your progress to date, including cumulative GPA, class performance, and other issues that may arise will be reviewed.
Upon completion of 15 credits in the program, meet with your adviser to officially finalize your Program of Study (also known as the Candidacy Form). This form becomes the written agreement between you and the university stipulating degree requirements. It identifies (a) the degree you plan to earn (MA or MEd), (b) the additional courses to be taken (including electives and specializations), (c) the transfer courses to be credited, and (d) the targeted date for taking the comprehensive exam.
Applying for Candidacy also entails evaluating progress on the CUIN Program Dispositions (see the Appendix, page 25). You will be asked to self-evaluate your progress. The CUIN faculty also will evaluate your progress.
Successful completion of the components noted above will qualify you for Candidacy. Your faculty advisor will recommend you for Candidacy. Once approved, your Candidacy Form is filed with the Registrar. A degree cannot be issued until all requirements listed on the Candidacy Form are met.
In the event that a Candidacy Form must be changed, a Petition for Exception to Policy (PEP) must be filed. The Petition states the requested change and the rationale for doing so. It also requires the signatures of the student, the student's adviser, the Program Chairperson, and the Dean/Designee of the College of Education. Petitions may be used to request acceptance of transfer credits and course substitutions.
Challenge of a Course Grade
The purpose of this policy is to provide a confidential, fair, and timely means by which students may seek redress for what they consider to be an incorrect or unfair course grade. The procedures are delineated in the current Graduate Catalog. The scope of the challenge is limited to allegations of arbitrary and capricious behavior by the instructor regarding academic grading.
The process involves a sequence of steps; the issue may be adequately resolved and the procedure terminated at any step. The steps include (a) an informal conference with the instructor, (b) filing of a formal challenge to the instructor (copy sent to the Department Chair), (c) appeal to the Academic Board, (d) and a limited appeal to the Provost. The formal challenge must be filed no later than the fifth week of the quarter following the quarter in which the challenged action occurred. Challenges arising from spring quarter must be filed no later than the fifth week of fall quarter, although they may be processed during the summer quarter if agreeable to all parties.
Commencement with Deficiencies
Effective June 1999, students who have 6 credits or less of degree requirements remaining to be satisfied and who meet the cumulative GPA standards of their Program of Study are eligible to participate in the Commencement.
Note: Commencement and Graduation are two separate entities. Commencement is when you participate in the university ceremony and walk across the stage for recognition. Graduation is when you complete all requirements for your master’s degree and it is officially posted on your graduate transcript. Depending on your situation, commencement and graduation may occur in different quarters. You may wish to clarify your situation with the Registrar or with your faculty advisor.
Comprehensive Examination
All master’s degree candidates are required to complete and satisfactorily pass a comprehensive examination to fulfill program requirements. Most students take the comp exam in their last quarter of studies. The examination may cover any coursework completed by the student.
What is the Comprehensive Examination?
The Comprehensive Examination is a 4-hour written examination. It is based on your course of study and will address general themes, trends, and issues covered in your coursework and any graduate or special projects you have undertaken. The multi-level questions will be fairly broad in nature, which require substantiation from scholarly literature and practical professional experience. Your familiarity with the American Psychological Association (APA) writing style is a must, and your writing skills must be of a caliber expected at the graduate level. If you are concerned about your writing skills, consult with the Writing Center (Engineering Building) as soon as you begin your graduate program.
When are the Examinations given?
The examinations are scheduled once each quarter—i.e., summer, fall, winter, and spring. They are held on a Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm approximately midway through the quarter. Contact the CUIN administrative assistant for details.
How do I sign up for the Examination?
Plan to register at least 10 weeks before the examination; email or phone the CUIN administrative assistant at (206) 296-5908. The deadline for registration is 8 days before the scheduled date of the examination. You are expected to use a computer in one of the assigned rooms; you can not use your own computer. Once registered, you will be notified of the orientation/review session held prior to the examination as well as the site, time, and date of the examination.
What does the Examination include?
The examination consists of essay questions based on each student’s course of study. The questions are designed to provide an opportunity for critical analysis, synthesis and integration of learning across course boundaries. Thus, an appropriate answer to any given question should draw upon multiple courses and various learning experiences including graduate projects, independent studies, and field experiences.
How do I prepare for the Examination?
Begin with a general review of courses taken, including syllabi, textbooks, reading packets, as well as projects and papers you completed in the course. Re-examine major themes, theory bases, conceptual/model frameworks, contemporary trends, application practices, and the primary works of key scholars in the field (note scholars’ notable quotes and citation years). In addition, be familiar with processes like curriculum and instructional design, development, maintenance, and assessment.
Faculty and peer support for preparation?
A preparation session is held at least once each year; all CUIN students will be notified of the date, time, and location via email. You also may wish to take initiative and form your own study group with peers who will be taking the exam. Evidence shows that engaging in study groups significantly benefits performance.
What happens during the Examination?
Upon arrival at the examination site, you will receive a test packet that includes the questions, scratch paper, pencils, and a computer disk. Each packet is numbered so that the readers of the examination will not know your identity. While it is a closed book process, supplementary resources will be available in the room, including blank pads of paper, dictionaries, pencils, and staplers. All responses must be completed within the 4-hour time limit.
How are the Examinations evaluated?
Each examination is read by at least two faculty readers who are familiar with the course content and the field of study. Students’ identities are all unknown to the readers. A passing score on each response is 2.5 or higher. In case of an evaluation disagreement between the readers, a third faculty member will read and evaluate the examination.
The responses are evaluated on accuracy, comprehensiveness, completeness, clarity, coherence, reference to appropriate theoretical or conceptual framework and research, practical application, appropriate use of the APA writing style, and writing mechanics using standard English.
If both readers agree that the examination is satisfactory, the student will pass the examination and will be notified in writing via regular mail.
What if the Examination is not satisfactory?
If both faculty readers agree that one or more responses are unsatisfactory, you will be required to rewrite all or part of the examination. You will be notified in writing via regular mail.
You are responsible for scheduling the re-write. Contact the CUIN administrative assistant to register for the re-write, which will take place at one of the comp exams regularly scheduled each quarter.
You have a total of three opportunities to pass the comprehensive examination. Preparing well will increase the likelihood of passing the exam at your first sitting
You will be notified of your successful completion of the comprehensive examination by regular mail. The examination questions, responses, and results become a permanent part of your university records.
Appeals
Decisions regarding completion of the comprehensive examination are not subject to challenge of scores or fair process review.
Special accommodations
A request for special accommodation is assessed, determined, and granted by the Office of Disability Services. The nature of the accommodation will vary with the needs of the student. Requests must be submitted at least one month prior to the examination date (see Disability Services below).
Concurrent Enrollment at Two Universities
University regulations require students to seek written permission to be simultaneously enrolled at another institution and Seattle University. Credits completed at a second institution are not transferable to the College of Education unless a petition authorizing dual enrollment is approved by the faculty advisor.
Disability Services
In case of a disability requiring accommodation, it is your responsibility to request such accommodation from the Disability Services Office (Learning Center, Loyola Hall, Room 100). Make an appointment with the Disability Specialist who will evaluate, determine, and grant the needed accommodation. An official request is required for every quarter that an accommodation is needed. To ensure granting of the needed accommodation, make the request early in the quarter.
Email Accounts
All students are expected to have and use a Seattle University email account, which is free. To set up your account, contact the university Help Desk at (206) 296-5571. Provide your email address to the administrative assistant. You will then be added to the CUIN student data base. Important information is transmitted via email; therefore, it is critical that you frequently and regularly monitor your SU email account. Your email login allows you to use SU computer labs, and access the library database system.
Exception to Policy / Petition to the Dean
If you have serious reasons to seek exception to any of the policies and/or procedures listed in the Student Handbook or Graduate Catalog, you must submit a formal petition to the Dean of the College of Education. Submit a completed Petition for Exception to Policy (PEP) form to your faculty adviser for review and action.. The PEP form is available in the CUIN Office, Loyola 304; contact the CUIN administrative assistant at (206) 296-5908.
Fair Process Policy and Procedures
The College of Education has a Fair Process Policy and Procedures Manual which identifies the academic criteria for admissions, retention, graduation, and state certification; academic decisions that may and may not be reviewed; student termination guidelines; and review process for student termination. Copies of the Manual are available in the College of Education office (Loyola 500). Policies and procedures for challenging a grade are delineated on the College of Education website.
Financial Aid
Graduate students must be enrolled at least part-time to be considered for financial assistance. There are three financial aid options available. Greatest support is available through student loans; there are also graduate scholarships. Seattle University financial aid is not available for international students. We encourage you to check with your employer's Human Resources office; many employers also provide tuition assistance with direct billing through our Controller’s Office as a benefit to their employees.
To be considered for financial aid, you must be admitted to the university, and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms. This is your application for federal, state, and institutional funds (available on the web at www.seattleu.edu). For further information, contact the Financial Aid and Student Employment office at (206) 296.5840.
Format for Graduate Papers and Projects
College of Education faculty may require that the format standards endorsed by the American Psychological Association (APA) be followed for course assignments. It is therefore necessary to carefully read each course syllabus for instructions on writing assignments. The most recent edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association is available for purchase at most bookstores and is available for use at the Reference Desk at SU Lemieux Library. Abbreviated versions of the manual also are available from the College of Education receptionist in Loyola 500.
Graduate Field Project
All CUIN students must complete a 3 credit curriculum field project near the culmination of their graduate program. Students who are candidates for the master of education degree will register for CUIN 594 Curriculum Field Project: MEd. Students who are candidates for the master of arts in education will register for CUIN 595 Curriculum Field Project: MAEd. Refer to the Graduate Bulletin for descriptions of these projects. Each year a CUIN faculty member will serve as coordinator for this component of the CUIN master’s degree. Information on the coordinator and registration process will be sent yearly to all CUIN students via email.
Graduation and Commencement
Graduation and commencement do not mean the same thing. Graduation occurs once all program requirements are fulfilled and the master’s degree is posted on your official transcript. Commencement is the annual formal ceremony in June at which you walk across the stage for recognition of your accomplishments by the administration, faculty, family, and friends.
To qualify for graduation, you must (a) apply for graduation (see the deadlines listed below; contact the Registrar’s Office for verification), (b) complete all coursework and examinations (including the comprehensive examination), and (c) remove any “holds” on your records (caused by book fines, unpaid fees, etc.).
When all degree requirements are met, graduates will have their degrees posted. This means that the “Master’s Degree Requirements Completed” is stamped on your transcript at the end of the quarter of graduation, and your diploma will be mailed to you in approximately 8 weeks. Prior to receiving your diploma, you may request from the Graduation Evaluator a letter confirming your completion of all degree requirements; contact the Registrar’s Office at (206) 296-5850.
Seattle University policy allows graduate students who have 6 credits or fewer to complete to participate in commencement ceremonies.
Pick up a Graduation Packet at the Registrar’s office or in the CUIN Office (Loyola 304). Complete the application for graduation and apparel forms; submit these forms to the Registrar’s Office. The current deadlines for graduation application are as follows:
Summer Quarter Graduation February 1 of year of graduation
Fall Quarter Graduation February 1 of year of graduation
Winter Quarter Graduation November 1 of year prior to graduation
Spring Quarter Graduation November 1 of year prior to graduation
Hardship Withdrawal
A grade is assigned by the Dean or the Dean’s designee when a student must withdraw from a course for a medical/family hardship reason; the reason must be appropriately documented. The student’s grade point average (GPA) is not affected by a hardship withdrawal, and the university’s tuition refund policies apply.
Incomplete "I" and No Grade "N" Grades
I – Incomplete: A temporary grade is assigned due to the student’s failure to complete a critical portion of the required course work. Permissible reasons are illness or other serious circumstances beyond the student’s control. The “I” grade may not be used for the convenience of either the faculty member or student. When the instructor assigns an “I” grade at the end of the quarter, a provisional grade is also submitted. This provisional grade will be automatically assigned by the Registrar should the deadline expire without student action. This provisional grade is calculated to include all work completed by the student up to the date of final attendance plus a failing grade for work/exams not completed. A fee is posted on the student’s account when the grade is submitted to the Registrar; note exact amount in the current Graduate Bulletin,
Upon completion of the specified work, the instructor submits the Change of Grade form to the Registrar; the final grade is then posted in the student’s transcript. Deadlines for submission of the Change of Grade form are:
Deadline for “I” Grade Removal
Fall Quarter March 1
Winter Quarter May 1
Spring and Summer Quarters November 15
N - No Grade: The grade may be suspended for courses in which the student’s work is not expected to be completed during the regular quarter. The only courses that qualify for “N” grades in the program are CUIN 594 and 595 (Curriculum Field Projects) and CUIN 596 (Independent Study).
The Graduate Project frequently requires more than one quarter to complete. It is the responsibility of the student to request removal of the “N” grade when course requirements are fulfilled. Once the closing date passes, re-registration and payment of regular tuition is required to obtain credit for the work completed. Timelines for removal of the “N" grade are as follows:
N Grades Assigned
Must Be Removed Before
Summer Quarter August 1 of the following calendar year
Fall Quarter December 1 of the following calendar year
Winter Quarter March 1 of the following calendar year
Spring Quarter May 1 of the following calendar year
Independent Study
An independent study option provides an opportunity to engage in an independent investigation of a topic of interest to the student not addressed in other coursework. The student must prepare a proposal for faculty adviser approval before registering for CUIN 596 Independent Study credits.
Probation Policies
You must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Otherwise you will not be permitted to graduate, regardless of the total number of credits you completed.
- You must repeat the required graduate course whenever a C- grade or lower is received.
- You may choose to repeat a graduate course graded C or C+ once. In general, we advise you to repeat a course with any C grade.
- Graduate students with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 are placed on academic probation.
- While on probation, you cannot register for an Independent Study or Graduate Project.
The first time that your cumulative GPA is below 3.0 you will receive a letter informing you of your probation status. Meet with your faculty adviser to discuss ways to improve your GPA in a reasonably short time. If your GPA remains below 3.0, you will receive a second letter stating that your probation status continues. Immediately meet with your adviser again.
Readmission
Graduate students will continue to receive information regarding quarterly registration and will be eligible to register for four quarters after their last quarter of registration. Students attending other institutions in the interim must have official transcripts of their work sent to the Registrar’s Office.
If you do not register for a course over four or more consecutive quarters, then you must complete a readmission application. International students on the F-1 visa must apply for readmission if they are absent for one quarter (unless that quarter is summer). Both official transcripts of any academic work taken in the interim and the application for readmission must be sent to Admissions; observe the program application deadline for the intended quarter of entry. There is no fee for readmission. However, applicants are responsible for clearing all financial and administrative “holds.” Readmission applications are subject to the review and discretion of the academic departments and deans; therefore, readmission is not guaranteed
Registration
You are encouraged to meet with your adviser prior to your initial registration. Note that registration information is sent via email, so be sure to keep your Seattle University email account current and check it regularly; you must change your password every 90 days. Students will receive information and a time for access to the system prior to each registration cycle. Read the information carefully and follow the instructions. Immediately call the Registrar’s Office if you do not receive registration information; do not wait until registration begins!
Courses have enrollment limits and sometimes fill to capacity early in the registration period. If a course is closed, admission to that course is at the discretion of the instructor. Permission is usually not granted unless there are serious consequences (e.g., the course will not be offered for at least one more year or the student needs the course to graduate in the current year). You will need a permit to enter a closed class; it is available in the CUIN Office (Loyola 304).
Repeating a Course
A graduate student must repeat a required course graded C- or below, but may repeat a graduate course graded C+ or C only once. The grade earned the second time will be used in computing the cumulative GPA. The original grade remains on the student’s record, but course credits will be counted only once toward a degree.
Time Limits
Seattle University recognizes that students progress at different rates and their time to degree completion is often dictated by individual circumstances. However, all requirements for the master’s degree must be completed within 6 years—i.e., you have 6 years from the time you were admitted to the program to complete your degree. In those unusual circumstances where students cannot complete the degree requirements within the 6-year statute of limitations, they must file a petition to the College Dean at least one quarter prior to the expiration of the 6-year statute and request an extension of one year. When the petition is approved, the student may be required to take additional credits. In most cases, only one extension will be allowed.
Transfer Credits
A maximum of 10 quarter hours of graduate credit may be transferred to Seattle University. To be eligible, the credits must be from an accredited institution and at the graduate level, entailing graduate level work. You must earn a grade of "B" or better for the credits to be applied to your degree work. Submit your official transcripts to the Registrar's Office upon completion of the coursework. Transfer credits must conform to the 6-year time limit stipulated above and in the Graduate Bulletin. Meet with your faculty advisor to complete and submit a Petition for Exception to Policy (PEP) form listing the courses you wish to transfer.
Undergraduate Coursework
In certain circumstances, it may be appropriate for graduate students to take courses at the 300 or 400 level. There is a 15-credit maximum limit for courses that normally include both undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and graduate students. Graduate students are expected to perform at a level consistent with receiving graduate credit and, when enrolled in these courses, are expected to do additional work (e.g., projects, papers, or other suitable assignments). Likewise, in the grading of examinations or other written work, graduate students are expected to demonstrate higher levels of comprehension, analysis, and synthesis than their undergraduate counterparts. For such courses to apply to the master’s degree, a Petition for Exception to Policy (PEP) form must be submitted, along with a letter from the course instructor. Both documents must indicate that, although the course is undergraduate, the student will do additional work appropriate for graduate level.
Waiver Policy
Students may waive coursework contingent on previous academic work or work experience. Submit waiver requests to your faculty adviser during your first quarter of attendance. The petition is considered by your adviser (or the appropriate instructor) when these two steps are completed: (a) obtain a written statement recommending the waiver from the instructor of the course that you wish to waive, and (b) present a typed Petition for Exception to Policy (PEP) form to your adviser stating your rationale for the waiver. Attach the course instructor’s recommendation.
When you meet with the course instructor to discuss waiving the course, bring one or more of the following: (a) A transcript and course description of the equivalent course (include contact hours and content) at either the graduate or undergraduate level. The course(s) must be graded “B” (or its equivalent) or higher. (b) Documentation of the equivalent course (e.g., the syllabus) that is similar in contact hours and content to the course you wish to waive.
Note: Courses can be waived, but not credits. A waiver is not the same as a “transfer of credits.” Appropriate elective courses are selected to substitute for the waived course. Total credits required to graduate remain the same.
Withdrawal
Follow these steps when applying for a course withdrawal: (a) complete the official notification form (available at the Registrar’s Office or the College of Education, Loyola 500); (b) present and acquire all needed approval and signatures in this order including the course instructor, other applicable offices, and registrar. Failure to officially withdraw from a course will result in an F grade on the student’s academic record.