Academic Policies

Academic Calendar and Deadlines

Students are required to follow all academic and administrative deadlines listed in the Academic Calendar and other University, school, and program publications and communications. The most up-to-date Academic Calendar can be found on the Alliant website.

Undergraduate Specific Policies

Dean’s List

Undergraduate students enrolled full time  whose session GPAs are 3.5 or over will have a designation of Dean’s List on their transcript. The GPA to qualify for the Dean’s List is based on quality units. Quality units are defined as units for which a letter grade has been assigned. Credit/no-credit courses are not considered quality units as they do not impact GPA calculation.

Honors

Graduating seniors who achieve the requisite cumulative grade point average and unit requirement during their undergraduate career will be entitled to graduate with honors, and the honors certification will be designated on their diplomas and transcripts. The following honors categories are recognized by the University:

• Cum Laude 3.50-3.69;
• Magna Cum Laude 3.70-3.89; and
• Summa Cum Laude 3.90-4.00 GPA.

To be eligible for Cum Laude or Magna Cum Laude recognition a student must have completed at least 36 semester units at Alliant. To be eligible of the distinction of Summa Cum Laude, a student must have completed at least 45 semester units at Alliant.

Class Levels

Class levels are as follows:

Undergraduate

• Freshmen: Those with fewer than 30 semester units of college credit.
• Sophomores: Those with at least 30 semester units of college credit but fewer than 60 semester units of college credit.
• Juniors: Those with 60 semester units of college credit but fewer than 90 semester units of college credit.
• Seniors: Those with 90 or more semester units of college credit.

Credential

• Credential Students: Those who have completed a baccalaureate degree and who have been admitted by the University to work on a credential program. Note: Credential Students are not considered graduate students by the U.S. Department of Education.

Graduate

• Master’s Students: Those who have completed a baccalaureate degree (or its equivalent) and who have been admitted by the University to work toward a master’s degree.
• Doctoral Students: Those who have completed a baccalaureate degree and/or a master’s degree (or the equivalent) and who have been admitted by the University to work toward a doctoral degree.

Course Information

Course Numbering

Certain courses may also have individual course prerequisites.

00000-09999

Pre-baccalaureate developmental courses. Courses are not applicable to degree requirements.

10000-29999

Lower division undergraduate courses that are general and introductory. They are intended to provide a foundation for advanced work. Students are expected to complete these courses in their freshman and sophomore years.

30000-49999

Upper division undergraduate courses that generally assume prior knowledge and experience in the subject, with content more advanced or specific than lower division courses. Upper division courses are available to students with junior standing.

50000-59999

Prerequisite courses for master’s and doctoral programs.

60000-99999

Graduate level courses open to holders of a baccalaureate degree subject to prerequisite or other requirements as stated in program or course descriptions.

• 60000-79999 are first- and second-year graduate level courses and credential courses. Courses for teaching credential candidates may be taken by undergraduate or post baccalaureate students who have been accepted into either the teacher education program or a seamless master’s program.
• 80000-99999 are third year- and above graduate level courses. Doctoral level courses and some master’s level courses. Check curriculum for specific program.

Independent Study Course Numbering

For independent study courses not already listed in the catalog, the following numbers may be used:

(Disciplinary prefix) 175xx, 275xx

Used for lower division undergraduate courses

(Disciplinary prefix) 375xx, 475xx

Used for upper division undergraduate courses

(Disciplinary prefix) 675xx, 775xx

Used for graduate courses at either master’s level or doctoral level

(Disciplinary prefix) 875xx, 975xx

Used for doctoral courses only

Special Topics Course Numbering

From time to time, faculty design and offer special courses. Check with the program for course titles and descriptions of upcoming offerings.

The following numbers may be used for Special Topic courses:

(Disciplinary prefix) 19990, 29990

Used for lower division undergraduate courses

(Disciplinary prefix) 39990, 49990

Used for upper division undergraduate courses

(Disciplinary prefix) 59990

Used for prerequisite courses to master’s and doctoral programs

(Disciplinary prefix) 69990, 79990

Used for master’s courses

(Disciplinary prefix) 89990, 99990

Used for doctoral courses

Fast-Track Courses

A Fast-Track course is a course taken in an undergraduate or master’s program that meets the requirements of a masters or doctoral level program course respectively. Fast-track courses may be available in some programs.

Prerequisite Courses for Program Entry

These courses are required for applicants missing specific coursework, but who otherwise meet all other admission requirements. Applicants must successfully complete the required prerequisite courses to be eligible for admission to a program. These courses provide the minimum foundational knowledge students require to be successful in the applicable program. Prerequisite courses are required for admission to the intended program only and will not count toward the requirements for the intended degree program.

Applicants should review the required prerequisite courses in the relevant program catalog page.

Required Prerequisite Courses

In some cases, prerequisite courses may be a requirement prior to registration in more advanced coursework. Course prerequisites are noted in the course description section of this catalog.

Course Content & Syllabi

Courses listed in this Catalog are not always available each session at all campuses. The syllabi, course outlines, or lesson plans for courses in the programs of study at Alliant International University are subject to change at the discretion of instructors. Syllabi and other course materials used in prior sessions or distributed at the start of a session may be altered or updated by the instructor or at the discretion of the University.

Variability in student learning needs, course material, and evaluative methods may result in changes in course design and delivery. Therefore, to be pedagogically responsible, the University allows that reading assignments, written assignments, examinations, daily topics, and the means and weights involved in the instructor’s evaluation of students can change as needed after instruction has begun. Instructors will alert their students to any substantive changes in a timely manner and provide an updated syllabus.

Course Sequence

Curriculum plans and course sequence are subject to variation depending on a student’s start session. Students must complete all coursework required for their program as set forth in their individual master plan of study.

Independent Study

An independent study is used when a student has been approved to substitute instruction in a course content area that is otherwise not a current part of their curriculum. To receive credit for independent study, the student must develop a written learning plan with a faculty member that outlines specific objectives, learning activities and criteria for evaluation. All independent study courses must have prior written approval of the appropriate Dean or designee and clearance from the Registrar’s Office. Independent Study is to be used only in cases in which the course content is not available in a regular course and there is clear justification for offering the option.

Online Course Feedback

Students enrolled in online courses will receive grades/scores and comments on submitted assignments within 4 days of the last day of the week unless the instructor notifies students otherwise.

Credit Hour Policy

Basic Definition

All work for which credit hours are assigned is designed to help students achieve competencies and learning outcomes specified in the course and is actively undertaken by students under the supervision of an Alliant faculty member, designated supervisor, or academic/professional mentor who verifies learning through evidence of student achievement. One credit hour at Alliant is defined as:

1. A unit of academic credit which reasonably approximates not less than 3 hours of academic work per week by a student for one regular semester or trimester, 5.625 hours of work per week by a student for an 8-week term, or its equivalent for alternate calendar if used, for a total of 45 hours of student work, or
2. A level of student learning demonstrated to be equivalent to the learning taking place in item 1 above, through the assessment of student learning and competency.

Application of Policy to Various Types of Courses

The credit hour policy definitions and standards apply to all courses for which academic credit is given, including on-ground/face-to-face seminar courses, distance education and hybrid courses, laboratories or the equivalent, practica/internships/field training/student teaching, supervised research/scholarship, and independent study.  Hours spent may vary by degree level, discipline, type of course, and type of assignments.

Credit Hour: Minimum Expectation

The academic work for each course should reasonably approximate not less than the amount of academic work described below:

On-ground face-to-face courses

One credit hour represents a class that meets as described:

• 15-week semester or trimester calendar: the course meets weekly for one hour of direct or indirect faculty instruction plus student engagement in academic learning and scholarship for two hours each week for a total of 45 hours, or
• 8-week term calendar: the course meets weekly for 1.875 hour of direct or indirect faculty instruction plus student engagement in academic learning and scholarship for 3.75 hours each week for a total of 45 hours, or
• Alternate calendars:  the equivalent in alternate calendar courses, if offered. 

Distributed education and hybrid courses

One credit hour is consistent with the standards of face-to-face instruction: faculty instruction may be direct or indirect and:

• 15-week semester or trimester calendar: students will be engaged in academic learning and scholarship for 3 hours per week for a total of 45 hours, or
• 8-week term calendar: students will be engaged in academic learning and scholarship for 5.625 hours per week for a total of 45 hours, or
• Alternate calendars: the equivalent in alternate calendar courses, if offered.

Practica/internships/field training/student teaching/professional practice

Students often work full or part-time in an internal or external setting in a supervised or mentored experience to assist them in achieving their professional practice competencies or learning outcomes. Credit hours will be assigned to these activities according to the duration, intensity, and academic level of the experience consistent with disciplinary standards and expectations.

Supervised research/scholarship

One credit hour is the equivalent of 45 hours of student engagement in academic learning and scholarship with appropriate direct instruction, indirect instruction, and/or other facilitation by the supervising faculty member(s). 

Laboratories or the equivalent

For labs in which credit is assigned separately from the didactic portion of the course, one credit hour is:

• 15-week semester or trimester calendar: the equivalent of 3 hours a week of student engagement in academic learning and scholarship for a total of 45 hours,
•  8-week term calendar: the equivalent of 5.625 hours a week of student engagement in academic learning and scholarship for a total of 45 hours, or
• Alternative calendar: the equivalent in alternate calendar courses, if offered.

• For SNHS courses with labs: labs total 30 hours per credit hour divided by the number of weeks in the term/trimester.

Independent study

One credit hour is:

• 15-week semester or trimester calendar: the equivalent of 3 hours a week of student engagement in academic learning and scholarship with direct and indirect instruction from faculty for a total of 45 hours,
• 8-week term calendar: the equivalent of 5.625 hours a week of student engagement in academic learning and scholarship with direct and indirect instruction from faculty for a total of 45 hours, or
• Alternative calendar: the equivalent in alternate calendar courses, if offered.

Other

Any courses which do not fall within these categories should meet the basic definition of a credit hour.

Credit Hour: Courses by Degree Level

Application of this policy to course levels:

Undergraduate courses

Minimum expectations are described in the Credit Hour: Minimum Expectations section of this policy.

Graduate courses

Graduate courses require higher levels of performance including critical thinking, independent research, and professional level expectations. Credit hour requirements must meet disciplinary expectations for courses as well as institutional minimum standards:

• Masters/Credential Courses: Credit hour minimum requirements. Courses require a minimum of 2 or more hours outside the class for each hour in class/online. Work outside the classroom is expected to be at a greater depth and breadth than baccalaureate level work and focus on primary sources, and higher order scholarly and professional activities.
• Doctoral Courses: Credit hour minimum requirements: courses require a minimum of 2 or more hours outside the class for each hour in class/online. Work outside the classroom is expected to be at a greater in depth and breadth than baccalaureate level work and focus on primary sources, and higher order scholarly and professional activities.
• Certificate Courses: Courses will meet expectations of the certificate level (bachelors, master’s or doctoral). 

Transfer Credit

Transfer credits may be accepted from U.S.-based institutions with either regional or approved national accreditation. All transfer credits must carry college-level academic credit. Alliant does not accept credit for correspondence courses, audited courses, vocational or technical courses, remedial/developmental high school courses and other courses below collegiate level even if the courses were completed at an accredited institution of higher education.

Transfer Credit Requirements

All transfer credit will be based on an individual evaluation of a student’s official transcripts. The following provisions apply to all transfer credit evaluations:

1. Transfer courses evaluated will not be accepted if they are duplicative of coursework already earned at Alliant; credit is never given for the same coursework twice.
2. The course must be at or above the equivalent degree level.
3. Credits must be successfully completed and meet all transfer grade requirements (including transfer timelines).
4. The course must meet all other requirements for transfer credit.
5. Limitations on the number and type of transfer credits accepted are set by each program.

Requesting Credit

Requests for transfer credit must be submitted via a signed Transfer Credit Form accompanied by official or unofficial transcripts, one week prior to the first day of instruction, with official transcripts submitted no later than the add/drop deadline. Transfer credit will be evaluated and contingent upon the final official transcript. Requests for transfer credit made after one week prior to the first day of instruction will only be accepted under extenuating circumstances and must be approved by the Dean or designee. Approval is not guaranteed. 

Military coursework  

There are special rules governing how Alliant awards credit for courses provided by the U.S. military. Alliant may award transfer credit for some or all military courses if the content is equivalent to a course taught at the University. Active-duty service members and veterans who have completed courses provided by the military (not courses completed at a collegiate institution), should make sure to include this information on their admission application. Students should be prepared to submit an official military transcript (e.g., JST, CCAF) during the admission process. Any credits that may be earned after admission/matriculation must be submitted for evaluation as soon as practicable. Approval is not guaranteed. 

Transfer Credit Evaluation

The decision to accept transfer credit resides solely with the school. During the transfer credit evaluation process, academic work from other colleges and universities is compared to Alliant courses within the appropriate degree program. Students are responsible for ensuring they are not registered in any courses for which they believe they may receive transfer credit. Transfer credit cannot be applied for previously completed or in progress credits.

Transfer credit will be awarded on a case-by-case basis after careful review of syllabi, course descriptions, and any other supporting materials provided to determine if the transfer courses meet Alliant standards for course content and academic rigor. Courses taken more than seven (7) years prior to the start of the applicable session of admission are not eligible for transfer. Some programs may have more stringent transfer policies and timelines.

Any applicable grade points from the other institution(s) are not included in the Alliant GPA calculation nor does this previous GPA appear on the Alliant permanent record.

Students may not be able to transfer courses with fewer units than an otherwise equivalent Alliant course. Although some students are permitted to transfer courses with fewer units than the equivalent Alliant course (as determined by the Dean or designee), all students must successfully complete any remaining program units.

Students who transfer courses with more units than the equivalent Alliant course cannot apply excess units to an additional Alliant course. The only exception is if the equivalent Alliant course is sequenced (i.e., A and B) and the transfer course units cover more than one course in the sequence.

Courses taken in the quarter system for the same or higher unit value than the equivalent course at Alliant will, if approved, be considered as having satisfied the course requirement, and as such, the course will be transferred for the same number of semester units as the equivalent Alliant course.

For certificate program, refer to Academic Certificate Program section for more information.

Evaluation of Credit Not Earned in the U.S.

Transfer credits earned outside the United States from government-recognized accredited institutions must have substantiating official, translated transcripts and a credential evaluation report from naces.org, a foreign educational credential evaluation service agency, or may be reviewed by Alliant’s international evaluation office. The evaluations must contain the degree equivalency, U.S. semester credit and grade equivalent for each course, and U.S. grade point average. Transcripts and credential evaluation reports are evaluated for the minimum grade equivalency requirement and transfer eligibility. The Office of Admissions on behalf of the applicable academic departments reserve the right to request further course syllabi and descriptions for evaluation purposes.

Articulation Agreements/Transfer Agreements

Articulation agreements provide students with a simplified, guaranteed transfer of credit between two different institutions or between two different programs within Alliant. Each articulation agreement outlines specific courses completed and letter grades achieved that will transfer to the university.

Students who transfer to an Alliant program of study under an articulation agreement are subject to the requirements stated in the agreement as well as all requirements outlined in the Academic Catalog.

For an up-to-date list of the articulation agreements maintained by Alliant International University, please visit https://www.alliant.edu/consumer-information/articulation-agreements/.

Some Articulation Agreements may allow additional transfer credits to be accepted above the maximum guidelines detailed under the Transfer Credit policies in this Academic Catalog.

Undergraduate Transfer Credit

Undergraduate Criteria

Undergraduate transfer credits may be accepted with a grade of C or higher. Credit may be accepted where a D grade was received, if a next-higher course in a sequence has been completed, either at Alliant or at another institution, with a grade of C or better (e.g., course in mathematics, language, etc.).

Undergraduate credits with Pass/Fail and Credit/No Credit are evaluated to ensure the grade is equivalent to a C or higher at the awarding institution.

For undergraduate transfer credits, Alliant accepts the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) certificate and CSU GE Breadth toward lower division general education requirements.

Undergraduate Limits

A maximum of 90 semester units of credit earned may be accepted for transfer for Bachelor’s programs. Within the 90 transfer credit maximum, no more than 60 Associate’s degree units and no more than 27 non-traditional units may be accepted for a bachelor program.

Associate’s Degrees Transferred from California Accredited Institutions

Transfer students who have attained an associate’s degree California institutions, including students who have completed an AA/AS-T, will be considered to have satisfied the University’s lower division requirements and will be accepted with junior standing with the following provisions:

1. The Associates degree must include an equivalent of 60 credits;
2. For those students with an associate’s degree with more than 60 earned credits, an evaluation will be done to identify which courses apply to the required 60 units, and units exceeding 60 credits are forfeited; and
3. For major-specific pre-requisites, an evaluation will be done to determine which courses will be acceptable, as students may be required to take prerequisites required for the major.

Non-Traditional Transfer Credits for Undergraduates

Alliant applicants and students may have previous learning or credit from types of education or training outside the traditional classroom. Alliant accepts a variety of these types of non-traditional credits in transfer.

National Testing Programs and ACE Recommended Courses

Transfer credit hours may be awarded for successful completion of national testing programs. Official score reports must be submitted for evaluation. Scores lower than the American Council on Education (ACE) recommendation will not be considered for transfer credit. Transfer credits may also be awarded to courses with ACE recommendation.

Advanced Placement (AP) Tests

Any applicant who has taken the College Entrance Examination Board Advanced Placement Tests in a secondary school or high school and who has earned satisfactory scores (3 or higher) are eligible for transfer credit and/or be placed in advanced courses.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) Exams

Applicants who have achieved a minimum score of 50 on General and Subject Examinations of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) may be eligible for transfer credit. Foreign language exams require a higher score to be eligible for transfer credit. Minimum scores for foreign language exams are as follows:

• French Language (Levels 1 and 2) - Level 2 requires score of 59
• German Language (Levels 1 and 2) - Level 2 requires score of 60
• Spanish Language (Levels 1 and 2) - Level 2 requires score of 63
• Spanish with Writing (Levels 1 and 2) - Level 2 requires score of 65

DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) Credit

Applicants who have successfully passed DSST exams may be eligible for transfer credit.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams

Students who complete IB Exams are eligible to receive transfer credit based on the exam score. Alliant awards a student at least 3 credits for a score of 5, 6, or 7 on a Standard level exam and at least 3 credits for a score of 4, 5, 6, or 7 on a higher-level exam. Where applicable, these units will be applied to the lower division academic requirements.

Extension Courses

Undergraduate university-level extension courses can be considered for transfer credits at Alliant. The extension course must be similar in content to a course offered at the transferring institution and at Alliant. The student must have received a grade of “C” or better in the course. Acceptance of extension courses are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Post-baccalaureate Courses 

Students in a credential only or MAE with credential program should consult the Program Director regarding the eligibility of post-baccalaureate courses for transfer credit. Transfer credit is subject to review and approval by the Program Director.

Challenge Exam

Students who think they have education, training, and/or experience in a particular area of study covered in a required Alliant course may challenge that course by examination, provided it is acknowledged by the School as being eligible for challenge. To challenge, the student must pay the appropriate challenge exam fee (See Tuition and Fee Schedule). Students will be given credit for the course if they successfully pass the exam. Students should consult the Program Director to learn which courses are available for challenge, and for the limits on challenges.

Undergraduate Process

Academic work acceptable for transfer credits must be appropriate to the degree program to be pursued at Alliant and approved by the Dean or designee.

Graduate Transfer Credit

A limited number of graduate transfer credits may be accepted from regionally accredited or approved nationally accredited institutions if the grade earned is B or higher. Graduate academic work acceptable for transfer credits must be appropriate to the degree program to be pursued at Alliant and approved by the Dean or designee. Graduate credits with Pass/Fail and Credit/No Credit are evaluated to ensure the grade is equivalent to a B or higher at the awarding institution.

Transfer credit into master’s and credential programs: No more than 20% of graduate semester units or the equivalent in other units awarded by another institution may be transferred for credit toward a master’s degree and credential programs. The total number of actual transfer credits accepted may be less than or equal to the maximum dependent on thorough evaluation of each proposed transfer course. Transfer credit limits for previous coursework may vary by program.

Any unit adjustment to student registration as a result of approved transfer credit may affect financial aid, loan deferments, international student status and veteran’s benefits. It is the student’s responsibility to consult with appropriate university personnel to fully understand these ramifications.

More information relating to the total allowable course units, and courses that may be waived, may be obtained from the academic department or advisor.

Extension Courses

At the graduate level, California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) does not consider extension courses for transfer credit. Students in non-CSPP programs should consult the Program Director regarding the eligibility of extension courses for transfer credit.

Transfer Credit into Doctoral Programs

No more than 30 graduate semester credits or its equivalent awarded by another institution may be credited toward a doctoral degree. Required petitions for transfer credit for previous coursework will vary by program. Advanced standing doctoral programs that require applicants to already have a master’s degree for admission have a lower limit on transfer credits that varies based on the length of the program and no more than 25% of the program’s total unit requirement may be transferred. Please refer to the PsyD in Marital and Family Therapy (69 unit)’s program page  for the transfer credit limits for this program. 

MFT Master’s/Doctoral Program

Transfer credits towards the dual Master’s/Doctoral Program may vary based on COAMFTE versus non-COAMFTE accredited programs. The total number of actual transfer credits accepted may be less than or equal to the maximum dependent on thorough evaluation of each proposed transfer course. 

EdS Program Transfer Policy for Alumni of MAE School Counseling and School Psychology Programs

Alumni who graduated from CSOE’s Master of Arts in Education-School Counseling with Pupil Personnel Services Credential or Master of Arts in Education-School Psychology with Pupil Personnel Services Credential during academic years 2017-2018, 2018-2019, and 2019-2020 are eligible to apply their units toward the Education Specialist in School Psychology with Pupil Personnel Services Credential program. Eligibility and number of credits applied will be at the sole discretion of Alliant International University.

NOTICE CONCERNING TRANSFERABILITY OF CREDITS AND CREDENTIALS EARNED AT OUR INSTITUTION

The transferability of credits you earn at Alliant is at the complete discretion of an institution to which you may seek to transfer. Acceptance of the degree or certificate you earn in the educational program is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. If the credits, degree or certificate that you earn at Alliant are not accepted at the institution to which you seek to transfer, you may be required to repeat some or all your coursework at that institution. For this reason, you should make certain that your attendance at Alliant will meet your educational goals. This may include contacting an institution to which you may seek to transfer after attending Alliant to determine if your credits, degree or certificate will transfer.

Course Waiver

Students who can present acceptable proof that they have demonstrated competency that is judged to be the equivalent of course(s) associated learning outcomes may be granted a waiver from the required Alliant course(s). When a course requirement is waived, any associated units must be met through additional electives. Extension courses are not considered elective units. A course waiver does not reduce the unit requirements for the degree program. Course waivers are considered when the Transfer Credit/Course Waiver Request form is reviewed and approved by the Dean or designee as needed.

Any adjustment to student registration due to course waiver may affect financial aid, loan deferments, international student status and veteran’s benefits. It is the student’s responsibility to consult with appropriate university personnel to fully understand these ramifications.

Experiential & Prior Learning Assessment

Alliant does not award credit for experiential and prior learning assessment.

Course Associations

Course associations may, with approval, be used to apply coursework from a previous Alliant program toward the degree requirements of a new program. Only courses completed within the last seven years may be associated to a new program. Course that are approved for association will be incorporated into the cumulative GPA calculation for the new program.

Certificate Policy

Alliant awards two types of certificates, academic credit and non-academic credit certificates. Certificates may be awarded for work at the undergraduate level, post-baccalaureate, graduate level, and post-doctoral level. Academic credit certificates may be either academic certificate programs, which are made up of a sequence of courses, or academic credit certificate courses, for which a certificate of completion is awarded.

Academic Certificate Programs

Academic credit certificate programs are short programs that require completion of a specified sequence of regular academic courses and are developed, defined and evaluated by the Schools.

Academic credit certificate programs generally require a minimum of 9 units of general content plus specialized coursework, or 9 units of specialized coursework. However, if specialized academic certificate content is pre-determined or specified by an external government agency or professional accrediting organization, a certificate may be awarded for fewer than 9 units of specialized coursework.

Students must submit an application for admission for the certificate program, and sign the corresponding enrollment agreement, no later than the last week of the session in which the second certificate course is taken. Students who are accepted are not eligible to receive transfer credits from outside of Alliant for certificate programs. Moreover, no certificate course requirements may be waived.

Certificates awarded for the completion of these programs by Alliant are verified by the University Registrar’s office and posted by that office on Alliant transcripts. Credits obtained through academic certificates may be applied to appropriate academic programs.

Academic Credit Certificate Courses

Academic credit certificate courses are courses for which a certificate of completion may be earned, based on completion of one or more academic course credits at the undergraduate or graduate level.

The certificates of completion are developed, designed, and evaluated by the appropriate School. The certificates of completion awarded are not reviewed by the University Registrar’s Office or posted to an Alliant transcript. Like all academic courses, these academic courses may be combined with other academic courses to fulfill requirements of a defined academic certificate program as described above.

Non-Academic Certificates

Non-academic certificates may be awarded CE units as defined below or may be offered as hours of participation. These certificates may be awarded for either participation in a workshop or training session, and/or competencies gained through such workshops or sessions. Generally, these are associated with workforce training, meeting ongoing licensure requirements or professional/personal development.

Non-academic certificates may be developed by any department but must be awarded by an academic unit of Alliant. Non-academic certificates are not reviewed by the University Registrar’s Office or posted to Alliant transcripts. 

Concentration Minimum Academic Requirements

An academic program concentration is a coordinated set of courses and/or training that leads to demonstration of one or more learning outcomes specific to the concentration beyond the general outcomes of the program. A plan to assess the concentration must be submitted and data collected regularly to demonstrate the achievement of the concentration outcome(s). These data are collected as part of the regular assessment process.

Requirements are:

Program with no requirement for clinical supervision

1. Minimum of 3 specialized courses in the area of concentration (minimum 9 units).

Program with requirements for clinical supervision (direct service)

1. Minimum of 2 specialized courses (minimum 6 units) in the area of concentration; and
2. Minimum of 100+ hours of clinical experience with the population to be served in an approved practicum or internship setting supervised by a qualified supervisor.

University Credit Completion Requirements

Undergraduate students must complete at least 30 units of their program at the University, including the last four terms of their program. Students in the BSN program should consult with their Program Director.

Graduate and credential students credit completion requirements at the University vary by program.

Maximum Academic Time Limits for Completion

The time to completion within a program begins when a student officially starts the program. Maximum time to completion limits are not extended by any time a student may be away from the program, including any withdrawals, absences, dismissals, etc. Maximum academic time limits for degrees are as follows:

Comprehensive Examinations

Programs may have comprehensive examinations designed to measure basic knowledge, theory and/or applications of knowledge and theory in the program. As such, they are an important part of the academic program. Successful completion of these exams is a degree requirement. For more information on the examination requirements of a program, contact the program office or the advisor.

Grades

Grading System/Symbols Used on Transcripts

The following list of grade descriptions is a general overview. In some cases, graduate program standards may be more stringent than the general University standards. Grade criteria varies by school and program. The below grading system is not applicable to the San Francisco Law School. Please see the San Francisco Law School  section for the Law School grading system.

Faculty members may use pluses and minuses when grades fall between two categories.

Quality Points and Grade-Point Average (GPA)

For each unit in which the student is enrolled, they will receive quality points as follows:

GPA Calculation

A student’s grade point average is obtained by dividing the total number of quality points earned by the total number of units undertaken, excluding courses in which the grades are CR, CT, I, IN, IP, MP, NC, NR, W and AU. Transfer units are not counted in calculating the GPA on the Alliant transcript.

Narrative Evaluations of Graduate Students

Narrative evaluations are used in some courses as an additional way of providing feedback to students about critical areas of performance. Credit or letter grades are given in addition to the narrative report. Narrative evaluations are only provided for select programs. Check with the Program Director or Academic Advisor for more information.

Students may receive copies of their narrative evaluations at the completion of each session or view them online via the Alliant portal. A student’s response to the evaluations will be incorporated into the student’s record upon request.

Credit for courses graded on a credit-no-credit basis is awarded when professional and academic competence is demonstrated by the student to the satisfaction of the course instructor. All required courses must be successfully completed with receipt of a passing grade (i.e., Credit, Marginal Pass or equivalent) before the doctoral degree can be conferred. Students in some graduate programs also receive comprehensive faculty evaluations concerning their progress.

Grading Policy

Minimum Grade Requirement 

Graduate Programs 

The following applies to all Alliant schools except for San Francisco Law School.  

• For CSPP programs, except Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy (MFT) and the Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP), CSFS Doctoral and Master’s programs, as well as CSOE programs, candidates must retake courses for which they have received below a B-.  
• For all other programs, candidates must retake courses for which they have received below a C-. 

Undergraduate Programs 

Candidates must retake courses for which they have received below a D-. 

Minimum Levels of Achievement

The following applies to all Alliant schools except for San Francisco Law School. In addition to Alliant policies regarding the assignment of grades, graduate candidates must achieve all program competencies in order to graduate. Candidates must demonstrate competence with respect to all the learning objectives in those courses to pass. Students who:

1. Demonstrate all the course competencies at a graduate-level and do exemplary work in one or more areas can expect to receive a grade of A- or A.
2. Demonstrate basic graduate-level competence with respect to all the learning objectives in a course should expect to receive a grade of B-, B, or B+.
3. Demonstrate some but not all course competencies at a graduate level and the rest at least at a marginal level and completes all the work at least at a marginal level can expect a grade of C-, C, or C+. In some instances, candidates may be required to retake the course; those courses will have this clearly stated on the syllabus. 
4. Fail to demonstrate competence with respect to any single learning objective can expect a failing grade of D or F.

In a competency-based program, a course grade of “C+” is below the threshold for graduate work. Candidates who receive a C+ grade or below have not demonstrated competency in at least one critical area and are at risk for incurring a GPA below 3.0. Students who receive one or more C+ grades or below in a single session and who do not have additional potential challenges to academic standing (as detailed in the University’s Student Evaluation and Review, SERC, policy) may be placed on a remediation plan approved by the Program Director. Students who receive C+ grades or below and who also demonstrate additional challenges to academic progress, will be referred to SERC. 

Course remediation does not result in a change of the original grade earned unless the candidate successfully repeats the course as part of the remediation plan. Generally, candidates must repeat a course for which they do not receive credit. Both grades remain on the transcript. If the course in which the candidate failed is an elective and/or is not offered again in the next two sessions (as applicable), the candidate may seek approval from the Program Director to take an academic absence or substitute a course to make up for the failed course. If a substitute course is used, it will not replace the failed course in the GPA calculation.

Candidates placed on Academic Warning or Academic Probation will return to good academic standing upon remediation of the problem for which they were placed on Academic Warning or Academic Probation. That might mean receiving all A and B grades the following session, bringing the GPA up to 3.0 or better, and/or meeting criteria set forth by the Program Director.

In addition to grades, faculty have the option of completing a rating form and a narrative of strengths and weaknesses and to indicate whether there is Some Concern or Serious Concern about the student.

Incomplete or In Progress Grades

Incomplete Grades

Receiving an Incomplete in a course is a privilege granted to students when very specific, documentable circumstances have made it impossible for them to complete the course within the time allotted, such as illness, family tragedy, or similar difficulty. Students must arrange for an Incomplete grade with their instructor and Program Director or designee or relevant academic administrator. International students should consult with ISSO at isso@alliant.edu if they are in the last term/semester/trimester of their program.

Only students who have completed all coursework and attendance up to the 75% mark of the course and have a passing grade may apply for an Incomplete. Even in such cases, students will not be granted an Incomplete in any course unless they have the permission of the instructor and Program Director or designee and complete the appropriate university paperwork. Completion of this paperwork, which must be completed with the faculty member teaching the course and submitted to the Registrar, is the responsibility of the student and must be completed before the end of the course so that an Incomplete can be awarded when grades are due.

Students do not re-register to finish incomplete coursework. The maximum time limit for completion is no later than the end of the following session (based on the length of the course), excluding the summer for semester programs only. Instructors may choose to set an earlier deadline, particularly if there are only minimal requirements left to complete the course. The course must be completed with the instructor who assigned the Incomplete grade. Incomplete grades that are not removed by the deadline will be converted automatically to an “F” grade for graded courses and to an “NC” for credit/no credit courses. Receipt of a grade of “F” or “NC” grade may impact a student’s financial aid and academic status and may subject the student to Academic Dismissal or Financial Aid Disqualification.

An approved academic absence does not extend the deadline for completion of an incomplete. Students whose deadline falls within a period of approved academic absence and are unable to finish the incomplete by the deadline, may petition for a late withdrawal from the course in which the incomplete was received. An academic exception form requesting the late withdrawal must be submitted prior to the incomplete deadline. Students may also petition for a tuition waiver through the Finance Petition Committee.

In Progress Grades

In Progress (IP) grades are only used for internship and practicum when the internship or practicum cannot be completed in the session in which the student was registered. The maximum time limit for an “IP” grade is one semester/trimester or two terms after the initial issuance of the IP grade. In Progress grades that are not removed by the deadline will be converted automatically to an “F” grade for graded courses and to an “NC” for credit/no credit courses.

Grade Substitution

Students may be permitted a maximum of four total course retakes per academic program to improve their academic record. Each academic program maintains sole discretion in determining the eligibility of the student or the course for retake. All grades earned will remain on the student’s transcript, and when students retake a course the higher grade earned will be used to compute the grade point average. No single course may have a grade substitution for the GPA calculation more than once (the original registration and one subsequent registration) without approval from the Dean or designee.

The record for any repeated course will show the original grade accompanied by a notation signifying that the repeated course is shown elsewhere on the transcript. In all instances, a repeated course must use the same grading type. Certain courses designed to be taken multiple times for credit (e.g., special topics courses, or general electives) will not be recognized as repeats even if the student takes the same topic more than once. Both grades will be calculated in the GPA.

Students will be responsible for tuition and fees related to repeated courses. If you have questions about whether a repeated course is eligible for financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid office at AFAA@alliant.edu. Please note that when determining aid eligibility for a session, some repeated classes may be excluded from the financial aid-eligible credit count.

Grade Reporting

Instructors are required to submit grades for each session. Grades must be submitted by instructors no later than the date published annually in the Academic Calendar.

If grades are not received on time, a “NR” (No Report) grade will be entered on the student’s transcript until the final grade is received. Students who receive “NR” for their grade should contact their instructor.

Grade Appeals

In general, grades represent the faculty member’s professional judgment of a student’s performance in a course and, as such, are final. However, students have the right to seek to resolve any grading concerns with their instructor and appeal a final course grade as permitted under this policy.

General Principles

Students are encouraged to seek advice in matters of concern about grades first from their instructor, and then Program Director, or Dean, in order. If the Program Director is the course instructor, the student should seek advice from the Dean or designee.

The formal grade appeal process is a serious procedure which should only be initiated when the grade assigned does not reflect the criteria for grading as outlined by the instructor. Specifically:

1. An obvious error in calculation.
2. The instructor graded on some basis other than performance in the course. If bias or discrimination based on a protected characteristic is alleged, an investigation by the Office of Student Services precedes the grade appeal.  
3. The grade represents a substantial departure from the instructor’s written standards.

Grade Appeals Process

Students should attempt resolution of grade concerns with the course instructor no later than five (5) business days of the official posting of the grade. Informal resolution must be based on evaluative concerns and not on late submitted work.

In the event that resolution is not reached, the student has the responsibility to provide clear and convincing evidence that the grade was based on factors listed in General Principles (1-3) above. The student must submit a written request for a grade appeal to the Program Director or equivalent within ten (10) business days of the official posting of the grades.

Within five (5) business days, the Program director will review the appeal and determine whether any of the factors 1-3 are present. At the discretion of the Program Director a grade appeal panel may be formed to assist in the review of the appeal within ten (10) business days. The Program Director determines if a grade change is appropriate and submits a grade change form to Registrar’s Office with notice to the student and instructor. If the Program Director denies the grade appeal, the student has (5) business days from notification to appeal the decision to the Dean. Within five (5) business days the Dean will review the appeal and determine whether any of the factors 1-3 are present. At the discretion of the Dean a grade appeal panel may be formed to assist in the review of the appeal within ten (10) business days. The Dean determines if a grade change is appropriate and submits a grade change form to Registrar’s Office with notice to the Program Director, student and instructor. The decision of the Dean is final and may not be appealed.

Enrollment Policies

Cross Campus and Program Enrollment

Students must complete the Cross Campus and Program Enrollment form in order to register in a course at another campus or program that is not already approved for their program (cross listed).

Continuous Enrollment

Continuous enrollment is defined as being enrolled in and attending courses during all required sessions. All students must maintain continuous enrollment during the full academic year; this includes all required terms/semesters/trimesters in the Fall, Spring, and Summer (if required by program). Students in programs that require summer session enrollment must be registered and attending courses to be continuously enrolled.

Students who wish to take any required session away from the university must have an approved Academic Absence on file with the university for the applicable period. Any student who fails to maintain continuous enrollment by the Add/Drop deadline, and who does not have an approved Academic Absence, will be administratively withdrawn from the institution.

Students who have completed all required coursework and only need to complete non-coursework requirements will be administratively withdrawn until completion of all pending program requirements has been confirmed.

Students must complete all degree requirements within 365 days of their last date of attendance to be graduated.

Dissertation

Dissertation Clearance

Dissertation clearance means not only successful defense, but completion of any required revisions or edits, and submission of the dissertation in its final form to the University library. The dissertation clearance date is defined as the date the library signs off on the dissertation clearance form, indicating that the dissertation is complete. Once the dissertation has been cleared by the library, no changes can be made to the student’s dissertation or doctoral project.

Dissertation Sequence Registration

Students are expected to complete their dissertation while enrolled in the dissertation sequence within their curricula. Students in semester programs that do not require summer enrollment who wish to make progress on their dissertation over the summer and want dissertation supervision and support from their faculty chair during this period may enroll in a one unit summer dissertation supervision course with approval from their faculty chair and program director. This course is optional and the unit does not apply toward the dissertation sequence; it does not qualify for financial aid. Students who have completed all dissertation sequence courses for their program are not eligible to enroll in the one unit summer dissertation supervision course (see Dissertation Extension Registration section).

Dissertation Continuous Registration

Students must enroll in their dissertation sequence courses in accordance with their program’s curriculum plan until cleared by the library. All students are encouraged to complete their dissertation in the required dissertation sequence courses applicable to their program. Should students need additional time to complete their dissertation beyond the required dissertation courses, they must register for a dissertation extension course and remain continuously enrolled in dissertation extension (excluding summer, as applicable) until the dissertation is cleared. Students must be enrolled in dissertation or extension during the session in which they defend or achieve dissertation clearance; no clearance can be gained, nor progress made in dissertation, without registration in a dissertation course. Students who submit their dissertation and achieve clearance between the end of one session and the start of the next session must be registered in a dissertation sequence course for the preceding session (or in dissertation extension if all standard dissertation sequence courses are already completed) and are responsible for any associated charges.

Unsatisfactory progress while in dissertation extension may reflect unsatisfactory academic performance and result in the student being referred to the Student Evaluation and Review Committee (SERC).

Early Completion of Dissertation

Early completion of dissertation does not reduce the total unit requirement for graduation from the program. Students who complete their dissertation prior to completion of required dissertation sequence courses within the curriculum of the program must use remaining units towards elective coursework or can enroll in remaining dissertation course(s) in the master plan of study to work on professionally publishing or presenting the dissertation study. Students who choose to take elective coursework may not qualify for financial aid and should consult with their student advisor and the Financial Aid office.

Dissertation Extension Registration

Students may only enroll in dissertation extension courses if all standard dissertation sequence courses have been completed. Students who clear their dissertation prior to the end of the Add/Drop period will not have to pay dissertation extension tuition of dissertation extension fees for that session. This applies to dissertation extension students only. Dissertation extension courses do not count towards the total required units necessary to a complete a degree. There is an additional fee for students who enroll in dissertation extension beyond two semesters/trimesters or four 8-week terms of Dissertation Extension (see Expenses and Financial Aid  section).

Dissertation Extension While on Internship

Students registered in full and half-time internship who have exhausted their regular dissertation sequence courses but have not yet completed their dissertation must enroll in a single unit dissertation extension course at the per-unit rate while enrolled in internship. Students who elect to register in a non-required summer dissertation extension course while on internship will register for a single unit dissertation extension course. 

Dissertation Extension Automatic Enrollment

Beginning January 2020, students who have completed all of their standard dissertation sequence courses but need additional time to clear their dissertation with the library, will be automatically enrolled in dissertation extension by their Student Advisor for each session until dissertation clearance is achieved.

Internship Continuous Registration 

All students are encouraged to complete their internship in the required internship sequence courses applicable to their program. Students must enroll in their internship sequence courses in accordance with their program’s curriculum plan. Should students need additional time to complete their internship beyond the required internship courses, they must register for an internship extension course, and remain continuously enrolled in internship extension until the internship is completed. Students must be enrolled in internship or extension during the session in which they complete the internship. Students who complete their internship between the end of one session and the start of the next session must be registered in an internship sequence course for the preceding session (or in internship extension if all standard internship sequence courses are already completed) and are responsible for any associated charges. 

Advancement to Candidacy

Advancement to candidacy occurs in some doctoral programs. Demonstration of competency to complete a doctoral program must be established prior to the advancement to candidacy for students enrolled in doctoral programs. Generally, this occurs after the second year of the program when all the master’s level requirements in the program(s) have successfully been completed. These requirements may include, but are not limited to, successful completion of all required coursework, passing all required comprehensive examinations and successful oral defense of the dissertation proposal. CSPP doctoral programs may have additional and/or unique requirements for advancement to candidacy. Reviews of students’ accomplishments by the faculty will determine whether students have qualified to be advanced to doctoral candidacy. Additional information can be obtained from the program office or faculty advisor.

Non-Terminal Master’s Degree

Students enrolled in some doctoral programs, or the Education Specialist (EdS) programs, may petition to receive a non-terminal master’s degree when all requirements for the work of the master’s degree or equivalent have been completed. In general, students who enter programs with credit for previous work or with prior master’s degrees do not qualify for non-terminal master’s degrees at Alliant International University since they have already received master’s degrees for this work in their previous programs. For students with waived coursework, any associated units must be met through additional electives. A course waiver does not reduce the unit requirements for the non-terminal degree.

More information can be obtained from the program office or academic advisor. A fee is charged to process the application to be awarded the non-terminal master’s degree (see Tuition and Fee Schedule).

Requirements for CSPP Doctoral Programs: Non-Terminal Master’s Degree

Students enrolled in the CSPP Clinical Psychology and Marital and Family Therapy doctoral programs must meet the following requirements to apply for a non-terminal master’s degree from California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University:

1. 3.0 or above cumulative grade point average and in good academic standing.
2. Completed all the G1 (first year) and G2 (second year) coursework designated in the program curriculum^*, with a maximum of 9 units credited from transfer units applied toward the G1 and G2 requirements.
3. The student has not previously earned a master’s degree in the same field (major) (e.g., Clinical Psychology; Marital and Family Therapy or Couple and Family Therapy).

If the above requirements are met:

1. Students in the PhD and PsyD Clinical Psychology programs would be eligible to receive a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology.
2. Students in the PsyD Marital and Family Therapy programs would be eligible to receive a Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy.

Note: If the student has an outstanding balance or fee, the degree will be awarded, but the diploma will not be released until the balance is paid in full.

*The non-terminal master’s in Marital and Family Therapy requires completion of the following non-coursework requirements in addition to G1 and G2 coursework:

1. Comprehensive exam
2. Professional development hours
3. Practicum completion

Students can reference the Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy  program page for more detailed information.

Requirements for CSOE PPS EdS Programs: Non-Terminal Master’s Degree

Students enrolled in the CSOE PPS EdS programs must meet the following requirements to acquire a non-terminal master’s degree at the time of the completion of their program.

1. Students seeking the non-terminal MAE in School Counseling must complete all of the same coursework requirements as the stand-alone MAE in School Counseling with PPS Credential. Students seeking the non-terminal MAE in School Psychology must complete all of the same coursework requirements as the stand-alone MAE in School Psychology with PPS Credential.
2. There is a credit transfer limit of 9 units for a non-terminal master’s degree in school counseling or school psychology.
3. If students already have a master’s degree in school counseling or school psychology, they will not be eligible for a non-terminal master’s in that same area.
4. 3.0 or above cumulative grade point average and in good academic standing.
5. Passed the National Praxis Exam with a passing score for their respective discipline (school counselors - 156, school psychologists - 147).

If the above requirements are met:

1. Students in the EdS in School Counseling would be eligible to receive a Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling.
2. Students in the EdS in School Psychology would be eligible to receive a Master of Arts in Education in School Psychology.

Note: If the student has an outstanding balance or fee, the degree will be awarded, but the diploma will not be released until the balance is paid in full.

Review of Students’ Performance

Each program has a procedure for regularly reviewing the overall performance of students, including whether the minimal grade point average has been met. Some programs also perform an annual evaluation of all students. Faculty, advisors, and/or committees are responsible for monitoring academic performance and for working with students whose performance needs special review. Students who are not making Satisfactory Academic Progress will be referred to SERC.

Academic Standing

Students are expected to make academic and professional progress throughout their academic programs. Good Academic Standing and professional progress is defined as earning a GPA of 3.0 or higher at the graduate and credential level, 2.0 or higher at the undergraduate level, completing educational programs within required timeframes, adhering to all Codes of Conduct and professional, ethical standards and expectations. Degrees will only be awarded to students meeting all policies and requirements, and those in Good Academic Standing. Please note that these expectations are academic in nature and are expected in addition to all Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) guidelines.

Any student who fails to achieve the minimum required cumulative GPA at the end of each session (as applicable to the calendar of the program in which the student is enrolled) will be subject to being placed on automatic Academic Warning, or Academic Probation. The first session below the required GPA will result in the student being placed on Academic Warning. If the student fails to raise the cumulative GPA above the minimum requirement the next session, the student will be placed on Academic Probation.

For students of CSPP, CSOE, CSFS, CSML: Students who fail to meet the minimum required cumulative GPA; receive a No Credit grade in a course; receive two or more Incomplete grades; or a combination of Incomplete and No Credit grades, and does not also have one of the additional potential challenges to academic standing listed below, may be placed on a remediation plan approved by the Program Director. Students who fail to meet the minimum required cumulative GPA and demonstrates one or more the following challenges to academic progress, will be referred to SERC:  

1. A no-credit in a field placement/clinical training course
2. Violation of professional or ethical conduct  
3. Failure to comply with school or campus rules or procedures  
4. Evidence of personal factors (interpersonal or intrapersonal functioning) that may hinder the student’s professional competence  
5. Little or no progress on the dissertation/doctoral project  
6. Failure of comprehensive examination  
7. Failure to meet academic program standards  
8. Failure to complete program within the program length reflected in the catalogue

Any student who may subsequently fail to meet the conditions of the remediation plan, or may be subject to program dismissal, must be referred to SERC in accordance with Alliant’s SERC policies and procedures.

For students of SFLS, the policies for student discipline can be found in the current SFLS Student Handbook.

Students enrolled in the Teacher Education program are required to adhere to the terms of the California Commission for Teacher Credentialing’s (CCTC) guidelines related to CSOE Clinical Practice, as well as those that have been stated in the Teacher Education’s Clinical Practice and Credentialing department’s requirements which can be found in the Teacher Education Program Handbook. Continuous enrollment in coursework, as well as in the Clinical Practice courses are required. Clinical Practice courses provide all students with the support and supervision of a Cooperating Teacher and University Mentor as required by CCTC per Standard 3. Students who withdraw and are academically withdrawn or fail any CSOE Clinical Practice course are subject to an automatic referral to the SERC and will initiate the invalidation process resulting in the removal of their CCTC intern credential.

Student Evaluation and Review Committee

The goal of the Student Evaluation Review Committee (hereinafter “SERC” or “Committee”) process is to uphold academic and professional standards, program standards, and University policies and procedures regarding student evaluation. The Committee will guide students toward successful completion of their program and assist with remediation of difficulties brought to the attention of the Committee. Successful program completion requires that all students, whether enrolled in campus-based, hybrid or online programs, meet academic standards and standards of professional competence, conduct, ethics, and demeanor required by their program of study. The SERC process is utilized when concerns are raised about a student’s academic sufficiency, fieldwork suitability, viability of professional judgment, or ethical or appropriate conduct in the academic learning environment. Difficulties in personal adjustment/appropriate behavior manifested outside of courses or field placement/internship are potentially relevant to a student’s professional development and are also of interest to this Committee, though formal review of such cases may, depending on the specific circumstances, rest with the Non-Academic Code of Conduct Committee. To the extent that non-academic code violations impact program and/or professional standards, or a student’s fitness for the profession, sanctions may be recommended by SERC and imposed by the Program Director as deemed appropriate.

The SERC is a committee that serves as a recommending body to the Program Director or equivalent. After meeting with a student and considering all information deemed relevant, a SERC’s recommendations about appropriate action can include: No Action Required, Remediation Plan, Academic Warning, Academic Probation, Approved Academic Absence, Suspension or Dismissal. The Program Director or equivalent makes the final decision relative to student’s status.

The Committee comprises the following members appointed by the Program Director, Dean, or designee, as applicable: Faculty members (minimum 2, including Chair) - Where appropriate, an alternate member may be identified. The student’s Academic Advisor may be requested by the SERC Chair to attend the SERC meeting. If present, the advisor serves as a non-voting member.

The following nonvoting personnel may be invited at the request of the SERC Chair or the student, when deemed to be relevant:

1. Fieldwork/Internship Representative
2. Student Accessibility Coordinator
3. Designated Official for International Students

SERC meetings are academic rather than legal proceedings. The presence of legal counsel and representation of any party therefore is not appropriate and is not permitted. All SERC proceedings and related communications are governed by the confidentiality/privacy provisions of FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). Discussions, deliberations, decisions, and recommendations may not be shared with people outside of the Committee, other than for a legitimate educational purpose consistent with FERPA. SERC serves as an advisory body to the Program Director or designee, making recommendations for decision.

The Committee considers a broad range of student issues, including, but not limited to, insufficient academic performance and/or progress, lack of suitability for the profession, unethical or inappropriate behavior and violations of the Academic Code of Conduct.

The following are examples of reasons for referral to SERC:

Insufficient Academic Performance or Progress

Probation Status results automatically from receipt of the following:

1. For undergraduate students, a GPA below 2.0
2. For graduate students, a GPA below 3.0 or a grade of No Credit or a grade below B-

Depending on the program, a student’s academic standing may be jeopardized by one or more of the following:

1. Receipt of one or more non-passing grades;
2. Receipt of two or more Incomplete grades;
3. Insufficient progress on course work or dissertation/doctoral project;
4. Failure of comprehensive, competency or preliminary examination;
5. Failure to meet academic program standards;
6. Failure to meet professional program standards.

Professional Practice Field Training Unsuitability

Fieldwork unsuitability refers to a student’s behavior and/or decision-making that is unsuitable, unethical, and/or inappropriate or unprofessional for practice in the field setting, as established by the profession.

Concerns in the area of suitability for the profession include but are not limited to: lack of development of professional skills within a field context; expressions of personal issues in ways that are inappropriate to the setting; lack of sensitivity to the perspectives of people from other cultures such as diversity in religion, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status and/or gender.

Unethical and/or Inappropriate Behavior

The University requires that all students adhere to the relevant principles of applicable professional and/or licensing body(ies) (e.g., professional association codes of ethics and the ethical requirements of professional licensing and certification boards relevant to the profession in which the student aspires to membership).

Students are expected to conduct themselves in academic and professional settings, including field training/internship and research sites, in a manner consistent with the profession’s expectations. Professional conduct includes respect for all University community members (including students, administrators, staff, faculty, supervisors), as well as for all clients and personnel at training sites.

Academic Code of Conduct Violations and Infractions

(see Academic Code of Conduct  in Student Rights and Responsibilities)

Procedures Governing the SERC Process

The student and the student’s faculty advisor will receive written, confidential notification of the SERC meeting within five (5) business days of the referral. The student is expected to attend this meeting. Should the student fail to attend the designated meeting the SERC reserves the right to meet in the student’s absence and make any appropriate recommendation that may result in decisions regarding academic status.

The meeting notification will be sent via email to the student’s University email address as listed in the University’s data base. The notice to appear before SERC must be sent to a student at least five (5) business days prior to the date of the meeting. An extension of the meeting time and date may be requested in writing by the student within two days of receipt of the notice.

Written notification of the meeting will include the following:

1. Time, date and place of the SERC meeting;
2. Basis for the referral, including but not limited to Specific areas of student performance and/or behavior to be reviewed at the meeting;
3. The student’s rights and responsibilities in the meeting;
4. The student’s right to be accompanied to the meeting by an advisor of their choice;
5. Contact information (to include address, telephone and e-mail contact information) for the relevant SERC Chair.

During the SERC meeting, the Committee and student will review the specifics of the referral. As appropriate, the Committee may also discuss with the student possible resolution(s), however, the final determination of recommendation(s) shall be made by the SERC committee after meeting with a student and considering all information deemed relevant.

A student has the right to be accompanied to the SERC meeting by one person of their choice (attorney or legal counsel not permitted), provided the Committee Chair receives advance written notice (24 hours or greater) of the person’s name and relationship to the student. An invited guest attends with the understanding that their role is to provide non-verbal support to the student. Invited guests may not participate in the meeting. If the SERC chair determines the invited guest is disrupting the meeting they will be asked to leave.

A student has the right to make a formal statement and present documents and any other evidence in response to every allegation or basis for referral to SERC. For cases in which a student faces severe disciplinary actions (suspension or dismissal) AND the credibility of witnesses is central to the adjudication of the allegations, the accused student may indirectly question witnesses.

Based on the circumstances and at the discretion of SERC, students may be permitted to question witnesses in one of the following ways:

1. Questions proposed in advance of SERC meeting, to be asked directly by SERC of witnesses present at the SERC meeting
2. Questions proposed in advance of SERC meeting, to be asked indirectly by SERC of witnesses, using video technology (if available) when witnesses not physically present in SERC meeting
3. Questions proposed in advance, to witnesses through SERC, with written responses from witnesses submitted through SERC

A student has the right to view/hear witness responses to questions, view any documentation or other evidence under consideration by SERC, and present statements, documents and any other evidence in rebuttal to witness responses.

SERC shall have the discretion to exclude questions deemed inflammatory, argumentative or irrelevant to the basis for the SERC referral. SERC shall have discretion to determine what weight, if any, to give to any statement or other evidence. The standard of proof in the SERC meeting is much lower than in a court of law and is known as ‘more likely than not.’ SERC members do not need to be 100% or even 75% sure, just more than 50% sure (51% or 50.1%).

SERC Recommendation

Typically, the SERC will provide its recommendation to the Program Director or designee within 10 business days following the SERC meeting. Under exceptional circumstances, if additional information is required to render a recommendation, the SERC will obtain this information and render its recommendation no later than 15 business days from the date of the SERC meeting. Determination of additional SERC meetings will be made by members of SERC based on relevant circumstances or as needs dictate.

The Committee has the discretion and will consider the following factors in arriving at a recommendation as to what, if any, sanction and/or remediation plan, should be imposed, including but not limited to:

1. The degree and nature/type of academic, ethical or professional behavior;
2. The degree of the student’s insight, accountability and willingness to resolve the issue;
3. The student’s past history with the SERC and with any other disciplinary process;
4. The student’s year in the program;
5. Financial ramifications of recommended action(s);
6. The impact of lack of access to University resources, including faculty, if a mandatory leave is recommended;
7. Prior global or annual student reviews;
8. Any other factor that SERC determines has bearing on the issue(s) before it.

Recommendation and Decision Process

Recommendations from the SERC should typically be forwarded by the Committee Chair to the relevant Program Director or designee within 10 business days of the SERC meeting. Each recommendation should clearly state:

1. The reason(s) for and source of the SERC referral;
2. The student’s relevant academic history and any unique relevant personal circumstances;
3. The student’s perceived understanding of the issue(s) and response;
4. The actions the student has taken to date to correct the issue(s); and
5. The Committee’s recommendation either that no action is required, or that of a particular sanction, or a remediation plan should be imposed. When a remediation plan is recommended, the Committee shall specify the recommended time-frame applicable to the recommended remediation process including the conditions for lifting the sanction (if applicable), and any recommended follow-up.

Under normal circumstances, within 10 business days of receiving the recommendation, the Program Director or designee will either notify the student in writing of the Program Director’s decision or refer the matter back to the Committee for further consideration and review with appropriate explanation.

Appeals Process

A student has the right to appeal certain decisions of the Program Director or designee to the relevant Academic Dean (or alternate University official, in the event of a conflict of interest). Appeals of Academic Warning or Probation decisions will not be considered, except in instances of administrative error or a result of a change in status following a successful grade appeal. Appeals will only be considered when they are received in writing within ten (10) business days of the date of the decision letter. Appeals may be made only on the basis that one or more of the following factors occurred:

1. The SERC process materially deviated from applicable SERC policy/procedures and were so significant to affect the outcome of the matter;

2. The Program Director’s decision violated a university policy, rule or procedure;

3. There is newly discovered information not available through reasonable diligence during the SERC process and directly relevant to the issue for which the recommendation was made; and/or

4. Preponderance of facts or other evidence not consistent with PD decision.

All information supporting an appeal based on these factors should be submitted with the appeal. Absent unusual circumstances, appeals processes should typically be completed within twenty (20) business days of receipt of the appeal. Appeals decisions under this section are final. Failure to meet this timeline is not grounds for appeal. The SERC process is governed by Alliant’s Non-Discrimination Policy. Any concerns about discrimination during this process should be reported directly to Esmeralda Silva, Vice President for Student Affairs, (858) 635-4535, Esmeralda.Silva@alliant.edu.

Notice of SERC Outcome

The student will receive correspondence from the Program Director or designee to their university email address. In cases resulting in a change to academic status, a copy of the decision letter will be given to the Student Advisor and, if the matter pertains to a field training/internship issue, to the student’s Field Training/Internship Advisor.

In cases resulting in Probation, Approved Academic Absence, or Dismissal copies of the decision letter are also sent to relevant administrative personnel. A copy of the decision letter is also placed in the student’s academic record. In addition, if the decision of the Program Director or equivalent involves a faculty member (e.g., if the remediation plan requires a particular action on the part of a faculty member, a change in advisor or dissertation chair, re-enrollment in a course, etc.), then that faculty member is provided specific feedback on their involvement by the Program Director or designee.

Outcomes/Sanctions under SERC Process

Warning: Warning Status, with or without a remediation plan, may be recommended by the SERC when a student’s academic work or professional development falls below University or program standards, but the nature of the difficulty or infraction does not require more serious or more immediate action.

Probation: Probationary Status may be recommended when a student’s academic progress or professional development has been inconsistent with University requirements. A student is given a specific amount of time in which to remediate the cause(s) of probation or will otherwise face dismissal from the program. It shall be the responsibility of the SERC in such circumstances to review the case and to determine whether the student has completed all of the requirements of the remediation, in which case the removal of the Probationary status will be recommended.

In the event that the SERC determines that the conditions which resulted in Probation have not been remediated, the SERC may recommend other action, including:

1. continuance of the status of Probation, or
2. that a more severe sanction be imposed. 

Mandatory Academic Absence: A student is recommended for Mandatory Academic Absence in cases in which the academic work or professional development, in the opinion of the Program Director or designee, and taking into consideration the SERC’s recommendations, requires serious remediation that necessitates a required academic absence in order to complete the required remediation. Any remediation shall be articulated in the SERC recommendation to the Program Director.

Mandatory Academic Absences occurring mid session may require repayment/return of financial aid funds. Students should contact the Financial Aid Office for more information. For Mandatory Academic Absences lasting more than 180 days, if the student has received federal student loans, the loans may go into repayment 6 months from their last day of attendance. The student may contact their lender to receive information on deferment and forbearance options while not attending school. Mandatory Academic Absences will not exceed one year from the last date of attendance.

Dismissal: Students may be dismissed from the academic program when

1. conditions are judged to be of a serious nature and are not determined to be remediable,
2. a serious violation of standards of conduct, professional behavior, and/or ethics occurs, or
3. when a student has failed to remediate previously identified academic deficiencies within the specified time.

Outcomes/Sanctions for cases involving infractions or serious violations of the Academic Code of Conduct are set forth in the Academic Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy and are hereby incorporated by reference. In the case of dismissal from the program or university, no tuition or fees will be refunded. Dismissed students may not enroll in courses while any appeal of dismissal is pending.

The record of the final determination in all cases will be maintained in the educational record of the student pursuant to the University Document Retention Policy.

Academically dismissed students interested in applying for re-admission must follow the published readmission process (see Applicants for Re-Admission  section).

Principles of Conduct

As a student at Alliant International University, you are expected to maintain the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct in both your role as a student on campus and as a trainee in your field placements. Specifically, you must adhere to all the rules and regulations described in the Catalog, related Handbooks, and professional guidelines.

Arrests and Convictions

If Alliant becomes aware of any arrest(s) and/or convictions(s) of a student (excluding traffic violations) who is seeking a training placement, the Office of Professional Training (OPT) staff, agent or representative will inform the training site of the arrest(s) and/conviction(s). Arrest(s) and/or conviction(s), dependent upon severity and nature, may compromise Alliant International University’s ability to place the student at the prospective - or alternative - training site and may compromise the student’s ability to obtain training hours necessary for the completion of academic requirements. Certain arrests and convictions can also impede students’ ability to complete the program or gain employment in certain fields.

Alliant International University has no authority nor bears any responsibility for ensuring placement at training sites for students with arrest(s) and/or conviction(s). All Alliant students must inform the training site and their Alliant Program Director, in writing, of any arrests or convictions, and the student is solely responsible for such reporting.

Approved Academic Absence

Students who cannot maintain continuous enrollment but intend to continue their studies must have an Approved Academic Absence. Students who wish to begin their academic absence while the current session is still in session, and request to have their current courses dropped or withdrawn may receive a “W” or “WF” grade depending on the last date of attendance for the course:

1. Prior to the end of the add/drop period, courses will not appear on the official transcript (no “W” or “WF” grade).
2. After the add/drop deadline but prior to the withdrawal deadline, courses will be withdrawn with a “W” grade, which will not be counted in the GPA calculation.
3. Absent an approved academic exception, after the withdrawal deadline, courses will be withdrawn with a “WF” grade, which will count as an “F” in the GPA calculation.

Students on approved Academic Absences must return by the date specified and will be permitted to resume their program without applying for readmission. Military students who need to take time off for deployment should refer to the Military and Veterans Services  section for applicable policies and procedures. International students must contact the Office of International Student Services to discuss how an absence will impact their immigration status.

Students may take no more than 12 months of approved Academic Absence per program. Students are not required to return for the summer session if summer enrollment is not normally required for their program. Students must still complete the program within the Maximum Allowable Time to Completion. Students who fail to return on the date specified, or who have withdrawn from the program without specifying an intent to return, will remain recorded as withdrawn on their transcripts and must follow all Re-Admission and Re-Entry policy guidelines.

Students on Approved Academic Absence will be considered/reported as Withdrawn for enrollment purposes. Approved Academic Absence is not considered a Leave of Absence for financial aid purposes. Financial aid recipients who are on an Approved Academic Absence during a session will be expected to complete all Exit counseling (see Financial Aid Refund Policy  section.)

Attendance Policy

All students are expected to attend and participate in all classes as scheduled, on time, and to continue attending classes for the full duration of the course, regardless of modality. Each instructional week begins on a Monday and ends on a Sunday, and students who participate in a course prior to its official start date will not have that participation counted as attendance. 

Students enrolled in on-campus courses or in synchronous online courses are recorded as either present or absent for each course meeting, and submitting required academic assignments counts as present in the asynchronous online classroom. Students who have courses with both ground and online components will count attendance in the manner consistent with that modality. 

Students who do not attend a course at least once in any consecutive 14-day period will be dropped or administratively withdrawn from the course. Students who are absent from all courses in any consecutive 14-day period, and do not notify the university in writing during this period of their intention to continue, will be administratively withdrawn from the University retroactive to the last date of recorded attendance (see withdrawal policy).

Students who are administratively withdrawn from a course or the University after the add/drop period but within the withdrawal deadline will receive a “W” grade, based on the last date of attendance for the related course(s). Students who are administratively withdrawn with an effective date after the withdrawal deadline will receive a “WF” grade, which will count as an “F” in the GPA calculation. Both “W” and “WF” grades will count toward attempted hours at the University. A tuition refund, if applicable, will be calculated on a percentage basis per the University’s refund policy.

Students who do not meet attendance requirements and to whom Alliant has disbursed financial aid may be required to return financial aid. If a student believes their attendance was inaccurately recorded, the student must contact the instructor who will review the situation and, if necessary, will update the attendance record.

The University may schedule periods of non-enrollment during which no courses are held. When this occurs, such as on holidays or during the annual winter break, the non-enrollment period may extend the 14-day limit to include the scheduled break.

On campus Executive Format Courses, Dissertation, Dissertation Extension, Doctoral Project, Thesis, Capstone Project, and any other courses without Regularly Scheduled Meeting Dates

Student engagement and participation will be verified every week. Students must engage in all required academic activities each week to be considered in attendance.

Attendance in Internship, Practicum, or Field Placement

Students generally enter a contract or other agreement with an agency or organization for community service, practicum, internship or field placement/training hours. The actual hours each week may vary depending on the assignments, case load, or operational hours of the site or agency. Student engagement and participation will be verified every week. Students may be required to submit a timesheet (signed off by the supervisor at the placement) of hours worked in the internship, practicum, or field placement course upon request.

Excused Absence

Students are expected to attend all their scheduled classes; however, the university recognizes that there are some circumstances that may force students to miss a class. In all instances, it is the students’ responsibility to inform the instructor(s) ahead of time and to discuss how the absence will affect their ability to meet course requirements. Students must understand that not every course can accommodate absences and neither the absence nor the notification of the absence relieves them from meeting all course requirements.

Since missing classes may affect a student’s ability to meet course learning outcomes and develop required competencies, any absences may impact grades in particular courses. This not-withstanding, certain absences are always considered acceptable by the University. A student may be required to provide written documentation substantiating an excused absence, and all documentation must be sent to the student advisor. Acceptable reasons and accompanying documentations standards for an excused absence include:

Student illness or injury

Written medical documentation from a licensed medical practitioner certifying the existence of a medical condition and the dates of absences are required. Documentation does not have to specify medical diagnosis, only existence of a condition that warranted the absence. Students are not to send medical records protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Death, Injury, or serious illness of an immediate family member or close relationship that significantly impacted the student

Copy of the obituary, funeral announcement, death certificate or a funeral program.

or

Written medical documentation from a licensed medical practitioner certifying the existence of a medical condition and the dates of absences were required. Documentation does not have to specify medical diagnosis, only existence of a condition that warranted the absence.

Religious or cultural observance

Email from student describing the date and the name of the observance, and that the observed day falls on the date of the requested absence.

Jury duty or other government obligation

Copy of Jury summons, or subpoena, or other appropriate documentation verifying that date of obligation falls on the date(s) of the requested absence.

or

Documentation of the mandatory military service or other civic duties in the form of orders or equivalent document.

Student Health and Safety Concerns (Circumstances that impact the health and or safety of the student necessitating absence from class)

Will be dependent on individual circumstances but will generally require 3rd party documentation of the event/circumstances.

Any other unavoidable circumstance that necessitates the student’s absence from class

Examples: Fire evacuation from residence, preventative power outage by utility, civil unrest, earthquake or other natural disaster prevents attendance.

Will be dependent on individual circumstances but will generally require 3rd party documentation of the event/circumstances.

Students must contact both their instructor and student advisor any time they must miss a course meeting. An approved excused absence indicates the student’s intent to remain enrolled in the course and at the institution and will prevent students from being withdrawn. 

Instructors will individually work with students in these instances to determine if/how students can make up work and set timelines for assignment submissions. The University expects all instructors to be reasonable in accommodating students whose absence from class meets the guidelines above, and if a student’s grade is impacted by a legitimate absence or absences the student may appeal through the normal grade appeal process.

Religious Holidays

In keeping with the institution’s commitment to respect and affirm cultural, religious, and spiritual diversity, the University supports the rights of students, staff, and faculty to observe religious/cultural/spiritual obligations that conflict with the University’s schedule. Faculty instructors and staff/administrative supervisory personnel are expected to make reasonable accommodations when a student or an employee is absent from class or work because of religious/cultural/spiritual observance. 

Withdrawal Policy

Withdrawal from Courses

Students may drop from a currently enrolled course within the applicable session add/drop deadline published in the academic calendar. After the add/drop deadline, students may withdraw from courses up to the end of the fourth week of the session for 8-week courses, up to the end of the fifth week of the term for 10-week summer term courses, or up to the end of the eighth week for semester and trimester courses. Withdrawn courses will remain on the student academic record with a grade of “W” on the transcript. Although the withdrawn course is excluded from the transcript GPA calculation, withdrawal from a course can have academic and financial consequences and may necessitate the return of financial aid already awarded and disbursed.

Under normal circumstances, students may not withdraw from courses after the withdrawal deadlines noted above. However, students experiencing serious and compelling extenuating circumstances that prevent a student from completing coursework during the scheduled session, may petition to their Program Director for an academic exception to be allowed to withdraw past the deadline. Examples of acceptable extenuating circumstances include:

1. A serious and verifiable accident, illness, or personal problems.
2. Death of an immediate family member.
3. A necessary and documented change in employment status which interferes with the student’s ability to attend class.

Other unusual or special circumstances will be considered on their own merit and on a case-by-case basis. The following are examples of circumstances that are not considered to be serious or compelling:

1. The student anticipates that they will receive a poor or failing grade in the course.
2. Mid-session Statement of Concern or referral to SERC.
3. Dissatisfaction with the course material, instructional method, or instructor.
4. The course is more difficult or demanding than expected; pressure from other courses the student is taking.
5. Participation in social or extra-curricular activities, or lack of motivation.
6. A change in program/major.

Students whose academic exception requests are not approved are expected to continue to attend and make their best effort to successfully complete their course(s).

Any students who do not maintain attendance and are absent from class for 14 consecutive days will be administratively withdrawn per the university attendance policy. If this is after the withdrawal deadline, they will receive a “WF” (Withdrawn-Fail) grade which will count as an “F” in their GPA calculation.

In some circumstances, a student may be eligible to request an Incomplete grade from their faculty member as an alternative to requesting a withdrawal from a course after the withdrawal deadlines. Students should consult with their Academic Advisor and the University Catalog for additional information on the Incomplete Grade policy.

All withdrawals are subject to the Tuition Refund  policies.

Important: Dropping, failing, or withdrawing from an education Clinical Practice course while under an intern credential will result in the intern credential being withdrawn from the CTC and direct impact on continued employment. (*See Academic Standing/Invalidation in Catalog - SERC).

Students are encouraged to discuss the potential implications of a course withdrawal with their Program Director, Academic Advisor, Student Business Services, and a Student Finance Officer prior to submitting the request. International students must also consult with the Designated School Official (DSO) prior to making a course withdrawal as a change in enrollment status may impact immigration status. Students receiving military/veterans’ benefits should consult with the Veterans Service Office. A student who withdraws from all courses will be administratively withdrawn from the institution unless they have been approved for an academic absence.

Withdrawal from University

Students may withdraw from the university at any time. Any current session courses dropped or withdrawn may be assigned a “W” or “WF” grade depending on the last date of attendance for the course:

1. Prior to the end of the add/drop period, courses will not appear on the official transcript (no “W” or “WF” grade).
2. After the add/drop deadline but prior to the withdrawal deadline, courses will be withdrawn with a “W” grade, which will not be counted in the GPA calculation.
3. Absent an approved academic exception, after the withdrawal deadline, courses will be withdrawn with a “WF” grade, which will count as an “F” in the GPA calculation.

Withdrawal from the university will have academic and financial consequences and may necessitate the return of financial aid. All withdrawals are subject to the Tuition Refund policies.

To withdraw from the University, a student must submit the official University Withdrawal form to their student advisor. Students are encouraged to discuss the potential implications of a withdrawal with their Program Director, Academic Advisor, Student Business Services, and a Student Finance Officer prior to submitting the request. International students must also consult with the Designated School Official (DSO) prior to making a withdrawal request as a change in enrollment status may impact immigration status. Students receiving military/veterans’ benefits should consult with the Veterans Service Office.

Administrative Withdrawal for Non-Continuous Enrollment

Students who do not register and attend courses, or are not approved for an Academic Absence, by the end of the Add/Drop period of any required session will be administratively withdrawn from the University. The student’s transcript record will be documented to reflect “withdrawn.” Administrative withdrawal may also occur when a student fails to:

1. Register for courses;
2. Maintain Continuous Enrollment;
3. Meet provisional requirements;
4. Meet attendance requirements;
5. Resolve account balances or meet payment plan requirements;
6. Return from an approved Academic Absence on time;
7. Resolve any holds or other outstanding issues; or
8. Meet any other program, university, and/or administrative standards.

The withdrawal may become effective at any time. Payment plans will not be automatically renewed.

Student withdrawals result in the following:

1. Denial of access to campus facilities;
2. Commencement of any allowable financial aid grace periods which may result in loan repayments; and
3. Referral of the account to a collection agency if the withdrawal is based upon payment default.

Date of Determination of Withdrawal

The institution’s date of determination (DOD) that the student withdraws varies depending on the type of withdrawal. The DOD is the day the institution can reasonably determine that a student is withdrawing or has stopped attending.

For student-initiated withdrawals, the date of determination that the student withdrew is the date the student notified the University of their intent to withdraw.

For administrative withdrawals, the date of determination that the student withdrew without providing notification is no later than 15 days after the official last date of attendance.

Please see refund policies for additional information.

Graduation

Application for Graduation

All graduating students must submit an online degree application for graduation by the deadline date listed in the annually issued Academic Calendar. A non-refundable graduation fee must be paid to Student Business Services by all degree candidates at the time of application.

Commencement

Completion of academic requirements for a degree is termed graduation. The ceremony celebrating this achievement is commencement. Participation in the commencement ceremony does not guarantee graduation. Commencement ceremonies are held once a year in May or June. Students may choose which campus ceremony they wish to attend as long as they meet the criteria below.

To participate in commencement:

1. Undergraduate and master’s students (in both terminal and non-terminal degrees) must be in good academic standing and have completed at least 80% of the required units for their degree by the end of the Spring semester/trimester or April/May session.
2. Doctoral students (excluding Juris Doctorate) must successfully complete all coursework by the conclusion of the session immediately prior to the commencement ceremony, must successfully complete their final oral defense by the deadline specified in the academic calendar, and must be scheduled to complete their final internship by September 30th of the commencement year.
3. Students in the Juris Doctorate program must be in good academic standing and have successfully completed at least 80% of the required units for their degree by the end of the Spring semester.

Degree Conferral

Only the University Registrar or designee is authorized to confer degrees and attest to matters pertaining to a student’s academic record at the University. All degrees will be posted once all degree requirements are completed, assuming all applicable paperwork has been submitted. Students must complete all degree requirements within 365 days of their last date of attendance to be graduated.

Students seeking certification through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and the Arizona State Board of Education are eligible for recommendation upon degree conferral.

Post-doctoral Status and Degree Conferral

Doctoral students will be designated as post-doctoral status upon degree conferral.

For students who do not have administrative clearance due to financial reasons, the date of academic completion will remain the official completion date, but all academic records will be held until administrative clearance is completed.

Diplomas

The current Alliant diploma policy is posted on the Registrar’s website at https://www.alliant.edu/registrar-services. To receive diplomas, students must clear their accounts with the Student Business Services Office.

Transcripts

The transcript bears the following entries regarding the completion of degree requirements and the awarding of degrees: degree awarded; area of concentration or major (as applicable); and date of completion, i.e., the last day of the last session registered or the date on which all requirements for the degree were completed (whichever is the later date). For doctoral students, the last requirement is typically the dissertation, in which case the date of completion noted on the transcript is the date the dissertation is received and accepted by the library.

Official transcripts can be ordered online and are processed by the Registrar’s Office. Three to ten working days should normally be allowed for processing. Expedited services are available for an additional fee. No telephone or e-mail requests for transcripts are accepted. Additional fees may apply.

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, transcripts may be withheld if the student has an unresolved obligation to the University including an unresolved disciplinary action. Official transcripts bear the institutional seal and the signature of the University Registrar.

Alliant cannot officially verify any coursework taken at another institution even if the student has a transcript on file from that institution.

Retention of Academic Records

Alliant permanently maintains records of application materials including transcripts and readmission applications for applicants who are admitted and enrolled. Other departmental academic files are maintained for 5 years after graduation or date of last attendance.

Academic Freedom Policy

Purpose: The purpose of academic freedom at Alliant is to

• Develop a shared learning environment in which students and faculty can freely engage in the pursuits of teaching, scholarship, research, and creative activities that contribute to the advancement of knowledge;
• Engage students to think critically and independently about the world around them so they will be prepared to successfully navigate their lives and careers and participate in their communities; and
• Promote the collective experience of Alliant as a community of learners, with a robust intellectual life, a diversity of ideas, and perspectives, and the insight and wisdom to enhance societal freedom and the public good.

Definition: Academic freedom is the freedom of faculty and students to teach, conduct research and scholarship, and engage students in discussions of subjects including difficult or controversial subjects without fear of reprisal while maintaining the individual rights of each member of the academic community.

It is also the freedom of the university – represented by faculty and academic administrators – to develop their academic missions, program learning outcomes, curricula, courses and standards in the ways they believe will best benefit the students and achieve the goals of the university. The university chooses which programs to offer, which faculty to employ, and which students to admit. 

Alliant adheres to 1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom set forth by the representatives of the American Association of University Professors and the Association of American Colleges:

1. The teacher is entitled to full freedom in research and in the publication of the results, subject to the adequate performance of their other academic duties; but research for pecuniary return should be based upon an understanding with the authorities of the institution.
2. The teacher is entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing their subject, but they should be careful not to introduce into their teaching controversial matter that has no relation to their subject. Limitations of academic freedom because of religious or other aims of the institution should be clearly stated in writing at the time of the appointment.
3. The teacher is a citizen, a member of a learned profession, and an officer of an educational institution. When they speak or writes as a citizen, they should be free from institutional censorship or discipline, but their special position in the community imposes special obligations. As a person of learning and an institutional community member, the teacher should remember that the public may judge the profession and the institution by the teacher’s utterances. Hence the teacher should at all times be accurate, should exercise appropriate restraint, should show respect for the opinions of others, and should make every effort to indicate that the teacher is not speaking for the institution.

This policy does not negate any other policies in force at the University. Any questions or concerns about this policy can be addressed to the Provost.

Right and responsibility: Academic freedom is a right. It is also the responsibility of all members of the University community to act deliberately and support one another to uphold academic freedom as described in this policy.

Due Process: All members of the University community are entitled to due process protection regarding academic freedom. 

The purpose of due process procedures is to protect academic freedom and intellectual inquiry.

Student Academic Freedom Due Process: Students who have a concern about a violation of their academic freedom should follow the Alliant Problem Solving and Dispute Resolution Guidelines  in the Alliant catalog.

Faculty Academic Freedom Due Process: Faculty or other academic administrators who have a concern about a violation of their academic freedom should follow the process described here:

Concerns/Complaints

Concerns about potential violation of this policy should be addressed with an appropriate academic administrator and an informal resolution attempted. Faculty should address the matter with their program directors unless the concern relates to an action of the program director, in which case the matter should be directed to the dean. If the concern relates to an action of the dean, the matter should be directed to the Provost. If the concern relates to an action of the Provost, the matter should be directed to the President. 

When information resolution is unsuccessful, a formal complaint is filed. Complaints of violation of Academic Freedom must be filed within 60 calendar days from the date of the occurrence. The complaint is filed with the Provost or Provost’s designee. 

The Complainant shall provide a written complaint that must include:

1. A specific description of the violation;
2. Evidence supporting the charge;
3. The name(s) of the person or persons involved.

Hearing Committee

The Provost or Provost’s designee shall convene a randomly selected three-member Ad Hoc hearing Committee consisting of two faculty members (without administrative appointments) and an academic administrator to hear the complaint. The Complainant may veto any one proposed member for cause. Faculty members must be at the associate professor rank or higher. The academic administrator must be at the associate dean level or higher or assistant or associate provost. The Ad Hoc Committee will select a chair. If necessary, to provide advisement, the Director of Human Resources may be a non-voting consultant to the Committee.

The Hearing

1. The hearing shall be closed. The specifics of the complaint and evidence received for the hearing and the deliberations of the Ad Hoc Committee shall be kept confidential. A summary meeting record will be made of the hearing. The chair shall release copies of the meeting record only to members of the Ad Hoc committee, the relevant dean, the Provost, the Complainant, and if necessary, the President. 
2. The hearing is an academic hearing and rules of procedure and/or evidence that would be applicable in a court of law are not applicable to this hearing.
3. The Ad Hoc Committee shall make a recommendation to the Provost who will make the final decision and notify the Complainant and the Committee within 30 days from the date of the hearing.

Appeal

If the Complainant disagrees with the decision, the Complainant shall file an appeal with the President within 15 calendar days of receipt of the decision. The President’s decision is final.

Record

Copies of the complaint and final complaint resolution will be retained in the Provost’s Office for a minimum of six years.

CSOE Program Specific Policies

Students must complete all requirements for the program to become a Program Completer. Program Completers are recommended for a Preliminary Credential. Completion of masters courses is not considered “completion of program” for a MAE + Credential program. The master’s degree will not be awarded until the entire all program requirements have been met.

Students who take an Academic Absence are responsible for submitting the correct academic absence forms and re-entry requests that may be obtained through their Program Advisor. If the student is on an ECO or Standard Intern track, they are responsible for informing the Credential Department of their Academic Absence to invalidate their credential in compliance with their period of validity per CTC. Failure to do so would result in an extension or dismissal of the program.

Candidates admitted into the Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential: Mild/Moderate Disabilities  or Master of Arts in Education- Special Education with Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential  programs beginning with the 2022-2023 Catalog will be required to complete the updated Mild to Moderate Support Needs programs with updated curriculum and state requirements including the successful completion of edTPA.

Arizona Candidates must be cleared for Clinical Practice by the end of their second term in the program.  Arizona Candidates who are not cleared by the end of their second term in the program will be recommended for SERC.

Extension Courses

Teacher Education Extension Courses

EDU61990 - Enrollment Extension (Teacher Education) (0 units) - No Charge 

Candidates will be registered for this course to be compliant with the continuous enrollment policy while completing program requirements.

CSOE Teacher Preparation Program - Standard Intern Pathway 

Clearance occurs prior to Clinical Practice I  

For Clinical Practice I Clearance, all Intern Candidates must meet their foundational eligibility requirements, including but not limited to: submission of (1) Valid Certificate of Clearance posted to CTC Online, (2) successful completion of the US Constitution requirement, (3) verification of meeting the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) (verified at the point of Admissions), (4) verification of meeting Subject Matter Competency (SMC)*, (5) successful completion of prerequisite coursework, (6) signed Assurance Form, (7) completed and signed Professional Dispositions Checklist, (8) all official, collegiate-level transcripts on file with Alliant, (9) Offer of Employment Letter from employing school/district, (10) Verification of Employment Form from employing school/district, (11) verification of current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the school/district and Alliant, (12) signed Acknowledgement Form, and (13) signed Statement of Release Form prior to the first day of class of the academic term of the first Clinical Practice course. 

* All official, collegiate-level transcripts (community college, baccalaureate, masters, doctorate, etc.) must be on file prior to registration into the second term of enrollment. Should all collegiate-level transcripts not be on file with Alliant at the time of SMC Records Assessment, the evaluation will be completed as-is. Additional reviews will be subject to a fee. 

CSOE Teacher Preparation Program - Student Teaching Pathway  

All Student Teacher candidates must go through a Clinical Practice Clearance process twice during their program: prior to Clinical Practice I and prior to Clinical Practice III. 

For Clinical Practice I Clearance, all Student Teacher candidates must meet their foundational eligibility requirements, including but not limited to: submission of (1) Valid Certificate of Clearance posted to CTC Online, (2) successful completion of the US Constitution requirement, (3) verification of meeting the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) (verified at the point of Admissions), (4) successful completion of prerequisite coursework, (5) signed Assurance Form, (6) completed and signed Professional Dispositions Checklist, (7) all official, collegiate-level transcripts on file with Alliant, (8) Negative TB Test results, (9) verification of current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the school/district and Alliant for planned guided classroom observations, and (10) signed Acknowledgement Form. All required Clinical Practice I Clearance items must be received by the Credential Analyst prior to the first day of class of the academic term of the first Clinical Practice course. All Student Teacher candidates, including re-entry applicants, must complete the Application to Student Teach Form by the last day of Week 3 of Clinical Practice I. Failure to complete the Application to Student Teach Form by the deadline may result in a deferred start to Clinical Practice III, delaying placement until the next eligible term.  

For Clinical Practice III Clearance, all Student Teacher candidates must submit all eligibility requirements, including but not limited to: (1) successful completion of all prerequisite Content Knowledge and Clinical Practice coursework, (2) verification of meeting Subject Matter Competency (SMC)* no later than the last day of Week 4 of Clinical Practice II, (3) verification of current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the school/district and Alliant for planned Student Teaching, and (4) signed Statement of Release Form.  

* All official, collegiate-level transcripts (community college, baccalaureate, masters, doctorate, etc.) must be on file prior to registration into the second term of enrollment. Should all collegiate-level transcripts not be on file with Alliant at the time of SMC Records Assessment, the evaluation will be completed as-is. Additional reviews will be subject to a fee. 

EDU64990 - Advanced Mentoring (Teacher Education) (0 units) - Restricted Service Charge

Candidates will be automatically enrolled into this course by the Academic Advising Department if program units are complete, but they have not met all final documentation requirements for program completion and/or recommendation of the Preliminary Credential.  

Intern Candidates enrolled in Advanced Mentoring will maintain their valid University Intern Credential per requirement of the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and will be provided continued supervision through the course.   

**In Reference to Academic Standing (per catalog): Students who withdraw and are academically withdrawn or fail any CSOE Clinical Practice course are subject to an automatic referral to the SERC and will initiate the invalidation process resulting in the removal of their CCTC intern credential. Includes all California Teacher Education Programs excluding Arizona Programs.

Beginning January 2020, all Clinical Practice courses will be letter graded.

Candidates have a limited number of terms they may enroll in a CSOE Advanced course. Candidates must maintain continuous enrollment for the duration of their program. If Advanced Mentoring is not completed at the end of 4 terms of enrollment, candidates will be referred to SERC.

PPS Extension Courses   

PPS60990 - Clinical Extension (PPS) (0 units) - No Charge  

School Psychology and School Counseling Candidates are expected to complete, submit, and verify their required Practicum Hours prior to advancing to Internship/Culminating Field Experience courses. Candidates will be registered for Clinical Extension if Practicum Hours have not been fully completed during course enrollment. All required Practicum Hours must be completed prior to registration for Internship/Culminating Field Experience courses. Extension Courses will result in loan repayment after a 6-month grace period.  

PPS School Psychology and/or School Counseling Candidates requiring a University Intern Credential during the Internship/Culminating Field Experience courses must receive clearance from the Credential Analyst. PPS Candidates must meet their foundational eligibility requirements, including but not limited to: submission of (1) Valid Certificate of Clearance posted to CTC Online, (2) verification of meeting the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) (verified at the point of Admissions), (3) successful completion of prerequisite coursework, (4) successful completion of all required Practicum Hours, (5) all official, collegiate-level transcripts on file with Alliant, (6) Offer of Employment/Internship Letter from employing school/district, (7) Verification of CFE or Internship Form from employing school/district, (8) verification of current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the school/district and Alliant, (9) signed University District Agreement (UDA), and (10) signed Statement of Release Form prior to the first day of class of the academic term of the first Internship/Culminating Field Experience course. 

PPS72990 - Advanced Clinical Supervision (PPS) (0 units) - Restricted Service Charge

School Psychology and School Counseling Candidates will be automatically enrolled into this course by the Academic Advising Department if program units are complete, but they have not met all final documentation requirements for program completion and/or recommendation of the Clear Credential. These requirements include but are not limited to: (1) Completion of all required Internship/Culminating Field Experience hours, (2) successful completion of the Praxis Exam, or (3) submission of any missing Credential Documents (Certificate of Clearance, Basic Skills Requirement, Statement of Release Form, Verification of Hours Logs for Practicum and Internship/Culminating Field Experience, Supervisor Evaluation Forms from Practicum and Internship/Culminating Field Experience, etc.). 

If this documentation is not filed and verified by the Credentialing Department after the completion of the final Culminating Field Experience/Internship course, the PPS Candidate will be automatically registered in Advanced Clinical Supervision per alignment with the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) requirements and the Alliant Continuous Enrollment Policy. Resources will be accessible to facilitate the completion of the remaining state and program requirements. It is the responsibility of the Candidate to ensure that requirements are met to be a Program Completer within the appropriate period of validity per CTC. Extension Courses will result in loan repayment after a 6-month grace period. 

Candidates have a limited number of terms they may enroll in a CSOE Advanced Clinical Supervision course. Candidates must maintain continuous enrollment for the duration of their program. If Advanced Clinical Supervision is not completed at the end of 4 terms of enrollment, candidates will be referred to SERC.

ASC Credential Extension Course

ELM79990 - Enrollment Extension (0 units) - No Charge 

For the ASC Program, candidates will be automatically enrolled into this course by the Academic Advising Department to maintain continuous enrollment as well as if they have not met all final documentation requirements for program completion and/or recommendation of the ASC.

CTEL Extension Course

CTE74990 - Enrollment Extension (0 units) - No Charge 

For the CTEL Program, candidates will be automatically enrolled into this course by the Academic Advising Department to maintain continuous enrollment as well as if they have not met all final documentation requirements for program completion and/or recommendation of the CLAD Certificate. 

School Counseling/School Psychology

The School Counseling and School Psychology PPS programs are distinct programs and courses are not transferable between programs. Candidates who are considering a change from School Counseling or School Psychology PPS program must consult with their Program Director and Academic Advisor prior to submission of all required documentation for a program change. Approval is not guaranteed. Program changes are not considered after the first term. All prior coursework will not be transferable with a change of program.

A passing score on Praxis is not required for program completion with the PPS School Counseling or School Psychology programs. While a passing Praxis score is not required for the state of California, it is a requirement for other states. Study.com provides test preparation for the Praxis assessments, and all students have access to this resource.

CSOE Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Requirement Policies

To request a new MOU, students must complete and submit the MOU Request Form no later than the add/drop deadline of the term prior to the start of Clinical Practice. Submitting this request does NOT guarantee an MOU agreement will be approved or approved by the start of Clinical Practice.

Disclosure: MOU contracts are subject to expiration at various times within an academic year resulting in the potential for a change of placement for Clinical Practice.

Disclosure: The University understands that all Student Teacher Candidates, Interns, and PPS Students are required to adhere to all state and local heath orders.

Visit Alliant’s Credentials page for a Credential Overview including MOU Requirement Policies and the Active MOU School District/Organization List (website).

CSPP Specific Program Policy

Students who wish to enter a CSPP program must submit an application through the admissions department. The clinical doctoral programs accept students to begin only in the fall semester. No more than a total of 30 units, including those earned in CSPP, can be transferred into any doctoral program.

Change of Program

Current students who are considering a change to a different program should consult with their academic advisor prior to submission of all required documentation. Approval is not guaranteed.

For CSOE students, to request a Program Change into the Teacher Education or Special Education Standard Intern Program, a student must submit a program change prior to enrollment in Clinical Practice I. All intern verification documentation must be provided to the Credentialing Department, which will initiate the change upon confirmation.

For CSPP students, a new application must be submitted for the program of choice.

Exceptions to Academic Policies

To request an exception to a published University academic policy the Academic Exception Request Form must be submitted to the appropriate Dean for approval, unless the exception is to register or add a course after the add/drop deadline, which can be approved by the designated Program Director. All documentary evidence in support of each application for academic exception should be submitted with the written request. Each case will be decided on its own merits. Approval of academic exception requests is NOT guaranteed. Students are encouraged to maintain their own personal copies of all paperwork submitted.