Graduate Academic Record

The Nebraska Wesleyan University Registrar is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality, security, and accuracy of all student information including admissions records, class enrollment, attendance, and academic performance, as well as overseeing the graduation process. 

Definition of the Credit Hour

Nebraska Wesleyan University follows the Federal Credit Hour Definition. Because courses are offered using a variety of delivery models at Nebraska Wesleyan (e.g., face-to-face, accelerated, hybrid, or online), a "credit hour" at NWU is defined as 1) verifiable instructional time and/or activity leading to the achievement of expected learning outcomes for a given course, and 2) learning activities judged by the faculty to be the equivalent of the 45-hour time commitment for one-credit course.

Therefore, credit hours at NWU may be awarded for a combination of classroom instruction, student work outside of class, or other approved educational activities including, but not limited to: creation of and reflection on a learning portfolio; engaging in clinical education or field experience; participating in and building upon knowledge gained through a practicum; completing a work of performance art, such as original musical scores or artwork; development of a formal presentation or other project related to the discipline.

No credit is earned for a course if a grade of “F” is received. For additional information, contact the Academic Affairs Office.

Graduate-Level Academic Work

Aligning with principles and requirements from the Higher Learning Commission is the foundation of Nebraska Wesleyan University's policy for differentiating graduate and undergraduate offerings. Significantly different goals and methods are apparent in the various programs, courses, and assessment plans of the graduate and undergraduate offerings at NWU. However, the following common, primary components guide the norms and expectations of graduate courses at Nebraska Wesleyan University:

• Graduate courses are taught at a level that assumes students already possess content knowledge and understanding commensurate with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Graduate courses require greater knowledge of the discipline or field as demonstrated by student reading and analysis of the most relevant and important scholarly monographs and journal articles written by and for professionals in the discipline.
• Graduate study requires firsthand research experience appropriate to the discipline or specialization.
• Graduate courses place consistent emphasis on translating and applying knowledge that strengthens connections to the professional environment. Faculty are expected to be current with the most recent developments, professionally and academically.
• Graduate courses emphasize methods, trends, and analysis.
• Graduate courses emphasize communication, both written and oral, at a professional level. Publication and presentation at professional meetings will be strongly encouraged.

Assessment of Student Learning

As part of its stated mission regarding excellence in education, Nebraska Wesleyan University is committed to assessing the degree to which students attain the institution’s educational goals. The faculty and staff may require students to participate in a variety of assessment activities that will help determine the extent to which these goals are being met. Assessment activities may include, but are not limited to, standardized testing, placement tests, surveys, portfolios of student work, group or individual interviews, or classroom research. Results are used to inform the process of teaching and learning, to shape the design and implementation of programs and curricula, and to describe and enrich the student experience at Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Graduate Grading System

The following grades factor in the Grade Point Average (GPA):

The following grades are not counted in the Grade Point Average (GPA):

AU - Audit
I - Incomplete
I* - Permanent Incomplete
NC - No Credit
P - Pass: Grade of "B-" or better earned; course designated as Pass/Fail Only or Pass/Fail Oriented
PX - Passed by Examination
W - Withdrawal
WA - Administrative Withdrawal

Audit

A student may register for a course on an audit basis if space is available after first obtaining permission of the instructor. A student will earn no credit for a course taken on an audit basis. The designation of “AU” requires attendance of at least 75% of the class sessions. Should the student not fulfill this obligation, the instructor will indicate so on the final grade report, and the course will not be recorded on the student’s transcript.

Incomplete

An “I” (Incomplete) may be given only when work is left incomplete due to extenuating circumstances such as illness, military service, death in immediate family, or personal/family hardship. Students are eligible for an incomplete grade only if they have already completed 75% of the coursework. The percentage of completion is determined by the instructor. A student requests an incomplete grade from the instructor.

If the instructor and program director approve the request, the student must fill out an Incomplete Agreement form (available from the Registrar's Office) prior to the end of the semester with the instructor and  program director. The work for an Incomplete must be finished within the time allotted by the instructor (maximum of one year from the close of the term in which the student is enrolled*). The instructor stipulates what the final grade will become if the work is not completed.

If the work is completed within the allotted time, the instructor determines the final grade according to the quality of the student’s performance. If the work is not completed, the Registrar assigns the final grade stipulated on the Incomplete Agreement form. The final grade is entered on the student's transcript in place of the "I."

Permanent Incomplete

A Permanent Incomplete is allowed only in cases resulting from a catastrophic event in the life of a student, such as an incapacitating illness or other problems beyond the control of the student, which prevent the student from completing the work. In such cases, the student, his or her proxy, or the instructor can petition the Executive Committee for a Permanent Incomplete.

*The maximum time limit for Incompletes in graduate courses numbered 5990 or 5991 is the degree completion deadline.

Repeated Courses

When a student repeats a course, both grades remain on the student’s transcript, but only the last grade earned (whether higher or lower) and the associated credit(s) are used to determine hours earned and the student’s grade point average. Students who repeat a course and do not earn a passing grade lose any credits previously earned for that course.

Calculating the Grade Point Average

The grade point average (GPA) is calculated according to the following steps:

1. Total all hours taken at Nebraska Wesleyan in courses where traditional grades are earned (A, B, C with +’s and -’s, and F but not W, WA, P, PX, I, or AU),
2. Add all grade points, and
3. Divide the sum of grade points by the sum of hours graded.

A semester GPA is computed each semester in addition to the cumulative GPA.

Transfer credits and grade points are not computed in the Nebraska Wesleyan University GPA. Transfer credits are recorded as a unit and count toward the total number of hours earned.

Minimum Grade Requirements

Any prerequisite course must be completed with a grade of "B-" or better.
A grade point average of 2.67 is required for earning a master’s degree. A minimum grade of “B-” is required for graduate courses counting toward degree requirements. 

Academic Integrity

The Code of Student Conduct states that students found to have engaged in academic dishonesty, which encompasses such activities as cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, misrepresentation, and bribery, are subject to disciplinary sanctions. (See Article V of the Code of Student Conduct for a comprehensive listing of misconduct that is subject to disciplinary sanctions, as well as relevant terms and definitions.)

Faculty members have full authority in determining the action to be taken in cases of academic dishonesty. In addition to implementing the statements of the course syllabus addressing academic dishonesty, faculty may file a Report of Academic Dishonesty with the Registrar, or file a complaint with the Student Conduct System. If a Report of Academic Dishonesty is filed, a first report on a student prompts no further action. However, if a second report for a student is filed, a formal complaint is submitted against the student with the Student Conduct System. Any report after a second will launch another complaint. Complaints submitted to Student Conduct System prompt a formal judicial investigation.

Students should contact the Student Life Office for more information.

Academic Standing and Satisfactory Progress for Graduate Students

Satisfactory Academic Progress
Graduate students must be making satisfactory progress in their master's program, as determined by the program. Each graduate program has the discretion to put the student on notice and provide the student parameters that must be met to continue in the program. A grade lower than a "B-" in a graduate level course indicates it is unlikely the student is progressing satisfactorily through the program.

Academic Warning

Academic warning is a non-punitive mechanism used to ensure graduate students who are not successfully progressing in their graduate studies are provided with clear information and requirements to guide them to appropriate progression and successful program completion.

Students who are in any way struggling, failing to progress, or otherwise at-risk should be placed on academic warning. Academic probation is not a punishment, nor does it appear on a student’s permanent record or academic transcript. Students are encouraged to view academic warning as a proactive and supportive step that communicates faculty concerns about performance and/or degree progression, clearly outlines steps to take to remedy the issue(s) and get back on track, provides information about resources that may help the student succeed, and sets a reasonable and appropriate timeline in which students must demonstrate improvement (typically one semester). Students on academic warning who fail to take the appropriate actions to improve performance may be academically dismissed from Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Academic Dismissal
Any student with a fall, spring, or summer semester GPA of less than 2.50 or a cumulative GPA of less than 2.67 will be placed on Academic Warning. Students who are not in good academic standing due to GPA have one semester (unless otherwise stipulated) to improve their standing to good academic standing, or they will be academically dismissed from Nebraska Wesleyan University. 

There are also incidences when academic dismissal occurs without academic warning, such as when a student 

• earns a semester GPA below a 2.50 at the end of a probationary semester or a cumulative GPA below a 2.67 at the end of a probationary semester
• earns a grade of "F" in the master's capstone course(s) in their program
• earns a grade lower than "B-" twice in the same credit-bearing course in the graduate program.

Students who have been academically dismissed may apply for readmission after one calendar year. Students approved for readmission are readmitted on provisional standing.

Students who have been dismissed for an Academic Integrity violation or for behavior that violates ethical, professional, and/or student conduct in the field of study and/or as reflected in the Nebraska Wesleyan University Student Code of Conduct are not eligible for readmission.

Graduate programs may have policies that outline additional conduct or disciplinary reasons for program standing, up to and including program dismissal. See your program's handbook for information regarding conduct for disciplinary probation and dismissal or program progression.

Grade Reports

Students view grades online on Self-Service following the completion of the term.

Grade Change/Appeal Policy

At the beginning of each term, the instructor provides students their course syllabus that includes the grading policy for that course. A copy is also submitted to the Academic Affairs Office, which will be on file and available for review.

At the end of the term, if a student has a question about the grade he or she received in a course, or believes an instructor has violated the grading policy of the class, the student should arrange to discuss the grade with the instructor. This discussion between the instructor and student may lead to an agreement that the grade will remain as reported, or that the instructor will submit a change of grade. Note that academic policy prohibits extra work being done in a course after the term has ended. A change in a student’s grade for a course is only possible if an error has been made by the instructor in the determination of the grade or in the reporting of the grade to the Registrar’s Office. (A student who desires a higher grade for a course has the option of repeating the course by registering for the class during a subsequent term. Both grades will show on the student’s transcript; however, the last grade earned is used to determine the GPA.)

If an error has been made by the instructor in the determination of the grade or in the reporting of the grade to the Registrar’s Office, the instructor may submit a change of grade form to the Registrar’s Office. Any error not reported within four months after the end of the term must have the approval of the Dean of Graduate Programs before it will be accepted by the Registrar’s Office. A changed grade replaces the original grade reported on the student’s transcript and automatically changes the cumulative GPA.

If the discussion between the student and instructor does not resolve the issue to the student’s satisfaction, the next step is for the student to have a conversation with the Department Chair/Program Director. The Department Chair/Program Director will attempt to mediate between the instructor and the student in order to resolve the dispute.

After speaking with the instructor and Department Chair/Program Director, a student who wishes to pursue further action will file a formal grade appeal. The formal grade appeal must be filed within two months from the end of the term. Students should contact

Transcripts

The Registrar’s Office will release transcripts only after the student has granted permission in writing or through the secure online request system. All financial obligations should be met in order for students to be entitled to an official transcript of their academic record. Transcripts are provided in full only. No transcripts will be issued with an incomplete or partial record of a student's program. A fee is charged for each copy of a student's transcript.  Contact the Registrar’s Office for details regarding transcript requests.

Student Petitions

Graduate students who desire to waive a University requirement must petition for approval. For additional information, contact the Registrar's Office or an academic advisor. the Academic Affairs Office for the complete Grade Appeal Policy or with any questions about the policy.

Privacy of Educational Records - FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of student education records and provides students the following rights with respect to their education records:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access.
Students should submit to the Registrar, Dean, Department Chair or Program Director, or other appropriate official, a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The University official will make arrangements for, and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the University official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate or misleading.
Students may ask the University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the University official responsible for the record, clearly identifying the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.
If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

NOTE: FERPA is not a grade-appeal law. The right to challenge grades under FERPA is limited to situations where the grade assigned was inaccurately recorded.

3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosures without consent.
FERPA allows the University to disclose records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions:

• Nebraska Wesleyan University officials with a legitimate educational interest*
• Other schools to which a student is requesting transfer or enrollment
• Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes
• Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student
• Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school
• Accrediting organizations
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena
• Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies

FERPA permits the University to disclose educational record information to a student’s parent or guardian if the student is their dependent for federal tax purposes. (**See Parental or Third Party Access to Academic Records)

FERPA also allows the University to disclose directory information without the written consent of the student. Directory information is information that generally would not be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Nebraska Wesleyan University has designated the following as directory information:

• Name
• Addresses
• Telephone numbers
• Email addresses
• Student Level and Classification at Nebraska Wesleyan
• Degree programs, certificate programs, majors, and minors declared at Nebraska Wesleyan
• Dates of attendance at Nebraska Wesleyan, enrollment status, and anticipated graduation date
• Degrees, certificates, and awards received at Nebraska Wesleyan
• Institutions attended prior to admission to Nebraska Wesleyan
• Participation in recognized activities and sports at Nebraska Wesleyan
• Photographs taken and maintained by the University
• Weight and height of members of Nebraska Wesleyan athletic teams

Students have the right to withhold disclosure of this directory information. Students must notify the Registrar’s Office in writing or via approved electronic means, if they do not wish directory information to be released without their permission.  

FERPA requires the University to record the disclosure of information to third parties, except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to judicial orders and subpoenas, disclosures of directory information and disclosures to the student. Students may inspect and review the record of such disclosures.

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with requirements of FERPA. 
The name and address of the office that administers FERPA are:
      Family Policy Compliance Office
      U.S. Department of Education
      400 Maryland Avenue, SW
      Washington, DC 20202
      Phone: 1-800-872-5327

* A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including security and student health personnel); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (including attorneys, auditors, collection agency, the National Student Clearinghouse); a person serving on the Board of Governors; or a student serving on an official committee or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

**Parental or Third Party Access to Academic Records

All academic information is sent directly to students. Therefore, parents should establish communication with their sons and daughters if they wish to be informed about their students’ schedule and academic progress. Under FERPA, parents of Nebraska Wesleyan students may request in writing and receive their son or daughter’s grade information if the student has granted NWU authorization or after providing proof that the student is a dependent and is claimed as a tax exemption. Also, a student may grant a parent (or other third party) access to his/her academic and financial records through his/her WebAdvisor account.