Academic Policies

Southeastern University is a Christ-centered institution of higher learning. The educational programs of Southeastern University are designed to foster successful academic achievement in order to equip students to discover and develop their divine design, to serve Christ and the world through Spirit-empowered life, learning, and leadership. We are committed to equipping the next generation of leaders so that they can go into the world as influential servants in their careers and their communities.

This catalog gives general information on the academic regulations and degree requirements. In upgrading all areas of the university, Southeastern University reserves the right to change the rules regulating admission, instruction, graduation and any other activity affecting the student body, including prospective students and currently enrolled students.

Click on a link to be taken to the entry below.

General Academic Policies and Procedures

New Students

The general academic policies and procedures presented below are applicable to all Southeastern University graduate students.  Please click on the Programs of Study link for your program of choice to see more specific guidelines, requirements and courses.

Class Attendance

Students are both expected and encouraged to attend class regularly.  Professors will detail the exact attendance policies for each course in the syllabus.  A request for an absence to be excused must be submitted to the professor directly, and should include documentation of the following:

1. Illness
2. A serious unavoidable emergency
3. Participation in authorized university activities or field trips.

Prolonged and/or unusual absences not covered by the policy may be appealed to the Provost by either the professor or the student.  A professor may withdraw a student with excessive absences from the course.

Veterans Benefits

Southeastern University is approved by the State Approving Agency of the State of Florida for the education and training of veterans and eligible dependents under public laws in effect. Students who are eligible for educational benefits under any Veterans Administration program should contact a veterans service office for information, procedures and forms as early as possible.  The Office of the Registrar at Southeastern University is responsible for enrollment certification. A request to initiate, change or renew benefits must be filed with this office.

Students must be enrolled for 6 or more hours per semester (16 weeks) to be eligible for full-time benefits.  A student cannot receive educational benefits for audit courses.  VA regulations require that students take courses that are applicable to their degree program, make satisfactory progress toward their degree, and maintain satisfactory attendance for the degree program as stated in the Standard of Progress.

Veteran’s benefits will be terminated for students who fail to make satisfactory progress or who receive dismissal for academic or disciplinary reasons.

The Office of the Registrar notifies the Veteran’s Administration of reported changes in enrollment or withdrawal.  However, the student is responsible for notifying the certifying official of the college, and the VA Regional Office, of any enrollment changes or termination of enrollment.  The VA student is responsible for any overpayment of benefits resulting from a change in enrollment.  The VA toll-free number is 1-800-827-1000.

Classifications of Student

Degree Seeking

A degree seeking student is one who has applied for admission to a graduate program and is systematically pursuing a degree. Degree seeking students have regular standing or provisional standing.

Regular Standing

Students who intend to obtain a master’s degree and who have met all admission requirements without reservation are granted regular standing in the graduate program. Only those students who have regular standing may become candidates for the master’s degree – and are eligible for institutional or federal financial aid.

Provisional Standing

Students who do not meet all the admission requirements may be considered for provisional standing. To obtain provisional standing, the applicant must demonstrate to the faculty of the particular program that he or she is capable of graduate work by meeting most of the requirements for admission while providing an acceptable plan for completing any requirement(s) that is/are deficient and/or by demonstrating ability to do graduate level work by completing twelve (12) credit hours of graduate study with a B- or better in each course and/or satisfying other provisional requirements set at the time of admission.

A non-degree seeking student is one who has earned at least a baccalaureate degree, has completed a Non-Degree Seeking Graduate Application, and has been accepted to take classes. The typical non-degree seeking student is a ―visiting student,‖ or is taking a course primarily for special interest. The student must submit a Non-Degree Seeking Graduate Application along with the application fee and official transcripts. Non-degree seeking students must fulfill the same quality standards as degree seeking students and be approved by the Coordinator of the program in which the course they are seeking is located. A non-degree seeking student is limited to a cumulative total of nine credit hours, unless otherwise stipulated herein by a college, without being admitted to a degree program. Degree seeking students have priority over non-degree seeking students in the event that space is limited, and non-degree seeking students may be excluded from certain courses in specific programs. A non-degree seeking student may apply for a graduate degree program by completing the Graduate Application and meeting all requirements for admission.

The University is not obligated to accept a non-degree seeking student as a degree seeking student, and there is no guarantee that coursework completed as a non-degree seeking student will fulfill degree requirements.

Audit

An applicant applying for admission as an audit student must submit a Non-Degree Seeking Graduate Application. No record of previous academic work is required. An audit student will earn no University credit, nor will academic work be graded. Enrollment will be subject to availability of space. Auditing a class requires the instructor’s approval.

Seeking Second Graduate Degree

Each Master’s degree must be a minimum of 30 unique hours subject to the following conditions:

• Both degrees are completed within the time allowed.
• Written approval from the second graduate program, or in the case of concurrent degrees, from both graduate programs.

International Students

International students applying for admission to any of Southeastern’s graduate programs must meet all normal requirements for admission for those programs.

Additional requirements are as follows:

1. Valid TOEFL scores for students whose native language is not English: a minimum score of 540 on the paper-based test, 207 on the computer-based test, or 76 on the Internet-based test (IBT); Financial sponsorship while in the United States as evidenced by the Affidavit of Financial Support (required for release of the I-20);
2. Copy of valid passport and any U.S. visas held.

An international student must have completed a program equivalent to the baccalaureate degree in the United States. International credentials must be evaluated by an independent evaluation service. Certified translation of all documents must also be provided, if necessary. The cost for these services must be paid by the applicant. For a list of qualified evaluators go to http://www.naces.org/members.htm or contact the Admission Office. An I-20 for non-resident aliens will not be issued until all documents for admission has been received and approved. International applicants are expected to make application well in advance of their projected enrollment date. In accordance with immigration regulations, international students must carry a full academic load each semester. Any changes in schedule must be approved by the International Student Coordinator.

Registration

Registration dates for each term are identified on the program schedule, and the dates and times for early registration will be published for each semester or term. Students are notified by SEU email when registration opens. All registration needs to take place for the semester before the end of the drop/add period. Late registration and changes of classes are allowed through the drop/add period of each semester. Those considering late registration should contact their program director for specific details.  All tuition and fees for the semester must be paid by the drop/add deadline unless other arrangements have been made.  Financial arrangements are complete only when the student has reached an agreement with the Business Office regarding method of payment (payment in full, or a signed contract) for tuition and other related costs.  The student cannot register for classes until financial arrangements are completed.

Students must maintain active status in a degree program.  To maintain such status, a student must register for one or more courses or file a Leave of Absence for each inactive semester or term.  If a student neglects to do so, he or she will be required to apply for readmission after more than one calendar year.  Students are financially and academically responsible for all courses selected at registration.

Course Load

The normal academic load is 6-9 hours per semester.  Students must not register for more than 12 hours per semester except with the graduate coordinator’s approval.  This is typically only the case for intensive schedule courses that do not conflict with the schedule of other courses. This includes any coursework taken at other institutions. Transient approval is required prior to enrolling in coursework elsewhere to be transferred to SEU. The student should project his/her own timeframe to complete the program based upon the pace at which the student chooses to advance in the program.  Students employed full-time are encouraged to carefully consider limiting their course load during any semester or term.  (Pro-rated financial aid may be available for part- time students.  See the business office for details).

Drop/Add Policy

The drop/add period is the first week of each semester.  The drop/add deadline is published in the academic calendar and is emailed to all students. Students may add, drop or make changes to their class schedule during this period.  Students should contact their program Coordinator or academic advisor prior to making a scheduling change; however, the student is ultimately responsible for his or her educational choices.  The web registration permission will be inactivated at 11:59 p.m. on the last day of the drop/add period.  Failure to attend class or to drop the course via your web access may result in the recording of F or WF grades. Technical difficulties on the final day of the drop/add period do not absolve the student from responsibility.  The entry of the dropped course(s) will not appear on any permanent academic record and full tuition refund is permitted within this period.  Once the drop/add period ends no additional course changes are permitted other than official withdrawal.

Course Registration Appeals

Course drops after a semester drop/add deadline are not allowed without a written appeal from the student to the Registrar. The appeal must contain reasons that justify such an exception to the deadline. The outcome of a student appeal request will be based on the student’s financial aid awarded, the point in time during the semester, and other contributing factors. A class that has been attempted cannot be dropped without an approved written appeal.

Class Attendance

Semester Continuance Policy

Medical

A student may occasionally have an issue or life event that prohibits him/her from finishing a semester successfully within the 16-week or 8-week term. This Semester Continuance Policy is designed to assist a student in completing a semester of courses successfully by extending the deadline for a specified time in order to complete required coursework. Reasons can be varied and unexpected. Various triggers for continuation may be identified as medical, such as an accident resulting in an injury or hospitalization due to an unexpected illness or emotional and psychological issues due to a personal trauma or criminal attack. Requested semester continuation for any of the above listed reasons will be coordinated by the Director of Academic and Auxiliary Services.

In order to be granted a semester continuance, a student must have successfully completed 60% of the course or courses, which is 9 weeks of a 15-week semester or 5 weeks of an 8-week semester, with satisfactory progress in each course under consideration for an extension of the coursework deadline.

Requests for semester continuance are submitted to the Director of Academic and Auxiliary Services. Submission of medical or other appropriate documentation will be required.  If the student has not yet completed 60% of the course and course work, it will be recommended that the student withdraw from the course. Depending on the situation and the amount of time that has been spent so far in the course or courses, a written appeal to drop the course or courses and financial charges or proration of charges will be considered. The written appeal must be from the student rather than the parent, if the student is able to write an appeal. The appeal will be reviewed by the Registrar. Southeastern University is under no obligation to drop charges for any course that has been attempted past the drop/add deadline.  

Professors of each course under consideration for an extension of the deadline will be consulted. The extension will be determined and documented in writing with a definite list of expectations and the new deadline for all assignments to be submitted. Failure to finish the course work by the new deadline will result in the grade earned by the student. Again, if satisfactory progress has not been made in a course at the point of the need for continuance, the professor and the Director of Academic and Auxiliary Services will recommend the student withdraw from the course. A grade of W will be posted, which does not impact the GPA. The student may appeal to have a late withdrawal granted after the 60% mark has passed. Arrangements and notifications to Housing, Financial Aid and other pertinent departments of the university must be made by the student.

Communication with family members may take place as needed while guarding specific student academic records, based on the FERPA authorization that the student has made or not made. Protected information may include the courses in which the student is enrolled.

Non-Medical

The coursework to be completed by the student will be determined by each professor based on the number of weeks that have passed and the progress made so far in each course. Every consideration should be given in order to assist the student to finish the course successfully within the guidelines described in the policy. The requirements for completion of the course will not be reduced or waived.

Once the Director of Academic and Auxiliary Services has determined a course of action based on the feedback from professors or the Registrar, Semester Continuance forms will be signed by the student. Professors will be notified that the semester has been extended for the student with a definitive deadline for all work to be submitted.

The following points should be understood and communicated to the student:

1. A shorter extension will result in better outcomes. Financial aid for future semesters is impacted by having Incomplete “I” grades in courses when a new semester begins. If the work can be completed within 30 days, agree to that time frame; however, the student may be given up to one full semester to complete all course work.
2. The student must be advised that if the deadline is not met for all course work, the grade earned will be issued. The grade for non-completion will be F.
3. Agreement should be made in advance as to when the professor will be available.

The Director of Academic and Auxiliary Services will set a reminder to follow-up on the student’s progress in courses by contacting the student and the professors, as needed. Follow-up attempts and outcomes will be documented in the student’s record.

Withdrawal and Readmission

Former students who have not been in attendance of Southeastern University within one semester, or who withdrew during a semester for any reason, must submit a formal application for readmission.

Directed Study 

Directed Study is a regular course taken by special arrangements under the supervision of an instructor. A student enrolled as a degree-seeking candidate may apply for Directed Study. Forms for Directed Study are available from the Office of the Registrar. Directed Study must be approved by the supervising instructor, advisor, department chair, and Provost prior to registration.

The following apply to Directed Study registration:

1. Registration for Directed Study must be completed during the regular on-campus registration period as stated in the university calendar.
2. Directed Study courses must be completed within one semester. Extensions must be requested and approved in the same manner established for classroom-based courses (see university policy on incompletes).
3. The regular grading scale applies to courses completed by Directed Study.
4. The following additional conditions must be met for Directed study requested in a fall or spring semester
   1. The course is required for the student’s major
   2. The student has an unavoidable scheduling conflict.
5. Directed Study is restricted by faculty availability.
6. Directed Study may be utilized to pursue an area of study that can be individually designed by the professor in collaboration with the student.
7. The professor and the student should not proceed with the course of study until the registration is approved, entered, and reflected on the student’s official course schedule.

Grades and Quality Points

The following scale of letter grades is used in recording a student’s academic progress:
 

GPA Calculation

Quality points are the numerical equivalent of the letter grades and are assigned for each credit hour earned as indicated by the above scale. For example, a three-credit hour course with an earned A grade equals 12 quality points. In determining a grade point average (GPA): Total number of quality points earned divided by total number of semester hours attempted for which quality point values are assigned = GPA.

Grades for all attempted courses will remain on the student’s permanent record. If a course is repeated, the highest of the grades will be computed in the student’s grade point average (GPA). Students who wish to appeal a grade must do so within the immediate succeeding semester. Otherwise, the recorded grade is permanent and can be changed only by repeating the course. No grades, GPA or test scores may be changed or added after the degree and diploma are awarded.

Incomplete Grades

An “I” grade indicates incomplete course work and may be recorded when a student is passing but cannot complete the course due to illness or serious personal emergency. The student is required to initiate consultation with the professor and the program coordinator, and department chair, dean of the college by filing a written request for an “I” grade. Supporting documentation must accompany the written request which must be submitted to both the professor and the program coordinator, and the department chair or dean of the college. An “I” may be recorded for a maximum of one semester and is not computed in the student’s GPA. If an “I” is not changed by the end of the immediate succeeding semester, the grade automatically converts to an “F” and is recorded on the student’s permanent record. An “F” grade is computed in the GPA. Students should be aware that an incomplete course may hinder the award of financial aid in a subsequent semester.

Grade Forgiveness Policy

Graduate students must repeat courses in which they do not obtain at least a “C-” letter grade. If a student receives more than two “C” grades, then they must repeat those courses over the allowable two. The higher grade will be the grade that contributes toward the cumulative grade point average. In situations where the course needed to be repeated is no longer available or offered, a similar course may be substituted with the approval of the dean of the college and the Registrar. The failed course will remain on the student’s transcript, even after the course has been repeated.

Academic Integrity

“Academic dishonesty” refers to plagiarism or cheating (see definitions below). Should a professor suspect academic dishonesty of any kind, the professor will follow the guidelines below and will refer the student to Academic Intervention at the Academic Center for Enrichment by submitting an Early Alert (the Early Alert link is available through JICS). Intervention will note the instance in the student’s file and will follow up to make sure that all consequences dictated by the professor and university policy have been completed. To effectively counter academic dishonesty, professors must follow these guidelines in all instances of plagiarism and cheating.

LEVEL 1

            Level 1 is only used for undergraduate students.

LEVEL 2

            Academic Dishonesty will be considered a Level 2 offense when it is:

• The first instance of plagiarism of up to 50% for a graduate student; OR
• The first instance of cheating on a test or assignment.

           Consequences for the student for a Level 2 offense must include:

• Completing an Academic Integrity (AI) course that includes strategies for avoiding plagiarism and cheating (required if not already taken); AND
• Receiving a grade penalty in the course; AND
• Receiving a Z grade annotation (may only be removed by successful completion of the AI course).

            Additionally, the consequences may include any or all of the following:

• Correcting the plagiarism in the assignment for a grade; AND/OR
• Failing the course; AND/OR
• Losing eligibility to take certain types of courses for the remainder of their careers at Southeastern.

LEVEL 3

            Academic Dishonesty will be considered a Level 3 offense when it is:

• The second (or higher) instance of plagiarism in a graduate student’s career at Southeastern; OR
• Is the second instance of cheating on a test or assignment for any graduate or undergraduate student

           Consequences for Level 3 offenses must include the following:

• Receiving a grade penalty in the course; AND
• Completing an AI course that includes strategies for avoiding plagiarism and cheating (required if not taken previously); AND
• Receiving a Z grade annotation (required, see below)
• Note: students with a level 3 offense may not withdraw from a course or will be added back to the roster

            Additionally, consequences may include any or all of the following:

• Failing the course; AND/OR
• Losing eligibility to take certain types of courses for the remainder of their careers at Southeastern; AND/OR
• Expulsion from the University at the discretion of the Provost

Definitions

Plagiarism 

Plagiarism occurs when a writer uses someone else’s language, ideas, or other original material without acknowledging its source.

Plagiarism includes unattributed use of any source, in any medium, published or unpublished. Work already submitted for a grade in another course may not be resubmitted unless the professor specifically states otherwise.

Some examples of plagiarism include but not limited to:

• Quoting or paraphrasing material without attributing it to its source
• Copying segments from the work of others without giving proper credit
• Submitting as original work written entirely by someone else

Cheating

Cheating is attempting to present, as one’s own, work that one has not performed, or using improper means to pass an examination. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• The sharing of unauthorized information regarding specific content of assignment/examinations or using books, notes or other material without the instructor’s permission.
• The discussion of any aspect of the assignment/examination before all students have completed it.
• Speaking or otherwise communicating with one another in English or any other language or manner during an examination.
• Submitting work the student has not done him- or herself. This includes papers, projects, homework assignments, computer programs, etc.
• Submitting of the same paper or assignment, or material portions thereof, for more than one course (except by both instructors’ approval and in accordance with criteria established by each of them).
• Falsifying of research data.
• Preventing student or faculty access to course material. This includes mutilating or stealing materials provided by the university for the examination, and/or disabling and interfering with required equipment (i.e. computer equipment or databases.
• Using electronic devices such as cell phones or calculators to store information or materials that are not authorized by the instructor.

Other violations may include:

• Failing to follow any other explicit regulation or expectation announced by the instructor, and/or circulated to each student. This includes failure to use surveillance equipment or software as required by the professor. It is the responsibility of the student to confer with an instructor when procedures are unclear.
• Falsifying a signature on any official university document.
• Altering the contents and/or intent of any official university document.
• Intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help another to violate any provision of this policy. 

Invalid Attempt

The program coordinator and department chair or college dean reserve the right to differentiate between cases of cheating and invalid exam attempts. If an invalid attempt incident is determined, the student is not required to take the academic integrity course, nor given a “Z” grade. Re-attempting the submission or assignment is permitted at the professor’s discretion.

Violation of Federal Copyright Laws 

“102. Subject matter of copyright: In general

(a) Copyright protection subsists, in accordance with this title, in original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression, now known or later developed, from which they can be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated, either directly or with the aid of a machine or device.” (https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html).

“506. Criminal offenses

(a) Criminal Infringement.—

(1) In general.—Any person who willfully infringes a copyright shall be punished as provided under section 2319 of title 18…” (https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap5.html).

For detailed information, please see the website of the U.S. Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov.

Z Grade Annotation 

When a professor, program coordinator, and department chair or college dean conclude that cheating has occurred (plagiarism or some other form of cheating), the student’s course grade will be preceded by the letter Z (ZB, ZC, ZD, ZF, with +/- designations as appropriate). The transcript key will indicate that the Z grade annotation is assigned in cases of cheating. If the student has withdrawn from the class in which the cheating occurred, he or she should be added back to the roster and assigned a Z grade annotation. When submitting final grades, an intervention coordinator will inform the Registrar’s Office, which will affix a “Z” in front of the grade. The intervention coordinator will also inform the faculty, program coordinator, and department chair or college dean involved in this process.

After the first cheating offense in the student’s SEU career, the student may complete a required AI course, normally prior to the start of the next 8-week term. At the discretion of the professor of the course in which cheating occurred, the student may be required to retake the academic course the next time it is offered to replace the grade. Upon receiving documentation of successful completion of the AI course and, if required, the retaken academic course, the professor awarding the Z (or academic dean, if the professor is no longer at SEU) will instruct the Registrar to remove the Z from the student’s transcript. After second or subsequent cheating offenses, the Z grade annotation cannot be removed. This penalty may be applied at the professor, coordinator, chair, or dean level. The processes stated in the Student Appeal and Complaint Policy are to be utilized should a student seek an appeal of any decision rendered under the Academic Integrity policy.

Transcripts

The official academic record for each student is maintained in the Office of the Registrar.  A signed authorization from the student must be received before an official transcript can be released as required by law.  A student may submit a transcript request in person or through the web service found on the university’s web-site.  Transcripts are normally processed within five days upon receipt of the request.  A transcript cannot be released if the student has financial obligations to the university or other account holds.  This policy includes past due payments on financial aid.  

To order a transcript, students should visit www.seu.edu/registrar/, click Transcript Request and follow the instructions shown. Students will need to provide full name including maiden if married, current mailing address, social security number, date of birth, name and complete address for recipient of transcript, number of copies requested, and if not automatically authorized, student’s signature and date. Current semester grades are posted approximately two weeks after final exams end. Make sure you get a transcript order number after clicking the submit button.  Check your email or fax machine for updates on your transcript request, as you may be sent an authorization form to sign and return to us.

Withdrawals

Withdrawal from a Course

Students may withdraw from a course without academic penalty by the Course Withdrawal Date (stated in the SEU Calendar).  The official date of withdrawal will be the date the Course Withdrawal Form is filed with the Office of the Registrar.  A grade of W will be recorded on the student’s record.  Students administratively withdrawn from a graduate course will receive a grade of WF. Complete withdrawal from the University is not part of this policy.  Withdrawal forms are found in MySEU under Academics/Registrar.  Withdrawal forms must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar before the Course Withdrawal Deadline.  There is no tuition refund for a course withdrawal.

Withdrawal from the University

A student who is registered for classes is financially and academically obligated to follow the University withdrawal policy.  Students contemplating withdrawal from the graduate program must arrange a conference with the Program Coordinator.  If a student finds it necessary to withdraw from the graduate program during the academic term, an official withdrawal from all classes is necessary.  A student must obtain a Withdrawal Form from the Office of the Registrar and have the form signed by the required departments to officially withdraw from the University.  Dropping all classes and/or not attending classes does not constitute an official withdrawal and may result in a grade of F for each course.  Professors have the right to recommend administrative withdrawal for students who do not attend class or to assign the WF grade.  Failure to properly withdraw obligates the student to tuition and other fees incurred and may lead to future problems in transferring credits to other graduate institutions or when applying for readmission to SEU. A grade of WD will be recorded for official withdrawal from the University. The date of official withdrawal will be the date the completed form is filed with the Office of the Registrar. The policy on refunds is described in the Financial Information section.

Leave of Absence

Students who find it necessary to interrupt the regular sequence of enrollment are expected to file a written notice to the program director/coordinator.  This notice must include the following information:

The student’s name and ID number,

1. A request of the start and end dates of the Leave of Absence, and
2. An explanation of the circumstances regarding the request.
3. Time spent on leave of absence is counted in the total time limit for graduate coursework.  

A student who interrupts academic enrollment for one calendar year or more is subject to the academic regulations in effect at the time enrollment is resumed.

Academic Advising

Upon acceptance into a graduate program, each student will be assigned an individual with expertise in the chosen field to serve as the student’s academic advisor.  The student is responsible for corresponding with his or her academic advisor no later than the first day of classes during the initial semester and regularly otherwise based on program protocol during the course of enrollment in the program.  The academic advisor’s role is to assist the student in planning his or her academic program, to offer personal guidance regarding choices in career and coursework, to approve the student’s degree plan, to evaluate and maintain the student’s degree audit, to assist with admission to candidacy, to advise regarding probation or suspension, and to support in matters of registration and course selection.

Declaration of Degree and Changing Programs

Every student who is accepted for enrollment as a degree-seeking graduate student must declare their degree on the admission application specific to that program.  Any changes in graduate degree following initial enrollment must be arranged and approved by the student’s academic advisor and the chair/coordinator of any new degree program in advance of any semester being considered for this change. Descriptions of specific enrollment requirements for any graduate program are available in the Programs of Study on the website. Any approved changes in degree may then be officially entered by completing a Major/Minor Declaration form with the Office of the Registrar.  

These forms can be found on the Southeastern University MySEU website, or obtained through the Office of the Registrar. Change of degree may place a student under different catalog requirements.

Academic Progress Standards

The term “Academic Progress Standards” defines a minimum standard of progress that the University expects graduate students to achieve as they work toward their educational goals.  A satisfactory level of academic achievement is determined on the basis of the student’s cumulative grade point average calculated on the basis of all graduate work attempted. To be eligible for continued enrollment in good standing, a student must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average.  Students who maintain the standards noted below will ensure they graduate with the required cumulative GPA. Students are expected to maintain a cumulative 3.0 grade point average in their graduate program. A student is in academic good standing only if his or her cumulative grade point average is 3.0 or higher.  The maximum number of C grades (C-, C or C+) allowed in a graduate program is two. If a student earns a grade of D-, D, D+ or F in a course, the student may be placed on probation or suspension. Courses in which a student receives a grade of less than C- will not be counted toward degree completion, and if the course is required for degree completion, it must be retaken with a minimal grade of C- .

Students who fall below the minimum GPA will be placed on academic probation and may be suspended. A student must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined below to be eligible for federal financial aid programs at Southeastern University.  To qualify for state financial aid, a student must maintain the standard of progress as defined by the state agency. In addition, agencies and/or organizations supporting academic scholarships may enforce stricter eligibility standards than the minimum standards required by Southeastern University. Refer to the section on Financial Aid Information for additional criteria that may apply.

Some university master’s programs require or give the option for a culminating project, thesis, or directed reading, or specific field experience hours for graduation. These culminating efforts will be taken as a regular course with the intent that the student completes the culminating effort in that term. In the event a student is unable to complete that culminating effort in the designated semester, the student must enroll in a zero-credit continuation course with an associated fee for each semester until the completion of the culminating project, thesis, directed research, or field experience. After three semesters of continuance (one year), the original course grade(s) will revert to an F.

Standards for time for completion of specific degree programs are included in Programs of Study.

Academic Probation

Academic Probation may be imposed when:

1. A student fails to attain a cumulative 2.75 average for the first 9 hours or less
2. A student fails to attain a cumulative 3.0 average at any point beyond the initial 9 hours
3. A student earns a D-, D or D+

Academic probation is imposed for one semester or term. The student will remain on academic probation until he or she attains a cumulative average of 3.0 or higher.   Probationary status permits the student to continue in the program while working with his or her academic advisor to address deficiencies and take corrective action for improvement.  A student placed on academic probation may not enroll for more than 9 semester hours.

Academic Suspension

Academic Suspension may be imposed in the following circumstances for a student on probation:

1. If the student fails to attain a semester GPA of 3.0 by the end of a semester or term
2. If the student fails to attain a 3.0 in any course while on probation
3. If the student’s cumulative GPA falls below 2.5.
4. If the student earns an F.

A probationary student may be suspended from the program for one semester or term. In this event, the Registrar issues a letter of notification to the student, and a permanent entry is recorded on the student’s transcript.

While suspended from the degree program on academic grounds, a student may only attempt to improve his or her cumulative average by repeating courses in which a grade of less than B- has been received.  If the student’s cumulative average reaches 2.5 or higher, the student may apply for readmission to the degree program.

Appeal for Readmission Under Academic Suspension

The University recognizes that extenuating circumstances may occur which are beyond the student’s control and which contribute the student’s poor academic performance.  A student may appeal an academic suspension to the Dean of the college in which the program is offered. The student must submit a written appeal with supporting documentation for review.  A readmitted student must agree to a set of conditions that must be met for continued enrollment. If the student fails to meet one or more of the conditions, a dismissal notice will be issued.  The Dean of the college in which the program is offered will inform the student of the decision within five working days of receipt of the appeal.

Academic Center for Enrichment (ACE)

The Academic Center for Enrichment (ACE) is located on the second floor of Buena Vida East. The Center provides tutoring, academic coaching, success seminars, and subject specific workshops to enrich our students’ academic learning experiences. Students may access tutoring services through several options which include walk-in, online, and recurring appointments.

ACE also partners with faculty to offer subject specific supplemental instruction workshops in math, science, accounting, music, history, and other content areas. Along with our professional team of Academic Success Coaches, tutoring sessions and workshops are conducted by peer facilitators who receive certified tutor training and are assigned mentors who complement the training hours. Trained facilitators are expected to carry a minimum 3.5 Grade Point Average in their majors and must be able to efficiently apply that knowledge. Interested students are encouraged to contact the office and follow the application process.

ACE also works cooperatively with the Office of Academic Success to provide facilitators for students who are in need of accommodations. The Center is also equipped with a Kurzweil Reader/Scanner, reader assistant technology.

Tutoring sessions may range from 25 to 50 minutes per session. Multiple sessions can be scheduled when needed. Success Workshops and subject specific workshops are scheduled on demand.

For more information call 863-667-5137, or e-mail ace@seu.edu.

Appeals Process

A student who has an unresolved issue in a course or program after communicating with the professor or academic advisor directly and has not received satisfactory answers related to degree completion, transfer of credit, advising questions or non-response, may appeal to the Chair or Coordinator of the program of the course regarding the matter.  If the issue is still unresolved following the meeting with the Chair or Coordinator of the program, the student may appeal to the Dean of the college for a resolution.

Students who are unsure of whom to contact regarding particular issues should direct their appeals for assistance to the Retention Coordinator (retention@seu.edu, 863.667.5435) who will make sure the student is connected with the right person or office to receive a resolution.

Credit Hour

One semester credit hour will be awarded for a minimum of 750 minutes (50 minute class x 15 weeks) of formalized instruction that typically requires students to work at out-of-class assignments an average of twice the amount of time as the amount of formalized instruction (1,500 minutes). It is acknowledged that formalized instruction may take place in a variety of modes.

While awarding of semester credit hours typically occurs for instruction delivered in accordance with an institution’s standard semester calendar, it may also occur for instruction that may not follow the typical pattern, as long as the criteria for awarding such credit is met. The expectation of contact time inside the classroom and student effort outside the classroom is the same in all formats of a course whether it be fully online, a hybrid or face-to-face contact with some content delivered by electronic means, or one delivered in lecture or seminar format. Courses that have less structured classroom schedules, such as research seminars, independent studies, internships, practicums, or any other academic work leading to the award of credit hours should state clearly learning objectives, expected outcomes and workload expectations that meet the standards set forth above.

This credit hour policy applies to all courses at all levels (graduate, professional, and undergraduate) that award academic credit (i.e. any course that appears on an official transcript issued by the University) regardless of the mode of delivery including, but not limited to, self-paced, online, hybrid, lecture, seminar, and laboratory. Academic units are responsible for ensuring that credit hours are awarded only for work that meets the requirements outlined in this policy.

Transfer of Credit from Other Institutions

General Conditions for All Credit Transfer

1. New transferring students must submit an official transcript from all previous institutions by the end of the student’s first semester in order to have credit transferred in. An official transcript is submitted in a sealed envelope from the college or university. We will not be able to accept an opened transcript as official.
2. Once accepted into a degree program at Southeastern University, a student must obtain a transient letter to have credits accepted from another institution.
3. All transfer credit must be approved by the end of the first semester in which the student is enrolled at Southeastern University.
4. Credits accepted in transfer must be graded with a “B-” or higher.
5. Courses accepted in transfer are calculated into the student’s GPA.
6. Southeastern University requires all college-level work to be represented on an officially approved and sealed transcript from the originating institution.

Transfer Practices

1. The Transfer Credit Practices of Designated Educational Institutions published by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers is referenced.
2. The university reserves the right to deny credit for specific courses from any college or university, regardless of accreditation.
3. Credits earned at an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association are transferred on an unconditional basis with the exception of developmental, vocational, technical, or occupational courses.
4. Southeastern University will normally only accept in transfer credits earned at an institution which is regionally accredited or complies with article one of this transfer policy.
5. Students who are transferring from an unaccredited institution may petition the program coordinator for an exception to the policy by requesting that their credits be evaluated on a course by course basis. The student may petition by completing the Credit Evaluation Worksheet form in its entirety and submitting it to the Office of the Registrar. The Credit Evaluation Worksheet is available in the Office of the Registrar. Southeastern University recognizes that quality instruction and learning can and does take place in non-traditional settings, but the university is also committed to the concept that coursework transferred or accepted for credit must represent collegiate coursework relevant to the degree being sought, with course content and level of instruction resulting in student competencies at least equivalent to those of students enrolled in Southeastern University’s own degree programs.
   1. To facilitate the evaluation of the student’s credits, he or she will be asked to supply the following documentation:
      1. an official transcript;
      2. full course descriptions form the awarding institution;
      3. information regarding the credentials of instructors;
      4. information regarding course contact hours;
      5. information regarding textbooks used;
      6. any other documentation deemed necessary by the Registrar or the department in which the course of study is being pursued, for example, exams, research papers, original course syllabus, and other relevant documents by which the rigor of the course may be determined by the appropriate faculty or evaluator at Southeastern University. A positive evaluation is essential for the credit to be accepted.
   2. A maximum of 25% of the required program credit hours may be accepted in transfer at the approval of the program director..  Some programs have different requirements; please see the Program of Study for specific exceptions.
   3. Only those credits earned in the seven years prior to admission will be eligible to be applied in transfer to a graduate program.
   4. Course-by-course petitions require the transfer of credit be held pending the documentation of successful work during the student’s first semester (9 credit hours minimum) of attendance at Southeastern University. Credits will not be transferred if the student fails to meet a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
6. International credits must come from a college or university recognized by the country’s department of education or ministry. Credits will only be reviewed after an official transcript has been submitted to the Office of the Registrar and an evaluation has been performed by an approved independent evaluation service. Contact the Office of the Registrar for a list of approved service providers. The student is responsible for the cost of this service.

7. Southeastern University does not generally accept credit given by one institution for another institution’s transferred credits.

8. Credits eligible for transfer will not be removed at a student’s request.

9. Some programs have specific requirements; please see the Program of Study for specific exceptions.

Transfer Credit Appeals

A student may appeal a Transfer Credit decision to the Dean of the college in which the program is offered. The student must submit a written appeal with supporting documentation for review. The Dean of the college in which the program is offered will inform the student of the decision within five working days of receipt of the appeal.

Degree Requirements

See Programs of Study for specific degree requirements for each graduate degree program.

Confidentiality of Student Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are “eligible students.”

• Eligible students have the right to inspect and review their education records maintained by Southeastern University. SEU is not required to provide copies of records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the records.
• Eligible students have the right to request that SEU correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading.
• Generally, SEU must have written permission from the student in order to release any information from a student’s education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):
  • School officials with legitimate educational interest;
  • Other schools to which a student is transferring;
  • 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; and
  • State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.

Schools may disclose, without consent, “directory” information such as a student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. SEU notifies students annually of their rights under FERPA.

Graduation

Application for Graduation

Degree requirements are based on the catalog in effect at the time the student first enrolls as a degree- seeking student.  Students may elect to complete the requirements in effect at the time of first enrollment as a degree-seeking student, or they may elect to complete the requirements of the current catalog.  The degree requirements of the current catalog will be applied to all students who are readmitted to degree- seeking status.

A degree candidate must file a formal written application for graduation with the Office of the Registrar. This application must be submitted along with the graduation fee in force at the time of application in the semester or term of expected graduation by the deadline published in the program schedule.  Applications for graduation are available in the Office of the Registrar.

If a student applies for graduation and pays the graduation fee, but fails to meet degree requirements, a new application must be submitted with graduation fee by the deadline for the semester or term in which the degree requirements are completed.  No refund or credit is given for the first graduation fee.

Candidates must clear all incomplete grades in courses required for graduation and provide transcripts of all transferred coursework needed for graduation at least three weeks prior to the end of the semester or term of graduation.

A satisfactory program audit form and exit and/or comprehensive exam scores must be on file with the Office of the Registrar, all financial obligations with the University must be satisfied, and all degree program requirements must be met prior to graduation clearance.  A student on academic probation or otherwise academically deficient will not be eligible to apply for the degree or graduation until the condition of probation or deficiency is removed.

Graduation Requirements

To receive a graduate degree from Southeastern University, students must meet the minimum graduate requirements set forth by the University along with specific requirements established by the degree program.  Each individual degree may specify additional requirements; the University Catalog lists these requirements under the respective degree programs.

The student is responsible to know and comply with the regulations and requirements contained in the catalog(s).  Graduate academic advisors are helpful in preparing degree plans and assisting students in their degree progress, but the primary responsibility is the student’s.  The following are minimum requirements:

1. Completion of an approved program of study (programs are described in the Programs of Study section).
2. Completion of all undergraduate prerequisites or co-requisites as applicable to the program of study with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
3. A minimum grade of C- on all graduate coursework.
4. Successful completion of required hours for the chosen Graduate Program with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale computed on all graduate work taken at Southeastern University. No grade of less than C- and no more than six semester hours with the letter grade of C-, C or C+ earned at Southeastern University will be accepted as credit for any graduate degree.  No course with the grade of less than B- will be accepted as transfer credit. Any course in which a grade of C- or less was received may be repeated no more than once.
5. Completion of all degree requirements, which were in effect at the time of the student’s initial entrance into the program or which are currently in effect – within a period of seven years.
6. Approval by the graduate faculty for graduation as certified by the Dean of the college in which the program is offered by completion of an approved Graduation Degree Audit and filing with the Registrar.
7. Discharge of all financial obligations to the University.  All financial holds must be cleared.
8. The filing of all necessary forms including the Application for Graduation in accordance with the timetable provided in the program schedule.
9. Successful completion of the graduate program’s Comprehensive Examination(s), if any. These examinations are taken in the final semester or term of the program.
10. Successful completion of the graduate program’s specific thesis or project requirements, if any, including the successful completion of the oral defense of the thesis or project, if required.
11. Successful completion of the residency requirement, if required.

Graduation Degree Audit Policy 

Students who have earned the appropriate number of credit hours and are within one semester of graduation must file an Application for Graduation Form to the Office of the Registrar.  An approved Graduation Degree Audit signed by the student’s advisor, department chair (as appropriate) and college Dean must be must be completed and filed with the Registrar prior to deadline published by the Registrar.

A degree audit is an outline of degree requirements based on a specific catalog year that enables the student and his/her advisor to assess the student’s academic progress and additional coursework needed to fulfill the graduate requirements. The audit is a valuable tool in guiding students in the right direction towards academic planning, course selection and degree completion.

How to Complete an Application for Graduation

1. Obtain an Application for Graduation Form from the Graduation Information page on MySEU.
2. Submit the Application for Graduation Form by returning the document to the Office of the Registrar; via e-mail at: registrar@seu.edu; by fax to ATTN: Office of the Registrar at (863) 667-5200 or U.S. Mail.
3. After the request form is filed, an official graduation audit will be processed and completed by the student’s advisor and forwarded to the department chair (where appropriate) and Dean for signature.  The student will receive an email from the advisor directing him/her to contact or visit them to review the analysis of the degree audit, highlighting final degree requirements for the student. All final academic requirements specified on this audit must be completed in order for the student to graduate. 
4. When meeting with the student’s advisor to review the Graduation Degree Audit, the student will sign and the advisor will forward it to the Office of the Registrar. A student is not classified as a candidate for graduation until the application has been received and an official degree audit is processed, reviewed, signed and approved by the Office of the Registrar.

Hooding and Commencement

Graduates will be hooded at the Commencement service, which is held at the end of the fall and spring semesters of each academic year, or in a separate hooding ceremony prior to Commencement.  Candidates are encouraged to attend the appropriate exercises. Each program has its own policies about whether a student may walk in graduation ceremonies with any requirements remaining to be completed.

Adornment

Honor cords and approved medallions are the only graduation adornment that graduates will be allowed to wear at official graduation ceremonies of Southeastern University. Graduation stoles, decorations, or other adornment are not permitted other than appropriate graduation hoods presented by the student’s college either at a separate hooding ceremony or commencement. Honor cords should represent high academic achievement by graduates as recognized through their respective departments and colleges. Membership in College and Department honor societies may also be represented by appropriate honor cords.

Career Services

Southeastern University’s career exploration office, COMPASS, THE CENTER FOR CALLING & CAREER,  exists to serve the University community – students, alumni, faculty, and staff – by providing professional recommendations and guidance related to continuing education and employment. We provide career assessments, career coaching, resume preparation, internship and job boards, professional networking and career workshops, church and career expos and recruiting events. These services are provided through career-focused courses, employability seminars, and group and individual sessions. Career assessment services are provided using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®), Strong Interest Inventory®, along with an online job service, College Central Network.  Additional career guidance and advocacy may be provided through the student’s department and/or college.

Legal Name Changes

Students and former students/alumni may submit documentation of a legal name change to the Office of the Registrar. A court order or marriage certificate is required. Submit through SIS (Student Information System) while a current student. Submit to Alumni Office once you have graduated.