Registration & Academic Policies

University Communications

Each student is provided with an @fpu.edu email address as the official method for communicating deadlines and other important information. Students are required to check their Fresno Pacific University email on a regular basis.

University Catalog

Students are responsible for becoming familiar with the information presented in this catalog and for knowing and observing all policies and procedures related to their participation in the university community.

Students are personally responsible for following all policies and meeting all deadlines and requirements. This responsibility includes, but is not limited to, academic requirements and general rules listed in this catalog. Regulations will not be waived nor exceptions granted based on a student's lack of knowledge regarding Fresno Pacific University policies or procedures. Additional policies and procedures can be found in the student handbooks.

Catalog Controlling Graduation

Students must satisfy degree and course requirements as outlined in the catalog in effect at the time they first attended the university as degree candidates, provided they do not interrupt their studies. Degree completion students will be expected to complete the general education requirements in effect at the time of their first attendance in the Degree Completion Program and the cohort requirements in effect at the time of their first attendance in a cohort class. Once students interrupt their programs, it will be necessary to satisfy the degree and general education requirements as outlined in the catalog in effect at the time they re-enter as degree candidates, even if the changes in curriculum for that program are significant. Catalogs take effect on the first day of class for the fall term of the academic year for which they are published.

Students who wish to transfer their catalog should contact the registrar's office. It should be noted that while students are required to satisfy degree and course requirements as outlined in their matriculation catalog, university policies and procedures may change on a yearly basis and students are held to the policies and procedures as outlined in the current catalog.

Course Numbering

Lower-division undergraduate courses are numbered 100-299. Students are expected to complete all their 100- and 200-level courses in their freshman and sophomore years. Upper- division courses are intended for students with junior or senior standing and are numbered 300 and 400. Courses numbered 100-499 that include an H are honors courses. Course offerings at the 600-700 level are for eligible seniors and graduate students. Certain courses may also have prerequisites.

Course Syllabi and Assignments

The syllabi, course outlines or lesson plans for courses in the programs of study at Fresno Pacific University are subject to changes at the discretion of instructors. Students are encouraged to select courses based on degree requirements and other factors related to individual instructors, but students should not construe syllabi, et al., used in prior terms or distributed at the start of a term, as an unalterable commitment of the instructor or the university. For additional information, please go to www.fresno.edu

For traditional undergraduate students, no work will be accepted after 5:00 p.m. on Friday of the last week of the semester or session. For degree completion students, the last day to accept work is three days after the last day of class.

Transfer Credits/Credits for Previous Course Work

Transfer Credit Units

Students may receive credit for courses taken at other institutions, subject to the limitations given below. All documents used for transcript evaluation must be official.

All submitted transcripts become the property of Fresno Pacific University and cannot be returned to the student or forwarded to other institutions.

Transfer credit evaluations are conducted by the Registrar's Office. Students desiring additional review should coordinate that review with their faculty mentor or advisor.

Transfer credit is always evaluated and applied to a student's record according to the transfer standard in effect at the time the official transcript is received by the Registrar's Office. If the standard changes subsequent to the initial evaluation, the student may request that the Registrar's Office re-evaluate the transfer credit. Students make this request at their own risk, as the change in standards may result in fewer transfer credits and different FPU course requirements.

Quarter units are converted to semester units by multiplying the number of quarter units by 2 and then dividing by 3. For example, 5 quarter units times 2 divided by 3 = 3.33 semester units. See chart for further examples.

The university grants transfer credit in accordance with the following criteria:

1. A maximum of 70 semester units may be transferred from regionally accredited two-year institutions. (There are no limits on transfers from accredited four-year institutions.)
2. All transfer work is evaluated using the current FPU transfer agreement for the transfer school at the time of evaluation.
3. The course credit is from approved higher educational institutions:
   1. The following institutions with accreditation recognized by CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation):
      1. Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
      2. New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
      3. Higherl Learning Commission (HLC)
      4. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NCCU)
      5. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
      6. WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
      7. Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WJ)
      8. Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
      9. Association of Theological Schools (ATS)
      10. Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS)
      11. Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools (AARTS)
   2. Those types of credit listed under Other Types of Undergraduate Credit below.
4. A grade of C- or better was earned in the course.

Note: If a  transfer student has completed an Associates degree for transfer (ADT) or submitted the appropriate general education transfer certification, and received a grade lower than C- in one of those courses, then the student may have the associated general education requirement waived. This waived requirement will affect the number of elective credits a student must take to complete their degree.

5. The course content does not overlap or repeat courses already completed or to be completed at Fresno Pacific University or another institution.
6. Degree completion students may not transfer coursework for any of their program courses from other institutions; however some traditional undergraduate courses do meet program requirements. Check with the program advisor for specific information.

Also see the Degree Requirements section.

Foreign Transcript Evaluation

Previous educational work completed at foreign institutions requires a certified English translation and evaluation of the candidate's transcripts by one of the agencies approved by FPU. Postsecondary evaluations should be a Course-by-Course Report. Secondary education information may be a Document (degree) Report. Whether a student is an international or a domestic student, these third-party evaluations are required for the courses to be recognized as equivalent to U.S. baccalaureate or graduate-level work. For detailed information and a listing of accepted evaluation companies, please consult the FPU Registrar's Office webpage.

Course Substitution

Students may request that a course that is similar to a major course requirement or a general education course be substituted for the required course. (Substitutions cannot be made from life experience, work experience and non-baccalaureate coursework.) Students desiring a substitution should coordinate that review with their faculty mentor or advisor.

Challenge Exam

Students who feel they have a background in a particular field equivalent to that covered in a required FPU course may challenge that course by examination, providing the university acknowledges the course is eligible for challenge. For additional information, please refer to the Registrar's Office website.

Course Waiver

Occasionally, a specific course requirement may be waived because of previously completed coursework. If a course requirement is waived, other units must be substituted. A course waiver does not reduce the unit requirements for the degree program. Waivers cannot be made from life experience, work experience and non-baccalaureate coursework. For the process to request a waiver, please refer to the Registrar's Office website.

Other Types of Undergraduate Credit

A combined maximum of 30 units may be awarded for Advanced Placement exams, College Level Examination Program, International Baccalaureate exams, military or ACE credit, transfer credit from unaccredited institutions and prior learning assessment. For additional details on each of these types of credit, please refer to the Registrar's Office website.

Advanced Placement

Students who submit advanced placement test scores of three or higher may be granted 3 semester units of credit. Please see the Registrar's website for further details.

Prior Learning Assessment

Degree Completion students with the necessary prerequisites and two years of professional experience can learn how to reflect upon and make meaning out of their previous learning experiences in order to create learning portfolios.

There is no guarantee that submitted PLA portfolios will earn any unit credits. Grades will be Credit/No Credit only, and are not included in GPA calculations. PLA coursework is not allowable for remediation of a SAP status. PLA courses must be completed no less than 15 weeks prior to graduation.

Course Modes

Courses are offered in different types of delivery modes: Face-to-face, online, and blended.

Traditional Courses

Traditional courses meet in a face-to-face, traditional class setting for the equivalent of 15 class hours for each unit of credit. This course assumes approximately two hours of student work outside of class for each hour spent in class. Therefore, student time for a 3-unit course is assumed to be 135 hours (45 hours in class and 90 hours of student preparation).

Online Courses

An online course has most or all of the content delivered online. Online courses typically have no face-to-face meetings and all materials and activities are Internet based. Multimedia components may include: text, email, discussion boards, chat utilities, voice over Internet protocol, instant messaging, synchronous audio, video clips, interactive activities, simulations, games, self-grading exercises, quizzes, examinations, websites and other Internet resources.

Online courses that do not set specific times when all students must be online are described as being asynchronous. Online courses that set specific times when all students must be online are described as being synchronous.

Blended Courses

A blended, or hybrid, course blends online and face-to-face delivery. A blended course has required face-to-face meetings and online work.

Directed Study Courses

A directed study is a cataloged course taken by special arrangement and approved only to expand program offerings or meet specific program requirements that cannot be met in other ways. These courses are taught on an individual basis because of extraordinary circumstances. For additional information on requesting and completing a directed study, please refer to the Registrar's Office website.

Enrichment Courses

Selected courses are available for non-credit, personal enrichment, and are intended for individuals from the community to benefit from regular courses in the curriculum, subject to space availability and instructor approval.

Independent Study Courses

An independent study is a means of conducting in-depth research on a subject or for studying an area not covered by, but related to, the regular curriculum. For additional information on requesting and completing an independent study, please refer to the Registrar's Office website.

University Scholars Program

University Scholars Program (USP) courses are honors courses offered in several general education disciplines that fulfill general education requirements and in several academic majors as determined by program faculty. USP courses are not merely intensive general education or more strenuous major courses, but rather offer students an enriched and expanded educational experience in small classes. USP courses are designated with an H in the course number (e.g., HIST 120H .)

Academic Calendar

The academic year is divided into terms. The traditional undergraduate calendar is divided into three terms: the fall and spring terms, each 15 weeks in length, and a summer term. The degree completion calendar is divided into two terms, each six months long. Short-term course sessions within each term may be offered. The university only grants academic credit in semester units.

Registration

Only individuals who are registered may attend classes. (Traditional undergraduate wait-listed students may attend for the first two weeks of the semester.) For additional information on how to register for classes, consequences of late registration and registration dates please refer to the Registrar's Office website.

It is the responsibility of students to make changes in registration, such as dropping courses after the first week, withdrawing from programs, etc. within the appropriate deadlines. Failure to do so will result in a failing grade and financial indebtedness.

Traditional Undergraduate Students

Students must attend class during the first week of class or they will be administratively dropped from the course. See the Attendance section for the complete policy.

Students wishing to exceed 20 units must submit an academic petition. Undergraduate students who wish to take advantage of the four-year graduation guarantee must register the first week that registration is open.

Registration Deadlines

Standard Courses (6-16 Weeks Long)

Short Courses (Two to Five Weeks Long)

One Week Courses (Up to One Week Long)

Degree Completion and DSE Students

Degree completion students must be registered to receive cohort textbooks, attend class and have access to the syllabi in CampusCruiser. Students must attend class during the first week or they will be administratively dropped from the course. (See the Attendance section for the complete policy.)

Students may take a maximum of 24 units per semester. Students who have an FPU GPA of 3.0 or higher may appeal this policy to their program advisor, who will take into consideration all relevant factors before allowing additional units. Students wishing to exceed 27 units must submit an academic petition.

Because of the compressed nature of DC courses, students may wish to limit their course registration to two simultaneous classes.

Early registration is advised for general education and elective courses. Courses with low enrollment two weeks prior to the start of class may be cancelled or students may be transferred to an online version of the course.

Registration Deadlines

DC and DSE Courses

Course Availability

The university makes every reasonable effort to offer courses as announced. However, the university reserves the right to modify the class schedule or to cancel courses as necessary. Students may be administratively transferred to equivalent class sections. Not all courses listed in this catalog are offered each term.

Agreement Policy

Registration signifies that the student agrees to abide by the policies and procedures of the university. The university reserves the right to cancel the registration of any student who does not comply. This agreement is in keeping with the university's philosophy that students should be aware of the dimensions and constraints of the educational community in which they participate during the years of their enrollment. Students are required to respect the various academic and administrative deadlines listed in the academic calendar and other university publications.

Wait List

When a course reaches its authorized capacity, a student may request to be placed on a wait list. A course wait list is a list of students who wish to register for a course if and when space becomes available. For additional information on the policies and procedures related to course wait lists, please refer to Waitlist Policy.

Course Drops

Students who do not intend to complete a course should drop it online via EdPlan during the first week. Students who attend and drop the first week will not receive a grade. After the first week, see Course Withdrawals. Refunds and grades are based on the last day of attendance. Students must drop the course online by the drop deadline. Students who are unable to attend due to an emergency should contact the instructor and request an excused absence. After the first week, it is the students' responsibility to withdraw from courses they do not intend to complete. Each week the refund amount decreases (see Financial information for details). Failure to drop courses in a timely manner will result in failed grades and financial responsibility for payment. Students may be administratively dropped for not meeting satisfactory academic progress or failure to follow university rules.

Course Withdrawals

Students may attend courses and still withdraw from them until the appropriate deadline. See the Academic Calendar  section for specific dates. Students who withdraw from courses after the first week but before the drop deadline will receive a grade of W. The grade of W does not affect GPA, but does affect satisfactory academic progress. Students who attend courses after the deadline will receive a grade from the instructor. Students may petition to drop a course after the deadline and receive a grade of W. Dropping a course may invalidate the four year graduation guarantee for traditional undergraduate students. See the chart which follows for additional information.

Course Drops For Traditional Undergraduate: 2-16 Week Courses

Percent Refund for Last Day of Attendance

Course Drops For Traditional Undergraduate: 1-7 Day Courses

Chart Key: The Week row refers to the ordinal week of the semester/session (e.g., Week 1 refers to Monday through Sunday of the first week of the semester/session.) The percent refund and grade is based on the last day of attendance. In the Grade row, F* is the grade of F, the grade earned, or the grade of W granted via petition. The Process row designates the process to follow and refers to the week the process completed online, not to the last day of attendance.

Refund and Grade Percent Refund for Last Day of Attendance

Course Drops For Degree Completion Students 

Refund and Grade Percent Refund for Last Day of Attendance

Chart Key: The Week row refers to the ordinal week of the course (e.g., Week 1 refers to the first class session of the course.) A weekend course is considered two class sessions (weeks).

Changing Section of a Continuing Sequence

Many of the courses offered in a program's curriculum are part of continuing sequences that extend over more than one term. When enrolling in the first term of a sequential course, students, in fact, enroll in that section for the duration of the course. Should substantial reasons exist for changing enrollment in a sequential course, students must obtain permission from the current course instructor, the proposed new instructor and the program director (or equivalent) or his/her designee. This authorization must be presented in writing to the Registrar's Office. After such approval is obtained, students must then follow existing add/drop procedures to change the section. Some courses do not allow for changes in sections.

Transcripts

Permanent Record

Only information of an academic nature is entered into the student academic record (transcript). That includes terms of attendance and coursework completed.

Official Records

Official transcripts are issued by the Registrar's Office. Transcripts are issued only at the request of the student, using the university's electronic request system or by submission of a Transcript Request form. Transcripts will not be released to students who have outstanding obligations, financial or otherwise, to the university.

Official transcripts bear the institutional seal and the signature of the university registrar.

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

Transcripts and enrollment verifications can be requested online. Please see the Registrar's Office website for additional details.

Any student needing an organization-specific enrollment verification form should bring the form to the Registrar's Office for processing.

Changes to Records

The Registrar's Office houses the official records of students and is responsible for maintaining and updating those records. It is the student's responsibility to keep the university apprised of all name, address and phone number changes. Students wishing to make changes in their address, telephone number or email address information should submit the Student Information form online to the Registrar's Office.

The Registrar's Office requires appropriate documentation in order to change or correct a name, Social Security number or birth date. Documentation for a name change or date of birth correction is a driver's license. Documentation for a Social Security number correction is a Social Security card.

Enrollment Verification

The National Student Clearinghouse provides enrollment verification certifications for FPU students through its Web-based student self-service. This service also allows students to view their loan history and is free to students. This secure site provides 24-hour-a-day enrollment verifications/information.

Certificates are printed on demand. The site provudes a single source for student loan information.

Current students may login to CampusCruiser. Click on My Services tab and select Enrollment Verification. Select Return on the National Clearinghouse link to process the request.

Marking System and Symbols Used on Transcripts

Grades

Faculty may use pluses and minuses when grades fall between two categories. Note: a plus may not be used with a grade of A.

Grade Point Average (GPA) and Quality Points

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

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 CR, I, IP, NC, NR, W and AU were received. Transfer units are not counted in calculating the GPA on the Fresno Pacific University transcript. Only FPU credits counted toward a degree are used in calculating the cumulative GPA.

Credit-bearing Grades

Courses with a grade below C- will not be credited toward the completion of major or minor requirements. Stricter standards may be applied in specific programs. (See program descriptions.) A grade of D- is required to be credited for general education and elective courses.

Grade Reporting and Appeals

Instructors report a grade for credit when all requirements for the course have been completed. Student requests for grade changes should follow the grade appeals process outlined on the Registrar's Office website within six weeks of grade posting.

Repeated Courses

Some courses are designated as repeatable for credit each time a student enrolls. Whether a course is repeatable for credit is indicated in course descriptions.

When a student repeats a course not designated as repeatable for credit, the highest grade received is used to calculate the student's grade point average. Full tuition is charged for units of credit for repeated courses. A student is awarded credit only once for each course. The units in subsequent attempts will, however, be counted in determining the student's enrollment status. (For additional information, see Student Financial Services prior to registration.) No coursework may be repeated after the student's degree has been conferred. Students may repeat Fresno Pacific University courses for grade substitution only when both courses are taken at FPU.

Grading Replacement

Auditing a Course

Students wishing to attend class without receiving credit may register as auditors. Enrollment as an auditor is subject to permission of the instructor. Regular class attendance is expected and students' participation in any or all classroom activities is at the discretion of the instructor. Check the Program Costs section of this catalog for the fee information. A course satisfactorily completed for audit is listed on the transcript with a grade of AU. Audit courses not satisfactorily completed will appear on the transcript with a grade of UA. The audit option is not available in all FPU courses. (See the Course Descriptions  section.)

Incomplete Grade

Students may request a grade of incomplete for a course when illness, family tragedy or similar difficulty makes it impossible for them to complete course requirements on time. Requests for incompletes are not approved in cases where students have not completed work due to negligence or lack of effort, or are not satisfied with their grade. Requests for incompletes must be submitted prior to the last day of class and be approved by the instructor and the dean. Students do not re-register to finish incomplete coursework; however students are required to finish coursework no later than the stated deadline period. Normally the course must be completed with the instructor who assigned the incomplete grade. Incomplete grades that are not removed by the end of the deadline period will be converted automatically to the grade assigned by the instructor. A degree cannot be granted with an incomplete grade on the transcript.

When an incomplete is granted for traditional undergraduate courses, the maximum deadline for completing course requirements is the end of the next sequential term (spring, summer, fall). Degree completion students have a maximum of 30 calendar days from the last day of class to finish incomplete coursework.

In-Progress Courses

A standard IP course is intended, by design, to span two or three terms (i.e., field practica). Course lengths are set by program directors. When students enroll in such courses the credits and final grades are deferred until the end of the last term of the course. A grade of IP is posted to a student's record at the end of the first term and remains until a final grade is issued. (See the Course Descriptions  section.)

Credit/No Credit Grades

Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) units are not calculated into a student's GPA. Check course descriptions for CR/NC options.

Traditional Undergraduate

To receive a CR grade, the work must be at least the equivalent of the grade required for program credit, if not a grade of No Credit will be assigned. Students may elect to take letter- graded courses as credit/no credit (CR/NC) for elective coursework and if it is a course-listed option only. This option is intended to encourage students to undertake elective studies at advanced levels outside their major field and is therefore not available in courses being used to fulfill general education, major and/or minor requirements. Accordingly, elected CR/NC courses from other institutions may not transfer in to meet general education, major or minor requirements.

Exception: FPU challenged courses and courses taken in approved study abroad programs may meet general education, major and minor requirements, even though graded CR/NC.

Global Education Courses (Traditional Undergraduate)

FPU offers two global education programs: short-term cross cultural learning and cross-cultural programs through affiliated institutions.

All courses taken through affiliated institutions will be recorded on the FPU transcript as credit/no credit, except in those cases where prior to departure the student submits a written request to the Registrar's Office that all courses be letter-graded. Exception: U.S. global education program courses (e.g., American Studies Program) are letter- graded.

Instructor Evaluations

Students are asked to evaluate each course and instructor at the end of the term or session. A form is administered electronically to each student is asked to complete an evaluation form for each course completed. Students are encouraged to provide appropriate feedback and comments. Instructors are encouraged to incorporate feedback into their work. Comments on these forms are taken very seriously by the university and constitute one part of the faculty evaluation process.

Definition of a Full-Time Student

Baccalaureate students are defined as full-time when they enroll in 12 or more units per semester.

International Students

To abide by the regulations set by the Department of Homeland Security, students in the United States in F-1 status are required to be enrolled full-time. Exceptions to this law include, but are not limited to the final semester in which less than full-time units are required to complete the program.

International students should keep in contact with the International Programs and Services Office regarding their course schedules as exceptions may apply and documentation may be required. For more information please see Fresno Pacific website.

Active Enrollment

To remain on active status, students must enroll in consecutive semesters (excluding summer) or have an approved leave of absence. Students who have not enrolled in a class each semester and do not have an approved leave of absence will be administratively withdrawn. Students who wish to reenter a program after being inactive must reapply. Reentry students are required to meet any new program requirements in effect at the time of reentry. Students who plan to miss a semester should follow the leave of absence policy described below.

Baccalaureate Class Standing

Students are classified at the beginning of each semester according to the total number of FPU units completed and accepted transfer units.

Non-Matriculated Enrollment Status

Students seeking nondegree study should contact the Admissions Office, program office or the designated representative for a part-time application form. Information about courses, deadlines and registration procedures is available from the Registrar's Office. Not all courses are available to nondegree-seeking students. Additional permission may be required by the program director.

Students attending on a non-matriculated basis may not earn a degree and must register for courses on a space- available basis (enrollment in such courses is not guaranteed) with a limit of 6 units or two courses per semester. A maximum of 9 units of non-matriculated academic work may latter be applied towards a bachelor's degree. Students on a non-matriculated status are not eligible for federal, state or institutional financial aid.

Leave of Absence

A leave of absence is a break from the university for the period of one semester. A student may request a leave of absence for medical, military or personal reasons. A leave will not be approved for academic deficiencies or disciplinary action.

Benefits of requesting a leave include maintaining the degree requirements under which the student initially entered. Students will not need to re-apply to the university.

Students must file a Leave of Absence form with the Registrar's Office, along with supporting documentation. For medical or maternity leaves a doctor's note is required. For military leaves, a copy of the military orders is required. For personal leaves, a statement of reason for leaving must be submitted. In addition, students must be in good academic standing and student account balance must be paid in full. Students should apply prior to or within the current term. Leaves are not granted retroactively.

A student who drops out without filing a formal Leave of Absence will be considered to have withdrawn, will be required to reapply upon return, and will be under new catalog requirements. In extenuating circumstances a student who needs to be out more than one semester may file for an extension of the leave of absence. Exceeding the maximum length of leave without an extension will result in being withdrawn from the university. For more information, see the Fresno Pacific University website.

Administrative Withdrawal

Students who do not register or apply for a leave of absence by the end of the term will be administratively withdrawn from the university and dismissed from the academic program. The student must respond within 14 calendar days of the date posted on the notification letter (inclusive of the sent date) in order to remain active.

Withdrawal From the University

A university withdrawal is complete removal from enrollment at the university. Notifying university personnel of withdrawal from the university the student indicates that the student does not plan to return. All current and future enrollment is dropped/withdrawn and the student is withdrawn from the university. Once withdrawn, the student must reapply and be readmitted in order to return. Failure to drop/withdraw courses the student will not complete may result in failing grades and payment responsibility. For additional information on how to complete the withdrawal process, please refer to the Registrar's Office website.

Students wishing to withdraw from the university after the course drop deadlines listed above and who have documented extenuating circumstances beyond their control must submit an academic petition for consideration.

Attendance

The university expects regular class attendance by all students. Students who do not attend at least once during the first week of class will be administratively dropped from the course. Students should contact the instructor to request an excused absence if there are extenuating circumstances. Degree completion students may be excused for university purposes, but they are not excused for DC course or program purposes. Students are responsible for all academic work missed during absences. When an absence occurs, students should contact the instructor both as a courtesy and to check for missed assignments. Instructors maintain attendance electronically.

Students who will be absent for an extended period of time should refer to the leave of absence policy stated above. After the first week, students are responsible for dropping courses they will not attend or complete. (See the Drop Policy section.)

Corrections to a student's attendance record must be made no later than two terms following the completion of a course. After two terms, the attendance record will stand.

Attendance for Online and Blended Courses

Electronic attendance in blended and online courses is taken by an automated system, and may be amended by faculty. Faculty may adopt stricter requirements than those listed below, see course syllabus for details.

For online courses, attendance is defined as academically engaging with the online course material at least once a week. Online students who do not academically engage with the online course material during the first week will be marked absent and administratively dropped from the course.

For blended courses, regular attendance is defined as attending face-to-face instruction or academically engaging with online course material once a week at a minimum. Failure to attend the online or the onsite portions of a course during a one-week period will result in an absence. Students registered for blended courses who neither attend the face-to-face instruction nor academically engage with the online course material during the first week will be marked absent and administratively dropped from the course.

Academic engagement is tracked by certain types of online activities. Academic engagement in the Moodle online environment is defined as submitting assignments and/or interacting with Moodle activities. Examples of Moodle activities are assignments, blogs, chat, choice, databases, discussion forums, glossary, journal, questionnaires, quizzes, surveys, wikis, or workshops. Logging into Moodle and/or looking at resources such as videos, websites, articles, or books are not output-type activities and will not be considered online attendance.

Automated attendance is recorded every Monday at 12:01am for the previous Monday through Sunday week. Assignments done in a week other than the one when the assignment is due will not count towards attendance for any future or previous week. Students who do not participate in online activities weekly are at risk for failing the course, which may affect their academic or financial standing.

Traditional Undergraduate Students

Traditional undergraduate students must attend class during the first week of the semester/session; otherwise they will be administratively dropped. Wait-listed students will be given a chance to register for these courses through the second week of the semester. If there is no wait list, any eligible student may register for the course. Students who are unable, due to extenuating circumstances, to attend the first week of class should contact course faculty as soon as possible, but by Friday of the first week of the semester at the latest.

Co-Curricular Activities

Students are not penalized for missed class time if such absence occurs in conjunction with an approved FPU co-curricular activity. Classes missed during approved FPU co-curricular activities are excused absences. Students must notify instructors of approved absences prior to any missed class time. For the university's priority rating system to determine when co-curricular activities take priority over class time, please talk with your instructor. Athletics policies may be mandated by the NCAA. Student-athletes should speak with the Compliance Officer for additional details. All missed class work and assignments must be completed according to the schedule established by the instructor of the course.

Degree Completion Students

In an accelerated, nontraditional degree program attendance is mandatory, so there are no "excused" absences.

For online courses, failure to academically engage with the online course material at least once during a seven-day period is counted as an absence.

Students marked absent within an online course for two or more weeks automatically receive a grade of F.

For blended courses, an absence is defined as nonattendance for all or a portion of the face-to-face class session exceeding 20 minutes or failure to engage in an online activity. Students who are up to 19 minutes late will be marked tardy. Being tardy three times equals one absence. Students who are absent for more than one face-to-face or two online portions of class automatically receive a grade of F.

Students who do not attend the first week of class will be administratively dropped from the course, unless the instructor grants a notified absence. A notified absence at the first class session is still counted as an absence for course purposes.

In the course of a year, however, there may be a few unavoidable absences due to illness or unexpected, extenuating circumstances. If an absence is unavoidable, the student must inform the instructor. Two options are available at the discretion of the instructor.

1. Complete make-up work. Doing make-up work is expected, but does not remove the absence from the student's record.
2. Attend another cohort that is covering the missed material. A maximum of one class per course may be made up by attending another cohort. (This option may not always be available.) Attending another cohort will erase the absence from the student's record.

Degree Requirements

Fresno Pacific University offers associate of arts degrees, bachelor's degrees and master's degrees. Requirements for each are given below. Specific course requirements are listed in the general education and program sections of this catalog. Traditional undergraduate students are required to meet with their mentor and to make an educational plan that will detail specific course requirements needed to earn their degree.

Associate of Arts Degree

Requirements for an associate of arts degree are: A minimum of 60 semester units, which includes:

1. Traditional undergraduate general education requirements.
2. Elective courses as needed to complete the 60-unit minimum. (Up to 8 units of ESL courses will be accepted.)

Minimums

1. A minimum grade point average of 2.0 must be completed in all baccalaureate coursework attempted at Fresno Pacific University.
2. A minimum of 24 units must be taken at FPU. Course challenge credit may not be used to meet this minimum.

Maximums

1. A maximum of 4 total units of activity courses in drama, music, journalism, physical education and athletics may be counted toward the 60 units required for graduation. (Activity courses are identified in course descriptions.)
2. A maximum of 8 units of courses taken under the CR/NC option policy may be applied towards degree requirements. (See credit/no credit option policy.)

Bachelor's Degree

Requirements

Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree or a Bachelor of Science degree are:

1. A minimum of 120 semester units, which includes
   1. General education requirements.
   2. Major requirements, chosen from one of the available programs. Minor(s) and additional majors may also be chosen, but are not required for the degree.
   3. Elective courses as needed to complete the 120- unit minimum.
2. All incompletes and outstanding grades must be resolved.

Minimums

1. A minimum grade point average of 2.0 must be completed in each of the following:
   1. All baccalaureate coursework at Fresno Pacific University.
   2. Coursework in the major and minor (no grade below a C- is acceptable in major and minor courses).
2. A minimum of 30 units must be taken at FPU. Course challenge credit may not be used to meet this minimum.
3. A minimum of 18 units in the major must be taken at FPU.
4. A minimum of 40 units must be taken in upper- division courses.

Maximums

1. A maximum of 8 total activity units in art, athletics, drama, journalism, music and physical education, with a maximum of 4 units in a single area, will be counted toward the 120 units required for the degree. Activity course units required in a major or a minor may exceed the 4 unit cap in a single area, but are limited to the number of units specified for that area in the program description.
2. A maximum of 15 units of courses taken under the CR/NC option policy may be applied towards degree requirements. (See credit/no credit option policy.)
3. A maximum of 6 units of graduate-level credit may be applied towards a bachelor's degree.
4. A maximum of 9 units in ESL (English as a Second Language) per semester up to a total of 16 units may be applied towards degree requirements.

Transfer lower-division coursework will be applicable under the following conditions:

1. Transferable lower-division courses will be used to meet FPU lower-division major requirements, subject to all other academic policies.
2. Up to two transferable lower-division courses may be used to meet major upper-division course requirements, with the exception of certain courses as specified by the department.
3. Degree Completion exception: No lower-division transfer courses may be used to meet major program requirements.

Four-Year Graduation Guarantee

Students who earn their bachelor's degree in four years get a head start toward achieving their personal goals, entering top graduate schools and becoming leaders in their professions and communities. Fresno Pacific University will guarantee graduation within four years to qualified students entering the traditional undergraduate program. FPU commits to providing the courses, advising, instruction and preparation. Students who fulfill their responsibilities and are not able to graduate in four years will receive the needed courses in the next semester at no cost in tuition or student fees. This guarantee further demonstrates that a degree from FPU is an excellent investment in academic quality as well as professional and ethical development. See the Admissions  section for limitations and student responsibilities. 

Declaring a Major

Each student must select a major (or majors) no later than the second semester of the sophomore year. Students who wish to take advantage of the traditional undergraduate four year graduation guarantee must declare a major in the second semester of their freshman year and keep that major. Please refer to the Registrar's Office website to declare majors or minors.

Personalized Majors

Personalized majors may be created in consultation with faculty mentors/advisors. Students should recognize that a personalized major, while authorized by the university, may not be recognized as a field of study or form of professional preparation by outside agencies and professions. A personalized major must have a minimum of 32 units. For additional information on how to declare a personalized major, please speak with your mentor or advisor.

Double Majors

A student may complete up to two majors for a bachelor's degree. A double major is defined as two majors in the same type of degree (e.g. two majors in a Bachelor of Arts degree or two majors in a Bachelor of Science degree.) Double majors are usually completed concurrently and are not considered a dual bachelor's degree (see below). If taken concurrently, both majors are listed on one diploma.

A double major is subject to the following conditions:

General studies courses completed for one major may be applied to the second major. If there are unique general education requirements for the second major, they must also be met. If the general education requirements for the second major differ from the first, both sets must be met in full.

The prerequisites and requirements of both majors are completed and are subject to the Course Overlap Policy, which follows.

Dual Bachelor's Degree

A dual degree is defined as two majors in two different bachelor's degrees (e.g. a Bachelor of Science degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree). A dual bachelor's degree may be granted to a student subject to the same four conditions as a double major.

At least 30 units of the second major (24 units in upper-division and at least 15 in the major area) are completed at Fresno Pacific University in addition to the residence requirement of the first major. (Degree completion exception: all courses for both majors must be taken at FPU.)

All other degree requirements, limitations, etc., apply to both majors (e.g., grade point average.)

A second major taken at a later time is subject to the major and general education degree requirements in effect at acceptance into the second program. If requirements are met, an updated diploma will be issued, but students will not participate in a second commencement ceremony. The double major will also be noted on transcripts.

Two diplomas are issued, whether the majors are completed concurrently or not. If taken non-concurrently, the student is not eligible to participate in a second commencement ceremony. Both degrees are noted on the student's transcripts.

Minors

Students may select a minor (or minors) from the traditional undergraduate programs. Students are not required to complete a minor to meet degree requirements, except in specified majors. Of units required for a minor, at least one-half must be completed at Fresno Pacific University. Minors are open to students upon approval from the program director.

Traditional Undergraduate Minors

Personalized minors may be created in consultation between faculty mentors/advisors and traditional undergraduate students. Students should recognize that a personalized minor, while authorized by the university, may not be recognized as a field of study or form of professional preparation by outside agencies and professions. A personalized minor must have a minimum of 16 units. For additional information on how to declare a personalized minor, please speak with your mentor or advisor.

Degree Completion Minors

Degree completion students who minor in a traditional undergraduate program are not eligible for traditional undergraduate awards and are encouraged to consult with Student Financial Services regarding implications of a traditional undergraduate minor on financial aid.

Degree completion students seeking a traditional undergraduate minor must apply for admission through the traditional undergraduate admissions office for a minor offered in the traditional undergraduate programs. Degree completion students are not eligible for personalized minors.

Course Overlap Policy

A student may use an individual course to meet a requirement in more than one area of the curriculum [i.e., general education, major, minor]. This is referred to as a course overlap. The following policies apply to course overlap.

1. An overlap course may be applied in only two areas of the curriculum. In other words, an overlap course may not be used to meet requirements in three or more areas of the curriculum.
2. Students completing dual emphases in one major may not overlap any courses between the emphases.
3. Between any pairing of the two areas of the curriculum (including two majors), the maximum number of overlap courses is three.
4. The total number of overlap courses a student is allowed is six.
5. Since the focus series is a part of the general education program, courses used to meet focus series requirements may not overlap with other general education courses.
6. Liberal studies majors may not overlap any courses between their concentration and general education except for focus series requirements. Concentration requirements may also overlap with a minor.

• This student could not use THEO 465  in the minor (point 1).
• The student has reached the three overlap course maximum between major and minor (point 3).
• The student has reached the six total overlap course maximum (point 4).

Degree Completion Students

Only three Designated Subject Education courses may be used towards a degree as electives.

Conferral of Degrees and Commencement

Completion of academic requirements for a degree is termed conferral. The ceremony celebrating this achievement is commencement. Participation in the commencement ceremony does not guarantee graduation from the university or satisfactory completion of program requirements.

Application

All graduating students must make a formal application for the degree and pay the fee with the Registrar's Office by the deadline listed below. Students who fail to complete degree requirements within three consecutive semesters will be required to reapply and pay the corresponding fee again. Graduation ceremonies are held twice per year, in May and December. Applications for Degree are obtained from the Registrar's Office website.

Commencement Deadlines

Commencement Eligibility

All students must meet the commencement eligibility requirements listed in the catalog of the year of participation.

Students whose financial obligations are delinquent may not participate in commencement. Students are academically eligible for participation in the commencement ceremony provided they have completed their degree OR

1. Carry a minimum 2.0 Fresno Pacific baccalaureate GPA, and
2. Transfer coursework documentation for prior semesters must be submitted by the official deadline cited above.

Diplomas

Degrees are conferred upon satisfactory completion of all requirements following the final evaluation and transcript posting by the Registrar's Office. Diplomas are mailed to graduates several weeks after the posting of the degree and verification that all FPU financial obligations have been met. The conferral record is considered permanent and cannot be changed after the student has graduated. The program name, title and requirements are based on the matriculation catalog.

Honors and Awards

Alpha Chi National Honor Society

Alpha Chi is a national academic honor society open to traditional undergraduate juniors and seniors in all disciplines. Its purpose is to promote academic excellence and exemplary character among college and university students. FPU sponsors the California Zeta Chapter, one of 300 chapters across the United States and Puerto Rico.

Candidates must have been a regular student in the electing institution not less than one academic year (24 units) and be in the top 10 percent of their class. FPU Alpha Chi members regularly attend and give scholarly presentations at regional and national conventions. The chapter is designated a Star Chapter by the national association.

For more information, contact the faculty sponsor.

Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society

Established in 1921, Phi Alpha Theta is the national history honor society and is open to all undergraduate students who have earned a 3.1 GPA in 12 or more hours of history courses and have a 3.0 GPA overall in their undergraduate studies at Fresno Pacific University. The aim of Phi Alpha Theta is to foster interest in the discipline of history and promote scholarly excellence in historical study. The Alpha Xi Zeta chapter at Fresno Pacific University is one of the 870 Phi Alpha Theta chapters located at universities across the United States. For more information about Phi Alpha Theta, please contact the chapter advisor.

Latin Honors

Undergraduate students who have earned a minimum number of graded units, at Fresno Pacific University and meet the standards listed below are eligible for degree honors, which are posted to the student's transcript and noted on the diploma. Traditional undergraduate students must earn at least 45 graded units at FPU. Degree completion students must earn a minimum 45 graded units or the number of units required for a Degree Completion program, whichever is less.

Degree honors, based on FPU work attempted, are determined according to the following.

Honors listed in the printed commencement program are provisional since grading may not be complete.

Awards

A special award is given each academic year to the traditional undergraduate graduating student(s) with the highest grade point average. The recipient must have completed 60 units at FPU and be listed as a graduate in the commencement program. This is announced at the spring commencement ceremony.

The Harold Haak Academic Achievement Award is presented at the spring commencement ceremony. The recipient of this award is selected by the faculty on the basis of academic excellence, contribution to the college community and future promise.

Student and Faculty Dispute Resolution

Occasionally a student may find cause to question the action of a professor regarding requirements of a course, teaching effectiveness, comments made in a class that seem derogatory or inflammatory, criticism of the student, general performance or sanctions given for academic dishonesty. Students should first discuss their concerns with the instructor. If the student and faculty member cannot resolve the issue satisfactorily or if the student does not feel comfortable, speaking directly with the instructor the student should consult with the chair of the division in which the course is lodged, who will attempt to resolve the issue. Decisions may be appealed to the dean of the appropriate school for a final resolution.

Petition and Appeals

A request for an exception to a published university academic policy must be made in writing and initiated through the Registrar's Office. For additional details, please refer to the Registrar Office's website.