Academic Policies - Graduate Studies

Students are expected to familiarize themselves with the academic policies contained in the catalog. Failure to do so does not excuse students from the requirements and regulations described herein.

Academic Advisor

Students will be assigned a program advisor. In addition to advocating for the student, the advisor will work with the student to develop a program of study leading towards graduation.

Academic Status

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Federal regulations require that schools monitor the academic progress of each student receiving federal financial assistance and that the school verify that the applicant is making satisfactory academic progress towards earning their degree. SAP is monitored at the completion of every term or semester to ensure financial aid recipients are maintaining satisfactory progress in the following two areas: 

1. Cumulative Grade Point Average 
2. Maximum Time Frame and Credit Completion Rate 

Cumulative Grade Point Average 

Graduate education students must maintain the minimum cumulative grade point averages outlined in the chart below. These are consistent with academic standards required for graduation. 

 * Included in the credits attempted are accepted transfer credits and all courses attempted at Gordon, which includes withdrawals, incompletes and failed courses. 

Graduate Music Education Students. One term of probation is permitted. A student whose GPA falls below the 3.0 average will be placed automatically on probation for the next grading period. At the end of that period the GPA must be restored to 3.0 or better. Failing to do so will result in dismissal from the program. Late work for incomplete summer grades is due November 1. Late work for incomplete fall or spring grades is due seven weeks after the first day of classes in the following term. Any grade that is still incomplete after the due date for late work will become F except GMU 601 and GMU 602 (see guidelines for review courses). In the case of extenuating circumstances, students may be given extra time to finish incomplete work at the discretion of the instructor and the Director of Graduate Music Education. In the case of courses which reasonably may be expected to take longer than a term to complete (i.e., Special Topics, Field-Based Experience), students should wait to register for the course until the term during which the work will be completed. 

Maximum Time Frame and Credit Completion Rate. Federal regulations state that students will not be eligible to receive financial aid once they have attempted more than 150 percent of the normal credits required for their degree program. At Gordon students will no longer to eligible to receive financial aid once they have attempted 54 credit hours. To ensure that students will finish their program within this time frame, Gordon requires that 67 percent of cumulative credits attempted be completed. This figure will be checked at the end of each term. 

Appeal

If a student thinks he or she is being treated unfairly and not in accordance with announced academic policies, and discussion with the faculty member proves unfruitful, he or she may seek redress through the following procedure: 

1. The issue should first be discussed with the student’s faculty advisor in an attempt to resolve it at the lowest level. 
2. If the issue cannot be thus resolved, the student may then proceed to discuss the issue with the Academic Dean for the field in which the course is offered. 
3. If a perceived injustice is not resolved in this manner, a student may seek formal resolution by stating the case in writing and submitting it to the Dean of Faculty. The decision of the Dean of Faculty is final. 

For online students: Online students may file a complaint with the Dean of Academic Affairs, either by email (jon.weltypeachey@gordon.edu) or phone (978.867.4063). For matters not resolved at the institutional level, Massachusetts residents enrolled in online courses may file a complaint with the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) using the general complaint form; online students residing in SARA member states (other than Massachusetts) may appeal complaints to the DHE using the SARA Complaint form. Click here to access the academic policies in the online student handbook for detailed instructions. 

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend all required synchronous or in-person class sessions, regularly interact with the online asynchronous courses and keep up with course requirements, as attendance and regular interaction with course material ensures course content knowledge. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, students should communicate and document these circumstances for the professor in a timely manner. Students with excessive absences may be required to withdraw from the course. 

Auditors - Herschend School of Education 

Graduate students in the Herschend School of Education who are not pursuing a degree or licensure may enroll in graduate courses for professional development or personal enrichment purposes and not for academic credit. The cost is dependent on the course of study as outlined below. 

• Graduate Programs in Education: $150 per credit plus the necessary fees
• Graduate Christian Leadership: $350 per credit plus the necessary fees

Nonmatriculated students must apply to the Director of Graduate Studies for approval. Class attendance is required but no work may be submitted for evaluation. Professional development points (PDPs) may be awarded to graduate programs in education auditors in blocks of 15 based on the number of contact hours; attendance and written work is required. Graduate Music Education auditors in graduate courses or workshops may receive PDPs in blocks of 22.5 based upon the number of contact hours; attendance and summary paper required. Auditing status must be changed to credit status by the fifth day of classes in the case of graduate courses or by the end of the registration period for workshops.

Enrollment Status 

Enrollment status is calculated according to the total credits a student is registered for within a term or semester and differs depending on program as follows: 

Graduate programs in education: 

• Summer/Fall: end of June - December 
• Winter/Spring: January - mid-June 

Educational Leadership (M.A., Ed.S./Christian & Classical Christian School Administration), Graduate Public Health and Graduate Theology: 

• Fall: late August to mid-December 
• Spring: January to mid-May 
• Summer: late-May to mid-August 

Graduate Music Education: 

• Summer: beginning of June - August 

Enrollment status within a term is based on the following credit loads and affects loan eligibility: 

Grades/Grade Changes/Enrollment Discrepancies 

Students are responsible for checking each term’s enrollment and grades on the my.gordon.edu website. Grade reports are not mailed to the student except by special request. Any discrepancy in enrollment should be reported to the Registrar’s Office immediately. Students who feel there may be an error in a grade should contact the faculty member within the first 30 days of the following session. Requests for changes of final grades must be submitted by the instructor and received by the Registrar’s Office within the following session. If the transcript reflects an enrollment discrepancy, the student must contact the Registrar’s Office within the first 30 days of the following session. 

Grades may not be changed based on additional work submitted after the completion of the session unless a student qualifies for and requests an incomplete grade prior to the end of final examinations. Incomplete grade requests should only be approved when a student fails to complete work on time due to unpreventable and unforeseeable circumstances. 

Grading Policy

Graduate students are expected to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 to remain in their program. Only courses with grades of B- quality or better will be counted towards completion of the program requirements. The GPA is calculated on the credit hours attempted at Gordon. If a student receives approval to repeat a course, only the higher grade earned will be used to calculate the grade point average. Grade points are assigned for each credit earned according to the following chart: 

Grade point averages are determined by dividing total grade points by total hours attempted at Gordon. 

Graduation Requirements 

• An online application for graduation  
• Completion of all program requirements with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better 
• Endorsement from the Board of Trustees 
• Final administrative and academic clearance 
• Successful completion of the Field-Based Teaching Experience (only applicable to Graduate Music Education students) 

Participation in Commencement

Graduate students who will have completed all requirements by the end of the summer session are eligible to participate in Commencement. Degree candidates who have no more than 6 credits remaining may petition the Graduate Council to walk at Commencement, except in the case of Graduate Music Education Degree candidates who must have no more than 3 credits remaining. Candidates must be registered for the final course(s) and have all balances cleared prior to April 30. Degrees are conferred on varying dates each year depending on the program:

• Graduate Programs in Education: April 15, June 30, September 15 and December 31
• Educational Leadership (M.A.): May Commencement, August 31 and December 31
• Graduate Public Health: May Commencement, August 31 and December 31 
• Graduate Music Education: May Commencement, August 31 and December 31 
• Graduate Theology: May Commencement, August 31 and December 31

All work must be completed and graded prior to the date of the degree conferral. 

Incomplete Grades

The grade I (Incomplete) is allowed when a student is unable to complete course requirements due to unpreventable or unforeseen circumstances. Students have seven weeks* after the start of a new term to complete coursework for a course granted an Incomplete. Students may petition for an additional seven weeks due to extenuating circumstances. Request an Incomplete Grade Request form from the Graduate Studies Office. 

*Herschend School of Education graduate students have eight weeks after the start of a new term to complete coursework for a course granted an Incomplete.

Licensure Programs

Candidates in the graduate licensure programs in education who need to complete Practicum Seminar must make a formal application by the end of the previous term. They must also have completed the prerequisite number of courses with a B- or higher and a 3.0 cumulative GPA, passed all appropriate MTEL exams, passed both Gateway Assessments, completed all observation hours, obtained the advisor’s recommendation and meet all health requirements. 

Gordon’s teacher education programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Education and the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC). Graduates of our programs are eligible to obtain an initial teaching license in the 50 member states on the basis of the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. The candidate may have to complete additional requirements, such as coursework, teacher tests or classroom experience, before receiving a full professional certificate in a new state. After seeking the M.A. license, the teacher candidate should be familiar with the licensure requirements and procedures of the new state from which a licensure is desired. Teacher candidates should check with the Department of Education in the state in which a license is desired to ascertain information concerning additional requirements that may be required.

Nondegree Students

Students who hold a baccalaureate degree may take graduate courses as a non-degree student. 

Privacy of Records and Directory Information (FERPA)

Gordon is in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA); thus, most records pertaining to enrolled students may be reviewed by the student upon request and by appointment. A complete statement of the College’s policy and procedures is available from the Center for Student Development. 

FERPA permits release of “directory information” without authorization, unless the student notifies the Registrar’s Office in writing and within the first two weeks of a session of a specific request that the College not release such information. Careful consideration should be given to the consequences of a request to withhold directory information, and the College cannot assume responsibility for any consequences from honoring an instruction to withhold directory information. 

Directory information includes a student’s: name; month/day and place of birth; major field of study; full- or part-time status; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; dates of attendance; degrees, honors and awards received; most recent previous educational agency or institution attended; and photograph, video or web image. Weights and heights of members of athletic teams may also be released. 

Privacy policy. Gordon’s privacy policy allows access to current and permanent addresses, telephone listings, email addresses, class schedules and listings on course rosters to on-campus members of the Gordon community. All other personal data is restricted to only Gordon faculty, staff and student workers, pursuant to their College responsibilities, or to contractual agents of the College, such as an attorney, auditor, the National Student Clearinghouse or a collection agent. Gordon College may make use of an individual student’s photograph, video or web image, or campus scenes including the individual, in College publications, promotional materials or on the website. An effort will be made to obtain permission for use whenever possible. 

Program Requirements

The College reserves the right to alter program requirements as necessary to remain in compliance with Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education licensure standards for those programs where licensure standards apply. 

Transcripts 

The Registrar’s Office is responsible for issuing official transcripts of work completed at Gordon. All obligations to the College must be met before a transcript is issued, including all financial accounts with Gordon College and compliance with the terms of any student loans. While requests are processed as quickly as possible, allow up to five working days for verification of clearance and processing. A transcript fee is charged. 

Current students may process an electronic transcript request through my.gordon.edu. A credit card (Mastercard or Visa) is required to order transcripts online, and there is a $5 transcript and processing fee. Former students who do not have access to my.gordon.edu may order transcripts online from Gordon’s website at www.gordon.edu/transcripts.   

Transcripts may be sent electronically through a secure, web-based process; sent by U.S. mail; or picked up in the Registrar’s Office. Electronic delivery of transcripts is possible wherever web access is available with a high level of security. Recipients are notified of availability by email, and the student is notified by email when the transcript is sent, when it is viewed and by whom. 

Transcripts may also be requested by a written, signed request submitted to the Registrar’s Office in person or by mail, with a check or money order to cover the transcript fee. A transcript fee of $3 is charged for each transcript ordered through the Registrar’s Office. Allow five working days for verification and processing. Credit cards may only be used with the online transcript ordering service. 

Transfer Credit

Some degree programs offered by Gordon allow transfer credits if the course(s) are equivalent and meet state standards. After matriculation students should submit a Transfer of Credit form and an official transcript as well as a description of the course being transferred; a committee will review the request and approve/disapprove it.

• For graduate programs in education, a maximum of nine (9) graduate credit hours with a grade of B- or better may be transferred from another accredited graduate program. Transfer credit may not exceed three (3) graduate credit hours per course and must be no more than five (5) years old.
• For graduate programs in public health, a maximum of six (6) graduate credit hours with a grade of B- or better may be transferred from another accredited graduate program.

Verification of Enrollment or Degree

Students needing verification of enrollment or degree should contact the Registrar’s Office or mail verification forms to the office. Degrees and enrollment are also verified through the National Student Clearinghouse. 

Waiver Policy

Students desiring to transfer a course from another institution and thereby waive a Gordon College course may make their request as follows: 

Current Gordon students must submit a Transfer Request form along with a catalog course description and transcripts to the Licensure Officer. If the course is a match, the Licensure Officer will send the request to the Registrar for approval.  If the course does not match, it may be transferred as an elective.  All transferred courses must align with Gordon College’s program objectives. If the transfer course meets the requirements of a Gordon course, the student will be exempt from that Gordon requirement. If the Gordon College course has a field component and the transfer course does not, the student must complete the Gordon field experience. Practicum courses will not be accepted for transfer. A maximum of 3 courses may be accepted for transfer if they meet program objectives. If any portion of the Gordon program requirements are not met, a waiver form must be completed and approved by the Director of Graduate Education. 

Please note that when Gordon College accepts a course valued at four credits to fulfill the course requirement of a three-credit course, the course is transferred in for three credits toward the program. 

Withdrawing from Courses

Students wishing to withdraw from a course must contact the Graduate Education Office and complete a Withdrawal form by the established deadlines. See Withdrawal Policy in Registration. 

Graduate Music Education Comprehensive Exams

The comprehensive examination is required of each student at the completion of all coursework (may be taken before completion of GMU682 Field-Based Experience). Students planning to take the exam must register in the Graduate Music Education Office by July 1. There is no exam fee. 

Exam questions are drawn from the curriculum. Faculty members read the answers for their individual areas and assess according to the standards used for grading essay exams. Answers may be assigned a grade of pass, fail or pass with reservation. Students are expected to pass all six areas of the exam. The following policies apply when less than a passing grade is received. 

• Pass with Reservation-Indicates an incomplete or vague answer. Students receiving this mark are given until November 1 to contact the appropriate faculty member and provide additional information to pass the question. If not done by the deadline, the question will automatically be failed. 
• Fail-If a question is failed on the first try, the student will be given the opportunity to retake it with new content. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the appropriate faculty member by November 1. 

Failure to pass any question on the second try results in elimination of the student from the program. 

Graduate Music Education Conducting Seminar

Enrollment in Conducting Seminar is by special permission only. Those who qualify for Conducting Seminar during their first summer of study may have Techniques of Conducting waived; in this case Conducting Seminar takes the place of Techniques of Conducting and does not count toward the fulfillment of elective credits. Students who complete Techniques of Conducting may enroll in Conducting Seminar as an elective during a subsequent summer. 

Graduate Music Education Diagnostic Exams

All students are required to take music theory and music history diagnostic exams. Students who fail to pass either of these tests must register for the respective review courses. Credits for review courses do not apply towards the degree requirements. Successful completion of the review courses serves in lieu of a passing grade on the diagnostic exam, and a re-test is not necessary. 

Graduate Music Education Field-Based Teaching Experience

The Field-Based Teaching Experience is required as a culminating experience for all Master of Music Education degree candidates seeking professional licensure (see Thesis). The Field-Based Experience is completed during the academic year in the student’s own classroom, following completion of at least 18 credits of coursework. Students enrolled in the course will follow a plan outlined by the Director of Graduate Music Education. 

Graduate Music Education Thesis

The thesis is an alternate culminating experience (see Field-Based Teaching Experience) for students who are not seeking professional licensure; it is recommended for students planning to pursue a doctoral degree. The thesis is completed during the academic year following completion of at least 18 credits of coursework.