Periodic reviews are held for each student for the purpose of monitoring academic progress.

DOCTORAL PROGRAMS
For Fielding's doctoral programs, adequate progress is defined as having completed a minimum of 18 academic credit units in residence with a grade of 'B' or better in each course, or having made other significant academic progress, such as on the dissertation or other degree requirements, within any one-year period.

If satisfactory academic progress has not been achieved during the one-year period, there is an exploration of the reasons for lack of progress. Students who have been identified during the review process as not having achieved satisfactory academic progress standards during the review period, will be placed on academic probation for the following year, or, in some cases, a six month period, and clear objectives and timelines are set. The doctoral programs may require that specific requirements must be achieved by a certain timeline. If at the subsequent review, the outlined objectives have not been met, the student will be withdrawn unless extenuating circumstances can be substantiated. Clinical Psychology students should also review the program-specific policy linked below; clinical psychology students in the first year of their program have a structured curriculum sequence they must follow to obtain their 18 credits, and this is outlined in the linked policy.

MASTERS PROGRAMS
For Fielding's terminal master's programs, adequate progress is defined as completing enrolled courses in a particular trimester with a grade of "B-" or better.

OMD- For halftime students who receive a grade of "I" (Incomplete) or "W" (Withdrew) in their only course, those grades will be considered neutrally and we will look to the previous term's (if any) progress standing. Fulltime students who receive a grade of "I" or "W" in just one of their courses may still be considered as having met satisfactory academic progress, if a grade of "B-" or better was received in their second course taken during that term.

CEL- Students who receive a grade of "I" in just one of their courses may still be considered as having met satisfactory academic progress, if a grade of "B-" or better was received in another course taken during that term.

However, in both the case of a halftime or fulltime masters student with an "Incomplete", if the student does not complete the "Incomplete" grade by the end of the following semester, or the agreed upon expiration date, or if they receive a grade in the course of less than "B-", they are considered to be on academic probation. Academic probation lasts for one term, during which the student is expected to make satisfactory academic progress. A student can remain on academic probation for no more than one term. A student who does not raise their academic progress standing to the minimum required level will be withdrawn from the program.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Students enrolled in Fielding's academic certificate programs are expected to complete a minimum of 12 semester units per year. Students who do not meet satisfactory academic progress standards will be placed on academic probation. Students who receive a grade of "Incomplete" may still be considered as having met satisfactory academic progress, However, if the student does not complete the "Incomplete" grade by the end of the following semester, they are considered to be on academic probation. If at the subsequent review, satisfactory progress has not been achieved, the student will be withdrawn unless extenuating circumstances can be substantiated.

APPEALS
Students may appeal decisions regarding satisfactory academic progress by submitting a written appeal statement, including any individual circumstances that may have affected their academic progress to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Committee at Fielding's administrative offices. This appeal for re-consideration must be submitted no later than one month from the date indicated on the progress review decision notice/letter. Only decisions due to an administrative error will be considered for appeal. Committee decisions subsequent to an appeal may not be challenged.

Students who fail to meet minimum standards for satisfactory academic progress are not eligible for financial aid.

Students enrolled in Fielding's continuing education programs do not earn academic credit, and therefore are not subject to satisfactory academic progress standards.

Related Policies:

• Psychology Programs SAP Review: Procedure and Policy
• Length of Study
  

Policy Revised 01/01/2007