2007-2008 Grace University Catalog

Additional Credit Options

		Advanced Placement Examinations
		International Baccalaureate
		CLEP Examinations
		ACT Proficiency Examination Program
		Challenge Examinations
		Independent Study
		Seniors Eligible to Take Graduate Courses
		Second Bachelor's Degree Requirements
		Limited Transfer of Credit for Continuing Students not Enrolled in Cooperative Programs

ACT Proficiency Examination Program (ACT-PEP)
Grace University is a participating institution in the ACT Proficiency Examination Program (ACT-PEP), making it possible for individuals to obtain credit in a limited number of subjects on the basis of test scores. Providing the test score is “B” or above, the University allows three hours of credit as approved by the Academic Vice President. Registration packets are available from the Academic Vice-President.

International Baccalaureate (IB)
Grace University will grant credit on a course-by-course basis for IB higher-level exams in which the student has received a score of 5 or above. To receive credit, the student must take the IB exams and request the scores be sent to Grace University. Credit is awarded for the higher level exam only. (No credit is awarded for standard level exams, the Extended Essay or the Theory of Knowledge course). All IB credit is shown as transfer credit on the Grace University transcript. No grades are associated with the credits, nor do they figure in to the students GPA at Grace University.

Challenge Examinations
An undergraduate student may choose to test out of a course required in the current Grace University catalog even where no CLEP examination is available. A maximum of 15 hours of exam-based credit can be earned through examinations such as AP, CLEP, and Challenge Examinations. While Challenge Examinations reflect the equivalent knowledge and skills of a student who would receive a “C” grade or above in the classroom, exams will be graded on a pass/fail basis. Transcripts will identify all credits earned by Challenge Examination. Procedures for requesting a Challenge Examination are available in the Academic Affairs Office.

A testing fee is assessed to all students taking Challenge Examinations. Students are assessed a fee for credit that is allowed by examination. For additional information, contact the Academic Affairs Office.

Independent Study
In an Independent Study, students are required to complete a variety of assignments. Course materials (except for textbooks or videos) are available on-line and all assignments are submitted via email attachment to the I-Studies Office for grading. Course requirements and grading standards for I-Studies courses demonstrate approximate equivalence to traditional courses offered on campus.

A student may accumulate a maximum of 21 credit hours of Independent Study and apply those credits into a degree program at Grace University. All I-Studies course work required for graduation must be completed by April 15 prior to graduation in order to insure appropriate posting by the Registrar. Duration of a course is one semester for traditional or full-time students with financial aid. Registration periods are not restricted to the traditional academic calendar; students can enroll at any time of the year provided financial aid is not required. Enrollment in I-Studies courses must be approved by the Academic Vice President.

Independent Study courses are offered at the standard tuition rate. EXCEL students should check with the EXCEL Office regarding their rate. Books and other supplies are not included within the tuition. Withdrawal and refund procedures are consistent with other undergraduate policies and are clearly articulated within the Academic Policies form sent out to all Independent Study students. All Independent Study courses offered at Grace are recorded on official student transcripts and calculated into grade point averages. Traditional undergraduate students are not allowed to take an I-Study when the equivalent is offered in the classroom unless there is a legitimate conflict in schedule. See the Academic V.P. for exceptions.

Seniors Eligible to Take Graduate Courses
Senior students in baccalaureate programs are eligible to take graduate level courses and apply those credits towards their undergraduate degree provided (1) the graduate course meets the objectives of the undergraduate program, and (2) the students have gained permission from the Dean of the Graduate College to register for the graduate level course.

Graduate courses completed to fulfill undergraduate program needs cannot be counted as credit to complete a graduate program should a student apply into a graduate program at Grace. A substitute course may be applied for any course work used within an undergraduate program.

Second Bachelor’s Degree Requirements
Students who wish to earn a second Bachelor’s degree at Grace University may do so provided (1) at least one year has lapsed between the granting of the two degrees, (2) subsequent to the completion of the first degree at Grace, at least 24 additional hours are taken at Grace University, and (3) all program objectives within the second program are fully met. Individuals holding Bachelor’s degrees from another accredited institution may receive a second Bachelor’s degree provided (1) they complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of residency at Grace University, and (2) all objectives within the second program are fully met.

Limited Transfer of Credit for Continuing Students not Enrolled in Cooperative Programs
Students currently enrolled at Grace, other than students in cooperative programs, may not enroll in courses at other institutions to meet Grace University program requirements without the written permission of the Academic Vice President. This permission must be secured in advance and recommended by the student’s advisor.