Catalog of Abilene Christian University, 2006-2007 Page: 127

                                
Graduate School  127

Incomplete Grades
Professors may assign a grade of "I" (Incomplete) or "IP" (In-Progress)
only when illness or some significant reasons prevents the student
from completing a course by the end of the semester. An "IP" must
be removed during the next 16-week semester following the one for
which it was assigned or it will be automatically converted to an "I."
Also, an "I" must be removed during the subsequent 16-week
semester or it turns into an "F." As long as an "I" grade remains
on a student's record, it is counted as an "F" in computing the GPA.
incomplete work cannot be submitted for a grade after one year from
the end of the semester in which the student was enrolled in the
course. Exceptions are selected practica, internships, thesis and thesis
projects where grades of "IP" remain.
The student is responsible for requesting and completing an "I" when
applicable. A student who enrolls in a class and does not attend (or
stops attending) but does not officially withdraw is assigned a failing
grade for that class.
Degree Time Limit
The time begins with the earliest course taken that applies to the
degree program. After a student has enrolled for graduate credit, all
work for the master's degree must be completed within six years for
30-45 hour degrees; seven years for 46-61 hour degrees; and eight
years for degrees up to 90 hours. This regulation applies to work
being transferred from another institution as well as to work done
at ACU.
Auditing a Class
Students who audit a class are normally charged the audit fee
according to the university billing practice. Students sometimes later
wish to change the audit to a course grade. However, this practice is
not permitted.
Dismissal
The ACU Graduate School, through action of the graduate dean,
reserves the right to refuse continued enrollment to any student
who is negligent in conforming to student regulations or
academic standards.
Exception Requests
A student must make a written request for an exception to any
graduate school policy. For example, a student might wish to request
to take additional hours in a given semester or summer term, to
transfer more than the maximum number of hours from another
institution, to extend his or her maximum time to complete the
graduate degree, or some other exception to policy.
Petition forms are available in department offices or in the
Graduate School. The student should state the request and
provide any necessary supporting material. The form must first be
submitted for approval to the graduate advisor, and then will be
forwarded to the graduate dean for evaluation and consideration.
Most of these requests will be presented to the Graduate Council
for approval. The decision of the Graduate Council is final.
Grade AppealsIGrievances
The university has a procedure for dispute resolution. In general,
the order of resolution is to begin at the initial level of the dispute.
Usually, the student should attempt to resolve the dispute with the
professor in question or with the advisor, if it is a program matter
The student may then go to the department chair who normally
resolves all disputes within the department. The student, however,
may appeal the department chair's decision to the college dean, then
to the graduate dean and finally to the provost whose decision is final.
Preparing for Graduation
Graduation Application
A degree candidate must request, complete and return an application
for graduation to the Graduate School. Deadlines for filing an
application are:

May graduation: March 1
August graduation: June 1
December graduation: October 1

Any student who does not complete graduation requirements during
the semester for which he or she has filed must re-apply for a later
graduation date. Degrees are posted on the student's transcript as
soon as possible after all requirements have been completed.
Diplomas are mailed to students approximately two months
after commencement.
Comprehensive or Thesis Examination Requirements
In addition to regular course examinations, most programs require
students to pass a comprehensive examination over the major field.
Graduate students who write a thesis must "defend" the thesis in an
oral examination.
Generally, the comprehensive exam or thesis examination should be
arranged through the department four weeks before graduation.
However, some programs have specific examination dates. The
graduate student should consult his or her graduate advisor for
specific departmental examination requirements and schedules, noting
that summer schedules can be difficult scheduling times. The student
should obtain a Comprehensive Examination Application from the
Graduate School before the examination date. After the exam, the
department returns the form to the Graduate School to report
examination results.
Clear Student Account
Check with Student Financial Services to clear or make arrangements
for any outstanding balance before graduation.
Degree Posting, Transcript and Diploma
When all requirements for the degree have been met, including
the final copy of the thesis, etc., the degree will be posted, and a
transcript showing the degree may be requested. Diplomas are
ordered as soon as degrees are posted following each graduation
date and should be mailed within two months. It is imperative that
students leave a correct forwarding address. At the time of degree
posting, if any requirement has not been met, the student will
automatically be deferred to the next graduation cycle and will
need to re-apply for graduation.
Financial Assistance
Grants
ACU participates in the following grant programs for graduate
students:
* TEG - Tuition Equalization Grant (for Texas residents only)
Scholarships
Departmental scholarships are offered through the various
departments. For more information regarding these scholarships,
contact the department of interest.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate Assistants (GAs) at Abilene Christian University fall into
three categories according to major responsibilities:
1. Academic support, including clerical work.
2. Research.
3. Teaching.
Upon employment, GAs are given a letter clearly stating
responsibilities, remuneration, and the expectations of the department
and of the professor to whom they are assigned. Remuneration
includes a stipend and tuition reduction. Both full- and part-time
assistantships are available.
Selection
Graduate assistants are chosen on a competitive basis. Students apply
through the Graduate School and are approved by the dean upon
recommendation by the head of the department for which they wish
to work (and upon the recommendation of their graduate program if
it is different from the department in which they work). In order to

receive an assistantship, a student must be admitted unconditionally
into a graduate program and must be enrolled for graduate course
work that semester. For a full assistantship, a student must be enrolled