Academic Policies
Grade Point Average
To compute a student’s grade point average (GPA), the total number of credit units is divided into the total number of grade points. “I”, “CR”, “NC”, “W” and “WF” carry no grade points and are not used in the grade point average calculations. If a course is repeated, the original grade is excluded from the GPA calculations.
- Incomplete – I: A grade of “I” may only be issued when a student has attended at least two-thirds of the course sessions and is unable to complete the requirements due to non-academic extraordinary circumstances. Student must communicate these circumstances in writing to the instructor prior to the final week of courses. When the instructor decides that a student’s “incomplete” request is warranted, a grade of “I” is issued. The instructor defines the conditions for the removal of the “I” grade in the student’s record. Conditions include a time completion of no later than one term after the official end-date of the course; a shorter period of time is advised. The Registrar’s Office receives notification from the instructor as part of the course grades submission. The Registrar’s Office will send a courtesy e-mail reminding the student that the date of completion is pending. Incomplete courses will not be considered complete until official grades are posted by the Registrar’s Office. Incomplete grades are not included in the calculation of grade point average and are not counted as passed/completed in the completion rate. Incomplete grades change to F grades if not completed within the required timeframe. The course(s) must be retaken. The maximum number of incompletes students are allowed to take during the course of the Academic Year is three (3).
- Credit – CR: A “CR” signifies that a student has demonstrated at least a B level in meeting the course outcomes. The course is not used in grade point average calculations.
- No Credit – NC : An “NC” signifies the student has not demonstrated minimally satisfactory competence in meeting course outcomes. Credit is not awarded. The course is not used in grade point average calculations.
- Withdrawal – W: A “W” signifies that a student has withdrawn from a course (details in Withdrawal Policy). This grade does not have grade points assigned. This grade is not used in grade point average calculations.
- Unofficial Withdrawal – WF: A student who fails to withdraw but stop attending classes are considered unofficial withdraws and are assigned a grade of “WF”.
- No Credit – NC :A student must repeat a course in which a No Credit grade was received. Both original and repeat enrollments will be noted on a student’s permanent academic record; however, unit credit and grades are earned only once, and the units and grades earned for the repeated course will be used on the final transcript. Given the sequential structuring of and periodic revisions to the curriculum, course repetition may not always be possible. If scheduling or revisions prevent repetition of a course, a student may complete an Independent Study with the course instructor. Please see the Independent Study section for more information. An Independent Study fee will be assessed for this instruction.
Grading Options
Some courses may carry a different grading option. These courses are graded exclusively Credit/No Credit.
GRADING System
Instructors evaluate each student’s achievement of course and program learning outcomes at the end of each course. Instructors submit evaluations the week following the last day of class to the Registrar’s Office using the college management system, Populi. Grades are released to the students before the start of the next term. Graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all graduate work. A grade below “B-“ is not considered a passing grade. Students who receive a “D” or “F” grade in a required course must repeat the course. The “D” or “F” grade is calculated in the cumulative GPA until the course is satisfactorily repeated. The original grade is excluded from the GPA calculation but remains as part of the student’s official academic record.
Academic Probation
A student is subject to academic probation in the RDGS program when the student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA) falls below 3.0 for coursework. The academic probation is communicated to the student in writing from the Office of the Registrar. A student is allowed three courses to improve the GPA to the required 3.0 provided no further grades of B- or below are earned. A student placed on academic probation will be removed from probation when the cumulative grade point average is improved to a cumulative 3.0 or higher. The student will be notified in writing about a change of status.
Academic DISQUALIFICATION
A student on academic probation is subject to academic disqualification when the student fails to raise the GPA to 3.0 or better, or who receives a grade of B- during the probationary period. A student who is disqualified from the PsyD program may not attend for the remainder of the year and will be withdrawn from the program. Students who have been withdrawn must apply for readmission through the Admission’s Office in order to re-enter the program.
Academic Honesty and Plagiarism Policy
The Reiss-Davis Graduate School is committed to the highest standards of academic honesty. Students are expected to complete all course assignments, exams, research projects, and dissertations with honesty and integrity. Plagiarism is presenting the work of others as your own by word for word copying without using quotation marks or using the ideas or work of others without acknowledgement. Plagiarism and fabrication of research data are examples of violations of the honesty policy.
The RDGS’s PsyD program students are expected to be familiar with and abide by the definitions of plagiarism provided in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Using appropriate citation and referencing of sources as described will assist students to avoid the possibility of plagiarism.
All instances of academic dishonesty, such as plagiarism, cheating, unethical computer use, and facilitation of academic dishonesty must be reported to the Dean. An act of academic dishonesty will meet with appropriate disciplinary sanctions, including dismissal from the program, suspension, a failing grade in a course or various forms of academic probation. The student will be placed on academic probation by the Registrar’s office pending a formal review by the Dean. Evidence of plagiarism discovered after graduation may lead to the revocation of a student’s degree. Students may appeal the Dean’s decision to the Provost. All final decisions made by the Provost, in conjunction with the Dean, are final.
The RDGS’s PsyD program students are expected to be familiar with and abide by the definitions of plagiarism provided in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Using appropriate citation and referencing of sources as described will assist students to avoid the possibility of plagiarism.
All instances of academic dishonesty, such as plagiarism, cheating, unethical computer use, and facilitation of academic dishonesty must be reported to the Dean. An act of academic dishonesty will meet with appropriate disciplinary sanctions, including dismissal from the program, suspension, a failing grade in a course or various forms of academic probation. The student will be placed on academic probation by the Registrar’s office pending a formal review by the Dean. Evidence of plagiarism discovered after graduation may lead to the revocation of a student’s degree. Students may appeal the Dean’s decision to the Provost. All final decisions made by the Provost, in conjunction with the Dean, are final.
Transfer Credit Policy and Process
The Transfer Credit Policy is part of the Reiss-Davis Graduate School admission requirements and procedures. Generally, college level credits are accepted for transfer to the RDGS program if earned from an institution of higher education accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
The courses requested for credit review must support the PsyD program and have a close articulation to an existing course. To be considered for transfer credit, the transferring course must have been completed with a grade of “B” or better. Transfer credits will not be accepted after the first three months of enrollment. Academic credit earned more than 10 years prior to admission will not be accepted for transfer.
Applicants apply to the Registrar’s Office to transfer credits by submitting a Letter of Intent as part of the application process, an official transcript(s) stating the course(s) to be considered and grade(s) received must be submitted. An official course description (may be obtained from the university’s catalog) must accompany the request.
The review of transfer credit requests must meet the expectations of the Dean and advising faculty who are familiar with the content of each course under consideration. There is no cost to the student for this process.
Students who take courses at other institutions during their enrollment at the Reiss-Davis Graduate School may apply to have those units transferred in if they meet the same criteria as other transfer units. The approval of the Dean is required. The maximum transfer credit from another approved or accredited institution shall be up to 10 quarter or trimester units. Students may request an exception to be reviewed. A grade of “B” or better must be earned for the credit to be eligible for a transfer (“B- “grades are not acceptable; pass-fail grades are not transferable unless substantiated by the former institution as having at least “B” quality). Students may request an exception to be reviewed.
Process for Monitoring Transfer Credit Evaluation
Once each year, the Dean will review a random sample of transfer requests received and evaluations completed to ensure that both the academic and administrative policies and standards are being met. This sample will include at least 75% of the transfer requests in the program.
Transferability of Credits Earned at the Reiss-Davis Graduate School
NOTICE CONCERNING TRANSFERABILITY OF CREDITS AND CREDENTIALS EARNED AT OUR INSTITUTION
The transferability of credits earned at the Reiss-Davis Graduate School is at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. Acceptance of the degree you earn in any program of the Reiss-Davis Graduate School is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. If the credits earned at the Reiss-Davis Graduate School are not accepted at the institution to which you seek to transfer, you may be required to repeat some or all of your course work at that institution. For this reason, you should make certain that your attendance at the Reiss-Davis Graduate School will meet your educational goals. This may include contacting an institution to which you may seek to transfer after attending The Reiss-Davis Graduate School to determine if your credits will transfer.
Experiential Learning Policy
Due to the unique nature of the Reiss-Davis Graduate School's program and curriculum, its intensity, and the importance of continuity, it is the policy of the Reiss-Davis Graduate School that no credit towards completion of our degree program will be granted for prior experiential learning.
The courses requested for credit review must support the PsyD program and have a close articulation to an existing course. To be considered for transfer credit, the transferring course must have been completed with a grade of “B” or better. Transfer credits will not be accepted after the first three months of enrollment. Academic credit earned more than 10 years prior to admission will not be accepted for transfer.
Applicants apply to the Registrar’s Office to transfer credits by submitting a Letter of Intent as part of the application process, an official transcript(s) stating the course(s) to be considered and grade(s) received must be submitted. An official course description (may be obtained from the university’s catalog) must accompany the request.
The review of transfer credit requests must meet the expectations of the Dean and advising faculty who are familiar with the content of each course under consideration. There is no cost to the student for this process.
Students who take courses at other institutions during their enrollment at the Reiss-Davis Graduate School may apply to have those units transferred in if they meet the same criteria as other transfer units. The approval of the Dean is required. The maximum transfer credit from another approved or accredited institution shall be up to 10 quarter or trimester units. Students may request an exception to be reviewed. A grade of “B” or better must be earned for the credit to be eligible for a transfer (“B- “grades are not acceptable; pass-fail grades are not transferable unless substantiated by the former institution as having at least “B” quality). Students may request an exception to be reviewed.
Process for Monitoring Transfer Credit Evaluation
Once each year, the Dean will review a random sample of transfer requests received and evaluations completed to ensure that both the academic and administrative policies and standards are being met. This sample will include at least 75% of the transfer requests in the program.
Transferability of Credits Earned at the Reiss-Davis Graduate School
NOTICE CONCERNING TRANSFERABILITY OF CREDITS AND CREDENTIALS EARNED AT OUR INSTITUTION
The transferability of credits earned at the Reiss-Davis Graduate School is at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. Acceptance of the degree you earn in any program of the Reiss-Davis Graduate School is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. If the credits earned at the Reiss-Davis Graduate School are not accepted at the institution to which you seek to transfer, you may be required to repeat some or all of your course work at that institution. For this reason, you should make certain that your attendance at the Reiss-Davis Graduate School will meet your educational goals. This may include contacting an institution to which you may seek to transfer after attending The Reiss-Davis Graduate School to determine if your credits will transfer.
Experiential Learning Policy
Due to the unique nature of the Reiss-Davis Graduate School's program and curriculum, its intensity, and the importance of continuity, it is the policy of the Reiss-Davis Graduate School that no credit towards completion of our degree program will be granted for prior experiential learning.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Students have the right to cancel their agreement for a program of instruction, without any financial penalty or obligations, ten working days prior to the beginning of the second residential session in the first quarter term of the first academic year. Cancellation may occur when the student provides a written notice of cancellation. This can be done by mail or by hand delivery or by e-mail to the Registrar at Registrar@reissdavis.org. The written notice of cancellation, if sent by mail, is effective when deposited in the mail properly addressed with proper postage or confirmed by e-mail to the Registrar. The written notice of cancellation need not take any particular form and, however expressed, it is effective if it shows that the student no longer wishes to be bound by the Enrollment Agreement.
After the end of this cancellation period, the student also has the right to withdraw from the program at any time. Should a student withdraw from the program, he or she will not be charged for future quarters. The percentage of the refund depends on the effective date of the withdrawal.
After the end of this cancellation period, the student also has the right to withdraw from the program at any time. Should a student withdraw from the program, he or she will not be charged for future quarters. The percentage of the refund depends on the effective date of the withdrawal.
Withdrawal Policies
Withdrawal from a Course
Due to a sequential nature of RDGS curriculum students are discouraged to withdraw from courses. If withdrawal from the course cannot be avoided, a student needs to either retake the class once it is available with the next Cohort or to take an Independent Study to complete the course. The Independent Study must be completed by the end of the next quarter term.
A student who does not attend class and has not been approved for a Leave of Absence, will be placed on inactive status and will be subject to administrative withdrawal from the program.
The percentage of the refund depends on the effective date of the withdrawal.
Withdrawal From the Program
A student who wishes to withdraw from the RDGS program is strongly advised to speak with the Dean, as well as staff in Academic Affairs or Registrar’s Office. A student wanting to voluntarily withdraw from the RDGS program must complete the Withdrawal from the Program Request form and submit it to the Registrar’s Office. The withdrawal request is reviewed by the Dean, and if approved, the academic record will show the date of withdrawal and a standing of "W" will be recorded in all courses not completed on that date. The academic record will indicate "Voluntary Withdrawal".
Students who fail to withdraw but stop attending class are considered unofficial withdraws and are assigned a grade of ‘WF’.
A voluntary withdrawal cannot be retroactive. The effective date entered into the student's record by the Registrar’s Office is the date of approval. The student will remain financially and academically responsible for any courses enrolled in until the date of withdrawal. The student is responsible for returning all library books and other borrowed materials. The student will no longer have access to electronic resources, including the school e-mail account.
Students who have been withdrawn must apply for readmission through the Admission’s Office in order to re-enter the program. If they are readmitted, students will be subject to the degree requirements and catalog policies, including tuition and fees, in effect at the time of their readmission.
The percentage of the refund depends on the effective date of the withdrawal.
Due to a sequential nature of RDGS curriculum students are discouraged to withdraw from courses. If withdrawal from the course cannot be avoided, a student needs to either retake the class once it is available with the next Cohort or to take an Independent Study to complete the course. The Independent Study must be completed by the end of the next quarter term.
A student who does not attend class and has not been approved for a Leave of Absence, will be placed on inactive status and will be subject to administrative withdrawal from the program.
The percentage of the refund depends on the effective date of the withdrawal.
Withdrawal From the Program
A student who wishes to withdraw from the RDGS program is strongly advised to speak with the Dean, as well as staff in Academic Affairs or Registrar’s Office. A student wanting to voluntarily withdraw from the RDGS program must complete the Withdrawal from the Program Request form and submit it to the Registrar’s Office. The withdrawal request is reviewed by the Dean, and if approved, the academic record will show the date of withdrawal and a standing of "W" will be recorded in all courses not completed on that date. The academic record will indicate "Voluntary Withdrawal".
Students who fail to withdraw but stop attending class are considered unofficial withdraws and are assigned a grade of ‘WF’.
A voluntary withdrawal cannot be retroactive. The effective date entered into the student's record by the Registrar’s Office is the date of approval. The student will remain financially and academically responsible for any courses enrolled in until the date of withdrawal. The student is responsible for returning all library books and other borrowed materials. The student will no longer have access to electronic resources, including the school e-mail account.
Students who have been withdrawn must apply for readmission through the Admission’s Office in order to re-enter the program. If they are readmitted, students will be subject to the degree requirements and catalog policies, including tuition and fees, in effect at the time of their readmission.
The percentage of the refund depends on the effective date of the withdrawal.