Academic Information

Credits

The University operates on the semester system. August through May is divided into two semesters of approximately 16 weeks each. The summer term makes it possible for a student to earn up to an additional 16 semester hours of credit. The unit of credit is the semester hour. Normally, one equivalent semester hour of credit is awarded on the basis of one 50-minute class session per week. The outside preparation required is approximately twice the time spent in class. Double/triple laboratory periods requiring less preparation are equivalent to a single lecture period.

The normal student load is 15-18 hours per semester. A student who drops below 12 hours in a 16-week semester is considered a part-time student. A student must be enrolled in at least 12 semester hours in a 16-week semester to be eligible to live in a residence hall.

Senior college students are permitted to take physical education service courses beyond the required 3 hours (one additional hour per semester). Up to 4 hours of physical education service courses in addition to the required hours may be counted towards graduation requirements as free electives or in the secondary program physical education major and minor.

Students with a high academic average (normally a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or better) may secure permission from the Registrar to carry more than 18 hours.

Concordia University Honors Program

The Honors Program offers academically successful students the opportunity to broaden and enrich their undergraduate education at Concordia. Students with superior high school achievements are invited to apply to the Program, as are students whose success at Concordia identifies them as candidates for enhanced educational experiences. For specific information on the application process, contact the Director of the Honors Program. 

This 12-hour program includes an initial honors experience, CHP-2960 Introduction to Honors: Critical Thinking (3 hours), and 9 subsequent hours chosen from several options – seminars in the disciplines (CHP-3960), courses taken in study abroad programs, and independent senior honors projects (CHP-4960).  Additionally, honors students contribute 30 service hours to church, community, or University. The Honors Program is designed to enhance a students overall Concordia career. Students successfully completing the program are recognized at commencement as Concordia Scholars.

Classification of Academic Level

• Freshman—less than 30 semester hours
• Sophomore—30 but less than 60 semester hours
• Junior—60 but less than 90 semester hours
• Senior—90 or more semester hours

The credits used to determine academic level include those earned at the University and  any transfer credits. Second degree-seeking students will be classified on the basis of transfer credit and/or previous Concordia credit.

Attendance Policy

As a university student, each individual must develop a sense of personal responsibility. Part of this responsibility is demonstrated through attendance in class. The dynamics of a classroom are enhanced by regular class attendance, and a student may be deprived of an integral portion of the course by missing class. Instructors may specify such attendance policies as they deem appropriate to support the objectives of a course and assist the student in developing this self-discipline. Attendance policies will be written in the course syllabus provided to the student at the beginning of a course.

Placement Examinations

Placement examinations are normally scheduled during Orientation Week and during the first week of the semester for all new students. Placement tests in music theory and instrumental proficiency can be taken by contacting the appropriate department.

All physics, mathematics and computer science courses have a computational skills prerequisite. It will be assumed that students possessing an ACT score in mathematics of at least 19 or with acceptable college transfer credit in mathematics have obtained these skills. All other students must successfully complete MAT-1000 or pass the departmental exemption test administered during Orientation Week before they will be permitted to enroll in a physics, mathematics or computer science course.

Course Credit by Examination option

Degree-seeking students may accelerate or enrich their program by earning course credit by examination and expanding their electives. A maximum of 12 semester hours of credit may be earned by examination. Departments will designate courses for which credit may be earned by examination. After successful completion of an examination (a grade of C or better) the student may choose to receive credit (P) or credit with a grade (A, B, or C). A credit of P will count toward the 18-hour maximum Pass/DF credit allowed in a student’s program.

Students should consult the individual departments for the most recent list of courses for which credit by examination is offered. Examinations will be arranged and administered through the department chairperson. Application forms for course credit examinations are available in the Registrar's office. Courses and contact persons are listed for each option. Consult department chairs for additional courses available for credit by examination.

Financial Accounting I - William Kammrath
Intermediate German I or II - William Ewald
Intermediate Spanish I or II - Erin Real
Fund. of Gen. Chemistry - Deborah Serra
General Chemistry I or II - Deborah Serra
Human Biology - Deborah Serra
General Physics I - Richard Calhoun
Math Concepts II - Mary Goetting
Calculus I - Mary Goetting
Electronic Communication - Mary Goetting

Application forms for course credit examinations are available in the Registrar’s Office, Addison Hall Room 151.

Advanced Placement (AP) and CLEP Credit

The University will normally grant credit for above-average scores on the Advanced Placement Examination of the College Board. Test scores of 3 or better in any of several subject areas will receive college credit. Arrangements for taking the Advanced Placement Test should be made during the senior high school year through the high school counselor. Concordia’s code number for this test is 1140.

The University grants credit for the General Examination of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Students may receive three semester hours of pass credit for test scores of 460-520 and six semester hours of pass credit for scores of 530 and above. This credit equivalency is granted only after the student has successfully completed at least 12 semester hours in residence. In addition Concordia grants credit for the College Level Examination Program Subject Examinations. Students wishing to substitute CLEP credit for a Concordia course must consult with their Academic Advisor for CLEP/Concordia course equivalencies. Since AP and CLEP credit are considered transfer credit the University reserves the right to determine the number and type of AP and/or CLEP credits that can be accepted toward a student’s degree.

Credit for Prior Learning

Concordia University recognizes that college level learning and subsequent credit can be acquired in both the traditional classroom as well as non-traditional settings. Credit for prior learning may be presented in the form of ACE (American Council on Education) evaluated training/certifications, military training, and/or Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) essays. Each college within the University has a policy addressing the procedures and credit awards which may be granted for prior learning. Students wishing to pursue CPL are required to contact the CPL coordinator. Students with educational experiences from service in the army, navy, or marines are encouraged to submit an AARTS or SMART transcript.

International Baccalaureate Credit

Concordia University accepts individual course credit for Higher Level International Baccalaureate courses for test scores of 5 or above. No credit will be considered for Subsidiary Courses on an individual basis. For each course presented and accepted, three semester hours of credit will be awarded and applied to the student’s degree program where appropriate.

For students presenting the International Baccalaureate Diploma, a total of 16 semester hours will be granted and applied to the student’s degree program where appropriate.

The total number of International Baccalaureate Credit accepted by individual course and the diploma may not exceed a total of 16 semester hours of credit.

Transfer Credit

Any currently enrolled student wishing to earn transfer credit must first consult with the academic advising office regarding the transferability of courses and then receive approval from the Registrar. The Transfer Credit Approval Form is available at the Registrar’s Office.

The University reserves the right to determine the number and type of transfer credits accepted toward a student’s degree. The last two years of college work should be at the senior college level. No more than 67 semester hours of lower-level transfer credit from a regionally accredited institution will be counted toward graduation, unless extra hours are used to fulfill general education requirements for students in the Organizational Management Program. Courses with a grade of  ‘F’ are not transferable.

Goals of General Studies

General Studies in the undergraduate curriculum at Concordia University, within the context of a confessing Christian community, is designed to develop the skills, knowledge, and qualities of character that all students should possess as human beings and as responsible members of society. By stimulating intellectual curiosity and inquiry, the General Studies curricula and requirements are intended to help students:

1. Increase their skills of critical thinking for a lifetime of learning, by providing the opportunity to develop the abilities:
   • to reason;
   • to listen, observe, and read;
   • to think creatively;
   • to acquire, organize, and evaluate information;
   • to apply basic mathematical principles;
   • to use appropriate technology; and
   • to communicate ideas clearly and effectively;
2. Gain organized and integrated knowledge of God, of the universe, of society, and of self, by providing the opportunity:
   • to understand how one knows what one knows by demonstrating the ways of conceptualizing, explaining, and verifying knowledge;
   • to comprehend present experience through an ordered inquiry into past events and circumstances;
   • to understand one’s involvement in the processes and consequences of social, political, economic, and technological change;
   • to appreciate one’s own culture within the wider framework of cultures of other places and times;
   • to function effectively in a multicultural society;
   • to understand the complexity of the natural world and of the interdependence of nature and society; and
   • to understand God’s gracious concern for humanity and the universe;
3. Further comprehend the meaning of human life, by providing the opportunity:
   • to expand intellectual and aesthetic understanding of the expression of ideas in the creative arts;
   • to recognize the potential and the limitations of mind and body;
   • to value the maintenance of mental, physical, and spiritual health;
   • to understand moral and ethical issues, and to define personal values;
   • to know the nature of religious experience, and to nourish religious insights and convictions as expressed in the Christian tradition; and
   • to develop a sense of vocation for service within church and community.

Registration

Registration for the following academic year is held early in April for all students currently in attendance. Final registration for each semester is listed on the calendar at the opening of this bulletin.

By registering, the student accepts the responsibility to subscribe to all University policies, financial and otherwise. Fulfillment of registration requirements is the individual student’s responsibility and must be completed in accordance with procedures established by the Registrar’s Office.

Payment or arrangement for payment must be made with the University’s Business Services Office by the published deadlines for payment. In general, these are four weeks prior to the Fall Term; two weeks prior to the Spring Term; and, one week prior to each of the Summer Terms.

Failure to meet published payment deadlines will result in the cancellation of the students course registration for that term.

Registering for Graduate Courses (4000 level offered for graduate credit)

Students who have reached senior status (90 semester hours completed) are eligible to take a 6000-level course and apply it to their undergraduate program requirements provided they:

1. Have a major or minor in the discipline or substantive area of the course being requested.
2. Have a 3.00 cumulative grade point average.
3. Obtain permission of the course instructor and the Registrar after other requirements have been met.

A limit of twenty-five percent of undergraduates has been established for any 6000-level graduate course. If a student’s registration would exceed this, the registration will be denied. Students will be granted no more than two such course registrations to be included in their undergraduate program. The above may not be applied to a graduate program. A 6000-level course may not be taken on a Pass/DF grade option.

In the last semester before graduation, a senior student with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 and a 3.00 average in the department in which the graduate course is to be taken is eligible to register for a 4000-level or a 6000-level. The course may be applied to the completion of an undergraduate degree or toward a graduate degree, but not both. Permission of the Registrar and respective instructor is required to register for the course. Students wishing to apply the graduate level course toward a graduate degree at Concordia must simultaneously apply for graduate admission and receive confirmation that the course will fulfill graduate degree requirements.

Course Addition

A student may register for a new course through the fifth day of the semester. The ‘Add/Drop’ form must be submitted to the Academic Advising Office.

A student may not register for a new course after the first five days of the semester. Time limits are reduced proportionately in any semester where the structure of the class day is changed, such as the summer sessions, 10-week and 5-week courses.

Course Withdrawal

Degree-seeking students: The following procedures are to be used in the event of withdrawal from a class (non-NUR courses):

1. First day of the semester through the 5th day of the semester, a student may withdraw from a course by submitting a Drop Form to the Academic Advising Office. Such courses will not be recorded on a student’s transcript.
2. From the sixth day through the last day to withdraw from the course for the semester, the approval of the instructor involved will be required. A grade “W” will be recorded if so agreed upon by the instructor. The student must submit the Drop Form to the Academic Advising Office with the instructor’s signature.
3. After the 12th week of the semester, a “W” will be granted only for extraordinary circumstances approved by the Dean of Students.
4. Unauthorized withdrawals will result in the grade of “F.”
5. Nursing students must obtain the approval of the WSCN Academic Dean for any of steps 1, 2, 3, and 4 above for all courses with prefix NUR.  Students dropping NUR courses must follow the published deadlines as prescribed by WSCN.

Non-degree seeking students are to report directly to the Registrar’s Office. All regulations on a grade of “W” will be the same as stated above for degree-seeking students.  These time limits are reduced proportionately for Summer sessions and for courses that meet less than the normal 16-week semester.

Failure to attend class does not constitute withdrawal. in such cases, the instructor will assign a grade.

Independent Study

Independent study is designed to provide students with an opportunity to pursue a specific academic interest that is related to but not included in a department’s curriculum. Independent study is offered in all of the departments to full-time students only. The application form is available in the Office of the Registrar and is to be presented to the department chair, with the proposal, in the semester prior to the beginning of the semester of enrollment. The proposal should include:

1. Title
2. Objectives
3. Rationale
4. Outline
5. Basic resources
6. Time schedule

A course in the curriculum may not be taken as independent study; nor can an independent study duplicate the content of an established course. Grading procedures and policies concerning incomplete grades also applies to independent study courses.

Undergraduates are also subject to the following limitations:

• Junior or senior class standing
• One independent study per semester
• Cumulative GPA of 2.00
• A 2.75 GPA in the pursued discipline
• Completion of all general education requirements in the pursued discipline

Off-Campus Courses

A student with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or better at Concordia University may take courses simultaneously at other colleges and universities in the Chicago area as part of an academic load by permission of the Registrar. Two consortium arrangements exist: one with Dominican University (7900 Division, River Forest), another with the Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area (see course descriptions for biology and chemistry).

Permission for academic overloads off-campus will be granted on the same basis as on-campus overloads.

Grading

Grade reports are issued at the end of each semester and at the end of the complete summer session. The student’s work is evaluated according to the following scale:

  

A:	Excellent
B:	Good
C:	Fair
D:	Poor, but passing
F:	Failure
I:	Incomplete
S:	Satisfactory (used in student teaching only)
U:	Unsatisfactory (used in student teaching only)
P:	Pass
AU:	Audit

Dean’s List

The Dean’s List is composed of degree-seeking students (i.e. baccalaureate degree) who have met the following standards: An grade point average of 3.625 or better in a given semester at Concordia, good disciplinary standing and an academic work load of not less than twelve GPA semester hours (i.e., 12 hours beyond those taken on the Pass/DF Grade Option).

Academic Status

Guidelines for establishing a student’s academic status are as follows:

1. A student is considered to be in good standing as follows:
   1. Freshman: 1.8 or higher
   2. Sophomore: 1.9 or higher
   3. Junior: 2.0 or higher
   4. Senior: 2.0 or higher
2. Any time a student’s cumulative GPA is below 2.00 and the student is not on probation the student will be placed on Warning Status.
3. A student is considered to be on probation or eligible for dismissal as follows:
   1. Freshman: at the end of any semester that the cumulative GPA is below 1.80
   2. Sophomore: below 1.90
   3. Junior: below 2.00
   4. Senior: below 2.00
4. All colloquy, degree-seeking or certification program students are subject to the following probationary sequence: Probation 1, Probation 2, Dismissal. The above status categories apply to the most recently completed semester.

Quality Points

Quality points are computed as follows: Each hour of A: 4 points; each hour of B: 3 points; each hour of C: 2 points; and each hour of D: 1 point. The student is required to earn an average of 2 quality points for every credit hour required in a program toward graduation, excluding student teaching, pass/fail courses, and applied music courses that are not part of a student’s program. By the end of the semester previous to the one in which graduation is expected the liberal arts student must have quality points equal to a 2.00 and the education student must have quality points equal to a 2.25 for the course work taken at Concordia.

The Incomplete (I) Grade:

A grade of “incomplete” is awarded by an instructor when, because of circumstances beyond the control of the student, e.g. illness, death in the family, the student needs more time to complete the course with the greatest possible achievement. The request for a grade of incomplete must be student initiated. Approval of the incomplete is determined by the instructor. A grade of “I” must be resolved within six weeks of the end of the term (Fall, Spring, Summer) in which the grade was received.  At that time the instructor will assign a grade. Permission for additional time beyond the 6-week deadline may be granted only with the approval of the instructor and the Registrar. Whether or not the student is enrolled during the following term has no effect upon this completion date.

The Satisfactory (S)/Unsatisfactory (U) Grade:

The work of students engaged in early childhood, elementary, or secondary student teaching is evaluated: Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory, Failure. Unsatisfactory allows the completion of additional student teaching experiences or additional course work when necessary. No quality points are equated with student teaching evaluation. Comprehensive forms, accompanying the evaluation, become part of the student’s credential file.

Pass/DF Grade Option

1. A grade of C or better shall be equated with Pass for students graded on the Pass/DF option.
2. A grade of Pass will not be included in the student’s grade-point average. A grade of D will be computed as a D in the cumulative GPA; a grade of F will be computed as an F in the cumulative GPA.
3. A student may choose to be graded on a Pass/DF basis for any course other than ENG-1000 and MAT-1000.
4. Additional limitations on Pass/DF option may be established by individual colleges.  For example, College of Education students may not take College of Education requirements or Professional Education courses on a Pass/DF basis.

If the Pass/DF option is student initiated, a student:

1. May choose to be graded on a Pass/DF basis in a maximum of 3 hours in any one semester with a maximum of 18 hours (e.g. six 3-semester hour courses) in the total program (student teaching not included).
2. Must be carrying an academic load of at least 12 hours of Concordia credit (excluding registration of correspondence work) during any semester in which a Pass/DF course is elected.
3. Must file the intention to be graded on a Pass/DF basis with the Registrar on or before the 20th day of the term. This choice may not be altered after that time.These time limits are reduced proportionately in any term where the structure is changed, such as the Summer sessions.

The instructor will not be informed of the student’s choice to be graded on a Pass/DF basis.

Applications for Pass/DF option may be picked up in the Office of the Registrar. This option is not open to those receiving veteran’s benefits.

Institutional Pass/Fail courses will be identified in the Undergraduate Bulletin description of the course. In such courses every student will be graded either Pass or Fail. An institutional Pass/Fail course counts toward the 18 hours allowed in a total program.

Course Repeat

A student may repeat any course. When a Concordia course is repeated at Concordia, only the grade and credit hours for the last attempt will be used in computing the grade-point average, quality points and credit. Both attempts and grades will be recorded on the transcript. A repeat of a non-Concordia course or repeating a Concordia course at another college will not be included in the GPA calculation.

Students are cautioned that a course being repeated may not be eligible for financial aid and might impact enrollment status. Any questions regarding this procedure should be directed to the financial planning office.

Course Audits

Registration for course audits should occur at or before final registration. Students may change from credit to audit or audit to credit up to and including the 20^th day of the term by contacting the Office of the Registrar. Exams and papers assigned to students taking the course for credit do not apply to audit students; all other expectations are the same. A grade of audit (AU) will be assigned at the completion of the course. For fee information in regard to audits see page 10.

University Withdrawal

Degree-seeking students who desire to withdraw from the University are to consult with the Vice President for Student Services and fill out the University Withdrawal Form. Withdrawal is not official until these responsibilities have been met. Failure to follow this procedure will result in a grade of “F” rather than a grade of “W”. After the 12th week of the semester, grades of “W” will be granted only for extraordinary circumstances as approved by the Vice President for Student Services.

Students who do not maintain continuous enrollment at Concordia University from semester to semester (excluding the Summer term) will be automatically withdrawn from the University as of their last semester of attendance, unless the student is eligible and files for “Stop-out Status.”

Stop-out Status

Stop-out students are students currently enrolled at Concordia University wishing to halt their academic progress for one or more semesters and then resume their program. To be considered for Stop-Out Status the student must submit the Stop-Out Status Form to the Registrar’s Office. Students wishing to be placed on Stop-Out Status within a currently enrolled semester may only do so through the 12^th week of the semester. After the 12^th week, a student must apply for withdrawal from the University.

The “stop-out” period may not exceed one academic year. Only under extraordinary circumstances as approved by the Registrar may the “stop-out” status be renewed beyond the one-year limit.

Such students’ records will be maintained in the current student files. Students on ‘stop-out” status need not apply for readmission, but must report to the Registrar’s Office before resuming their studies. Students in this category are only eligible for financial aid during their actual semesters of attendance; likewise, verification of enrollment can only be done for actual semesters in attendance.

Readmission

A student who has withdrawn and plans to return to Concordia should request a “Readmission Application.” This form is to be completed and addressed to the Vice President of Student Services at least seven days prior to the beginning of the semester. No action will be taken by the Readmission Committee if satisfactory arrangements have not been made for the payment of any outstanding financial obligations. Students being readmitted will return under the same academic status they had at their last date of attendance.

Graduation

Conferring Degrees and Awarding Diplomas

Degrees are conferred and diplomas are awarded at the end of each semester and summer term. Formal commencement exercises take place at the end of each term. Diplomas are normally mailed to the student 2-3 weeks after the official graduation date barring any outstanding financial obligations to Concordia.

Application for Graduation

Students planning to graduate must complete an “Intent to Graduate Form” no later than the end of the first week of the semester in which they plan to graduate. This form is available in the Office of the Registrar. Failure to submit the form by this deadline will prevent consideration for graduation. The submission of the Intent to Graduate Form initiates the final degree audit, mailings for graduation, the diploma order, and the graduation fee; and, establishes the candidate list for faculty approval.

Graduation Requirements

1. File an “Intent to Graduate Form” before the designated deadline.
2. Complete the designated credit hours as detailed in the curriculum, relevant to the individual’s degree program.
3. Attain the required cumulative GPA designated by the College in which the student is enrolled.
4. Complete the General Education Assessment Exam.
5. Complete residency requirements.
6. If entry was that of a freshman with less than 30 semester hours of credit,  an official high school transcript indicating date of graduation must be on file in the Registrar’s Office. Transfer students or students with transfer credit must also have on file official transcripts from all colleges attended.
7. Complete payment of all fees and tuition due Concordia University.
8. Attain approval of the faculty.

Residence Requirements for Graduation

At least one academic year (32 hours) of study in residence on campus will be required for graduation, preferably the last year before graduation. At least 16 of the last 32 hours in the student’s program must be taken in residence; at least 6 of the last 32 hours must be taken in residence within five years prior to graduation. Half of the hours in each major must be done in residence.

Note: Special residency requirements for nursing students are listed in the Concordia University/West Suburban College of Nursing Bulletin.

Graduation with Honors

For graduation with honors a student must have earned at least 64 hours in residency at Concordia, including the final semester before graduation. At least 46 of the 64 hours must be GPA hours. The cumulative grade point average will include only work completed at Concordia, excluding the last semester prior to graduation.

       
• 3.900-4.000   summa cum laude
• 3.700-3.899   magna cum laude
• 3.500-3.699   cum laude

Requirements on Interrupted Programs

Undergraduate students who interrupt their degree programs for more than 3 years (36 months) must comply with the degree requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to Concordia. Students who change their degree program must comply with degree requirements in effect at the time of the change; program changes become official at the Census Date following the petition to change their degree program. Students returning within the 3-year period and staying in the same degree program as when they left may complete either the degree requirements from the catalog of the year they began at Concordia or those in effect when they re-enter. Students cannot combine or mix requirements from the two different catalogs. Students electing to remain with the program requirements from the original date of entry are subject to any changes, however, in state or professional certification requirements during the interim.

The ultimate responsibility for compliance with academic requirements for graduation, selection of courses and prerequisites, and class schedules rests with the student.

Washington Semester Program

Concordia University is a member of the Lutheran College Washington Consortium, sponsored by a group of 13 Lutheran colleges and universities. The consortium offers a  full semester of combined coursework and internship experiences designed to introduce students to the range of governmental activities in Washington, with an emphasis on ethical dimensions of public service. The Core Course is entitled “Ethical Issues in Public Affairs.” The director of the program also places students in internships ranging from executive and congressional offices to various public and private agencies.

While there is no prerequisite coursework for participation in this program, students are strongly encouraged to take POS-1100, American Government and Politics, prior to enrollment in the Washington Semester. An important aspect of the program is its relevance for students with many different career goals. As the Consortium’s literature announces, “It’s not just about politics.”

Students register at Concordia University for the Washington Consortium Semester and pay the tuition and general fees to the University. Expenses for travel, meals, and lodging are paid directly by the students. Total cost is comparable to a full-time semester as a resident student on the main campus. Financial aid applies as if the student were in residence and the Washington Consortium Semester courses and internships are accepted for full credit toward graduation from Concordia University.

For information on the Washington Consortium Semester see the Vice President for Student Services.