Academic Year

Westpac International Business College operates on an non-traditional cohort style semester and the courses are offered mostly nightly and on the weekends.

Admissions Requirements

All regulations governing the Graduate School are designed to equal or exceed the minimum criteria recommended by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Alabama State Department of Education, the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. All regulations regarding admission, retention, and completion are minimum, and departments, schools, and colleges may prescribe more stringent requirements. Applicants are advised to check with the dean, department chair, or program adviser in the academic area, or Graduate Admissions office for degree requirements specific to the degree sought.

Pre-Admission Procedures

Application forms for admission to the Graduate School may be obtained from the Admissions Office at all Westpac International Business College locations. The application should be completed at least one month before the first day of the semester or term of intended attendance.

Applications must include

1. a completed application form,
2. official transcripts from all universities attended, and
3. other documentation supporting the application.
   Please see the following explanation of these application requirements.

Transcripts
All official transcripts (raised seal with Registrar's signature, security paper, and without “Issued to Student” stamped on it) from all universities attended noting that credit was accepted toward the completion of the bachelor’s degree are required for applicants holding a bachelor's degree. All official transcripts showing the completion of the bachelor’s, master's, or higher degree are required for applicants holding a master's or higher degree. These transcripts must be on file in the Admissions Office of the ezPac College campus to which the student is applying. The Admissions office will assist students in completing transcript requests. Once the Application for Admission is on file, all transcripts submitted become the property of Westpac International Business College and will not be returned.

Other Document Requirements
The official Westpac International Business College Letter of Recommendation that addresses the individual’s potential for success in the selected graduate program as well as his/her written and oral communication skills must be completed and submitted electronically to the location that the Application for Admissions was submitted. The official letter of recommendation form may be found at http://troy.troy.edu/graduatestudies/grsform.html

Note: A letter submitted to meet specific program requirements may be used for admission to the Graduate School to satisfy this admission requirement.

1. Students who previously took a nationally standardized aptitude examination, such as the GRE, MAT, or GMAT, shall submit official test score(s) with the Application for Admission. No time limit is established on test scores for admission to Graduate School. (However, most scores are available for only five years.)
2. College of Education students seeking advanced teacher certification (Class A) must furnish a copy of a valid teaching certificate (not Optional or Provisional certificates). Alternative Fifth-year students seeking initial certification are not required to present a teaching certificate. See the College of Education section for additional information.
3. Students who have completed an Air Force intermediate or senior level Professional Military Education (PME) course must submit an official transcript from the Registrar, Air University. Students who have completed U.S. Army Command and General Staff College must submit an official transcript. Students who completed any other service-sponsored PME School must submit a course completion certificate.
4. Health Certificate (Troy Campus requirement). Students who enroll or take courses on the WIBC campus must submit a medical record to the Health Center.

Submission of the completed application, application fee, official test scores, letter of recommendation, and official transcripts normally completes an application for admission. When the application for admission has been processed, the appropriate Graduate Admissions personnel will inform applicants of the action taken. Admission to the Graduate School does not imply official admission to a specific graduate program. For admission to a particular program of study, students must refer to program admissions guidelines for additional specifications and requirements.

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• Unconditional Admission - Master's Degree
To qualify for unconditional admission to a master's degree program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Hold a master's or higher degree from a regionally accredited university. No test score or letter of recommendation is required for those who hold a master’s or higher degree from accredited institutions. All official transcripts must be provided.
   
   OR
   
   
2. Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university with a minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 (4.0 scale) or a 3.0 grade point average on the last 30 semester hours. All hours attempted in the term in which the 30 semester hours were reached will be used to calculate the grade point average. Students entering licensure and professional programs must meet specified grade point average requirements.
   
   OR
   
   
3. Hold a baccalaureate degree from an unaccredited or otherwise accredited college or university with a minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 (4.0 scale) or a 3.0 grade point average on the last 30 semester hours. All hours attempted in the term in which the 30 semester hours were reached will be used to calculate the grade point average. (See Unaccredited or Otherwise Accredited Baccalaureate Degree Holders - Student Admission Requirements.)
   
   Note: Students seeking advanced degrees in teacher education programs must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
   
   AND
   
   
4. Have an acceptable score on the appropriate entrance exam (official test score required). Note: Students entering licensure and professional programs must meet specified grade point average requirements and stated test score minimums. Consult the specific program for admission score requirements.
   
   AND
   
   
5. Provide an official Westpac International Business College Letter of Recommendation that addresses the individual’s potential for success in the selected graduate program as well as his/her written and oral communication skills. See web request form at http://troy.troy.edu/graduatestudies/grsform.html
   
   Note: A letter submitted to meet specific program requirements may be used for admission to the Graduate School to satisfy this admission requirement.
   
   AND
   
   
6. Meet the unconditional requirements of a program. See specific programs for details. Some programs have higher standards.

• Conditional Admission - Master's Degree
Conditional admission may be granted under certain circumstances to applicants who cannot satisfy all unconditional admission requirements. Not applicable for Ed.S. students.

Students admitted conditionally due to only a low undergraduate grade point average will be cleared of their conditional status if, at the completion of nine semester hours, they have achieved a 3.0 grade point average or greater on all graduate work attempted. Students must clear the conditional admission requirement of a 3.0 average at the completion of nine semester hours, or they will be dropped from the graduate program for one calendar year after which they may petition the Dean of the Graduate School to re-enter.

Students admitted conditionally due to only a low test score will be granted unconditional admission prior to the completion of nine semester hours provided they have maintained a 3.0 grade point average on all graduate work attempted and have retaken the test and received a satisfactory score.

Baccalaureate Degree Holders
Students who have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, but lack the required grade point average and/or acceptable test score (official test score required) to be admitted unconditionally, may be granted conditional admission for a maximum of nine semester hours. Students admitted under conditional status may, with the consent of their major adviser, enroll in as many as nine semester hours during their first semester. (Also see Unaccredited or Otherwise Accredited Student Admission requirements.)

• Temporary Admission—Master’s Degree
(Nine-semester-hour maximum load for full time enrollment)
Temporary admission may be granted under certain circumstances to applicants who have not submitted all original transcripts, the letter of recommendation, or original exam scores(s). Application fees must be paid in full to be considered for Temporary Admission status. Not applicable for Ed.S. students. Students must provide, at a minimum, proof of eligibility, copy of bachelor’s degree transcript, diploma or letter of completion to be initially considered as eligible for Temporary status.

Procedures:
A baccalaureate graduate of a regionally accredited college or university who lacks certain necessary records may be granted temporary admission. Such records should be completed before the end of the semester or term for which the student was given temporary admission. Students admitted in temporary status are under conditional admission requirements until admission status may be determined. Conditional admission status requires that students must clear the conditional admission requirement of a 3.0 grade point average at the completion of nine semester hours, or they will be dropped from the graduate program for one calendar year, after which they may petition the Dean of the Graduate School to re-enter. Students from non-accredited or otherwise accredited institutions or students seeking dual enrollment are not eligible for temporary admission. (See Unaccredited or Otherwise Accredited Student Admission requirements.)

Records:

1. If the records are completed before the term ends and the results indicate that the student is not eligible for admission, the student must withdraw from the class or classes, with a refund if applicable, or receive non-degree credit for the class or classes for which he/she is registered. Applicable refunds will be made in accordance with regulations as stated in published refund policies.
2. When the records are completed and if it is determined that the student was not eligible for graduate admission, all hours pursued will be converted to non-degree credit with no refund of tuition. Students receiving financial aid are responsible for repayment.
3. When the records are completed and if it is determined that the student was not eligible for unconditional enrollment because of low grade point average or low exam score(s), students will be admitted under conditional status. See Conditional Admission requirements.
4. If the student has completed the term for which temporary admission was granted and the records are still not in order, the hours pursued will be held in abeyance until the records are clear. No refund of tuition will be made, and the student will not be permitted to enroll in succeeding terms until the records are complete and admissibility is determined; however, with the permission of the appropriate graduate admissions authority, the students may extend their temporary admission for a second term. Written approval authorizing the extension must be in the student’s permanent record. Students may attend only a maximum of one semester, two terms, or complete nine credit hours in temporary status. There is no “second semester” or “third term” extension.
5. When the records are complete and if it is determined that the student was eligible for unconditional admission, all hours pursued will be counted toward the appropriate graduate program requirement.

• Transient Admission
Procedures:
Students from other accredited institutions who wish to take a course(s) from Westpac International Business College must:

1. Complete a standard ''Application for Admission,'' proof of baccalaureate degree (no official transcripts required), and pay the application fee.
2. Present a transient authorization form from the parent school to the Admissions office of the campus location where the course will be delivered. The authorization must identify the course(s) to be taken and the term in which it will be taken, or indicate that the course is to be taken at the student's discretion. The form must be signed by a designated official of the University or campus (i.e., Registrar, Director, etc.).
3. 3. In all cases, such a student must meet all prerequisites and provide the documentation prior to being admitted to a particular course.

Application status for the semester is determined by the information supplied on the application for admission. Admission status may not be changed following the last day to add/drop for the semester.

• Transfer Admission
The admission requirements for a transfer student are the same as regular admissions standards. Students on temporary, permanent academic, or disciplinary suspension from any other college or university should refer to Transfer of Students on Suspension.

Transfer of Students on Suspension from Another Institution

1. Temporary, Indefinite, or Permanent Academic Suspension: A student who has been suspended from another college or university is not eligible to apply for admission to Westpac International Business College. Appeals may be made to the Dean of the Graduate School.
2. Disciplinary Suspension: Students on disciplinary suspension from another institution must be eligible to return to that institution before being considered for admission to Westpac International Business College. Note: Requests for waivers must be submitted in writing to the Dean of the Graduate School.

••• Unaccredited or Otherwise Accredited Baccalaureate or Master’s Degree Holders—Student      Admission Requirements
Students must submit an official transcript(s) with degree(s) posted at least one semester/term prior to the desired date of registration. The appropriate academic college and the Graduate Council will evaluate all submitted transcripts using commonly accepted practices and guidelines. The applicant will be required to submit a copy of the college’s catalog and other information as needed. Only upon the approval of the Graduate Council may a student begin taking graduate courses at Westpac International Business College. Should the student be inadvertently (without the University knowing that the baccalaureate degree or master’s degree is from an unaccredited or otherwise accredited institution) admitted into classes prior to baccalaureate degree or master’s degree approval and the evaluation indicates that the student is not eligible for admission, the student will be withdrawn from the class or classes, or receive non-degree credit for the class or classes for which he/she is improperly registered.

Note: Students seeking advanced degrees in teacher education or nursing programs must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

• Post Master’s Admission
Students admitted in this category must hold the master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Graduate credit taken while enrolled as a post master’s degree student is not admissible as degree credit unless it is approved by the Program Director and is limited to a total of six semester hours. All official undergraduate and graduate transcripts are required for admission. If the degree is earned outside the United States, an American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) evaluation is mandatory.

• Teacher Certification Endorsement (Only)
(Non-Degree Matriculate Seeking Teacher Certification Endorsement Only)
Students interested in applying college credit towards teacher certification, but who are not applicants for a degree at Westpac International Business College, must be evaluated by the Westpac International Business College Office of Teacher Education in the area for which teacher certification is sought. The Office of Teacher Education may be contacted at (334) 670-3447. With the approval of the Director of the Teacher Education or the Dean of the College of Education, admission may be granted to qualified students holding current teacher certification and a bachelor’s, master’s or education specialist degree from a regionally accredited institution.

A copy of the evaluation completed by the Westpac International Business College Office of Teacher Education will be placed in the student’s file. This evaluation will direct the student in registering for applicable certification endorsement credits only.

Should a student apply later and be accepted to a degree program, no college credit used ''For Certification Endorsement'' will be considered for credit toward this degree. Additionally, no college credit may be applied to separate levels of certification. Please contact the Director of the Teacher Education to eliminate any confusion regarding credit use and certification endorsements, (334) 670-3447.

• Special Admission: Non-Degree Matriculant
A student interested in earning graduate credit, but who is not an applicant for a graduate degree at Westpac International Business College, may be admitted as a ''Special Student'' with the approval of the Dean of the Graduate School or his/her designee. Admission may be granted to qualified students holding a baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or to students in good standing at another regionally accredited graduate school (copy of transcript must be provided). Should a student apply later and be accepted to a degree program, a limit of six semester hours will be considered for credit toward the degree. It is the responsibility of the student to observe the limitations imposed on credit hours, coursework, and transfer of credit. Special students may not be admitted at a later date on a temporary admission. Credits taken in Special Admission status by students who are found not to be in good standing at their previous institution will be voided with the posting of no grade, “NG,” by the Registrar.

•Certificate Program Admission Requirements
Students interested in completing a certificate program, offered through the Graduate School, must apply to be unconditionally admitted into the Graduate School through the standard admissions process. All certificate courses are graduate courses. Consult the Unconditional Admission section of this catalog for
admission requirements.

• International Student Admission
International Student Admission Requirements

1. Meet all Graduate School Admission Criteria (See Unconditional Admission section).
2. Make a satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of 193 (computer-based test), 70 (internet-based test), or 523 (written test) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0.

Additional Requirements for a Student Visa
Only the Westpac International Business College campus in Troy, Alabama, is approved to host students on an F-1 or J-1 student visa. No other Westpac International Business College campuses within the United States of America are approved for international student attendance if the international student receives an F-1 student visa based on Westpac International Business College sponsorship.

Persons requesting U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) form I-20 in order to obtain an F-1 visa or DS-2019 to obtain a J-1 visa who require additional information should contact the Center for International Programs, Troy, Alabama, 36082, USA, telephone number: 1 (334) 670-3736, email: intlprog@troy.edu, or visit www.troy.edu/internationalprograms.

International Student Submission Requirements
Students must submit the following official documents:

1. Completed Application for Admission.
2. Application fee.
3. All official transcripts and preferably an American Associate of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc (ECE) evaluation of the transcript if the institution is not an accredited United States institution. Prospective students must submit an institutionally transcribed transcript in English. Applicants who cannot obtain an institutionally translated transcript may obtain a translation utilizing the services of an approved credential evaluating service.
   
   AACRAO
   1 Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 520
   Washington, D.C. USA 20036
   Telephone 1-202-293-9161, Fax 1-202-872-8857,
   www.aacrao.org
   
   Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc (ECE)
   P.O. Box 514070
   Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470
   Telephone (414) 289-3400
   Fax: (414) 289-3411
   Email: eval@ece.org
   http://www.ece.org
   
   Institutionally translated transcripts will be evaluated preferably by AACRAO or ECE, or may be evaluated by Westpac International Business College using standard accreditation practices and guidelines. If the foreign school does not appear in any of these sources or if the transcript does not provide the information necessary to determine admission status based on standard criteria, the applicant must utilize the credential evaluation services of AACRAO. Whenever possible, applicants transferring credit should submit a copy of the school catalog.
4. Westpac International Business College Letter of Recommendation
   The Letter of Recommendation form is provided in the application package. The following items must be addressed in the letter of recommendation: the recommender’s name, organization, position or title, telephone or email, how long and in what capacity the recommender has known the applicant and the recommender must identify key characteristics that the candidate possesses (e.g. leadership, communication, knowledge, creativity, reliability, ability to communicate in writing, initiative, ability to get along with others, scholarly potential).
5. Satisfactory score on the graduate admission examination (Contact the Westpac International Business College International Admissions office or an International Westpac International Business College site office near you for more information).
6. Satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of 193 (computer-based test), 523 (written test), or 70 (internet-based test) or a score of 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Note: The TOEFL is waived as an admission requirement for foreign students who hold the baccalaureate or equivalent degree from a regionally accredited United States of America university or a country whose language of instruction was English.
7. A detailed statement of financial status showing that adequate financial resources are ensured. Non U.S. citizens (and immediate family members) who are members of allied military forces or civilian agencies assigned to U.S. military installations are exempt from providing financial statements or TOEFL scores provided that their proficiency in English is certified in writing by an appropriate U.S. military official. Such a statement of financial status is required only for those international students seeking a J-1 or F-1 student visa.

••• Three-Year Baccalaureate Degree Holders Requesting Admission to the Graduate School

1. Students completing a three-year baccalaureate degree will also be required to complete at least one year of a graduate program in their home country prior to applying to the Westpac International Business College Graduate School. No “Bridge Program” courses would be required. Students must make a satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of 193 (computer-based test), 70 (internet-based test), or 523 (written test) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0.
   
   Or
   
   
2. The dean of the discipline for which the student seeks admissions will prescribe a mandatory one-year baccalaureate equivalent course of study of at least 30 semester hours of undergraduate course work, to be completed with a cumulative grade point average of 2.50, if the student has demonstrated a TOEFL score of 173 (computer-based test), 61 (internet-based test), or 500 (written test) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5.5. All grades below the grade of “C” must be retaken. This prescribed course of undergraduate study shall be referred to as a “Bridge Program.” Bridge program students should not repeat courses taken at the undergraduate level. Bridge Program students will be enrolled as “Undergraduate” students. This course work must be successfully completed and certified by the dean of the college prescribing the course work prior to admission to the Graduate School. Upon completion of the Bridge Program, students meeting all admission requirements may be admitted to the appropriate graduate program.

Dual Enrollment – Lacking Prerequisites

Students holding a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, who are applying for graduate admission, will have transcripts reviewed by their adviser to determine if specific degree program prerequisites are met prior to admission to a graduate program.

Students needing to meet prerequisite requirements will be considered “Post-Baccalaureate” students until such time as prerequisites are fully completed and the cumulative grade point average
for the prerequisite courses is a 2.5. “Post-Baccalaureate” students having six semester hours or fewer of prerequisites remaining may begin dual enrollment course work and apply for Graduate Admission with the approval of their adviser.

With the approval of the Dean of the Graduate School or designee, seniors lacking six semester hours or fewer for graduation may, during the term in which their undergraduate requirements are being completed, be enrolled in one or more courses for graduate credit provided they present an acceptable score on the appropriate entrance exam and have an overall grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or a 3.0 grade point average on the last 30 semester hours. All hours attempted in the term in which the 30 semester hours were reached will be used to calculate the grade point average. Consult specific program for specific admission requirements. If admitted, the student may enroll in no more than a combined total of nine semester hours of undergraduate and graduate work.

Students should register during designated registration times. Once students have registered for a course or courses, they have incurred a financial commitment which must be met. Students can pay their tuition on line by accessing the Trojan Web Express

Students who fail to attend a class without following drop/withdrawal policies will receive a grade of FA, and those students will still be charged full tuition and fees. Students with an outstanding balance will not be permitted to register for future terms.

The institution reserves the right to cancel any course for insufficient enrollment.

If a student decides to change his/her declared program of study, the student must be in good academic standing or eligible for readmission and meet the entrance requirements for the new degree program in effect at the time of admission to the new program. A new graduate Admissions Application must be filed for the new degree program (no fee required). Courses previously credited to the former program will be evaluated for acceptability for the new degree program through the process of Petition for Transfer of Graduate Credit evaluation, and any loss of credit will be reported to the student and the Financial Aid Office, if applicable. No grades below the grade of “B” will be considered for transfer. Final approval to change programs will be granted by the appropriate academic dean consistent with change of program procedures established by that college. All grades from work attempted in the first graduate program will contribute to the cumulative grade point average, unless the credit is greater than eight years old. Admission to Candidacy to all graduate programs requires a cumulative grade point average of a 3.0.

Note: Students using VA benefits should be aware that the VA may not pay for courses taken in a second program unless the VA has been notified of the degree program change. (See the VA certifying official for further details.)

Transfer Credit From a Previous Graduate Degree

Courses taken at the graduate level that contributed to the completion of a prior graduate degree program may be applicable for credit in the new program based on review by the dean of the program. A limit of six semester hours of credit earned from any previous master’s degree may be applied to the requirement for a second master’s degree and is subject to departmental approval. All credits used to satisfy the second master’s degree must be less than eight years old at the time of degree completion. A Petition for Transfer of Graduate Credit form must be completed and approved. See TRANSFER CREDIT FROM A REGIONALLY ACCREDITED INSTITUTION section for specific requirements for the evaluation of transfer credit.

Note: Graduate nursing courses may not exceed five years.

No credit may be transferred to a Westpac International Business College graduate program until a student is unconditionally admitted and has completed a minimum of six semester hours with the university. The maximum number of graduate credit hours transferred into a graduate program will not exceed 12 semester hours.

1. A grade of ''B'' or higher must have been earned in each course. Transfer credit will not be used to determine the Westpac International Business College grade point average. A copy of the course syllabus may be required.
2. Sixth-year degree program students must see the specific discipline section of the Graduate Catalog for further requirements.
3. To be acceptable as transfer credit, all hours must have been earned within eight years of the date of degree completion of the graduate program at Westpac International Business College. Credit accepted as transfer credit, which becomes over eight years old (graduate nursing courses may not exceed five years) before the graduate degree requirements are completed, will become invalid and will not be counted toward graduate degree requirements.
4. Where Westpac International Business College is replacing another university under Department of Defense contracts, students will be permitted to transfer up to18 semester hours of Troy University equivalent coursework. This rule applies for one calendar year from the start of the Westpac International Business College program and is only for students who have been in attendance at that site.

Documents Required for Evaluation of Transfer Credit:

1. A completed “Petition for Transfer of Graduate Credit” form.
2. A copy of the official transcript showing the course(s) taken.
3. A course description taken from the college catalog where the course was taken.
4. Evidence that the course was taken for graduate credit or would have been accepted as graduate credit if not indicated on the transcript.
5. Course substitutions may be considered, as applicable.

A copy of the course syllabus may be required. Officially accepted transferred graduate coursework will be posted on the official Westpac International Business College transcript.

Some degree programs prohibit the acceptance of transfer credit from unaccredited or otherwise accredited institutions. If a student meets unconditional graduate admission standards and has earned graduate level credit at an unaccredited or otherwise accredited institution of higher learning, the student may petition for transfer credit. Petitions for transfer credit must be submitted immediately upon admission. Credits will not be accepted until the student has completed nine semester hours and has maintained a 3.0 grade point average necessary for good standing. Credits will be evaluated and approved by the dean of the discipline and the Graduate Council if needed. All requests must meet the stated conditions specified in the Transfer Credit from a Regional Accredited Institutions section above. A determination will be made based on (1) the unaccredited or otherwise accredited institution’s affiliation with the following agencies which honors recognition provided by the former : Council on Postsecondary Accreditation (COPA) and the Commission on Recognition of Post Secondary Accreditation (CORPA), (2) the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or (3) acceptance of credit by three other regionally accredited institutions located in the area of the unaccredited institution, or (4) review and approval of the Graduate Council. Contact the nearest Westpac International Business College Graduate Admissions office for more information.

Note: University College, Phenix City, Dothan, and Montgomery student Petition for Transfer of Graduate Credit request forms must be completed, with the request annotated across the top of the form, that the institution is non-regionally accredited. Attach a copy of the official transcript, course descriptions, syllabus, and faculty credentials if available. All information submitted by the student must be verified by the appropriate academic official at each location, and a letter recommending support or nonsupport must accompany the request before the dean of the college will have the petition reviewed.

Credit earned through correspondence will not be acceptable for graduate work. A correspondence course is defined as a complete pre-packaged course designed to be delivered through sequential steps at the student’s own pace without instructor or student interaction.

Westpac International Business College awards transfer credit for specific Professional Military Education (PME) courses completed at select military service schools for which credit is recommended by the American Council on Education and approved by each appropriate College’s dean. The maximum number of credit hours transferred into a graduate program, to include PME credit, will not exceed 12 semester hours. Please consult your adviser for individual program acceptance. No credit may be granted for work that will be over eight years old at the time of graduation from the Westpac International Business College program for which transfer credit was requested. No waivers will be permitted.

Under no circumstances may a student be enrolled in another institution while enrolled at Westpac International Business College without prior transient authorization. Students who have been granted unconditional admission to the Graduate School, and who are in good standing, may petition to take pre-approved graduate level courses at another regionally accredited graduate school. Transient credit does not count toward Westpac International Business College residence credit or one’s Westpac International Business College grade point average (GPA). See specific program restrictions for transient credit. The maximum number of credit hours transferred into a graduate program, to include transient credit, will not exceed 12 semester hours.

Pre-approval to enroll in such courses must be obtained from the appropriate dean of the degree-granting college prior to enrollment in the course. A grade of ''B'' or higher must be earned in each transient course. Military senior service school credits, if appropriate for the degree, may be accepted as transient credit upon approval. The combined total of transfer and transient credits may not exceed 12 semester hours.

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The minimum number of semester hours required for graduate programs varies. Additional course work may be required for a student with academic deficiencies and/or a limited background and experience. Additional degree requirements will be determined by the student's adviser or advisory committee with the concurrence of the dean of the appropriate academic discipline. This process may result in additional semester hours in excess of the minimum number of published degree requirements.

Hour Load Limits
Definitions:
••• A “semester” is defined for hour load limit purposes as 16 weeks of class meetings.
••• A “term” is defined for hour load limit purposes as up to a nine week period of class meetings.

Warning: Students who register for course work in excess of the approved load without prior approval and violates the University's policy regarding course load will be required to drop the overload or lose the excess credit.

Temporary Admission Status
Students with a temporary admission status are limited to a maximum of nine semester hours per semester or six semester hours per term. The definition of a “full-time” graduate student for admissions status purposes is a student taking eight or nine semester hours per semester or six semester hours per term. A part-time student is defined as a graduate student taking less than a“full-time” load.

Conditional Admission Status
Students admitted conditionally may take a maximum of nine semester hours per semester or six semester hours per term until the ''conditions for admission'' are removed.

Unconditional Admission Status
The maximum load for unconditionally admitted graduate students is nine semester hours per semester, or six semester hours per term, or a combination thereof not to exceed nine semester hours over a sixteen-week period. With the written approval of the student's academic adviser, the maximum load may be increased to 16 semester hours for unconditionally admitted students. Students who schedule an overload may not reschedule an overload in the subsequent term unless they maintain an overall grade point average of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale during the term in which the overload was scheduled.

Graduate Assistants
Graduate Assistants are limited to a minimum of six semester hours or a maximum of 9 semester hours per semester.

Graduate Course Numbers

••• Courses numbered ‘‘9950’’ to ‘‘9999’’ are for workshops or continuing education credit.
••• Courses numbered ‘‘7700’’ to ‘‘7799’’ are open only to students who have received the master’s      degree.
••• Courses numbered ‘‘6600’’ to ‘‘6699’’ are open only to qualified graduate students or to students who      have already received the master’s degree.
••• Courses numbered ‘‘5500’’ to ‘‘5599’’ are open only to graduate students and graduating seniors.      Seniors must have the approval of the instructor of the course and meet unconditional graduate      admission criteria. Courses numbered‘‘5500’’ to ‘‘5599’’ in business, English, history, and      mathematics are open only to graduate or post-graduate students. A student may not enroll in a      course numbered ‘‘5500’’ to‘‘5599’’ if it duplicates the same course listed on an undergraduate      transcript.
••• For the master’s degree, 50% of the total graduate program must be earned in “6000” level courses. In      the Education Specialist program, 50% of the total graduate program, must be earned in “7000‘‘ level      courses.

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Grading System

Note 1: Some grades, in addition to the F, calculate as an F in the grade point average.
Note 2: If the student makes a "D" or "F" in a core course, the course must be retaken.
Note 3: If the student makes a "D" or "F" in an elective course, the course must be retaken or another elective taken in its place.

Repeating Courses

Students may repeat a course in which they received a grade of “D,” “F,” or “W.” Students who received a grade of "C" or below in the required research course must repeat the course and attain a “B” or higher grade to satisfy the research requirements in their program of study. Both grades will be counted as hours attempted in determining the overall grade point average. See degree program for additional minimum course grade requirements.

This incomplete grade policy replaces all other incomplete grade policies as of August 1, 2006.

The instructor may report an “Incomplete (I)” for a student whose progress in a course has been satisfactory (e.g. the student is passing the course), but who is unable to complete the course grading requirements because of documented circumstances beyond his/her control.

Time limit for removal of incomplete grade
No incomplete may exceed nine weeks from the date it is assigned. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor regarding the deadline for completing all course requirements. Any student who receives a grade of incomplete must adhere to the work completion deadline set by the instructor, not to exceed the end of the designated nine week period. This deadline applies whether or not the student re-enrolls for the semester or term following the assignment of the incomplete grade(s). Failure to clear the incomplete within the specified time period (not to exceed nine weeks) will result in the assignment of a grade of “F” for the course.

(For the purposes of implementation of this policy, the day the grade is assigned is determined by the University master calendar. A student who wishes to be assigned an incomplete grade must request this from the instructor prior to the assignment of final grades for the course.)

Students who show satisfactory progress in one of the following courses, but are unable to complete requirements in one semester, may be issued IP grades. No other courses are eligible to award the grade of IP. IP grades must be removed within one calendar year of the beginning date of the semester in which the grade was earned. An IP grade that is not removed during the stated time limit will automatically become a grade of “F.”

IP grades may be issued only for the following courses:

••• Thesis Research (Not Research Methods Courses.)
••• Practicums
••• Internships
••• Thesis
••• Personal Supervisor and/or Curriculum Development Field Problem

Students may not exceed a total of six semester hours taken in any combination of Directed Studies, Specialized Studies, Readings, Advanced Readings, or Selected Topics course credits. Consult individual programs for additional restrictions.

In registering for classes at the university, graduate students accept responsibility for attending scheduled class meetings, completing assignments on time, and contributing to class discussion and exploration of ideas.

A student will be excused for class absence for circumstances beyond the student’s control or if the student has been required to attend an activity sponsored by the university. Faculty members who sponsor activities that require class absences must send a list of student names approved by the Dean or designee or Office of the Provost to each member concerned at least three days before the scheduled absence.

Faculty members may levy academic penalties upon unexcused absences; however, such penalties for unexcused absences will be a part of each course syllabus and will be distributed to each class at the beginning of each class and a copy filed in the departmental office.

Inclement Weather and Emergency Situations: Both faculty and students are responsible for meeting all assigned classes. In the event of inclement weather, faculty and students will be expected to attend classes as usual as long as they may do so without risking peril to themselves or to others. During periods of inclement weather, faculty and students will not be penalized for absences dictated by perilous conditions. In severe cases of inclement weather or other emergency conditions, the Office of the Provost or designee will announce cancellation of classes through the local and regional media as well as through the University’s web sites.

The courses for which a student registers must bear the approval of his/her adviser and the appropriate Academic Dean’s approval of the class schedule. Changes in the class schedule are not permitted after the close of the registration period.

Registration for a course makes the student responsible for completing the course unless he/she officially withdraws from the course(s).

Drop
Definition: Student is still enrolled in at least one course after the drop is processed.

Drop Before Semester/Term Begins
Students who, for any reason, drop class(es) before classes begin MUST complete a “Drop” form and submit it to the appropriate office before the semester or term begins. Any student who fails to do so will be responsible for payment of tuition and will be charged with failing grades.

Drop After Semester/Term Begins
Students who drop after classes begin must complete a Drop form and submit to the appropriate office in order to protect their records and to qualify for partial refunds (refer to local policy). Drop forms are available in the Student Services office or your site office.

Drop After the Last Day to Drop
Students who drop after the last day to drop without academic penalty (see Schedule of Classes for the date) will be awarded the grade of “DP” (Drop Passing) or “DF” (Drop Failing).

Explanation of grade status at the time of drop:

1. Before the Last Day to Drop Cutoff Deadline: The symbol "DR" (drop) will be entered on the student’s record for each course, and the hours will not be charged as attempted. See the Schedule of Classes for the exact date.
2. After Last Day to Drop: With the exception of those who drop for documented reasons beyond their control, students who drop after the last day to drop will be assigned the symbol "DP" or "DF" for each course. Students who receive the "DF" will be charged with hours attempted in the overall grade point average. See class the Schedule of Classes for the exact date.

Withdrawals
Definition: Student is no longer enrolled in any graduate course(s). Withdrawal from the University is defined as a resignation or withdrawal from all courses for the current semester and/or term.

Withdrawal—From Early Registration thru Late Registration

1. Students who wish to withdraw from all classes prior to the start of the term through the last day of late registration must CANCEL their registration (in writing) through their home location’s Records Office. Cancellation (in writing) prior to the beginning of the term through the last day of late registration does not require the completion of the withdrawal form or an exit interview. Financial obligations for payment of course tuition and fees will be removed when course cancellations have been completed in writing.

Withdrawal—From End of Registration thru Midterm

1. Students who wish to withdraw from the university during a semester and/or term must complete an official withdrawal form and an exit interview with the designated withdrawal official at the student’s home location.
2. Withdrawal prior to midterm will result in a grade of W, withdrawal, which is non-punitive.

Withdrawal—After Midterm Prior to First Day of Exams

1. Students who wish to withdraw from the university after midterm and prior to exams must complete an official withdrawal form and an exit interview with the designated withdrawal official at the student’s home location.
2. Withdrawal after midterm will result in a grade of WP or WF, depending on the instructor’s assessment of the student’s academic performance in the class at the time of withdrawal. A WP, withdrawal passing, is nonpunitive. A WF, withdrawal failing, is punitive. The grade WF will be calculated as an F in the student’s grade point average.

Grade Appeals

Faculty members have the authority to grade student work and to assign grades; these are academic judgments. A faculty member’s syllabus enumerates student academic performance expectations and consequences. Faculty members render academic judgments when a student’s academic performance violates established standards or fails to meet stated expectations. Academic judgments, made by faculty, are based on academic content, course requirements, and student performance. Students may not appeal grades based on allegations concerning the competence of a faculty member, the fairness of examinations, the difficulty of a course, or other matters of a purely academic nature. Grades for individual assignments and exams may not be appealed. While it is recognized that faculty hold the right and responsibility to grant a grade, a student who receives a course grade that he or she believes to be unwarranted for reasons other than those listed above may appeal that grade using these stated procedures.

Step 1. Within the first four weeks of the start of the following term or semester in which the grade is received, the student shall have informally appealed the grade to the instructor. If that instructor is not teaching at Westpac International Business College during the term following issuance of the grade, the student will make contact with the instructor through the department chair to informally appeal the grade. In the case of a course taught through University College or eCampus, students should contact their home campus to determine the person designated by the appropriate college dean to assist the students with their appeals.

Step 2. If the issue is not resolved at this informal level and the student wishes to pursue the appeal, the student shall request in writing a meeting with the respective department chair. This request shall be addressed to the department chair via the Associate Dean’s or UC Associate Regional Director of Academic Affairs and shall be received no later than the end of the fifth week of instruction for the term or semester following issuance of the grade. The request must summarize the student’s complaint and the student’s informal appeal to the instructor.

Step 3. Within two weeks of receipt of the request, the department chair shall discuss the appeal with the student and with the instructor, separately or at the same time. If the department chair upholds the decision, the matter is closed. The decision is final.

Step 4. If the department chair does not support the decision of the instructor, the matter shall be appealed within two weeks of the department chair’s decision to the designated associate dean or dean of the college. The department chair will forward the appeal package to the designated associate dean or dean. The designated associate dean or dean will empanel three full-time faculty colleagues from the department and/or discipline to review the matter. The decision of this panel shall be final and binding on all parties.

Note: Students may not use this procedure to appeal grades resulting from violations of Academic Honesty. Students should refer to the Oracle, the University’s official Student Handbook, for these appeals.

See program for details.

Residency, the number of Westpac International Business College credit hours earned, must be established to be eligible for a Westpac International Business College graduate degree. Resident credit for a program is determined by deducting the non-Westpac International Business College transfer/transient credit hours allowed in the program from the total hours required for the program. Residency requirements vary by degree program. See specific programs for minimum residency requirements. See the appropriate degree program for specific transfer credit requirements.

Graduate students may earn no more than six semester hours of grades below ''B''. Students who earn more than six semester hours of ''C'' grades or below are automatically dropped from the Graduate School for a period of one year. Courses that are over eight years old are not computed in grade point averages for retention purposes. Quality points are no longer considered in determining retention.

Conditionally admitted students who do not attain a 3.0 grade point average (4.0 scale) at the completion of nine semester hours will be dropped from the program for a period of one calendar year at which time the student may petition the Dean of the Graduate School for readmission.

Readmission to Graduate School After Academic Suspension
In order to be eligible to petition for readmission, a student must have been out of school for at least one calendar year. Students may submit petitions for readmission two months prior to the eligible readmission date. Students who have been academically suspended and/or dropped from the program must follow the procedures outlined below.

1. A student must petition the Dean of the Graduate School in writing and cite the particulars of his/her case. The petition packet must include:
   1. A letter describing the circumstances that led to academic suspension and give evidence of probable success before being considered for readmission;
   2. Copy of the student’s transcript;
   3. Appropriate letters of support from faculty members and documentation of illness, etc.;
   4. Updated Application for Admission.
      
      Note: University College, Phenix City, Dothan and Montgomery student petitions must be documented, circumstances verified by the appropriate academic official at each location, and a letter recommending support or non-support must accompany the packet before the Dean of the Graduate School will present the petition to the respective Academic Dean(s).
      
      
2. The Dean of the Graduate School in turn will submit the petition and supporting documentation, e.g., transcripts, updated Application for Admission, letter of petition, letters of support, etc., to the appropriate departmental faculty committee through the office of the dean of the discipline in which the student requests readmission.
3. The departmental committee will review the case and make a recommendation for approval or disapproval to the dean of the discipline.
4. The dean of the discipline has the authority to accept or reject the department’s recommendation. If the dean of the discipline accepts a favorable recommendation from the departmental committee, he or she must forward it along with his/her endorsement to the Dean of the Graduate School and the Chair of the Graduate Council for their concurrence.
5. If the student’s petition is rejected by the dean of the discipline (in 4 above), the student is notified in writing by the dean of the discipline with copies placed in the student’s permanent record.
6. If the Dean of Graduate School and Chair of Graduate Council accept the dean of the discipline’s recommendation (in 4 above), the student is notified by the Dean of the Graduate School in writing of the decision and informed of any conditions that were placed on his/her readmission. If admitted, it will only be on a conditional basis. The decision of the Dean of Graduate School and Chair of Graduate Council is final.
7. 7. If the Dean of the Graduate School or Chair of the Graduate Council rejects the dean of the discipline’s recommendation, the request is referred to the Graduate Council as a final appeal. The decision of the Graduate Council is final.
8. Students who have been suspended or dropped from other institutions’ programs for academic reasons must follow the procedures noted below:
   1. The processes of # 1-7 above must be followed. All transcripts from all institutions must be submitted as part of this process.
   2. A student will be eligible for readmission 12 months from the beginning of the suspension period.
   3. Westpac International Business College will accept transfer credit only from institutions where students are in good academic standing. The acceptance of any transfer credit is at the discretion of Westpac International Business College.

Readmission to a Graduate School Program by a Student in Good Standing
A student who is not enrolled in courses for one year must contact the Student Services office and complete an application for readmission. A student not enrolled with Westpac International Business College for three years or more must meet all degree requirements current at the time of readmission. If a student has attended another institution of higher learning since last attending Westpac International Business College, he/she must submit a new application and provide official transcript(s) from that institution before re-enrolling.

Program Completion Requirements

Grade Point Average
Students must have a 3.0/4.0 grade point average for all work