Catalog Addendums
2022-23
Addendum to the 2022-23 Student Handbook, Catalog, Graduation Checklist:
Starting in January 2023, the minimum cumulative GPA to maintain the good academic standing that is required to graduate shall be 3.0. Students whose cumulative GPA is lower than 3.0 must meet with their Academic Advisor to formulate a plan of study to raise their GPA in order to stay on track to graduate.
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1. Satisfactory Academic Progress
Students must maintain an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 to maintain their good standing and eligibility for graduation. Should students fall below a 3.0 GPA, they must meet with their Academic Advisor to develop a plan of study that provides the student with the best possibility of achieving academic success, which may include recommending a reduced course load, taking a term off, or a leave of absence. The faculty will review the student’s academic performance and the circumstances of their learning. This may result in a change of the student’s status to “academic probation,” which must be remediated before a student can graduate. A student’s failure to restore their good standing by remaining on academic probation for two 8-week terms or more may result in their dismissal from their program by the faculty.
Grade point average (GPA) is calculated by the total number of grade points earned on a 4.0 scale multiplied by the number of course credits to determine the total number of quality points.
2. Academic Credit Policy
The threshold for academic credit to be awarded is a final course grade of 70% or higher. No credit will be granted for a course grade lower than 70%. If a student does not reach this minimum standard for final course assessments as well as final grades, he or she will have to repeat an assessment and/or the course and achieve a grade of 70% or higher in order to gain the required credit.
3. Granting of Diplomas / Graduation
In order for students to receive their diplomas, all required course learning outcomes must be completed with satisfaction for the program in which they are enrolled.
The student will complete an Application with the Graduation Checklist updated to state: I have an overall GPA of 3.0 or better, and am currently in good academic standing.
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4. Refund Policy - update effective 20 March 2023
If a student withdraws before or during the first week of the course, all assessment fees the student has paid will be fully refunded. If the leave or withdrawal date is after the first week of the course, refunds to the student will be prorated in accord with the chart below. The Application Fee and the cost of books are not refundable.
Effective Date of Withdrawal Refund Percentage
Withdraw prior to or during week #1 (until day 7) 100%
Withdraw during week #2 (day 8-14) 90%
Withdraw during week #3 (day 15-21) 75%
Withdraw during week #4 (day 22-28) 50%
Withdraw during week #5 (day 29-35) 25%
Withdraw after week #5 (day 36+) 0%
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5. Sample Calculations
Sample #1 - 100% refund
Student A enrolled in a 3-credit course. In accord with our assessment fee structure the student was billed for $375 (3 credits x $125 per credit hour). Student A cancels enrollment prior to the end of the first Friday of the term. For this student, 100% of the fees are refunded.
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Sample #2 - 75% refund
Student B enrolled in a 3-credit course. In accord with our assessment fee structure the student was billed for $375 (3 credits x $125 per credit hour). Student B paid the full balance upon receipt of the invoice. Student B notified the registrar she withdrew from the course during week #3. Since Student B paid the full balance, this student receives a 75% refund ($375 x .75 = $281.25).
Sample #3 - no refund
Student C signed up for a 2-credit course. In accord with our assessment fee structure, the student was billed for $250 (2 credits x $125 per credit hour). Student C paid the full balance of $250 upon receipt of the invoice. However, Student C notified the registrar on day 30 (Week 5) of the term that he was withdrawing from the course. Because Student C completed more than 50% of the course, he will not receive a refund and is responsible for the full amount of the assessment fees for the course.
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6. Withdrawal Policy
A student may withdraw from a course with no impact on their GPA after the Add/Drop date. To withdraw from a course, students must inform the Registrar. If a student withdraws during Week 1 (up to 11:59pm ET on Saturday of the first week), the student will be refunded 100% of the assessment fees paid, not including the application fee and book costs incurred by the student. If the student withdraws during Weeks 2-4 (before 11:59 pm ET on Saturday of the fourth week), the student will be refunded 50% of the assessment fee, not including the application fee and book cost incurred by the student. If the student withdraws between Weeks 5-8 (after 11:59 pm ET on the fourth Saturday), no assessment fees, application fee or book cost will be refunded to the student.
7. Updated Admissions Policy – Conditional Acceptance
If a student begins pursuit of a Thirdmill Seminary degree and has a 3.0 GPA from the undergraduate degree granting institution or lower, the student may be accepted conditionally with the expectation that the student will achieve a 3.0 or better in the first enrolled term at Thirdmill Seminary. If the student does not achieve a 3.0 GPA by the end of the second term, the student may be placed on academic probation. Students must maintain an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher to maintain their good standing and eligibility for graduation.
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8. Student Fees
All payments are made in USD
$10 Application Fee
$125 Student Assessment Fee per Credit hour
$2,250 Total Student Fees for the Graduate Certificate*
$6,500 Total Student Fees for the Masters in Christian Studies*
*The cost for required books is additional and averages between $30 - $50 per course or $300 - $500 per academic year for full time students.
9. Time to complete the Master’s program
Students who take up to six credits per term can complete the program in 2 years and students who take up to four credits per term can complete the program in 4 years.
10. Transfer Credit Disclosure Statement
Transferring Credit from another Institution
A maximum of twenty (20) credit hours may qualify for transfer credit into the Master’s program. Review the credit transfer application form and course upgrade policy in the Catalog. To apply for transfer credit, fill out the credit transfer application form and submit it to your program dean for consideration by the curriculum committee.
Transferring Credit to another Institution
Transfer of credits to another institution cannot be guaranteed because it is always determined by the receiving institution.