Academic Policies and Procedures
Academic Standards
High academic standards are critical to the overall quality of Keck Graduate Institute. A faculty committee elected by the faculty, in consultation with the Dean of Faculty and the Director of Admissions and Student Services, shall oversee the academic standards of the Institute including verification of fulfillment of graduation requirements and passing on academic petitions submitted by students regarding such matters as course registration, grades, and substitutions for required courses. This committee shall also be responsible for investigating, at the request of the Dean of Faculty, any allegations or indications of violation of academic standards.
Grading Policies
The grading and assessment of student performance is a critical part of the education process and is taken very seriously at KGI. There is a wide range of course formats, project requirements, and presentation requirements that require different means of assessment. While the form may vary, the faculty are responsible for reporting on the performance of each student enrolled in a course. This assessment forms part of the student’s academic record. Presentation skills, both written and oral, are considered to be an important part of the student’s performance, in addition to the mastery of the material and the originality and thoroughness of the work.
The GPA listed on a student’s transcript will include all courses taken. However, only KGI courses will be considered in determination of the student’s academic standing.
Standard Grading Basis
A+ = 4.0
A = 4.0
A- = 3.7
B+ = 3.3
B = 3.0
B- = 2.7
C+ = 2.3
C = 2.0
C- = 1.7
F = 0.0
P/NP = Pass/No Pass. Selected courses only. Not included in the GPA calculation. All required courses in the MBS program must be taken for a letter grade.
Other Notations:
I = Incomplete
PI = Permanent Incomplete
W = Withdrawal (Excused or voluntary withdrawal from a course)
WF = Withdrawal - Fail (Unexcused failure to complete other course requirements including attendance, papers, etc.)
GP = Grade Pending
-- = Currently Enrolled
AU = Audit (to be listed on the transcript requires signature of the instructor at the conclusion of the course).
Incompletes
A student who has received an Incomplete will be required to make up the work by such time as is stipulated by the instructor after consultation with the student, but in no case later than six months from the time at which the work was originally due. If the Incomplete is not made up within the specified time, the notation PI will appear on the student record.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Keck Graduate Institute’s Master of Bioscience program is designed to be completed in two years of study for full-time students and in three years of study for part-time students. However, cases occasionally arise where coursework or internships must be repeated or completion is delayed. In these cases, all requirements for the MBS degree must be fulfilled within five years of entering the program. If a course is repeated, credit will be given only once and only the most recent grade will be counted.
All students are required to maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 each semester determined from grades received in KGI courses. Failure to meet this standard will result in academic probation. Students on academic probation are given one semester to raise their cumulative GPA to 3.0. Failure to meet this requirement will typically result in dismissal from the Institute. If the students is dismissed at the end of spring semester, he or she may complete an internship if already secured, but not as a KGI student.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend and appear on time at all classes, workshops, required seminars and other instructional activities associated with the courses in which they are enrolled. Because teamwork is such an integral part of KGI's learning environment, attendance is important not only for the particular student but also for his or her colleagues. Each instructor will set specific attendance and participation requirements for his or her own class. Students should make prior arrangements with the instructor in the event that missing classes is unavoidable and may be penalized for missing classes if prior arrangements haven’t been made.
Leaves of Absence
A variety of factors may make it desirable or even imperative for graduate students to interrupt their studies. Among these are family emergencies, illness or injury, maternity, financial difficulties, and academic opportunities. For this reason, the Institute makes it possible for students to obtain a leave of absence for a specified period and to regain their student status at the end of the period. During this period, the student will not pay tuition or fees and will not be receiving any privileges, instruction, or services associated with being a registered student. However, the student is permitted to make up academic incompletes. Please note that federal loans and international student immigration status may be impacted by taking a leave of absence. A student seeking a leave of absence should apply to the Student Services Offices or the Registrar. The granting of a leave is at the discretion of the Institute and requires that the student be in good academic standing at the time the leave is granted. Leaves for periods in excess of one year are typically not granted.
Withdrawal from Courses
A student who withdraws from a course after the official drop date will receive a notation of “W” on his/her transcript for the course. Withdrawals must be made through and approved by the Student Services Office, must be made during the semester in which they occur, and may not be made retroactively. Neither a grade nor credit will be given for a withdrawal; if successful completion of the class is required for graduation, the student may attempt the class again.
View the withdrawal and refund schedule.
Withdrawal from the Institute
A student who withdraws from the Institute is requested to file a letter of withdrawal with the Student Services Office. In addition, the student needs to schedule an exit interview with the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. In addition, students are encouraged to discuss their options not only with their adviser but also with other faculty members they know and with student services staff. Students who do not enroll in a given semester will be considered as withdrawn and "withdrawn" will be noted on their transcripts. Should a student find it necessary to withdraw from the Institute during a semester, he or she may be entitled to a tuition refund depending of the date of the withdrawal. See the refund schedule for specific details.
Reinstatement to the Institute
Reinstatement decisions may be based on the applicant’s academic status when last enrolled, activities while away from KGI, the length of the absence, the perceived potential for successful completion of the program, and the ability of the Institute to readmit the student both academically and financially, as well as any other factors or considerations regarded as relevant.