Adler graduate school

Class Schedules

Class schedules may be viewed online at the School’s web site: https://www.adlersonisweb.com/gensrsc.cfm . New class schedules are posted two months before the start of each term.

Class Meeting Times

Classes are scheduled to meet the needs of working adults through the design of a unique, five-week format for most courses. Classes generally meet on weeknights and weekends; see class schedule for details. Daytime sections are occasionally offered for some courses. Online courses follow the same five-week format (plus two weeks for final assignments) and are conducted asynchronously according to a standard online syllabus, based on nine units of study. Go to www.adlermoodle.com for more details.

Cancellation of Courses

The School reserves the right to cancel any course due to low student enrollment, unavailability of an instructor, or other such factors. If this occurs, students will be notified as soon as possible. In this instance, students will be given the option of adding another course without a fee, or they will receive a full tuition refund or credit.

Class Attendance

Since courses are structured according to an intensive five-week format, regular and punctual attendance is of prime importance. Students are expected to attend all class meetings. When a student is unable to attend a class, it is a courtesy to notify the course instructor in advance by using the e-mail or phone information provided at the end of the course syllabus.

Most courses are divided into nine units. One unit is equal to one evening class session, ½ of a weekend day session, one unit/posting in an online class, or roughly 3.25 hours of class time. If a student misses more than 2 class units, the decision whether to allow a grade or issue a retake is left to the discretion of the instructor. Students who miss four class sessions will automatically receive a grade of NC (No Credit) for the class and are expected to repeat the class at full price.
In online classes, the student fulfills the class session or unit by complying with posting and other submission deadlines.

It is the instructor’s prerogative to allow or not allow make-up work, or to deduct points or issue a lower grade based on missed class sessions.

Specific courses may have additional attendance requirements based on the structure of the course. Those specifics will be listed in each syllabus.
Questions or appeals about the implementation of the attendance policy may be directed to the Academic Vice President.

Credit/Hour Transfers
Transfer of Fieldwork Hours

• 
  It is possible to transfer post-graduate hours across state lines – following this logic, in some circumstances, as a way of satisfying AGS’ practicum/internship requirements, AGS will consider transferring up to 50% of practicum/internship hours (i.e., face-to-face/direct service and/or other hours) earned through other institutions.
  
• 
  Transfer of up to 50% of hours required for any AGS practicum/internship program may be requested, assuming hours completed via an accredited school’s program, hours have previously been approved (i.e., passing grade and/or satisfactory practicum/internship review) by the institution from which they will transfer, hours are consistent with the practicum/internship experience AGS would otherwise oversee, and hours are earned under AAMFT-approved supervision.
  
• 
  Specifically, up to 50% of hours may be transferred in each of three areas – direct/face-to-face 1:1 counseling, direct/face-to-face couples/family counseling and other counseling practicum/internship activities – totaling no more than 50% of all direct service and/or other hours required by AGS.
  
• 
  In general, requests for the transfer of course credits earned at another institution must be made prior to the last session of one’s first AGS course.
  
• 
  Regardless of reduced number of practicum/internship hours due to transfer, all AGS fieldwork requirements must be fulfilled. No exceptions will be made simply because fieldwork hours have been transferred.
  

Transfer of Course Credits

Transfer credits are those graduate-level credits completed at another accredited institution which will be applied toward a degree from AGS.

In general, requests for the transfer of course credits earned at another institution must be made prior to the last session of one’s first AGS course.

Up to 24 credit hours may be transferred in for any AGS program as long as the following conditions are met:

Credits are completed via an accredited school’s program,

Credits are consistent with current AGS curriculum, and

Credits are completed with a grade of “B” or higher at the institution from which credits would transfer.

**Special conditions are attached to fieldwork hours and fieldwork-related credit hours.

Credits may not be transferred toward the completion of Specialty Area Programs.

Waiver of Course Credits
Waivers are granted in areas where a student already possesses the knowledge central to a required class. As such, the student is waived from taking the specific course, but is still responsible for gaining the equivalent number of credits in another course area.
Most often, waivers are granted for those credits which were applied toward another degree and, as such, cannot be applied directly to a second degree from Adler.
Waivers are occassionally granted for areas of speciality at the undergraduate level where the student can demonstrate exceptional knowledge of a required content area.
In general, requests for the waiver of course credits earned at another institution must be made prior to the last session of one’s first AGS course.
Waived credits must be completed via an accredited school’s program, credits must be consistent with the curriculum AGS would otherwise oversee and be replaced with other applicable AGS credits, and credits must be completed at least at a “B” level at the institution from which credits were earned.
Process for Requesting Transfer or Waiver of Credits
Request forms may be obtained from the Adler Graduate School’s Director of Admissions or from the AGS website (http://www.alfredadler.edu/admissions/transferring-coursework)

.

A form must be submitted to the Admissions Office for every course (or fieldwork-related credit) one wishes to transfer. A syllabus pertaining to the requested course (or fieldwork-related activity) must be submitted along with the request form.

The Director of Admissions receives completed request packets, prepares the necessary forms and, after cursory review, distributes the packets to the respective Program Directors.
After decisions have been made, the forms previously submitted will be completed and returned to the Admissions Office.
Final decisions will then be conveyed to students requesting transfer credits.

The Adler Graduate School strives to complete the process guiding requests for credit transfers in two weeks, from the time when credit transfer requests are received to the time when decisions are conveyed to students.

Auditing a Course
AGS students and alumni may audit courses, assuming full participation (except for final course assignments) and available space.  Courses 515 (Life Style Analysis) and 525 (Essential Interviewing Skills) may not be audited and, in the case of Specialty Area Program / Certificate courses (i.e., Adlerian Studies Certificate, Career Counseling Certificate, and Art Therapy Program), only the first course in a program’s sequence may be audited. Courses that prepare the student for state licensure, or that fulfill the student’s program requirements, may not be audited.
Students may choose to change to an audit after the course has begun but the refund of tuition will be based on the Refund Policy schedule less $100 audit fee.
Auditing online courses: Because of the highly participative nature of online courses, students should expect to complete all required postings and responses. Further, the fee for auditing an online course is higher than that for a residential course because of the individual attention and feedback given a student in the online environment.
Field Experience Oversight Policy

The Adler Graduate School allows field experience activity only at sites with on-site supervision. On-site supervision is defined as supervision that is an ongoing component of the organization hosting the site – either on the specific site that the student is working or easily accessed through the organization’s offices (e.g., in the case of in-home therapy).  While AGS does, at times, augment on-site supervision with its own faculty members – for example, when the on-site supervision provided by a host organization does not include the specific credentials a student needs to earn credit for their time – there have been no circumstances where AGS representatives have allowed a student to earn field experience credit at a site where there is not on-site supervision provided by the organization hosting the site.

Leave of Absence
A student may request a Leave of Absence due to illness or other extenuating circumstances by submitting The Request for Leave of Absence to the Academic Vice President. Upon review of the request, a leave may be granted for up to eleven months. An approved Leave of Absence does not extend the deadlines for completion of course work already in process. If a student does not return by the agreed-upon deadline and wishes to enroll at a later time, he or she will be required to reapply for admission and follow AGS policies and procedures in place at that time.
“7 Year Rule”
All course work applied to the Master’s degree must be completed within a seven year time period (excluding approved leaves of absence). In the event that enrollment exceeds seven years, the student will be required to retake courses that have expired. This timeline also applies to courses accepted in transfer from other institutions. Students using Federal Financial Aid should also refer to the shorter timelines that are described in the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy in this document.

Grade Transcripts
In matters of transcripts and other student records, the School adheres to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (the Buckley Amendment), 2USC;1232g.

• 
  Transcripts are issued only at the written request of the student.
  
• 
  Transcripts are sent directly by the School to the school or employer indicated on the student’s request. If a student wishes to deliver a transcript personally, it will be given to the student in a sealed envelope and stamped and recorded as issued to the student.
  
• 
  If a student wishes a personal copy of the transcript, it will be recorded as unofficial and issued to the student, at no charge.
  
• 
  A fee is charged for an official transcript after graduation.
  
• 
  A transcript will be issued only when no balance of payment is due to the School.
  
• 
  Transcripts are always issued in their entirety.
  

Grading System
Traditional letter grades are given for most AGS courses, with a limited number of courses evaluated on a pass/no pass basis. The grading system is as follows:
Grade Grade Point
A Excellent 4.0

Represents outstanding performance; student-demonstrated perceptiveness in dealing with materials and course expectations.

B Good 3.0

Generally a high level of awareness of the substantive nature of the course;

student demonstrated ability to achieve course expectations.
C Minimally Acceptable 2.0

Reflects minimal graduate-level performance.

R Retake 0.0

Quality of student work does not meet minimum course criteria however, upon repeating the course there is a strong likelihood that the course criteria will be met.

I Incomplete 0.0

Indicates that the requirements of the course have not been completed and that a student has a written extension contract with the faculty member.

P Pass 0.0

Undifferentiated passing grade.

IP In Process 0.0

Indicates that work satisfying an incomplete grade has been submitted to the instructor and a grade is pending.

W Withdraw 0.0

Indicates the student officially withdrew from the course by completing and submitting a written request and did so during the specified time frame (refer to the Refund Policy).

NE Never Enrolled 0.0

Withdrew in good standing before the first hour of the course.

NC No Credit 0.0 (effective 10/1/13)

Students may be issued a grade of “No Credit” if any of the following conditions are met:

• 
  Did not attend class.
  
• 
  Did not properly notify administration of a withdrawal.
  
• 
  Missed numbers of class periods in excess of School course attendance policy.
  
• 
  If an incomplete has not been resolved within 45 days after the last class meeting (not the assignment due date) and an agreed upon extension has not been arranged by the student and instructor, the incomplete turns to NC and the course must be repeated. This grade may only be issued by the Academic Vice President or designee. Refunds made on a case-by-case basis.
  

A/W Administrative Withdrawal 0.0

Indicates the student performed in a manner justifying administrative withdrawal by the Academic Vice President. Decision on refund will be made on a case-by-case basis.
AU Audit / no credit
A/N Class null and void (See “7 year rule” above).
Calculating a GPA
To calculate a grade point average (GPA), take the grade point value of the letter grade assigned for a course (see grade point values below), and multiply by the number of credits earned for that course. This is the grade point earned for that course. To determine the grade point average, sum all the grade point values earned to date (this is the Grade Point Total), and divide that sum by the total number of credits earned to date. This is the Grade Point Average.

For example:

Course # Grade Cr. Earned Grade Points Earned

511 A 3 A=4 x 3 Cr. = 12

515 B 3 B=3 x 3 Cr. = 9

592 A 1 A=4 x 1 Cr. = 4

7 (Credit Total) (Grade Point Total) 25

25 divided by 7 = 3.57 (Grade Point Average)

Student Ethics
Students are, in every respect, expected to adhere to the ethics of the professional program in which they are enrolled. Anyone who does not do so jeopardizes the opportunity to continue her/his studies at the School. Suspected ethical violations should be discussed with the person(s) perceived to be in violation and/or reported, as appropriate. If an individual student poses a problem in class or has conducted herself/himself (in class or in a field setting) in an unprofessional manner, the instructor will discuss the problem with the student. The situation will be formally recorded and submitted to AGS’ Academic Vice President. If necessary, the Academic Vice President will meet with the student. Appropriate confidentiality will be maintained. Appeals related to decisions regarding student conduct will conform to AGS’ grievance policy.

Student Conduct Policy
All members of the School community are responsible for their conduct to ensure that they do not harass any other member(s) of the School community, or persons associated with the School. The School expects a high standard of personal conduct from its students.

• 
  Students may be excluded from classes by the instructor for reasons of excessive absence or disruptive behavior.
  
• 
  Students may be excluded from classes by administrative action if they fail to comply with School regulations.
  
• 
  Students are, in every respect, expected to adhere to the ethics of the professional program in which they are enrolled. Anyone who does not do so jeopardizes the opportunity to continue his or her studies at the School.
  
• 
  Students who suspect ethical violations are bound by the ethics of the professional program in which they are enrolled to discuss the suspected violation(s) with the person(s) perceived to be in violation and/or to file a report, as appropriate.
  
• 
  Knowledge of students’ ethical violations affecting the School must be immediately discussed with the person(s) perceived to be in violation and/or reported to the Academic Vice President. Appropriate confidentiality will be maintained.
  
• 
  Appeals related to decisions regarding class conduct may be made to the Academic Vice President. If a second appeal is requested, an ad hoc, problem-solving committee, including representatives of the faculty, administration and student body, will be appointed by the President to consider the matter.
  
• 
  Plagiarism is not tolerated.
  

Student Conduct – Online Classes
Online classes provide an opportunity for open and insightful dialogue. As in any dialogue, these discussions demonstrate many facets of diversity, including diversity of values, opinions, and experiences. These differences are welcome and needed attributes of a scholarly discussion. Acknowledgement of and respect for these differences is a sign of mature scholarly debate.
Online discussion guidelines:

• 
  Faculty members monitor discussions and intervene when requested or deemed necessary.
  
• 
  NEVER post to the course room any content known to be illegal, potentially harassing, threatening, or embarrassing, that might be offensive and might be received as disrespectful in any way, or that is vulgar or sexually explicit
  
• 
  The tone of the exchange is one of respect for individual differences. If you disagree with an opinion expressed by a classmate or instructor, respond in a scholarly manner, arguing about the subject of discussion vs. the person who posted it.
  
• 
  Refrain from overusing exclamation marks !!!!, CAPITAL LETTERS, or other marks of emotional reaction that may be perceived as yelling, etc.
  
• 
  Online communication presents a significant level of ambiguity, since the verbal content of a communication is not well-supported by its non-verbal (including contextual) components. If a student feels threatened or offended by a statement made during an online portion of a class, please address the issue immediately with the other student(s) to clarify their positions and your reaction. If this does not work, contact your class instructor so actions can be taken as warranted.
  
• 
  During online discussion, follow the same rules concerning protection of confidential information as in face-to-face discussion. Confidential client information is not appropriate in forum postings. Further, mental health-related issues pertaining to you or family members must be used with caution, if at all.
  
• 
  Be aware that some agency-specific information, such as descriptions of programs that have been developed, or specialized treatment approaches, may potentially be subject to copyright law. Although it is not always possible to know whether information is protected, the minimum expectation always is to identify and credit the source of information.
  

Faculty Members' Concerns Regarding Students
Faculty members are obliged to bring to the individual student's attention behaviors and attitudes that are perceived to be inconsistent with the standards of the School. The Program Director and Academic Vice President may take action on the basis of those concerns in the best interests of the student, the School and the community at large. Unresolved faculty concerns are to be brought to the attention of the Academic Vice President.
The faculty is obliged to help each student in his/her professional development. A student may appeal to have any decision reconsidered, in accordance with AGS grievance procedures.
Any statements or gestures that could be interpreted as violating the AGS code of ethics could result in termination as determined by the Academic Vice President.
Any violation of the AGS code of ethics should be immediately discussed with the person(s) perceived to be in violation and/or reported to the Academic Vice President.
All issues brought to the attention of the School will be handled with appropriate confidentiality.

School Dismissal Policy
All students have a responsibility both to maintain the integrity of the School and to meet the highest standards of personal and professional conduct. The Academic Vice President, if requested by an individual student in potential difficulty, will meet with that student to clarify the nature of the problem and to seek appropriate solutions. A dismissal from the School is a final decision of the School, and not subject to grievance procedures.
The School reserves the right to suspend, place on probation, or dismiss any student whose academic performance, ethical standards, class absence, financial delinquency, mental health, or personal conduct is significantly detrimental to the educational goals and purposes of the School. Transcript entries for suspended or dismissed students show no notation of the suspension/dismissal, and courses in progress at the time show a grade of “W” (Withdraw).

Academic Progress Policy
1. Qualitatively - Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
2. Quantitatively - Students must complete their Master’s degrees within 7 years of matriculation (beginning first class). This includes the timely completion of Master’s Projects. Students who are inactive for more than 1 year will be officially withdrawn and will be required to reapply for admission. Students must successfully complete 12 credits in any 12-month period.
Definitions
Credit – A credit is the unit by which academic work is measured.
Attempted Credit – All credits for which you are registered at the beginning of each term.
Cumulative Credits – The total number of credits attempted and earned for all periods of enrollment at Adler Graduate School.
Earned Credits –Earned credits are those completed with a grade of A, B, C, and P. Grades of I, R, W, NC and NE are not counted as earned credits. Audit credits are not counted as attempted or earned credits.
Grade Point Average (GPA) – The GPA is calculated using a point value that is assigned for grades A, B, C, and NC. Although a grade of P will count as credit earned, it is not assigned a point value.
Incompletes – A grade of “I” is assigned as a temporary grade for pending course completion and is counted against the completion rate. Students with 2 or more incompletes are not allowed to register until one of the incompletes is finished.
In Process – A grade of “I/P” indicates that work satisfying an incomplete grade has been submitted to the instructor and a grade is pending.
Repeat Credits – Repeated credits will be calculated into the GPA, credit completion, and maximum time frame standards. An R is not considered a passing grade. A student may carry no more than 2 R’s or 1 R and 1 Incomplete.
Transfer Credits – Credits from other Masters level courses count both as credits attempted and earned.
Change of Program – Program change does not constitute additional completion time under the “7 Year Rule”.

Assessment of Academic Progress
Academic progress is assessed every term. All of the student’s academic coursework is considered in the review process. The assessment will be based on the student’s entire academic record, including all approved transfer credit hours.

Academic Probation
If the student does not meet either the GPA and/or credit completion requirements, the student will receive a written notice of academic probation from the Registrar. This is intended to notify the student of the minimum academic requirements necessary to remain in good academic standing. The student is given the next full term of enrollment to achieve the minimum academic requirements. Based on the student’s performance, the following may happen:

1. The student achieves the minimum standards at the end of the term and is released from academic probation status.

2. Student fails to achieve the minimum GPA and/or credit completion but is given the opportunity to appeal dismissal.
Appeal
Student must submit an appeal in writing to the Academic Vice President and Program Director. The following must be included in the appeal:
1. The reason for not meeting the minimum academic requirements.
2. What has changed about your circumstance that will allow you to achieve the minimum standards.
3. Third party documentation corroborating the issue for appeal.
Appeal Outcome
1. Appeal is approved: Student continues on in probation status for the next term of enrollment. If the minimum academic requirements are met the student is no longer on Probation but will continue to be monitored. Or alternatively the appeal is approved with conditions which are recommendations made by the AVP/PD that must be followed in the subsequent term of enrollment. Failure to follow through with the recommendations will result in dismissal.
2. Appeal is denied / correction plan issued: Student is given an involuntary leave of absence for no less than 6 months, and given specific corrective action that must be undertaken.
3. Appeal is denied / student is dismissed: Student is dismissed from AGS with no opportunity to appeal or reapply for admission.

Online courses, program, and related academic activities

Except as noted in supplemental AGS Online Learning policies that more specifically describe the unique nature of the distance education environment (please read related documents on www.adlermoodle.com), the Adler Graduate School general policies and procedures apply to all online courses, course-related activities, and faculty and student teaching and learning behaviors.

Submission of Course Work and Course Extensions
Course work must be submitted on the due date set by the instructor. In the event of an extension request, it is the student’s responsibility to submit a request to the appropriate instructor as soon as possible, but no later than the original due date of the assignment.
In order to change a grade of “I” (Incomplete) to a passing grade, all course requirements must be completed within 45 days of the last class meeting. In general, if an “I” is not resolved within 45 days, or by the due date agreed upon by both the student and instructor, the student will receive a grade of NC for that course.

Course Withdrawal
Withdrawal requests must be submitted to the Registrar by the 18th hour of the class in question in writing. Students are not allowed to withdraw after the 18th hour of class. After that time, course requirements must be completed and the appropriate grade will be assigned. If course work is not completed, a grade of “NC” will automatically be assigned.
Withdrawal at any time after a course has begun, through the 18th hour of the course, is recorded on the student’s transcript as a “W”, which carries no credit value in terms of grade point calculations.
Non-attendance of courses does not constitute official withdrawal and, according to AGS’ Tuition Refund Policy, no tuition will be refunded and a grade of NC will be entered on the transcript of a student who neither attends nor formally withdraws from a specific course.
Students receiving financial aid must be aware that withdrawal from a course or a program, in general, may seriously affect one’s current or future financial aid status. We advise students to review their financial plans with the Director of Financial Aid before dropping a course.

Withdrawal from Program or School
To withdraw from the School, a student must submit her/his decision in writing to the Registrar. The statement should include the effective date of the withdrawal and include a forwarding address. Students who voluntarily withdraw from the School may reapply at any time.

Course and Faculty Evaluations
Course and faculty evaluations are very important to the effectiveness of the School. Evaluation of Instruction questionnaires are completed by students at the last class meeting of each course. Students are encouraged to complete these evaluations thoughtfully and professionally in order to ensure the continued quality of AGS’ programs. Faculty members receive feedback in the form of an aggregated report that relates to learning outcomes and student satisfaction in the course. Program Directors review areas for improvement with their respective faculty. A systematic process for effectively evaluating courses is crucial to the development and maintenance of a high quality faculty and curriculum. Student participation and cooperation are strongly encouraged.