Academic Standards

Grading System
Student Rights and Records
Standards for Course Offerings
Awarding Certificates
Academic Advisory Council

Grading System
Grades are designated by letters A, excellent; B, good; C, average; D, just passing; and F, failure. The following numeric values (grade points) are assigned to each of these letter grades: A, four points; B, three points; C, two points; D, one point. Plus grades are computed at three-tenths of a point above these figures and minus grades at three-tenths below these figures.

A grade of W will be recorded for courses students leave for any reason with the written approval of their instructor and the Institute Director. Students who discontinue classes without notification or permission will be given the grade of F. A student may repeat a course, but only the latest grade will be used in computing the grade point average for courses taken at the Institute. Such grades are entered on the Institute records preceded by the letter R. A temporary grade of NR (no report) is given in rare instances when the instructor is unable to report a final grade on schedule.

In the event a student fails to complete all required work for a course or fails to take the final examination, the instructor may, if the student's reasons are considered valid, grant a grade of I (incomplete) rather than an F. This deficiency must be made up within 6 months of the final examination, and if not so done, is changed to an F. If because of extended illness the 6 month deadline cannot be met, an extension may be given by the Institute Director if requested by the student in writing at least one week prior to the deadline.

Student Rights and Records
At the conclusion of each session in which a student is enrolled, a grade report will be given to the student or mailed to the home address of the student, unless the student files a written request that this not be done. Official transcripts of grades will be sent to the registrar of the home college through which the student is enrolled. Transcripts will not be released to any party without written approval of the student in accordance with the Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.

Standards for Course Offerings
Each course offered by the Institute, in addition to having to meet Institute standards, is also an approved offering of at least one accredited 4-year evangelical Christian liberal arts college, normally the college with whom the faculty member teaching the course has an academic year appointment. All courses and faculty also are reviewed by the State of Michigan Department of Education by whom the Institute is licensed.

Awarding Certificates
Persons who are working toward a certificate from the Institute must file a formal certificate application sooner than, but not later than the beginning of the semester in which they expect to graduate from their home institution. The Institute will identify undergraduates who qualify for Institute certificates in writing to the home college so that they may then recognize them at graduation ceremonies, indicate this fact on the college transcript or otherwise recognize or announce this achievement. Postgraduates and graduate students should file a formal certificate application not later than the beginning of their final academic session at the Institute.

Academic Advisory Council
The Director of the Institute is advised on academic matters and academic standards by the Academic Advisory Council, a body consisting of one Au Sable Faculty Representative from each of the Participating Colleges. The Academic Advisory Council meets annually between Summer Sessions I and II, as shown in the Institute Calendar. Observers from colleges, universities and seminaries considering application for participating status are welcome.