Academic Information
time enrollment is considered 6 credit hours per trimester, normally one 3 credit course per term. In this manner, most programs can be completed in six trimesters or two calendar years although students may choose to complete the program in less time. However, because adult learners lead very busy lives, some students may take more time to complete a program. All students are expected to complete their respective degrees within 5 years.
Satisfactory student progress has two metrics: annual grade point average (GPA) and length of time to degree completion. Graduate students are expected to maintain a 3.0 overall GPA with no grade below “C”. An overall GPA of 3.0 is required of Master’s degree students for graduation.
To maintain satisfactory academic progress in a course, students must submit assignments and participate in regular course activities each week. If a student has an emergency and cannot submit the weekly assignment by the due date, the student is responsible for informing the instructor. Instructors may deduct points for late work. In the event a student will be unable to complete course work by the end of the term, the student may petition for a course extension by submitting an Incomplete Grade Form.
In addition to unsatisfactory academic progress, students may be dismissed from the University for financial delinquency, or lack of compliance with University rules and regulations as defined in this catalog.
Faculty members who are instructors of record for a class are vested with the primary but not sole authority to grade and report student work in relation to course requirements and standards of performance.
Grading procedures are University-wide standards for assessing and reporting student work. If a student feels that a grade is an unfair representation of his/her achievement in a course, the student should first talk with the instructor. If the outcome of that conversation is unsatisfactory, the student should contact the instructor’s department head who will discuss the issue with the instructor. This discussion may involve the student. If the result of that discussion is unsatisfactory to the student, the student may appeal to the Academic Progress Committee. If the student finds the result of that discussion unsatisfactory, the student’s next step is an appeal to the Vice-President of Academic Affairs who will refer the appeal to the University Council.
Depending on the nature of the complaint, the University Council has the authority to uphold previous actions, to dismiss a student, to consult with the instructor for clarification and documentation, to recommend an opportunity to submit or resubmit work, and to counsel the instructor about a grade change. The University’s policy of fairness means that issues related to student progress and achievement are significant, intellectual freedom is respected, and that in a community, determinations of achievement and progress may be a group decision.
Students should make their issue with a course grade or other complaint known by email or in writing and in a timely fashion. Appeals and complaints at the department head level will be handled within seven days of receipt; at the University level, decisions are reported within 30 days. All actions are reported by email and in writing by US or commercial mail (UPS, FedEx). A printed record of all email correspondence between the student and the University regarding the complaint will be kept on file.
To be considered for acceptance as transfer credit towards a degree, the course work must meet the following conditions:
- the coursework has been graded C+ or higher for undergraduate credits and B or higher for graduate credits;
- the coursework is related to the program and course requirements for which the transfer credit is requested, as determined by the program faculty; and,
- the coursework has been completed within the previous five years at an appropriately accredited educational institution.
The Department Chair or Dean will determine the relevancy of the previous coursework and learning experiences, based on the student’s transcript, catalog and relevant other documentation (e.g. course syllabus, assignments, handouts, etc.) from the institution where the coursework was taken. Students will be notified via email and postal service by the Department Chair or Dean of the acceptance or denial of the prior learning credit.
The University also recognizes the viability of certificated training programs through professional organizations and specialty institutions. The University may award academic credit for work completed in special training programs closely aligned with the degree program. Consideration for approval by the Vice President of Academic Affairs requires recommendation from the Faculty advisor based on the equivalency of the prior learning to established course requirements. Once approved, these credits may be applied towards the student’s plan of study. (See the program area of the catalog for credit limits).
Certain documented professional experiences may also qualify for up to 6 hours of awarded credit under this provision. This experience will be evaluated with an oral or written examination, or both.
Sarasota University may accept or award from 1 to 18 total credits toward a student’s degree program from prior coursework or learning experiences. The total number of credits awarded under this provision may not exceed one-half of the student’s program of study. Grades received for prior credits or certification course work are not recorded on the student’s transcript. The student’s GPA is based solely on grades earned in courses completed at Sarasota University.
University Retention Rates:
- 2016-2017: 92.31%
- 2017-2018: 89.47%
- 2018-2019: 91.67%
- 3 Yr Average: 91.15%
Completion/Graduation Rate by Program:
- Montessori Education: 83.3% for 2014 cohort
- Montessori Education: 80.0% for 2015 cohort
- Montessori Education: 100.0% for 2016 cohort
- 3 Yr Average: 87.8%
- Montessori Leadership: 100.0% for 2014-2015 cohort
- Montessori Leadership: 42.9% for 2015-2016 cohort
- Montessori Leadership: 60.0% for 2016-2017 cohort
- 3 Yr Average: 67.6%
2019 Student Satisfaction Survey results (all programs):
- Achieved their learning goals: 96.3%
- Would recommend the institution to a friend: 89.0%
- Were satisfied with their studies: 92.7%