Qualifying for Graduation
Qualifying for Graduation is solely a student responsibility. If there are any doubts about meeting the requirements for graduation, the student should check with his or her academic adviser and with the Registrar's Office.
To receive a bachelor's degree from Concord University, a student must have:
- earned at least 120 semester hours of approved credit;
- completed the course requirements set for his or her particular program, as described in the applicable Catalog;
- achieved a C or better in ENGL 101 -ENGL 102 ; and met all special departmental/divisional grade-point average requirements;
- successfully completed the Praxis I: Pre-professional Skills Test(s), Praxis II: Subject Assessment Test(s) and Principles of Learning and Teaching Test(s) to qualify for the Bachelor of Science in Education degree;
- earned at least a 2.0 (C) cumulative grade average on all courses attempted at Concord, both overall and within the major. Minimum grade point average may be higher than 2.0 for some degrees. (Excess quality points earned at other institutions may not be used to make up a deficit at Concord; however, they are used in the calculation of graduation with honors);
- earned a minimum of 2.0 (C) cumulative grade average on all courses taken (this includes Concord courses and courses taken at all other institutions). Minimum grade point average may be higher than 2.0 for some degrees;
- met certain residence and scholarship requirements, as set forth in the following paragraphs;
- met all financial obligations;
- satisfied any penalties imposed by the University; and,
- applied for graduation before the deadline; (late fee charged after deadline).
Certification and Degree Requirements in Education
Requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education at Concord University are linked to the requirements for certification by the West Virginia Department of Education for teaching in the public schools. The fact that students may not intend to teach in West Virginia does not remove any of the requirements of the degree. Students must fulfill all the provisions for certification in West Virginia, including the Praxis I: Pre-professional Skills Test(s), Praxis II: Subject Assessment Test (s) and Principles of Learning and Teaching Test(s) in their particular teaching field(s) or specialization(s). Additional and detailed requirements are included in the Teacher Education (Bachelor of Science in Education) section of this Catalog.
Graduation Procedure
Concord University grants degrees at the end of each fall and spring semester and at the close of the second summer session. Students completing the requirements for degrees, diplomas, and certificates will receive the appropriate credentials at one of these three dates, if they file graduation applications by the proper time. To graduate at the end of any semester or summer session, a student must make official application in that particular period; consult the schedule of courses in any semester or summer session for this exact date. To graduate, to receive credentials, or to be recommended for teaching certification, all fees and other bills due the University must be paid. Students must use their full and proper names when registering, in applying for degrees, and in other similar circumstances.
Two formal graduation ceremonies are held annually, at the close of the spring semester in May and the fall semester in December. Students graduating in the spring semester or the fall semester are required to participate in a Commencement ceremony, unless excused by the Registrar. December graduates may chose to participate in the May ceremony but must notify the Registrar of their intentions by March 1. Students whose potential graduation date is August will be allowed to participate in the May Commencement ceremonies provided that, at the time of the graduation application, the student has the required grade point average for graduation. Any senior may apply for May graduation. If a student is scheduled to graduate at the end of the spring semester and cannot attend the Commencement ceremonies, he or she must apply to the Registrar in writing, at the time of filing application for degree, for permission to receive the degree in absentia.
Graduation with Honors
This includes a notation on the permanent record and diploma, as well as special recognition in the Commencement ceremonies. Students must complete a minimum of 60 hours at Concord University to be considered for graduation with honors.
The following grade point averages are taken into consideration when determining honors: 1) all courses taken at Concord; 2) all college courses taken at Concord and within the State College and University system of West Virginia; and 3) all college courses taken at Concord and all transfer credit. The lowest of these cumulative quality-point averages is used for placement in graduation with honors. Summa cum laude requires that neither of these quality-point averages be lower than a 3.80, Magna cum laude from 3.60 to 3.79, and Cum laude from 3.30 to 3.59.
Ceremonial honors will not include the final semester. Official honors designation will be based on all courses taken.
|
