Academic Information

• Graduation Requirements
• Academic Policies
• Attendance and Withdrawal Policies
• Other Academic Information

Graduation Requirements

Graduation Under a Particular Catalog

Students must adhere to graduation requirements listed in the catalog in effect at the time of enrollment into the University. From an academic perspective, a student may choose to use any catalog subsequent to the catalog in effect at the time of enrollment into the University, provided the catalog chosen is not expired. The graduation requirements under student’s chosen catalog remain in effect for the student until degree completion or catalog expiration of five years, whichever comes first. All students re-admitted to programs at California Baptist University after officially or unofficially withdrawing, or any lapse of enrollment of more than one semester, will be placed under the catalog current at the time of re-admission and will be subject to the degree requirements outlined in that catalog. The University is not responsible for providing courses or programs which have been discontinued.

At the University’s discretion, policies, tuition and fees, and other information may change annually and will apply to all students.  Updates regarding current policies, tuition and fees, and other information are available from Academic Advising, Office of the University Registrar, Student Accounts, Student Services, and other University offices.

Graduation Check List (Bachelors)

• Students should review their InsideCBU degree guide on a regular basis to evaluate progress toward graduation.
• Complete all academic requirements for the major, minor, and/or concentration, consistent with the catalog under which student enrolled at the University or subsequently selected
• Complete at least 124 semester units of credit, at least 39 of which must be upper division (300 level and 400 level courses)
• Complete at least 36 units at California Baptist University, at least 30 of which must be upper division (300 level and 400 level courses)
• Earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 overall with no grade below C- in the major field of study
• Complete all general education requirements
• Complete and submit a graduation application for planned graduation date
• Satisfy all financial obligations to the university
• Be in good academic standing (not suspended or academically disqualified) at the time of completion

Approval for Graduation

Students should submit an application for graduation upon successful completion of ninety (90) or more earned units. Once the application is submitted, the Registrar will complete a degree evaluation and audit, verifying the student’s eligibility to graduate, which qualifies the student to participate in commencement ceremonies. To avoid a Late Graduation Application fee, Graduation Applications must be submitted by the application deadline. Students submitting applications after the degree posting date will be required to apply for the next eligible degree date. Student’s inability to complete degree requirements by the designated degree posting date may require re-application and an additional fee.

Space within each commencement exercise is limited.  Students submitting a Late Graduation Application may participate in the immediate commencement on a space availability basis.  However, although student’s degree will post upon completion of degree requirements, the student may be deferred to the subsequent commencement ceremony.

Graduation Honors

Honors are awarded according to the following cumulative grade point average: Cum Laude, 3.50; Magna Cum Laude, 3.70; Summa Cum Laude, 3.90.

Honors are awarded to associate degree students according to the following cumulative grade point average: Honors, 3.50; High Honors, 3.70; Highest Honors, 3.9. To be eligible for graduation honors, associate degree students must have completed at least 30 units of coursework at California Baptist University of which 18 units or more must be letter grades.

Honors announced at the commencement ceremony represent the cumulative grade point average at the completion of the semester prior to the semester of the degree posting. Degrees and honors awarded in the ceremony are conditional upon completion of all course requirements in accordance with University policies. Post-baccalaureate students (Second Major/Second Degree) are not eligible for graduation honors.

Degree Posting Dates

The University posts degrees three times each year, regardless of the specific date all work is completed. All degree requirements must be met prior to the posting date. The three approximate posting dates are at the end of the regular fall semester (last day in December), the end of the regular spring semester (first Friday in May), and the end of the regular summer semester (last day in August). Degrees completed between posting dates will be posted at the next scheduled date.

Once the degree is posted, no changes will be made to the transcript.

English Writing Proficiency

All students must demonstrate proficiency in writing standard English. They may do so by earning at least a C- (or demonstrating comparable writing competence) in both ENG 113 - Composition  and ENG 123 - Intermediate Composition  (or ENG 113E  and 123E ). Students are placed in composition courses based on SAT/ACT scores or transfer coursework. Students wishing to challenge their placement may take an English placement exam one time prior to the last day to add a course in their first semester of enrollment at CBU. Students are required to enroll in the composition requirements until successfully completed. No student is eligible to graduate unless the Office of the University Registrar’s official records show the English proficiency requirements have been met.

Requirement for Units Completed at California Baptist University

Students seeking a bachelor degree are required to complete 36 units at California Baptist University, of which at least 30 units must be taken at the upper division level (300 level and 400 level courses). Students seeking an associate degree are required to complete 30 units at California Baptist University.

General Education

The General Education curriculum consists of 40-55 units of coursework designed to provide the student with a strong and diverse academic preparation.  In keeping with the ideal of a liberal arts education, the general education provides students with a broad exposure to the world of ideas and the arts to secure a foundation for students to successfully move into their major of study.  In addition, a decidedly Christian perspective is integrated into the requirements and afford the student an opportunity to develop a Christian worldview.

Majors and Minors

When completing a major and minor, twenty-four (24) units must be unique to the major, of which at least eighteen (18) must be upper division. Nine (9) upper division units must be unique to the minor. Coursework for credit toward a major, minor, or concentration must be passed with a minimum grade of C- and an overall average in the major or minor of 2.0 or higher. Certain disciplines may also require a minimum grade of C (2.0) in the lower-division prerequisites. Science courses with virtual labs may not meet major requirements.

Upper Division

Students must complete a minimum of 39 units of upper division coursework for graduation of which at least 30 units must be completed at California Baptist University.  Upper division requirements can only be fulfilled with courses at the 300 and 400 (Junior and Senior) level. Lower division units cannot be used to fulfill upper division requirements. Upper division requirements for which a student receives an academic variance must be replaced by upper division electives. Students seeking substitutions and exemptions must submit an Academic Variance Form for approval.

Double Major

Students who wish to concurrently complete two majors may do so by meeting the following conditions:

1. Students complete all of the required courses listed in the catalog for both majors;
2. Not more than four (4) upper division courses may be common to both majors; and
3. Twenty-four (24) units must be unique to each major, of which at least eighteen (18) units must be upper division.

Second Major

Students who previously earned a baccalaureate degree at another institution and wish to complete an additional major at California Baptist University must complete all requirements for the major as listed in the catalog current at the time of enrollment into the University. The student must complete the regular graduation application process. Students completing a second major will receive a certificate of completion. No certificate is granted for an additional minor.

Additional Major or Minor

Students who previously earned a baccalaureate degree at California Baptist University may complete an additional major or minor by completing all requirements for the major or minor, as listed in the catalog current at the time of readmission to the University. For an additional major, a minimum of twenty-four (24) units must be unique to the major and at least eighteen (18) units must be upper division. Nine (9) upper division units must be unique to the minor. The student must complete the graduation re-application process. Students completing an additional major will receive a certificate of completion. No certificate is granted for an additional minor.

Second Degree

Students seeking a second baccalaureate degree must complete a minimum of thirty (30) distinct units in a second area of major studies. Twenty-four (24) of these units must be at the upper division level (300 level and 400 level courses). A minimum of 154 total units are required for graduation with a second degree. All general education (if different from first degree), prerequisites, supporting courses, and departmental requirements for each major and degree, including units completed at California Baptist University, must be completed.

Electives

An elective course is one which a student takes because of personal interest and is used to fulfill overall degree requirements. Electives may be taken from the regular University courses offered in each department. Students should plan carefully and complete prescribed coursework first to avoid a scenario in which more than 124 semester units are necessary in order to graduate.

Academic Policies

Transfer Restrictions

A maximum of 100 semester units may be accepted in transfer toward fulfilling bachelor degree requirements. Within these 100 units, no more than thirty (30) upper division units may be transferred and no more than ninety (90) lower division units may be transferred. A maximum of thirty (30) semester units is allowable from examinations (AP, CLEP, DANTES, IB). A maximum of eighteen (18) units may be accepted in transfer at the lower division level for college transcript completion of a Basic Peace Officer Standards Training (POST) certificate. A maximum of 45 semester units may be accepted in transfer toward fulfilling associate degree requirements.

The University will evaluate previous college work to determine its relationship to the requirements of California Baptist University. Only coursework completed with a grade of C- or better will be accepted in transfer. Lower division units and units from institutions that do not offer a baccalaureate degree will not be accepted for upper division credit. California Baptist University does not accept transfer work that was not designated as baccalaureate degree-applicable by the issuing institution.

All coursework completed at other institutions will be computed into the California Baptist University cumulative grade point average regardless of course transferability.

Advanced Placement Credit

Students who score three (3) or higher on an Advanced Placement (AP) exam will receive three units of lower division credit for the equivalent course. For the most current AP score information contact the Office of the University Registrar or visit InsideCBU. More information about the AP Program is available on the College Board website at www.apcentral.collegeboard.com.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DSST

Students wishing to receive credit for CLEP or DANTES Single Subject Tests (DSST) must provide to the University an official transcript issued by the College Board or by DSST. It is the student’s responsibility to seek clarification of degree requirements before taking an examination. Examinations may not be repeated within six months of the testing date. Additional information about acceptable CLEP and DSST exams and scores is available on InsideCBU.

For the most current CLEP score information, contact the Office of the University Registrar or visit InsideCBU. Check the CLEP website at www.collegeboard.com/clep for testing locations.

Enrollment at Other Institutions

In order to ensure that coursework is transferable to California Baptist University, enrolled California Baptist University students who wish to complete coursework at other institutions and apply this work toward degree requirements at California Baptist University should receive prior approval from the Office of the University Registrar. Coursework completed at another institution without securing California Baptist University’s prior approval for the course(s) may not be accepted as transferable. Additional information and appropriate forms are available on InsideCBU.

Credit Hour

California Baptist University defines a credit hour as a minimum of 45 hours of engaged learning time over the duration of a term.  This engaged learning time may be in face-to-face meetings, in a prescribed lab or internship/practicum setting, in synchronous or asynchronous online learning activities, hybrid courses, or in independent reading, research, or writing activities.

Course Load

The standard academic load for undergraduate students is 12-18 units. A student may be approved to register for more than eighteen (18) units if the student has 1) a 3.0 cumulative GPA, 2) a minimum 3.0 California Baptist University session GPA in the preceding semester, 3) no outstanding incomplete course work, and 4) is in good academic standing. Permission for overload is granted on a semester by semester basis.

Classification of Students

At the beginning of each semester all students are officially classified in the following manner:

Scholastic Regulations

An undergraduate student must maintain scholastic standards to remain enrolled at California Baptist University. A student must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 to graduate.

Academic Probation

A student who does not maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or who does not earn a minimum semester GPA of 1.7 will be placed on Academic Probation. A student on Academic Probation will be required to meet with an Academic Advisor to adjust their schedule and develop a course plan, and may be required to participate in an academic success experience. A student who earns a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a minimum semester GPA of 1.7 during the probationary semester will no longer be on Academic Probation. A student on Academic Probation who does not achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in the probationary semester but does earn a 2.3 semester GPA will continue on Academic Probation.

Academic Suspension

A student who fails to earn a 2.0 cumulative GPA and a 1.7 semester GPA OR a 2.3 semester GPA during the probationary semester will be placed on Academic Suspension. Additionally, a student who fails all academic courses during any given semester will immediately be placed on Academic Suspension. To continue enrollment at California Baptist University, a student on Academic Suspension must appeal to and be approved by the Admissions and Retention Committee. If approved to continue, a student will be placed on Academic Probation, may be required to participate in an academic success experience, and will be held to the restrictions and requirements of the Academic Probation status.

Academic Disqualification

A student who is suspended for a second consecutive semester will be academically disqualified and may not enroll at California Baptist University for at least one semester. To regain academic qualification, a student must demonstrate the educational skills and motivation necessary to be academically successful. Requirements to demonstrate the necessary skills and motivation will be outlined in each student’s appeal decision letter and may include completing 9-12 community college units of academic coursework in a single semester, earning a 2.3 semester grade point average or better. A student who has demonstrated academic success may then appeal to the Admissions and Retention Committee for readmission to California Baptist University under Academic Probation status. A student may need to readmit to the University prior to enrolling (see Satisfactory Academic Progress in the Financial Aid  section and Readmit in the Traditional On-Campus Admissions  section).

Following the close of each semester, a letter of notification will be sent to each student who has a change in academic status. All appeals related to the above regulations should be directed to the Chair of the Admissions and Retention Committee in compliance with dates detailed in the letter.

Student Grievances

A student wishing to express concerns or grievances about academic matters involving coursework or interactions with instructors should first contact the instructor involved so that there is opportunity for each to address the specific student concerns. If the student feels unable to approach the instructor directly or does not believe the issue has been fully resolved with the instructor, the student should contact the Department Chair or Dean of the School or College having oversight of that course. If issues remain unresolved at these levels, the final academic point of contact is dependent on the California Baptist University division in which the student is enrolled.

• Traditional students should appeal to the Dean of Student Success
• Online and Professional Studies students should appeal to the Associate Vice President of Academics

For disputes involving conduct prohibited under the University’s Title IX Policy, students, staff, and faculty are expected to promptly notify the Title IX Coordinator for proceedings consistent with the Title IX Policy.

Academic Dishonesty

Please refer to the California Baptist University Student Handbook, Honor Code.

Credit/No Credit Courses

A student may take up to twelve (12) units of coursework on a “credit/no credit” basis in lieu of a letter grade. ENG 113, 113E, 123, and 123E (English Composition) may not be taken on a “credit/no credit” basis, and not more than two (2) courses in general education may be taken on a “credit/no credit” basis.

Only one course may be taken per semester on a “credit/no credit” basis. All courses in the student’s major or minor field must be taken for a letter grade.

Students must choose this grading option during the Add/Drop Period. In order to receive credit for work completed on a “credit/no credit” basis, the work must be equivalent to a C- grade or better. The grade of “credit” does not affect the GPA calculations; a grade of “no credit” has the same effect on the GPA calculation as a failing grade.

Pass/Fail

Some courses are graded on a “pass/fail” basis. The grade of “pass” does not affect the GPA calculations; a grade of “fail” has the same effect on the GPA calculation as a failing grade.

Incomplete Grade Policy

Students may only file a Petition for Incomplete in cases of extreme and unforeseen emergencies. A Petition for Incomplete must be submitted to the dean of the school, college, or division in which the course is offered. Students are responsible to initiate and complete the Petition for Incomplete prior to the end of the semester in which the student is taking the course.  If the Incomplete grade is not changed to a passing grade within six weeks of the end of the session, term, or semester, the grade automatically becomes an F and credit for the course may be obtained only by repeating the course. An Incomplete grade fee is charged for all approved Incomplete petitions. Students who receive an Incomplete will not be eligible for semester honors (Provost’s or President’s Honor Roll). An Incomplete grade may adversely affect students receiving financial aid.

Satisfactory Progress Grade Policy

Students may only request a grade of Satisfactory Progress (SP) for courses that include a requirement of fieldwork, student teaching, and/or observation hours for completion of the course and that requirement cannot be completed within the semester for which the student was enrolled into the course.  Students may only petition faculty members for a SP grade when the student is unable to complete the fieldwork during the semester due to conditions outside of the student’s control.  If a grade of SP is not raised to a passing grade within twelve (12) months of the issuance of the SP grade, the grade automatically becomes an F and credit for the course may be obtained only by repeating the course.  An SP grade may not be used to extend the six-week time frame of an Incomplete Grade.

Examinations/Make-up Tests

In the case of serious illness or unforeseen emergency, the student is responsible to communicate with the instructor of the course in which the test was missed as soon as practicable and arrange for a make-up test with the instructor. Make-up tests are at the discretion of the individual instructor.

Repeating Courses for Grade Replacement

For grade replacement to apply, the course must have been originally taken at California Baptist University and repeated at California Baptist University. Courses that may be repeated multiple times for credit are not eligible for grade replacement. Tuition will be charged for the repeated units. (See Financial Aid  for information regarding use of student aid to pay for repeated courses.) Students may not repeat a course once their degree has posted.

Courses may only be repeated one time for grade replacement. The second grade earned will be used in GPA calculations regardless of which grade is higher. If a grade of C- or higher is not earned when the course is repeated, the student may repeat the course again; however, subsequent grades will not replace the grade from the first repetition. Subsequent grades will be used in GPA calculations.

Grade Changes

Students who believe a grade has been recorded in error have the responsibility to initiate a grade change request with the instructor within 30 days of the final grade being recorded. Requests may be made for grade changes based on computation and recording errors. Otherwise, grades are final at the completion of the course. No grade changes will be permitted once the degree has been posted.

Grade Appeals

Any appeal for a grade change must be accompanied by appropriate documentation to demonstrate the grade was incorrectly recorded or determined. The grade appeal must include documentation that one or more of the following occurred: (1) The instructor made an error in calculating the final grade; (2) The final grade was based on criteria or standards at variance with the course syllabus; (3) The final grade was based on factors other than student achievement or performance. Failure to address one or more of these three reasons is a basis for rejection of that appeal. Students must recognize that they bear the burden of proof in the grade appeal process and that a grade appeal will not be successful without appropriate documentation

Students wishing to appeal a grade should follow the below regular order of contacts and timelines.

Instructor Appeal

An initial grade appeal should be made directly to the instructor. The student is encouraged to submit a written statement to the instructor clearly specifying the grounds upon which the student disputes the instructor’s academic decision.

• Traditional Graduate/Undergraduate Students:
  • Grade appeals for Fall semester courses must be filed by February 1 of the Spring semester immediately following the completion of the disputed course.
  • Grade appeals for Spring or Summer semester courses must be filed by October 1 of the Fall semester immediately following the completion of the disputed course.
• Online and Professional Studies Students:
  • Grade appeals must be submitted to the instructor within 30 days of the final grade being recorded. 

Department Chair or Dean Appeal

If the student is dissatisfied with the instructor’s response, or the instructor does not respond to a grade appeal within 30 days, the student may then appeal the instructor’s academic decision to the appropriate Department Chair or Dean of the School or College having oversight of that respective instructor and course. The appeal should be submitted within 30 days of instructor decision or non-response. 

Dean of Student Success/Associate Vice President of Academics

If the student is dissatisfied with the decision rendered by the Department Chair or Dean of the School or College, the student may submit an appeal within 30 days of the previous decision for possible mediation. Appeals should be submitted respective to the University program in which the student is enrolled (Traditional or Online and Professional Studies).

• Traditional students should appeal to the Dean of Student Success
• Online and Professional Studies students should appeal to the Associate Vice President of Academics

Upon receipt of the appeal, copies of the student’s supporting evidence associated with the appeal will be obtained and an attempt will be made to mediate a resolution between the student, the faculty, and the Department Chair or Dean.

Student Appeals Committee

If the appeal is unable to be resolved through mediation within 30 days, the student may request the appeal be submitted to the Student Appeals Committee.  The student’s request must be in writing and specify the student’s rationale for contesting the decision rendered by the Department Chair or Dean, as well as include all supporting evidence.  Upon submission of a timely request, the Student Appeals Committee will convene and render a decision within 15 days.

The Student Appeals Committee will convene and review all written documentation and evidence. The committee will receive the responses from previous appeals and have the discretion to request additional information prior to the committee meeting from the student, instructor, chair, or dean.  The committee will make its recommendation based solely on the documentation submitted.  Students are not permitted to attend the meeting or present before the committee.

Vice President/Provost

Following the Student Appeals Committee meeting, the committee will make a formal recommendation to the Vice President/Provost regarding a resolution.  Within 15 days of receiving the recommendation, the Vice President may (1) accept the recommendation, (2) reject the recommendation and issue an independent decision, or (3) request the committee conduct additional investigation and re-review the initial recommendation.

The Vice President/Provost’s decision is final and not subject to further appeal.

Quality of work in a course is indicated as follows:

Semester Honors

Each semester the University awards the President’s Honor Roll and the Provost’s Honor Roll to students who achieve academic excellence. In order to qualify for the President’s Honor Roll a student must earn a session GPA of 4.0 while taking a minimum of 12 units of graded coursework (not P/F, CR/NC, AU, etc.) and maintaining satisfactory scholastic standing. In order to qualify for the Provost’s Honor Roll a student must earn a session GPA of at least 3.6 while taking a minimum of 12 units of graded coursework (not P/F, CR/NC, AU, etc.) and maintaining satisfactory scholastic standing. All courses taken during a given semester must be successfully completed; any failing grade (including chapel fail and NC) or Incomplete will disqualify the student for semester honors. Post-baccalaureate students are not eligible for semester honors. Students will not be eligible for the Provost’s or President’s Honor Roll if they elect to Petition for an Incomplete. Semester honors will be posted on the transcript.

Grade Reports

Grade reports are available to students through InsideCBU upon the completion of the semester. Students may view grades by accessing their Degree Guide in InsideCBU. The University does not release any grade information to any person other than the requesting student without the written permission of the student.

Change of Personal Information

Students are expected to file a Student Information Change form with the Office of the University Registrar promptly upon a change of any personal information, including but not limited to student’s address, telephone number, or name. If a student does not receive University notices because of an incorrect or outdated address, the student will still be held responsible for the information provided. Students can access the Student Information Change Form on InsideCBU.

Classification and Numbering of Courses

The first digit of the course number indicates the year level of the course: 100-first undergraduate year; 200-second undergraduate year; 300-third undergraduate year; 400-fourth undergraduate year; 500/600-master’s level; 700-doctoral level.

University level courses without a year designation are designated by 000.

Course Cancellations and Format Changes

California Baptist University expects to deliver instruction to its students through its traditional in-person and online formats.  By attending the University, students acknowledge this expectation and understand that the University may be compelled to modify course instruction formats due to circumstances or events beyond the University’s reasonable control such as acts of God, acts of government, war, social unrest, and accidents.  As such, students attending the University assume the risk that circumstances may arise that mandate the closure of the campus or place restrictions upon the University’s delivery of instruction.   Further, all courses at California Baptist University are subject to cancellation, meeting day and time changes, or format changes for reasons such as low enrollment, curriculum updates, or staffing. Students will be notified of course cancellations and schedule changes via their California Baptist University LancerMail account.

Study Abroad

Students may receive academic credit for overseas study tours offered by California Baptist University or authorized Study Abroad programs. A maximum of 18 units per semester may be earned for Study Abroad. Non-academic tours will not be considered for academic credit. All students wishing to receive Study Abroad credit must attend a Study Abroad Information Session and process their Petition to Study Abroad prior to the trip’s departure. Study Abroad petitions are available from the Director of Academic Engagements. Students will be assessed a Study Abroad per unit tuition rate for tours offered through California Baptist University. Student’s participating in other authorized study abroad programs will be assessed for the cost of the program.

Requirements to participate in Study Abroad include:

• First-time freshmen must have completed two semesters of course work at California Baptist University
• Transfer students must have completed one semester of course work at California Baptist University
• Students must be in good standing with Financial Aid, Student Accounts, and Student Services
• Students must meet any minimum GPA requirements established by California Baptist University’s study abroad partners

Directed Study and Independent Study

Directed Study will be limited to those courses which are listed in the catalog part of the University’s regular curriculum. Independent Study will be limited to original coursework not included in the University’s regular curriculum. Approval for the arrangement must include the faculty member, Dean/Department Chair, and University Registrar. In addition to regular tuition, a per credit unit Directed or Independent Study fee will be assessed. On a form for directed and independent study, secured from Academic Advising, in collaboration with the appropriate faculty member, complete and submit the form to the Dean/Department Chair and University Registrar for approval.

Following are California Baptist University’s Directed and Independent Study guidelines:

• Junior or Senior academic standing
• 3.0 or better grade point average
• Limit of four (4) units of directed study or independent study in any given semester
• A maximum of nine (9) units of directed study or independent study may be applied toward degree requirements

Internship

An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. Internships provide students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths while giving employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent.

Students may enroll in an internship for academic credit at the upper division level with approval and signatures from the faculty member, Dean/Department Chair, and University Registrar. Students are responsible for locating their own internship experience prior to enrollment and are encouraged to utilize the Career Services office for assistance in the process. Minimum enrollment requirements include a 2.0 cumulative GPA and sophomore status.

Internships must be completed within the semester in which both the enrollment and the internship experience occur. Retroactive credit may not be granted for internships previously completed. For current Internship enrollment information, please see InsideCBU Internships.

Challenging a Course for Credit or Exemption

A student wishing to challenge a course by examination or certification should consult the Office of the University Registrar for information. Not all courses offered at California Baptist University may be challenged by exam or certification, and determinations will be made by the appropriate academic dean or department chair.

Students wishing only to be exempt from a course requirement, but not wishing to receive university credit, will be billed the exemption by exam or exemption by certification fee, and no credit will be earned. The exemption by exam fee will be assessed whether or not the exam is successfully passed.

Students wishing to receive credit for the challenged course and successfully pass the exam will be charged the appropriate tuition and a grade of “Credit” will appear on the transcript. If the exam is not passed the student will only be charged the exemption by exam fee and nothing will appear on the transcript.

Courses previously attempted at California Baptist University or another institution may not be challenged. Challenge exams may be attempted only once per course and should be completed prior to the add/drop dates. Credit and tuition costs for coursework completed by exam will appear in the semester that the exam is passed. Students may not exceed 30 units of degree credit by challenge exams including AP, CLEP, and DSST, IB, and California Baptist University exams.

Auditing a Course

Students do not earn academic credit for audited courses. Audited courses cannot be applied toward degree requirements. Audited courses appear on the student’s transcript and are indicated by an AU in lieu of a credit-bearing grade.

Students may only register to audit a course during the first two weeks of the semester, pending available space in the desired course. Regular withdrawal policies apply to audited coursework.

Post Baccalaureate Credit

Post baccalaureate credit for a course taken as an undergraduate student must be requested prior to the posting of the bachelor’s degree. The following criteria must be met in order to grant credit:

• Course(s) were not used to complete a bachelor’s degree, second major, minor, emphasis, or concentration
• Student was classified as a Senior (90.0+ units) when courses were completed

Privacy of Student Records

In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), a student’s confidential academic record is available for inspection by the student. See the Office of the University Registrar for further information regarding academic records.

FERPA permits the University to disclose certain information (“Directory Information”) without the Student’s consent.  All other information, including grades, class schedules, tuition charges and fees, grade point average, etc. is confidential and the access is restricted to those persons or agencies defined in FERPA.

Please see Student Handbook for additional information.

Attendance and Withdrawal Policies

Completion of the registration process constitutes a contract and obligates the student for full payment. The student must complete the appropriate process to add, drop, or withdraw from a course. Students may seek assistance with the registration process from the Academic Advising office. Students should consult the University Calendar and Academic Advising for course and semester add, drop, and withdraw dates.

Class attendance is of paramount importance, and excessive absences may negatively affect the final grade. The individual instructor defines, in the course syllabus, the grading attendance policies for each class.

Please visit InsideCBU Attendance and Withdraw Policies for more specifics, as well as the Petition to Withdraw form.

Adding a  Course

During the initial Add period a student may add a course to his or her schedule of classes. Adding a course could result in the increase of student account tuition and fee charges.

Dropping a Course

During the initial Drop period a student may drop a course and receive a full credit of tuition, if applicable. No grade will appear on the transcript. A student may not drop a class merely by ceasing to attend. Dropping a class could result in the reduction of already awarded financial aid and an increase in the student account balance.

Withdrawal from a Course

Should a student officially withdraw from one or more courses during the Withdraw period, a grade of W will appear on the transcript for each course. Courses from which a student officially withdraws will not affect semester tuition unless the student withdraws from all registered courses, at which point it may affect semester tuition (See Withdrawal from the University and Semester or Session). After the Withdraw period no withdrawal from a course will be permitted. Students who cease attending after the withdraw period will receive a calculated grade based on the course syllabus requirements for that course.

A student who never attends or stops attending a course for which he or she is officially registered, without following the accepted procedures, will receive a grade in that course consistent with the requirements of the course syllabus.

A student who wishes to initiate withdrawal from a course after the Withdraw period may do so by filing an appeal to the Office of Student Success for traditional students or One-Stop Advisor for OPS students. Approval for a late withdrawal will be granted only in extreme cases where extenuating circumstances are evident and can be substantiated. No financial adjustments are made to the student’s account. Failing or performing poorly in a class, or dissatisfaction with the subject matter, class, or instructor are not defined as acceptable serious and compelling reasons for late withdrawal.

Withdrawal from the University and Semester or Session

Students requesting official withdrawal from the Semester or Session must complete a Petition to Withdraw form and follow the process defined within that form. Official withdrawal from the Semester or Session, if completed prior to the last day of the Semester or Session, will result in all courses reflecting grades of W for that enrollment period.  If student does not complete the requirements defined in the Petition to Withdraw form and ceases to attend all courses in session at that time, grades for in-progress courses will be issued consistent with each course’s syllabus.  

Students requesting official withdrawal from the University must complete a Petition to Withdraw form and follow the process defined within that form.  

Ceasing to attend courses does not constitute an official withdrawal from a course or from the University. However, ceasing to attend all courses may result in Return to Title IV financial aid processing, as required per federal regulations.

Refer to the Financial Aid  and Student Accounts  sections in this catalog for additional information regarding the effects of completing an official withdrawal and the effects of ceasing to attend without providing official notification to the University according to the official withdrawal process.

Leave of Absence

A student that needs to take a leave of absence with plans to return to the University should complete and submit a Petition for Leave of Absence. If approved, a student may leave the University for up to one semester and return at the conclusion of the leave without completing the readmit process. Students will be expected to fulfill the graduation requirements in effect at the date of their original enrollment into the University. Students who do not return from a leave of absence as scheduled will be considered withdrawn from the University and will need to complete the readmit process should they desire to return.

Administrative Discretion

The University reserves the right to disqualify, discontinue, exclude, or involuntarily withdraw any student from the University at the discretion of the Provost, the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services, Dean of Students, or designee.

California Baptist University is concerned about the well-being of all students. Behavior that demonstrates that the student’s well-being may be in jeopardy, interferes with the educational efforts of other students, puts fellow students or the institution at risk, or conflicts with California Baptist University’s mission to educate all students may result in an administrative withdrawal from the institution.

Other Academic Information

Annie Gabriel Library

The staff, resources, and services of the Annie Gabriel Library enhance the quality of the academic experience available at California Baptist University by supporting the instruction, learning, and research activities of its students and faculty. In addition to the more than 400,000 books (including 280,000 eBooks) in its collection, the library currently provides access to more than 45,000 full-text journal titles through its online databases and subscriptions. Students and faculty can access books, journals, reference resources, videos, and music through the library catalog (OneSearch Catalog), which is available along with many other resources and services through the library Web page. The Annie Gabriel Library houses computer work stations and provides access to the campus wireless network. It participates in local, regional, and national information networks that increase its resource-offerings to the California Baptist University community through its interlibrary loan programs. It houses special collections and archives devoted to Southern Baptist History, Holocaust Studies, Hymnology, and California Baptist University History.

Office of Student Success

The Office of Student Success (OSS) is a one-stop-shop for a variety of academic needs and resources. Student Success includes CBU’s Academic Success Center (ASC), the University Tutoring Center, the University Writing Center, the Disability Services Office, and the Veterans Resource Center.

Disability Services

The Disability Services Office is committed to providing support services to achieve equal access to the education experience. Disability Services (DS) approves and coordinates accommodations and services for Students with documented disabilities to help Students acquire skills essential to achieve academic success. Services may include note taking, extended testing time, a quiet testing environment, academic support, and auxiliary aids, i.e., Interpreter, readers/scribes for exams, and textbooks in alternate format.

University Tutoring Center

The University Tutoring Center (UTC) provides additional instruction and academic resources in order to help CBU students succeed in their coursework. 

University Writing Center

Writing Center coaches are trained to cultivate purpose-driven writers, communicators, and influencers.  They are here to help students develop the necessary process and strategies to become more rhetorical writers, who communicate clearly and persuasively. While they are not editors, the coaches provide useful resources and help students to recognize areas for improvement.

Veterans Resource Center

Strategically located next to the US Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) office and Office of Student Accounts, the Veterans Resource Center is co-located with the Office of Student Success to provide ready access to tutoring, testing, and Disability Services. The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) is committed to providing a supportive environment and a committed campus culture to all Student veterans and their dependents. The VRC is devoted to assisting veterans with their transition to post-secondary education. Using veteran educational benefits, VRC staff will process course certification to the Department of Veterans Affairs in a timely and efficient manner. The VRC is dedicated to providing Student veterans/dependents a place to study, relax, fellowship with other veterans, increase peer mentorship, and offer computer access with complimentary printing.

The VRC maintains records for each identified veteran. A record of transfer work is kept on file and the Veterans Affairs (VA) is notified of the transfer work accepted for each veteran.

Other Resources

The OSS also facilitates/coordinates review of Academic Appeals and provides administrative support for the Alpha Chi National Honor Society.

Office of the University Registrar

The Office of the University Registrar maintains the student’s official academic record and assists students with transcripts, letter requests, degree and enrollment verifications, and other requests related to the student’s enrollment. The Office of the University Registrar also maintains articulation agreements, completes official evaluation of previous college work, reviews requests for concurrent enrollment transfer approvals, reviews academic variances, processes all applications for graduation, reviews the academic record for final degree completion, and posts completed degrees.

Veterans Services

California Baptist University (CBU) is a participating Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAp) institution, and military credit or experience may provide some equivalency credit in accordance with the American Council on Education (ACE) guidelines.

At the beginning of their first term registered for courses at CBU, new student veterans and dependents must provide a written request to the CBU School Certifying Official (SCO) to initiate reporting of verification of enrollment and academic progress to the appropriate VA office. Continuing students are not required to submit written request to the SCO. Any changes in enrollment or attendance should be reported to the SCO. Satisfactory progress must be maintained as specified in the Scholastic Regulations Section under Academic Policies.

Student veterans/dependents requesting their classes be certified under Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill®) are required to submit a certificate of eligibility from the VA to the SCO. Student veterans under Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VA VR&E) case manager should submit VA Form 28-1905 (Authorization and Certification of Entrance or Reentrance into Rehabilitation and Certification of Status) directly to the SCO. For a period of ninety (90) days from the beginning of each term, students under Chapters 31 or 33 will not incur any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or be required to secure additional financial resources to meet the student’s financial obligation which results from delayed VA disbursement.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). For more information about VA educational benefits, visit www.gibill.va.gov.

Military Tuition Assistance

CBU Division of Online and Professional Studies is proud to participate in the Department of Defense Military Tuition Assistance (TA) benefit program available to current service members of all branches of the Armed Forces.  For additional information, go to https://www.cbuonline.edu/students/militarytuitionassistance.

Honors Program

The University Honors Program at California Baptist University offers students from all majors a unique and excellent academic experience. Through a series of seminars totaling 18 units, the program offers students the opportunity to participate in rigorous study, requiring diligence in reading primary sources and writing original essays. These seminars lead students in careful study of and reflection on important themes in (primarily) Western Civilization that are key to understanding contemporary culture. Seminars often focus on ancient classical thought and literature, medieval studies, Russian literature, history of science, the early church in the ancient world, political economy, and the theology and literature of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. These seminars emphasize a close reading and thorough discussion of classic texts, and are interdisciplinary, integrative, and holistic in vision. Ultimately, the program has been designed to assist students in developing an intellectually informed Christian world view. By understanding the roots and trajectory of contemporary culture, Honors Program graduates will be better prepared to effect change in the culture.

The Honors Program seminars are taught by leading faculty from across the University. Class enrollment is purposely restricted to provide individual attention to the Honors Program student members.

Satisfactory completion of the Honors Program requires (for four-year students) satisfactory completion of 18 units of Honors Program seminars (at least eight (8) units at the upper division level), while maintaining an overall academic GPA of at least 3.5. Transfer students coming to California Baptist University with 60 or more semester units of college credit need only complete 14 units of Honors Program seminars (at least eight (8) units at the upper division level), while maintaining at least a 3.5 overall GPA.

Students who satisfactorily complete the Honors Program are entitled to claim this distinction on their résumés. Their achievement will be recorded on their official California Baptist University transcript and diploma, and will be acknowledged in the Commencement program and ceremony.

A student should seek admission to the University Honors Program prior to or during the freshman year by filing an Honors Program Application and writing sample with the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Admission to the Program requires an application that is separate from (and follows after) the regular California Baptist University admission application, available online. The Honors Program admission committee will review the student’s overall academic record for predictors of success in this intensive seminar series. The committee will approve students who write a strong essay and have either have an SAT score of 1290 (ACT 27 or higher) and a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher. The committee may consider students with a test score above 1230 or cumulative grade point average of 3.2, and may request a personal interview as part of the decision process.

For more information contact the College of Arts and Sciences at 951.343.4363, or email honors@calbaptist.edu.

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)

California Baptist University offers a Military Science and Leadership Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program on campus and an Air Force ROTC program through concurrent enrollment at California State University, San Bernardino. Students may also enroll in ROTC courses at another institution while completing their degree programs at California Baptist University. Representatives from other participating ROTC programs make regular visits to California Baptist University to provide information to prospective students.

Scholarships may be available for books, tuition, and fees associated with various major fields of study. For more information about the Military Science and Leadership Army ROTC Program contact the Assistant Professor of Military Science at 951.343.4773 or e-mail ROTC@calbaptist.edu. For more information about the Air Force ROTC program contact the CSUSB Aerospace Studies Department at 909.880.5440. Students interested in concurrent enrollment should contact the Office of the University Registrar at California Baptist University.