Academic Information

• Graduation Requirements
• Academic Policies
• Registration Change, Withdrawal, and Attendance Policies
• Office of the University Registrar

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 six 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, may be placed under the catalog current at the time of re-admission and 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 the Office of 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. To be considered for graduation, students must:

• 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 University 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 to baccalaureate degree students according to the following cumulative grade point average: Cum Laude, 3.50; Magna Cum Laude, 3.70; Summa Cum Laude, 3.90. Post-baccalaureate students (Second Major/Second Degree) are not eligible for graduation honors.

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.

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 high school English grades, SAT/ACT/CLT scores and/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’s 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 curriculum 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.

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.

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.

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 37.5-45 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. In addition, the student may be required to participate in Academic Course on Excellence (GST 061 ). 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 Re-entry Committee. If approved to continue, a student will be placed on Academic Probation, may be required to participate in Academic Course on Excellence (GST 061 ), 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 Re-entry 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 Re-entry 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 student should appeal to the Dean of Academic Persistence and Support.

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.

Academic Renewal

Academic renewal provides an opportunity for re-admitted California Baptist University students to complete their academic careers at CBU without being penalized for grades lower than C- earned at CBU prior to re-entry.   

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for academic renewal consideration, a student must meet the following requirements:

• Not enrolled in any CBU credit-bearing courses for at least four (4) years.
• Previous cumulative grade point average at CBU was less than 2.0
• Not a graduate from CBU or any other four-year university.
• Submit a petition for Academic Renewal to the University Office of the Registrar upon re-admission.

Conditions and Processing

• Students may be granted only one academic renewal.
• Academic renewal will only be granted for coursework completed at CBU prior to the extended absence.
• Only substandard grades (less than C-) from courses completed in semesters prior to re-admission will be granted renewal and removed from consideration for GPA and degree requirements. Total units completed will be recalculated based on previously completed courses with a grade of C- or higher.
• All courses granted academic renewal will remain on students’ transcripts with notation.
• Students should discuss their desire to pursue academic renewal with their Student Success Coach and submit a petition for academic renewal upon re-entry into the University. 

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 request an Incomplete from the instructor of the course in cases of extreme and unforeseen emergencies. Students are responsible to request the Incomplete prior to the end of the session, term, or 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. 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.

Student Academic 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.

• 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.

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 Academic Persistence and Support

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 to the Dean of Academic Persistence and Support. 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 Academic 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 Academic 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 Academic Appeals Committee will convene and render a recommendation within 15 days.

The Student Academic 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.

Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs

Following the Student Academic Appeals Committee meeting, the committee will make a formal recommendation to the Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs regarding a resolution.  Within 15 days of receiving the recommendation, the Provost 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 Provost/Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs’ decision is final and not subject to further appeal.

Grades and Grade Points:

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 levelo of the course: 100-200 = first and second undergraduate year; 300-400 = third and fourth undergraduate year; 500-600 = master’s level; 700 = doctoral level.

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 Engagement. Students will be assessed a Study Abroad per unit tuition rate for tours offered through California Baptist University. Students 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 as part of the University’s regular curriculum. Independent Study is 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. Students begin the process by coordinating their request for Directed or Independent Study with a Student Success Coach.  A Student Success Coach, in collaboration with the appropriate faculty member, completes and submits 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 who wish to receive credit for the challenged course and who 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.

Registration Change, Withdrawal, and Attendance 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, including adding, dropping, and withdrawing from courses, from their Student Success Coach. Students should consult the University Calendar and their Student Success Coach for add, drop, and withdraw dates.

A student may submit an appeal to add, drop, or withdraw from a course after the respective period has closed. Approval of such appeals will be granted only in extreme cases where extenuating circumstances are evident and can be substantiated. Contact a Student Success Coach for information on the add and drop appeal process. Contact the Dean of Academic Persistence and Support to initiate an appeal to withdraw from a course after the Withdraw period. 

Attendance requirements for each course are defined by the instructor and are outlined in the syllabus. Participation is of paramount importance, and excessive absence may negatively affect the final grade.

Additional information is available for students at InsideCBU Attendance and Withdraw Policies or through a Student Success Coach.

Adding a Course

During the initial Add period a student may add a course to their class schedule. Students are responsible for additional charges that may be incurred due to added courses.

Dropping a Course

During the initial Drop period a student may drop a course from their class schedule. Ceasing to attend a course does not constitute a drop from the course. Tuition charges are refunded for dropped courses and no grades will appear on the transcript. Dropping a course could result in the reduction of financial aid, including previously awarded aid, which could result in an increase to the student account balance.

Dropping All Courses in a Semester or Session

Students requesting to drop all courses in a semester or session must contact their Student Success Coaches prior to the end of the Drop period (see University Calendars ) to begin the withdrawal process. Tuition charges are refunded for dropped courses and no grades will appear on the transcript. Ceasing to attend courses does not constitute a drop of courses (see Ceasing to Attend section).

Withdrawal from the University

Students are considered withdrawn from the university if they drop or withdraw from all courses in the current semester after participating in a course on or after the first day of the semester. Students requesting official withdrawal from the University must contact their Student Success Coach to begin the withdrawal process.

Withdraw from a Course

During the initial Withdraw period a student may withdraw from a course from a scheduled course. Ceasing to attend a course does not constitute a withdrawal from the course. Tuition is charged for withdrawn courses and a grade of W will appear on the transcript. W grades do not impact GPA.

Withdraw from All Courses in a Semester or Session

Students requesting to withdraw from all courses in the current semester or session must contact their Student Success Coach to begin the withdrawal process. Semester or Session withdraw, if initiated prior to the last day of the Semester or Session, will result in grades of W for all courses that have not concluded. Ceasing to attend courses does not constitute an official withdrawal from the University. However, ceasing to attend all courses may result in Return to Title IV financial aid processing, as required per federal regulations.

Ceasing to Attend

A student who stops attending a course for which they are officially registered, without following the drop or withdraw procedures outlined above, will receive a calculated grade in that course consistent with the requirements of the course syllabus.

Ceasing to attend all courses may result in Return to Title IV financial aid processing, as required per federal regulations. Refer to theFinancial Aid  and Student Accounts  sections in this catalog for additional information regarding the effects of ceasing to attend without providing notification to the University according to the official withdrawal process.

Leave of Absence

Students who need to take a leave of absence with plans to return to the University should contact their Student Success Coach. If approved, a student may leave the University for one semester and return at the conclusion of the leave without completing the readmit process. Should a student not return at the conclusion of the leave and subsequently desires to return, they must complete the readmit process to return to the University.

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 Senior 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.

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.