Mar 19, 2024  
Official Catalog Spring 2023 
    
Official Catalog Spring 2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Academic Information



Transfer of Credits

Bryant & Stratton College accepts transfer of college credit, high school articulation, and/or evaluation of knowledge and skills by selected course proficiency examination. Although Bryant & Stratton College does not grant credit for life experience, the College offers students the opportunity to attempt Credit by Examination for selected courses.

Up to 75% of the total credit hours required for graduation may be earned through a combination of transfer credits, high school articulation, national evaluation, and proficiency examinations. Should state requirements be more stringent in any specific area covered in this policy, campuses affected must adhere to the requirements defined by the state education department. See state sections for details.

Students who wish to take courses at other colleges while pursuing a program at Bryant & Stratton College may have their credits transferred into their program providing they obtain written approval from the Dean or designee prior to enrolling in the outside courses and providing they have an official transcript sent directly from the original institution to the Dean or designee upon successful completion. Students may hand-deliver their official transcript to the Dean or designee provided the transcript is in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution with the appropriate signature and official seal. Before beginning this process, a student should meet with a Financial Services staff member to discuss how transfer credit may impact federal, state, and building-based financial aid and scholarship funds.

Credits earned at institutions accredited by recognized accreditation bodies may be considered for transfer by the transfer coordinator with appropriate documentation. Each course considered for transfer credit must have grade of C (2.0) or better out of a possible (4.0). Transfer courses must be comparable in level and content to subjects in their program at Bryant & Stratton College. Applicants requesting transfer credit must arrange for their official college transcript(s) to be sent to Bryant & Stratton College for evaluation. Transfer credits are assessed on a course-by-course basis.

Transferability of credits to Bryant & Stratton College may be affected by the age of the credits and by the degree to which related technology has changed since the credits were earned. All requests for transfer credit must be completed prior to the end of the first semester of enrollment at Bryant & Stratton College. Official transcripts provided to Bryant & Stratton College by the awarding institution must be received prior to the end of the first semester for credit to be applied to the degree plan.

It is the sole discretion of the receiving institution which credits and/or coursework, if any, will be accepted.

Credit by Examination

Bryant & Stratton College offers students the opportunity to take examinations to validate their competency of selected courses and subject areas. The student may earn college credit for achieved scores of 70% or better on the College’s electronic Prior Learning Assessments (PLA). Additionally, the College will also grant college credit for applicable passing grades on specific PLA examinations available through College Level Examination Programs (CLEP), American Council of Education (ACE), and Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support (DSST). Financial aid funds may not be utilized for examination or processing charges. Students interested in attempting Credit by Examination and PLA should consult with their admissions representative or academic advisor for more details. Distance learners must take PLA examinations at approved testing sites.

All requests for credit for national evaluations must be completed by the end of the student’s first semester of enrollment at Bryant & Stratton College.

Academic Semesters and Calendar

Bryant & Stratton College’s schedule is based on three academic semesters. There is a brief break between semesters, see the Academic Calendar(s) posted on the website for details.

Administrators and Faculty

Bryant & Stratton College’s Administrators and faculty members, by location, are detailed in the Faculty and Administrative Staff Guide.

Instructional faculty are accessible to students for academic and course advising at stated times outside regularly scheduled class hours when a course is offered, and throughout the period during which the course is offered.

Campus Schedule

All full-time students are scheduled in academic programs that may be completed in 1 or 1.5 years for diploma programs, 2 years for associate degrees, except Nursing and Occupational Therapy Assistant are 2.5 year programs, and 4 years for baccalaureate degrees if the student does not require pre-college course work, carries a full-credit course schedule, and attends full-time for consecutive semesters. Students who earn fewer than the recommended number of credits per semester, who fail courses, or who interrupt their programs may be unable to complete their programs in this amount of time. Students who fail or withdraw from required courses must complete their required courses the next time they are offered.

Students may be limited in the number of opportunities allowed to pass individual courses and may be counseled to reconsider their career plans based on difficulty they may have mastering certain skills and knowledge.

Classes may be offered during the day, evening, weekends, blended and session format as well as online. Schedules are determined by the individual campuses and are subject to change based on availability.

Programs that feature field experience in the form of internship or practicum may require scheduling outside of normal school hours. Students will be assigned to field experience related to their degree program.  For non-clinical programs, under unique circumstances and at the discretion of the Chief Academic Officer, the internship requirements may be altered.

Nursing, PTA, OTA and Medical Assisting students are scheduled in clinical agencies to provide patient/client care at varied times. Students who hold jobs must arrange with employers for flexibility in meeting College requirements. To complete the Nursing, PTA, OTA or Medical Assisting Programs it may be necessary for a student to complete his/her clinical rotations during the week and weekend, both day and evening shifts, as well as enroll in both day or evening courses, depending on the availability of courses. The College is under no obligation to guarantee a specific clinical placement or time.

Curriculum & Self-Evaluation

Bryant & Stratton College is committed to maintaining a systematic and comprehensive curriculum development, assessment and revision process to ensure that the programs offered throughout the College produce appropriately skilled graduates to meet employer needs for workplace readiness. To assure a contemporary curriculum that utilizes the most up-to-date and current evidence, the curriculum review and revision cycle is completed every three to five years. This process utilizes input from internal and external sources including employers, faculty members, professional organizations, in-field experts and reviewers from regulatory and accrediting agencies. In addition, the College routinely utilizes survey data from students, graduates and employers to enhance programs, instructional delivery and related curricula.

Instructional Modalities

Bryant & Stratton College utilizes a variety of platforms to deliver instruction to its students.  Whether you are a student at one of our campuses or an online student, the College leverages a number of available methods and technologies to deliver personalized education.  Approaching instruction in this way allows the College to adapt to circumstances and changes while still allowing each student to successfully continue on their educational journey.

Online Schedule

Online courses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at a computer located anywhere in the world with an internet connection. Online classes have multiple weekly deadlines and are identified in Eastern Time. Students can budget their time to attend class (read lecture material, read announcements, complete tests, and participate in discussion) and to complete homework (assignments, projects, reading the text book, etc…) to meet weekly deadlines. Online courses are offered in two sessions within the full semester.

Online Course Expectations

In the Online virtual classroom, faculty members present lectures, course materials, evaluations/tests, and interact with students through personal computers. The student interacts with other students and the instructor through messaging and discussion groups.

Students enrolled in an Online course are expected to participate in “classroom” activities including reading, lectures, participating in discussion groups, completing evaluations/test and processing information through reflective activities. In addition, students are required to complete homework, projects, assigned reading, research and preparation of weekly reflections “outside of the classroom.”

Levels of participation include active participation within groups or teams, interaction with the instructor, and the completion of course work by specified deadlines. Faculty members are available for additional course-related assistance and support.

Blended Learning Schedule

Blended learning courses may follow the 15 week semester schedule or may follow the 7.5 week sessions schedule.  In a sessions format, blended students will take 2-3 courses per session for a total of 4-5 courses over the semester.  In a 15 week semester format, blended students will take 4-5 courses over the semester.  The Blended Learning (BL) schedule features weekly face-to-face class time scheduled on campus, plus virtual instruction time.  The blended learning format reflects the dynamics of the workplace and offers students a complement of structure and flexibility.

Blended Learning Course Expectations

Blended learning is a student-centered approach to creating a learning experience whereby the learner interacts with other students, with the instructor, and with content in both virtual and on-campus environments. The BL courses are designed to introduce concepts in small parts through multiple phases, where work completed builds upon the prior to deepen understanding. Students will have multiple opportunities to make sense of the content, communicate and collaborate with others. Assessment is embedded through the learning events with instructors providing prompt and meaningful feedback as well as individualized instruction. The approach requires learners to be active participants in the process and assume responsibility for personal learning as expected in the workplace.

Sessions Format Schedule

A sessions schedule features coursework divided into two equal parts of a semester. Full-time students enrolled in session format courses typically take two courses each session for a total of 12 semester credit hours per term. Students benefit from the focused study on two subjects at a time and twice weekly classes per course. The total time commitment of instruction and out-of-class work is consistent across formats or delivery mode; based on the number of weeks and classes scheduled.

Attendance

Attendance at an academically related activity will be monitored for each student attending Bryant & Stratton College. Students who are absent from all of their courses for more than 14 consecutive calendar days, will be automatically administratively withdrawn from the College unless the student contacts the College and is approved for an extension of this 14 day absence period, by day 20, and returns to school within 21 days of their last date of attendance. Students taking online session schedule or blended learning courses, who are withdrawn from their session-one courses, must provide the College with written notification of their intent to attend second session course(s) at the time of their withdrawal from session-one, or they will be withdrawn from their session-two courses.

Any student, who is withdrawn, whether officially or administratively, must have their financial aid reviewed to determine what portion of aid was earned by the student at his last date of attendance at the College. Please see the section in the catalog, Treatment of Federal Student Aid When a Student Withdraws , for additional information. Students are encouraged to discuss the consequence of their withdrawal from the College with both their Academic and Financial Services Advisors.

Leaves of Absence

Bryant & Stratton College does not recognize leaves of absence except for military students who must take leave for reasons related to their service and who provide written confirmation of their service obligation(s). 

Graduation Requirements

Candidates for graduation must complete the following:

  • Successfully complete the required courses prescribed by their curriculum.
  • Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree graduates must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average in their program of study. Graduates of diploma programs must maintain a 1.8 cumulative grade point average in their program of study for LPN, a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required in their program of study.
  • Complete the petition exit requirements set by the Academic, Career Services, and Business Offices.
  • Fulfill all financial obligations, including tuition, fees, and other expenses, before their degrees or diplomas are granted. Grade transcripts and grade reports are issued when all financial obligations have been met.
  • Students officially graduate from Bryant & Stratton College at the end of the semester in which they met all graduation requirements; however, formal commencement exercises are held annually.  Provided all financial obligations have been fulfilled, diplomas are released after commencement.

Grading System

This grading system went into effect for the May 2013 semester.


Point Value
per semester
grade credit
Percentage Grade Letter Grade Description

4.0 90-100% A Excellent-Performance of the student has been of the highest level, showing sustained excellence in meeting course requirements

3.5 85-89% B+ Very Good-Performance of the student has been very good, though not at the highest level

3.0 80-84% B Good-Performance of the student has been good, though not of the highest level

2.5 75-79% C+ Satisfactory-Performance of the student has been more than adequate, satisfactorily meeting the course requirements

2.0 70-74% C Fair-Performance of the student has been acceptable, adequately meeting the course requirements to pass and earn credit

1.5 65-69% D+ Poor-Performance of the student has been poor, however, is passing and worthy of credit
The D+ grade does not apply to AHLT, BIOL, NURS, CHEM, LPVN, OTAP, and PTAP courses.

0 64% or less F Failure-Performance of the student failed to meet course requirements therefore no credit is earned

-   W Withdrawals through academic week nine (9)

0   WF Withdrawals after the end of academic week nine (9) (WF grade discontinued as of September 2021)

-   I Incomplete

-   M Withdrawal with written notice reason of service in the uniformed services.

-   T Transfer (non-graded transfer credit or credit transferred prior to 9/2009)

-   X Credit by examination / Prior learning assessment

-   P Pass

-   NP No pass

-   Z Grade not submitted

-   S Satisfactory

-   U Unsatisfactory

Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress

I. Introduction

All students enrolled and pursuing a program of study must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward completion of their program in order to remain in good academic standing, to remain enrolled at Bryant & Stratton College, and to receive financial aid. To ensure compliance, all students enrolled in programs will be measured by both quantitative and qualitative criteria at specific measurement points. On the quantitative side, students must maintain an adequate pace of progression toward completion of their diploma or degree in order to remain in good academic standing. On the qualitative side, students must maintain an adequate cumulative grade point average (CGPA) in order to remain in good academic standing.

II. Changes to Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards

Bryant & Stratton College reserves the right to change its SAP standards at any time.

III. Minimum Requirements

  1. Quantitative Measurement
    The quantitative measurement factor, for all program levels, is based on a ratio of cumulative number of attempted hours to the cumulative number of successfully completed hours expressed as the minimum percentage of credits a student must successfully complete to maintain SAP compliance.

    The minimum percentage of credits a student must successfully complete is based on the federal requirement for Title IV eligibility that schools maintain progress standards that require students to complete their programs of study within a time period of not more than one and one-half (1.5) times the standard program length to be considered administratively capable to administer the programs authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (Title IV).

    These minimum percentages of successfully completed credit hours are set forth in the Standards of Academic Performance Measurement Criteria Charts.
   
  1. Qualitative Measurement
    The qualitative measurement factor for all program levels is the cumulative (over-all) grade point average (CGPA) at each measurement point and also at the end of the fourth semester.

    Calculation of GPA:
    The grade point average (GPA) is distinguished from the CGPA. The GPA is determined by dividing the number of quality points awarded for a given  semester by the number of credits graded in the same semester credits for which the student has received grades of A, B+, B, C+, C, D+, F, WF.

    Incompletes

    The Incomplete grade is assigned only when students are making satisfactory progress at scheduled review point, but for valid reasons are unable to complete the course work.
    • Students who wish to request Incompletes must initiate arrangements with their instructor(s) who, in turn, must receive written approval from the Dean of Instruction (or Designee, in the absence of the Dean of Instruction).
    • Note: while Pre-College courses are eligible for the grade of I approval, the second attempt of a specific Pre-College course must not be approved for a grade of I (See Catalog Section Incompletes and Pre-College Courses for more information).
    • Students who receive I grades must complete the necessary work by the end of the seventh week of the following term, for full semester courses, or by the end of the fourth week for scheduled in session format, or the I will be replaced with the previously earned grade, which includes zeroes for missing assignments and consideration for course objective completion.
    • If a course (e.g., MATH201  considered for an incomplete (I) grade is a prerequisite to an upcoming term course (e.g., MATH309 ), the student must not be registered for the subsequent course (e.g., MATH309 ) in the upcoming term if (a) the incomplete is unresolved, or (b) if prior to receiving the “I” grade, the final course grade (e.g., MATH103) was not passing. If prior to receiving the “I” grade, the student’s preceding course (e.g., MATH201  had a passing grade, assuming all missing assignments are accounted for in the final gradebook with grades of zero, the student may be registered in the subsequent course (e.g., MATH309 ) as the preceding course (e.g., MATH201 ) is technically passed, regardless of completing the missing work. In that scenario, documentation of the final grade with individual assignment grades prior to the “I” grade is required to show that the student was passing the course prior to the registration of the subsequent course.
    • Grade changes of “I” to the final revised grade will be processed at the campus level by the Registrar (or Designee, if no Registrar) following the written communication from the assigned instructor of the revised final letter grade and percentage for the course following submission of the incomplete work. Said grade changes must be processed eight (8) weeks from the course end date for full semester courses, and within five (5) weeks from the course end date for courses scheduled in sessions.
    • Students who plan to stop out for the following term (e.g., out for summer) should not be awarded I grades unless they can complete the coursework by the end of week seven (7) for full semester courses or week four (4) for session courses, of the term during which they will not attend.
    • An I grade will be counted as an attempted or earned credit but will not be included in the term average or in the cumulative grade point average.
    • When an I grade is converted to a final grade (A, B+, B, C+, C, D+, F), the student’s academic record for the term in which the incomplete (I) was recorded must be updated in order to recalculate the GPA, CGPA, and standards of academic progress.
   
 

Withdrawals
The grade of W is assigned to course withdrawals made after the drop/add period and through the end of the academic term prior to grade earned period.

Students are cautioned to meet with an academic advisor prior to course withdrawal, since an accumulation of W grades may impact the quantitative component of SAP and eligibility for financial aid.

Transfer Credits
For those credits Bryant & Stratton College accepts from another educational institution after September 2009, the grades the student earned for those credits transfer with the credits and are used in computation of the student’s CGPA and pace at Bryant & Stratton College. Transfer credits awarded for grades equal to or above a grade of “C” on an A to F scale as determined by the sending institution are used in the computation of the student’s CGPA and completion pace calculation at Bryant & Stratton College. Transfer credits awarded for grades of “Pass” or “Satisfactory” are included in the completion pace only.

Students who change programs will be subject to the satisfactory academic progress requirements that apply to their intended degree program. Prior to admission into the new program, the SAP must be completed. The credits already attempted in the student’s previous degree program that are required in the new-degree program must be considered in assessing SAP. Students have the ability to use successfully completed credits to fulfill elective credit requirements in the new program; VA students MUST use all successfully completed course credits that fulfill any credit in the new program. Program changes should only be approved for students who can meet the quantitative and qualitative requirements for SAP.

M Credits
M credits are assigned to students who apply for readmission after withdrawal due to service in the uniformed services See the Official Catalog section entitled Students Who Apply for Readmission After Withdrawal Due to Service in Uniformed Services for details. M credits are not calculated into the CGPA or pace.

Credits Earned by Examination or Prior Learning Assessment
Credits earned by examination or prior Learning Assessment are assigned the X grade and are not calculated into the CGPA, but are considered attempted credits for purposes of the quantitative component of SAP (pace).

Pre-college Courses
Pre-college courses are assigned the grades of P, NP, W, WF*, I, or M. These grades are not calculated in the CGPA of students and they are not considered in the quantitative component (pace) of SAP. However, students will be allowed only two (2) attempts to pass each required pre-college course. Any effort that does not end in a P grade constitutes an attempt. The two attempts must be made in consecutive terms of enrollment. Students who do not pass a pre-college course after a second attempt will be dismissed from Bryant & Stratton College regardless of the grades they earn in their core courses.

Pre-college students who are dismissed for failure to earn a passing (P) grade in any pre-college courses after two attempts may apply for readmission to Bryant & Stratton College after they have been out of the College for one full calendar year (three full terms). Such students must be able to demonstrate to the Dean that they have made substantial changes to any factor that may have led to their failure. Students who are re-admitted must successfully complete the pre-college course(s) in one term or they will be permanently dismissed from Bryant & Stratton College. Students who apply for readmission must:

  1. Successfully complete the corresponding pre-college course in the term in which they return. Students who require two pre-college courses must complete the second course the following consecutive term of enrollment or within the first 24 credits of study; or
  2. Place out of pre-college on the placement exam(s) for students who tested under a different instrument.
   
 

Students taking pre-college courses must be scheduled for those courses within the first 24 credits of study. Full-time students who fail to complete their pre-college requirements by the end of their second semester of enrollment will be dismissed from Bryant & Stratton College. Part-time students may have until the end of their third semester of enrollment to complete their pre-college requirements. However, some state aid is jeopardized when students do not complete their pre-college requirements by the end of the second semester.

The ability to complete missing work through the Incomplete process (see Catalog section Incompletes), is available for Pre-College Math and Pre-College English course attempts with the approval of the Dean and assigned Instructor. For students nearing the 24-credit deadline for completion of all pre-college requirements, the timeline for work completion, as defined in the Incompletes section of the Catalog, will be allowed, however close monitoring of students’ performance and ability by academic and financial services managers will be conducted. If the pre-college incomplete does not result in a grade of P immediately following the 24-credit pre-college deadline, the student will be dismissed from the college. Students will not be approved for a grade of I if the student is taking the specific Pre-College course a second time in the consecutive term or 24-credit time frame.

* The WF grade has been discontinued beginning September 2021.

Repeated Courses:
Students may retake courses under certain circumstances. Each time the student takes the course it is considered an attempt for purposes of calculating the quantitative component (pace) of SAP. For purposes of calculation CGPA, Bryant & Stratton College will replace the original course grade with the grade for the subsequent attempt, regardless of which grade is better.

Bryant & Stratton College will not award credit or Title IV funds for a student to retake a course if:

  1. The student previously passed the course, retook the course once, and is taking the course for a third or subsequent time;
  2. The student previously passed the course and is retaking the course to rectify his or her failure in another course or courses;
  3. The student is retaking a pre-college course that would place him or her in excess of the one academic year’s worth of pre-college credits limitation;
  4. Retaking the course would place the student in violation of any of Bryant & Stratton College’s academic policies.
   
  1. Grades That Are Included in CGPA and Completion Pace Calculation
    • Credits earned from the grades of A, B+, B, C+, C, D+, F, and WF, are considered, graded credit hours attempted that do affect both the CGPA and completion pace.
    • Transfer credits awarded for grades equal to or above a grade of “C” on an A to F scale as determined by the sending institution are used in the computation of the student’s CGPA and completion pace calculation at Bryant & Stratton College.
    • Transfer credits awarded for grades of “Pass” or “Satisfactory” are included in the completion pace only.
  2. Grades That Are Included in Completion (Pace) Calculation Only
    The grades of I, S, T, U, X, and W, are not considered in calculating CGPA. However, I, S, T, U, X, and W credits are considered attempted credits for purpose of assessing whether the student is progressing at a pace to graduate within the MTF. Credits earned from I, U, and W grades are considered credits attempted but not completed. Credits earned from the S, T and X grades are considered credits attempted and successfully completed.
  3. Grades That Are Not Included in Either CGPA or Completion Pace Calculation
    P and NP are not considered in calculating either CGPA or completion pace because they are applied only to courses whose credits do not count toward completion of course credit requirements for any Bryant & Stratton College degree. M likewise is not considered in calculating CGPA or pace because they are temporary grades that will convert to other grades once the course is completed or the student withdraws from the course.
  4. Standards of Academic Progress Measurement Interval Charts for Diplomas, 41 Credit Hours in Length; Associate and Bachelor Degree Programs:
    All students who fail to successfully complete the required percentage of attempted credits or the required grade point averages at the scheduled measurement points will be dismissed subject to any right to appeal. The Standards of Academic Progress Charts provided apply to all students.

    Measurement of SAP will occur at the end of the semester either at intervals of 12 months or at intervals of 24 attempted credits, whichever comes first. In no case will a measurement point exceed 12 months. Also, there may be cases where the measurement point will occur at the shorter intervals for specific students such as students whose Academic Plan require shorter measurement intervals. (Measurement intervals for 36-44 credit Diploma programs is listed at the end of this section).

    Finally, students’ CGPA will be measured when the student has been at Bryant & Stratton College for four semesters regardless of his or her enrollment status. In other words, even if the student has not been continuously enrolled in his program for all of his or her first four semesters at the College, the student’s CGPA will be measured at the end of the fourth semester.
  5. Consequences of Failure to Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards
    Failure to maintain quantitative and/or qualitative SAP standards at any measurement interval or in accordance with the terms of a student’s academic plan will result in dismissal subject to any right to appeal.
  • Probation: When SAP is not achieved either by failing at a measurement interval to successfully complete the minimum percentage of credit hours attempted or by failing at a measurement interval or at the end of the fourth semester to maintain the minimum CGPA, students are dismissed unless they successfully appeal. If the student successfully appeals, he or she is placed on probation for one semester. Probationary students are eligible for Title IV financial aid. However, if at the end of the probationary semester, the student’s CGPA or MTF completion pace fails to meet the requirements of an approved academic plan, the student will be dismissed. Probationary students are eligible for financial aid.

    Students who fail to meet the requirements of the academic plan by the time they have completed their probationary semester will lose good academic standing and will be dismissed. Dismissed students may petition for readmission on a probationary status after sitting out at least one term under the procedures and requirements set forth by Bryant & Stratton College.

    Removal of probation may be achieved by meeting the requirements of the Academic Plan approved for the student by the end of the probationary semester.
  • Dismissal: Students will be dismissed when:
    • They have successfully appealed a determination that they did not meet SAP requirements and have been placed on probation but failed to meet the requirements of their academic plan at any scheduled measurement interval; or
    • At a measurement interval (including the fourth semester point-CGPA only), they have failed to achieve the required CGPA and/or or progress rate of these SAP standards and the students failed to appeal the determination that they are not meeting SAP or they appealed and were not successful.
  • Appeal: Students may appeal a determination that they do not meet SAP standards and are therefore subject to dismissal. A student who does not prevail in such an appeal will be dismissed. However, such a dismissed student may petition for readmission after at least one semester not enrolled at Bryant & Stratton College.
   
 

Such petition will be granted only if the student can establish “mitigating circumstances” as defined below and changes in the student’s situation since his or her dismissal that would allow the student to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress at the next evaluation point. Likewise, a student who fails to submit a timely appeal will be dismissed without the right to appeal, but with the right to petition for readmission under the “mitigating circumstances” standard after sitting out one semester. Students who do prevail in such an appeal and subsequently fail to meet the requirements of their academic plan at either the end of the probationary semester or the next scheduled measurement interval following the probationary semester will also be dismissed without the right to appeal, but with the right to petition for readmission under the “mitigating circumstances” standard after sitting out one semester.

Mitigating circumstances are those that are beyond the student’s control, such as: 1) serious illness or injury to the student; 2) death or serious illness of an immediate family member; or 3) other special circumstances that could not have been foreseen.

Multiple SAP appeals are permitted only when:

  1. The student fails to meet these SAP requirements, successfully appeals, meets the requirements of the Academic Plan for the probationary semester and for the next scheduled measurement point, but then fails to meet SAP/Academic Plan requirements thereafter; or
  2. The student successfully seeks a multiple appeal through pursuant to Bryant & Stratton College’s disability accommodation policy and procedures.

Campus based students must submit such appeals to the Designated Campus Academic Administrator (DCAA) within seven (7) calendar days of the date of notification of the decision to dismiss for failure to meet SAP standards. Online Education students must submit appeals at least one (1) day prior to the start of the next session.

Students submitting such appeals must establish with documented proof that mitigating circumstances prevented them from achieving the required SAP standing.

In addition, such appeal must be accompanied with documented proof of what has changed in the student’s situation that will allow the student to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress at the next scheduled measurement point. In addition, all appealing students should provide an appeal statement explaining why the student believes the appeal should be granted. Documented proof of mitigating circumstances should include signed letters or statements from relevant third parties, signed letters or statements from a medical doctor, copies of death certificates or obituaries, or other documentation establishing or corroborating the mitigating circumstances.

  • After receipt of the appeal, the DCAA will forward the appeal to the Academic Review Committee, which evaluates the appeal and will attempt to render a decision within seven (7) calendar days of the Committee’s receipt of the appeal.
  • If an appeal is granted, the student will be permitted to enroll in a matriculated status.

Appeals granted due to mitigating circumstances are, in effect, a modification of Bryant & Stratton College’s published SAP standards for that student. However, the Academic Review Committee, in decisions granting mitigating circumstances appeals, will set out in an Academic Plan the particular academic requirements the student must meet at the end of the probationary semester and thereafter. In no case will an Academic Plan’s measurement points be less frequent than required of other students as set forth in this policy. The Academic Review Committee may permit a student who cannot meet the SAP standards in the charts in the probationary semester to meet alternative quantitative and qualitative thresholds by the end of the probationary semester pursuant to an Academic Plan, as defined above. All students who prevail in a mitigating circumstance appeal will be on probation for the first semester following the semester in which the student failed to meet SAP standards (the probationary semester).

  • A student who prevails in an appeal may be paid Title IV funds for the probationary semester if the student is otherwise eligible for such funds.
  • A student who is not successful in an appeal will be dismissed from Bryant & Stratton College.
  • Decisions of the Academic Review Committee, Dean or Campus Director are final.

A dismissed student may petition for re-admission under the procedures of Bryant & Stratton College after at least one semester not enrolled at Bryant & Stratton College.

A satisfactory academic progress review must be conducted and readmission will be permitted only if the student can establish “mitigating circumstances” as defined in this policy and changes in the student’s situation since his or her dismissal that would allow the student to demonstrate SAP by the end of the student’s probationary semester after readmission. Such a student would be admitted in a probationary status with an Academic Plan.

Because these standards are based upon the federal minimum academic progress requirements for a student to be able to maintain eligibility for Title IV aid, a student subject to dismissal is also a student subject to the loss of Title IV eligibility. Likewise, a student who successfully appeals a determination that he or she is not meeting SAP requirements will also be eligible for Title IV aid while the student is on probation and subsequent to successful completion of the probationary period if he or she is otherwise eligible.

   
  1. Multi-Credential Status Students
    Students petitioning for multi-credential status, who have not yet graduated from their primary program, will be subject to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Chart that applies to their primary program. Once such students have graduated from their primary program and have been re-classified to their secondary program, they will be subject to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Chart that applies to their secondary program. The credits already attempted in the student’s primary program that will be credited toward the secondary program will be considered in assessing SAP in the secondary program. Thus, the first measurement interval for students entering a secondary program will be that which applies after taking into account the number of months that have passed since the last measurement interval during the primary program and the attempted credits applied from the primary program.
  2. Program Changes:
    Students who change programs will be subject to the satisfactory academic progress requirements that apply to their intended program. Prior to admission into the new program, the SAP must be completed. The credits already attempted in the student’s previous degree program that are required in the new-degree program must be considered in assessing SAP. Students have the ability to use successfully completed credits to fulfill elective credit requirements in the new program; VA students MUST use all successfully completed course credits that fulfill any credit in the new program. Program changes should only be approved for students who can meet the quantitative and qualitative requirements for SAP.
  3. Students Who Apply for Readmission After Withdrawal Due to Service in Uniformed Services
    A student who is a member of, applies to be a member of, performs, has performed, applies to perform, or has an obligation to perform, “service in the uniformed services” who must withdraw from Bryant & Stratton College by reason of service in the uniformed services will be entitled to readmission to Bryant & Stratton College if: 1) the student (or an appropriate officer of the Armed Forces or official of the Department of Defense) gives advance written or verbal notice of such service to the DCAA; 2) the cumulative length of the absence and of all previous absences from Bryant & Stratton College by reason of service in the uniformed services does not exceed five years (5); and 3) the student submits a notification of intent to reenroll in Bryant & Stratton College no later than three (3) years after the completion of the period of service, except as stated below.

    The term “service in the uniformed services” means service (whether voluntary or involuntary) on active duty in the Armed Forces, including such service by a member of the National Guard or Reserve, for a period of more than 30 days under a call or order to active duty of more than 30 days.

    In calculating the cumulative length of the absence and all previous absences, the following time in service will be excluded: 1) service that is required, beyond five years, to complete an initial period of obligated service during which the student was unable to obtain orders releasing such student from a period of service in the uniformed services before the expiration of such five-year period and such inability was through no fault of such student; 2) service performed by a member of the Armed Forces (including the National Guard and Reserves) who is (a) ordered to or retained on active duty under section 688, 12301(a), 12301(g), 12302, 12304, or 12305 of title 10, United States Code, or under section 331, 332, 359, 360, 367, or 712 of title 14, United States Code, (b) ordered to or retained on active duty (other than for training) under any provision of law because of a war or national emergency declared by the President or the Congress, as determined by the Secretary concerned, (c) ordered to active duty (other than for training) in support, as determined by the Secretary concerned, of an operational mission for which personnel have been ordered to active duty under section 12304 of title 10, United States Code, (d) ordered to active duty in support, as determined by the Secretary concerned, of a critical mission or requirement of the Armed Forces (including the National Guard or Reserve), or (e) called into Federal service as a member of the National Guard under chapter 15 of title 10, United States Code, or section 12406 of title 10, United States Code.

    A dependent spouse may withdraw from Bryant & Stratton College provided they present the sponsor’s change of duty station (out of the local area) or extended TAD/TDY orders (out of the local area and in excess of 90 days) to the Dean immediately upon receipt by the sponsor. All other stipulations regarding grades and time frames in which to return to Bryant & Stratton College for course completion IAW provided in Policy #19 apply.

    In addition, if the student is hospitalized for or convalescing from an illness or injury incurred or aggravated during the performance of service in the uniformed services, notice of intent to reenroll must be submitted no later than two (2) years after the end of the period that is necessary for recovery from such illness or injury.

    No advance written or verbal notice will be required if the giving of such notice is precluded by military necessity, such as a mission, operation, exercise, or requirement that is classified; or a pending or ongoing mission, operation, exercise, or requirement that may be compromised or otherwise adversely affected by public knowledge. Also, a student (or an appropriate officer of the Armed Forces or official of the Department of Defense) who did not give advance written or verbal notice of service to the appropriate official at Bryant & Stratton College as set forth above, may meet the notice requirement by submitting, at the time the student seeks readmission, a written attestation to Bryant & Stratton College that the student performed service in the uniformed services that necessitated the student’s absence from Bryant & Stratton College. See Students in the military policy 10-0019 for details.

    A student who submits an application for readmission shall provide to Bryant & Stratton College documentation to establish that: a) the student was required to withdraw from Bryant & Stratton College because of service in the uniformed services (written orders may meet this requirement); b) the student has not exceeded the service limitations established under this section; and c) the student’s eligibility for readmission has not been terminated due to separation from the Armed Services due to a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge; a dismissal of such person permitted under section 1161(a) of title 10, United States Code; or a dropping of such person from the rolls pursuant to section 1161(b) of title 10, United States Code.

    Bryant & Stratton College will not delay or attempt to avoid a readmission of a student under this section by demanding documentation that does not exist, or is not readily available, at the time of readmission.

    A student’s eligibility for readmission to an institution of higher education under this section by reason of such student’s service in the uniformed services terminates upon the occurrence of any of the following events: 1) a separation of such person from the Armed Forces (including the National Guard and Reserves) with a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge; 2) a dismissal of such person permitted under section 1161(a) of title 10, United States Code; or 3) a dropping of such person from the rolls pursuant to section 1161(b) of title 10, United States Code.

    A student who is readmitted to Bryant & Stratton College under this section will be readmitted with the same academic status as such student had when such student last attended the College.

    Students who provide to Bryant & Stratton College advance written notice with documentation, such as written orders, establishing that they must withdraw from Bryant & Stratton College by reason of service in the uniformed services will receive the grade of M for courses they were unable to finish as a result of the service in the uniformed services. Students who are exempt from the advance notice requirement under the terms of this section may receive the grade of M for these courses upon request, if they are eligible and granted readmission under this section.
  4. Standards of Academic Progress Charts for Diploma Programs, 36 and 44 Credits
    Title IV regulations require schools to review Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) at the end of each payment period if the educational program is either one academic year in length or shorter than one academic year. As a result of this academic year definition, SAP must be reviewed at the end of each term for any diploma program that is 36 or 44 credit hours in length.
  5. CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SAP STANDARDS OR ACADEMIC PLAN REQUIREMENTS
    • Financial Aid Warning: A designation of Financial Aid Warning must be assigned to each student, enrolled in a 36 or 44 credit diploma program, who fails to make SAP at the end of each term. A student placed on financial aid warning may continue to receive Title IV assistance for one additional term despite a determination that the student is not making SAP. Financial aid warning may be assigned without an appeal or other action by the student.

      If the student fails to meet SAP during the next term the student will be dismissed with the eligibility to appeal; however it is unlikely that the student will be able to continue in the 36 or 44 credit diploma program without exceeding maximum timeframe requirement as defined above.
    • Financial Aid Probation: For the semester following a semester during which a student was on financial aid warning, the College may place a student on financial aid probation, and disburse Title IV funds if:
      1. After evaluation of the student’s progress it is determined that the student did not make (SAP) during the term the student was on financial aid warning;
      2. The student appeals the determination; and
      3. It is determined that:
        1. The student should be able to meet the SAP standard by the end of the subsequent term; or
        2. An academic plan is developed for the student that, if followed, will ensure that the student is able to meet the College’s SAP standards by a specific point in time.
      4. A student on financial aid probation for one (1) semester may not receive Title IV funds for the subsequent term unless the student makes SAP or it is determined that the student met the requirements specified by the academic plan.
   
  1. Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs
    Students in the Nursing, Physical Therapy Assistant, and Occupational Therapy Assistant (AAS) programs must maintain the standard in the Standards of Academic Progress to remain a student with Bryant & Stratton College. However, to remain a student in these degree programs, the student must also meet the academic standards set forth in the Program Student Handbook. Failure to meet the program’s academic standard will result in a student’s release from the degree program, but not from Bryant & Stratton College if the student has met the SAP standards set forth in this catalog.
  2. Grade Appeal Procedures
    The Academic Office, upon completion of each semester, issues final grade reports. Transcripts are maintained in a permanent academic database indefinitely. Students with questions or challenges about any grade should first contact the instructor no later than two (2) weeks after the issuance of grades.

    Students appealing a grade must complete a written Grade Appeal form and submit it to the Dean of Instruction or Program Administrator for LPVN, NURS, OTAP or PTAP courses within two (2) weeks after the issuance of grades. The grade appeal will be investigated, and the decision of the instructor and the Dean of Instruction/Program Administrator to whom the appeal was submitted will be final. In cases of disagreement between the instructor and the Dean/Program Administrator, the Campus Director will make the final decision. A grade appeal is distinct from and different than an SAP appeal, as previously covered.
  3. Undergraduate Unit of Credit
    Bryant & Stratton College follows the guidelines of a traditional Carnegie Unit as a measure of academic credit. The unit is referred to as a ‘semester credit hour’ is the primary measure by which progress toward an academic credential is gauged.

    An academic period is a full semester. The semester credit hour is typically granted for satisfactory completion of 12.5 total hours of instruction for a semester, this basic measure is applied to all modes of study; campus, online, blended, and sessions.

    For all programs with the exception of Nursing, OTA, PTA, and Medical Assisting, the actual amount of academic activity that goes into a single semester credit hour is calculated as follows: one semester unit of credit is equivalent to 15 fifty-minute hours of classroom/lecture/discussion and outside preparation, 30 fifty-minute hours of laboratory/study, or 45 fifty-minute hours of internship or a combination of all three.

    For the clinical programs of nursing, OTA, PTA and medical assisting; one semester credit semester unit of credit is equivalent to 15 fifty-minute hours of classroom lecture/discussion, 3 sixty-minute hours of laboratory or 3-6 sixty- minute hours of clinical/internship hours for every credit designated or a combination of all three.
   

Academic Performance Measurement Criteria

Diploma Programs: 36 & 44 Credits

Credits Attempted Minimum CGPA Percentage of Successfully Completed Credits

1-15 1.25 55%

16-30 1.8 55%

31-66* 1.8 60%

Diploma Programs: 41 Credits

Credits Attempted Minimum CGPA Percentage of Successfully Completed Credits

1-30 1.5 55%

31-62* 2.0 60%

Associate Degree Programs: 60-67 Credits

Credits Attempted Minimum CGPA Percentage of Successfully Completed Credits

1-47 1.25 55%

48-71 1.5 60%

72-89 2.0 65%

90-101* 2.0 67%

Associate Degree Programs: 71-73 Credits

Credits Attempted Minimum CGPA Percentage of Successfully Completed Credits

1-47 1.25 55%

48-71 1.5 60%

72-95 2.0 65%

96-110* 2.0 67%

Bachelor Degree Programs: 120-125 Credits

Credits Attempted Minimum CGPA Percentage of Successfully Completed Credits

1-47 1.25 55%

48-71 1.5 60%

72-95 2.0 63%

96-119 2.0 63%

120-143 2.0 65%

144-167 2.0 65%

168-188* 2.0 67%

Note that at any measuring point where a student’s CGPA and/or minimum number of credits successfully completed are so low that it is mathematically impossible for the student to meet SAP requirements by the next measurement interval, the student will be dismissed.

* Students must successfully complete their program within the MTF. For this reason, students will have SAP measured for the last time when attempting 150% of credits in the program (e.g. 45 credits for 30 credit diploma). A degree or diploma cannot be awarded to a student who does not meet SAP at the completion of the program.

Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress are subject to change. Students will be informed of all changes prior to implementation. The charts are to be used in conjunction with any applicable additional criteria outlined in the policy.

Virtual Library

Bryant & Stratton College’s Virtual Library supports the educational programs of the College by meeting the critical information needs of students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The Virtual Library is a gateway to reference materials and program resources including a broad array of full-text and academic online databases to support programs of study. Academic reference librarians are available to assist students either in person or online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Bryant & Stratton College’s Virtual Library also provides access to electronic books, select web resources, tutorials, and course reserve materials.

Online Tutoring (SMARTHINKING™)

Bryant & Stratton College offers students real-time, 24/7 online tutorial support through Smarthinking. Smarthinking provides students with easy access to expert tutors - on demand or by appointment - across a wide range of subjects-up to 24 hours a day 7 days a week. With Submit My Writing students can submit writing assignments for review usually within 24/48 hours. For more information concerning Smarthinking, see an advisor, learning lab coordinator, librarian or dean.

Academic Honors

Academic Achievement and Dean’s List

At the end of each semester, Bryant & Stratton College recognizes the scholastic achievement of students.

Students who meet all of the following criteria will be eligible for  Academic Achievement:
  • Term grade point average (GPA) is 3.30 - 4.0.
  • Earned grades of “C” or better in each course.
  • Did not earn any grade of D+, F, I, NP, U in the semester just ended.
  • Student is in Good Academic standing for the semester just ended (academic dismissal or probation exclude student from Academic Achievement).

Students who meet all of the following criteria will be eligible for Dean’s List:

  • Successful completion of at least 12 semester credit hours.
  • Term grade point average (GPA) is 3.30-4.0.
  • Earned grades of “C” or better in each course.
  • Did not earn any grade of D+, F, I, NP, U in the semester just ended.
  • Student is in Good Academic standing for the semester just ended (academic dismissal or probation exclude student from Dean’s List).

Graduation Honors

At commencement exercises, eligible degree candidates receive recognition for academic excellence as follows:

  1. Summa Cum Laude (Highest Distinction)-Cumulative grade point average from 3.77 to 4.0
  2. Magna Cum Laude (High Distinction)-Cumulative grade point average from 3.54 to 3.76
  3. Cum Laude (Distinction)-Cumulative grade point average from 3.30 to 3.53

Honor Awards and Honor Societies

There are a number of honor awards that are attainable and honor societies that are active on designated Bryant & Stratton College campuses. Students are encouraged to seek specific information and academic requirements from the Academic Dean at the campus.