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    Dec 07, 2024  
Lee University Catalog 2017-2018 
    
Lee University Catalog 2017-2018 [Archived Catalog]

Graduate Studies at Lee University


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A Christian environment and team of personally committed professionals are the “natural surroundings” that encompass all programs in Lee’s graduate studies. Lee University’s graduate programs provide an educational experience that meets the most important requirement–a profitable engagement of the student’s time, purpose and personal resources.

Lee’s graduate programs serve adult students with various professional interests and diverse personal histories. Flexible scheduling for part-time and full-time students and personal attention from experts and practitioners in wide-ranging professional fields enable students to find a niche for their personal goals and their intellectual progress in a field of study.

Thirty-eight degree programs are offered at Lee University for the level of Master in those fields within the colleges or schools.  Applicants are advised to refer to appropriate sections in this catalog for detailed information regarding the policies and procedures for each respective program. In addition, five degree programs are offered at international sites in Germany, Ecuador, and Guatemala.

Graduate Programs of Study

College of Arts and Sciences

 

 

Graduate Studies in Counseling      
Degree   Program of Study   Code
M.S.   Holistic Child Development (also at SEMISUD)   HCDEV.MS
M.S.   Marriage & Family Studies (also at ETS)   MAFAM.MS
M.S.   Marriage & Family Therapy   MAFTS.MS
M.S.   School Counseling   SHCSL.MS
         
Business Administration      
M.B.A.   Business Administration   BUSAD.MBA

Helen DeVos College of Education

Graduate Studies in Education      
M.A.T.   Special Education, PreK- 12 Licensure   SPCED.MAT
M.A.T.   Elementary Education (Early Childhood or Elementary)   ELMED.MAT
M.A.T.   Art, K-12 Licensure   ARTSV.MAT
M.A.T.   Biological Science, 6-12 Licensure   BIOLS.MAT
M.A.T.   Business, 6-12 Licensure   BUSED.MAT
M.A.T.   Chemistry, 6-12 Licensure   CHEMS.MAT
M.A.T.   Communications, 6-12 Licensure   COMST.MAT
M.A.T.   Early Childhood, PreK-3 Licensure   ECHED.MAT
M.A.T.   Elementary, K-5 Licensure   ELMED.MAT
M.A.T.   English, 6-12 Licensure   ENGLI.MAT
M.A.T.   French, 6-12 Licensure   FRNCH.MAT
M.A.T.   Health/Wellness, K-12 Licensure   HLTWL.MAT
M.A.T.   History, 6-12 Licensure   HSTRY.MAT
M.A.T.   Mathematics, 6-12 Licensure   MATHS.MAT
M.A.T.   Middle Grades, English, 6-8 Licensure   MGENG.MAT
M.A.T.   Middle Grades, Science, 6-8 Licensure   MGSCI.MAT
M.A.T.   Middle Grades, Social Studies, 6-8 Licensure   MGSST.MAT
M.A.T.   Middle Grades, Mathematics, 6-8 Licensure   MGMTH.MAT
M.A.T.   Psychology, 9-12 Licensure   PSYCH.MAT
M.A.T.   Spanish, 6-12 Licensure   SPNSH.MAT
M.A.T   Special Education, Comprehensive, K-12 Licensure   SPEDC.MAT
M.A.T.   Special Education, Interventionist I, K-8 Licensure   SPEDE.MAT
M.A.T.   Special Education, Early Childhood, PreK-3 Licensure   SPEDP.MAT
M.A.T.   Special Education, Interventionist II, 6-12 Licensure   SPEDS.MAT
M.A.T.   TESOL, PreK-12 Licensure   TESOL.MAT
M.A.T.   Theatre, K-12 Licensure   THEAT.MAT
M.Ed.   Curriculum and Instruction   CLTCH.MED
M.Ed.   Educational Leadership   EDLDR.MED
M.Ed.   Special Education   SPEDU.MED
M.Ed.   Special Education, Additional 6-12 Licensure   SPEDA.MED
M.Ed.   Special Education, Additional K-6 Licensure   SPEDS.MED
Ed.S.   Curriculum and Instruction   EDTCH.EDS
Ed.S.   Educational Leadership   EDLDR.EDS
M.S.   Athletic Training   ATEPR.MS
M.S.   Higher Education Administration   MSHEA.MS

School of Music

 

 

Graduate Studies in Music      
M.M.   Music and Worship   MUSMW.MM
M.M.   Music Education   MUSED.MM
M.M.   Music Performance   MUSPF.MM
M.M.   Choral or Wind Band Conducting   MUSCO.MM

School of Religion

 

 

Graduate Studies in Bible and Theology      
M.A.   Biblical Studies (also offered at ETS)   BIBST.MA
M.A.   Theological Studies   THEST.MA
M.A.   Theological Studies, Ethics Emphasis   THESE.MA
M.A.   Bible and Theology (SEMISUD only)   THSEM.MA
Graduate Studies in Christian Ministries      
M.A.   Ministry Studies (also at SEBIPCA)   MINST.MA

Division of Adult Learning

 

 

Graduate Studies in the Division of Adult Learning      
M.A.   Ministry Studies   MINOL.MA
M.B.A.   Business Administration   BUSOL.MBA
M.S.   Marriage and Family Studies   MFSOL.MS

Graduate Tuition and Fees

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Itemized Expenses Per Semester for Full-time Students - All Graduate Programs Except Religion

Tuition per semester hour $670
Tuition per semester hour over 12 hours 335
Registration Fee (required per semester, non-refundable) 25
Technology Fee (required, per semester gives access to campus computer labs) 75
Student Activity Fee (optional) 50
Health Service Fee (optional)** 75
Student Accident Insurance Fee (optional) 20
Student Publications Fee (optional) 50
**The Health Service Fee must be paid in order to receive services offered by the Health Clinic and the Counseling Center.  

 

Itemized Expenses Per Semester for Part-time Students - All Graduate Programs Except Religion

Students who register for a part-time load will be charged as follows:
  Semester hour $670
  Registration (required, per semester, non-refundable) 25
  Late registration 50
  Technology Fee (required, per semester, gives access to campus computer labs) 35
  Student Activity Fee (optional) 50
  Health Service Fee (optional)** 75
  Student Accident Insurance Fee (optional) 20
  Student Publications Fee (optional) 50
  **The Health Service Fee must be paid in order to receive services offered by the Health Clinic and the Counseling Center.  

 

Itemized Expenses Per Semester for Full-Time and Part-Time Students in Graduate School of Religion

Tuition per semester hour $670
Ministerial Discount* 182
Registration Fee (required per semester, non-refundable) 25
Technology Fee (required for full-time students, per semester) 75
Technology Fee (required for part-time students, per semester) 35
Health Service Fee (optional)** 75
Student Accident Insurance Fee (optional) 20
Student Activity Fee (optional) 50
Student Publications Fee (optional) 50
*Applies to students taking classes in the Masters in Ministry/Biblical & Theological Studies programs.  
**The Health Service Fee must be paid in order to receive services offered by the Health Clinic and the Counseling Center.  

The above charges do not include books and supplies which are sold in the Lee University Bookstore. Students must be prepared to pay for books and supplies with cash, check or a major credit card. Books and supplies will not be charged to student accounts (unless the student is eligible for a book voucher).

Book Vouchers

Students will receive a book voucher only when their financial aid exceeds the amount of their school bill. If a student qualifies for a book voucher, the student will be able to go to the bookstore and use his or her Lee ID to purchase textbooks after he or she completes registration.  (Non-textbook purchases may not be paid for with a book voucher.) Charges for textbooks purchased will be applied to the student’s account at the time of purchase.  Questions regarding book vouchers should be directed to the Student Financial Services Office.

NOTE:  Students are not required to use book vouchers to purchase textbooks.

Course Fees

Athletic Training Assessment (ATEP-500, ATEP-501, ATEP-502, ATEP-503, ATEP-504) $75

 

Additional Fees

Other expenses for all students, when applicable, include:
  Audit Fee (per semester hour) $75
  Auto Registration and Parking Fee (per vehicle registered, per year) 40
  Deferred Payment Plan Fee (per semester) 100
  Academic Transcript (per copy) 7.50
  Graduation Application Fee 100
  Late Graduation Application Fee 130
  Returned Checks (per check) 30
  Schedule Change (per transaction) 10
  Late Registration Fee 50

Commuter Meal Plan Fees

Commuter Meal Plan (optional) $505

(75 Meals per semester plus $75 flex dollars)
The meals and flex dollars expire at the end of each semester.

 

Discounts

In those cases where more than one member of an immediate household is registered full time (at least 9 graduate hours), a 25% discount on the lesser tuition only is permitted for each additional student after the first. Please notify the Student Financial Services Office at the beginning of each semester in order to be assured of receiving the discount. This policy does not include married children or students considered independent for financial aid purposes.  Students already receiving full tuition scholarships will not be eligible for the family tuition discount.  Discounts and scholarships awarded by Lee University cannot exceed the cost of tuition.

Residence Hall Students - Room and Board Fees (per semester)

 

Room Rent

   
  Brinsfield Row, Livingston East, Dirksen Row, Church St. and Brinsfield Houses   $2,210
  B.L. Hicks, Bowdle, Keeble, Livingston, O’Bannon, Storms, and Auxiliary Housing   2,080
  Atkins-Ellis, Cross, Davis, New Hughes, Sharp, and Tharp   1,775
  Medlin, Nora Chambers, and Simmons   1,485

Board

 

  Unlimited Meals ($105 flex dollars, no meal equivalency allowance) $1,845
  All 21 Meals ($35 flex dollars) 1,830
  Any 15 Meals ($65 flex dollars) 1,755
  Any 10 Meals ($125 flex dollars) 1,625

Miscellaneous Residential Hall Fees

 

  Breakage Fee (first semester, non-refundable) $40
  Key deposit (payable at check-in, refundable) 30
  Programming Fee (first semester, non-refundable) 35
  Residence Hall Technology Fee (per semester) 50

Married and Non-Traditional Students

 

Carroll Court Apartments (includes utilities):

 

  Rent (per month) - One Bedroom $535
  Rent (per month) - Two Bedroom 600
  Laundry Fee (per month, non-refundable) 15
  Breakage Fee (first semester, non-refundable) 40
  Key deposit (payable at check-in, refundable) 35
  Programming Fee (first semester, non-refundable) 35
   
Charges for Carroll Court will be billed by semester:  Fall (August - December), Spring (January - May), Summer 1 (June), and Summer 2 (July)  

 Course Related Fees

Music Fees (per semester)

 
Applied Music Fees:    

Graduate Applied Music Fee - Music Major
(1-4 credit hours of applied lessons or class piano. Available only to full-time music majors.)

  $350

Graduate Applied Music Fee - Not Full-time Music Major
(This fee is per credit hour of applied lessons for students who are not full-time music majors.)

  150

 Orchestral or Band Instrument Rental Fee

  100

 Class Piano for non-music majors (group instruction, per semester)

  100
Accompanist Fees:    

Music Majors in MM-Performance (per semester, automatically applied for primary applied study)

  275

Graduate students in other degree programs (per semester, automatically applied for music major applied study)

  175

Applied Conducting (automatically applied for all applied conducting)

  175
Graduate, Final Project, Binding Fee   15
NOTE:  Music lessons are taught on a semester basis.  Fees for applied music are non-refundable after the 12 day registration period at the beginning of the fall or spring semester.  Accompanist fees are non-refundable after September 15 (fall semester) or February 5 (spring semester).    

Summer School Costs

 

 

The cost of attending graduate classes at Lee University for the summer 2017 is:
  Tuition per semester hour   $632
  Registration Fee   25
  Room   300 per session
  Key Deposit (payable at check-in, refundable)   30
  Technology Fee (required for full-time students)   75
  Technology Fee (required for part-time students)   35
  Music Fees   See previous section on Music Fees
       
The cost of attending graduate classes at Lee University for the summer 2018 is:
  Tuition per semester hour   $670
  Registration Fee   25
  Room   305 per session
  Key Deposit (payable at check-in, refundable)   30
  Technology Fee (required for full-time students)   75
  Technology Fee (required for part-time students)   35
  Music Fees   See previous section on Music Fees
       

Settlement of Accounts

Students should be prepared to pay full semester charges on or before registration. Money may be submitted in advance to the Student Financial Services Office. This payment will facilitate registration. On-campus students are required to pay $6,273 and off-campus or part-time students are required to pay fifty percent down on or before registration according to the deferred payment plan. Students who are unable to pay their accounts in full must either borrow the necessary funds or enroll in the university’s deferred payment plan. Students who will have difficulty paying the full charges within the semester are encouraged to make advance arrangements for borrowing the needed funds. The university also offers services by which students may use Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express to make payment on their accounts.

Deferred Payment Plan

Any full-time, on-campus student desiring to participate in the university’s deferred payment plan is required to pay $6,273 down at registration and the balance of the semester charges in two equal payments on the dates mentioned below. Any part-time student or off-campus student desiring to participate in the deferred payment plan is required to pay fifty percent of the total charges at registration and the balance of semester charges in two equal monthly payments on the dates mentioned below. The same financial requirements apply to veterans and others in cases when money is not sent directly to Lee University.  Students enrolling in the deferred payment plan will be charged a $100 fee for this service. This fee will apply to all students owing a balance in excess of $500 at the time of confirming enrollment.

Fall Semester

Full-time, on-campus students must pay $6,273 at registration; off-campus and part-time students must pay fifty percent of their total charges.  The balance must be paid as follows:

  • First payment by September 30
  • Final payment by October 31

Spring Semester

The same down payment ($6,273) is required at registration; off-campus and part-time students must pay fifty percent of their total charges.  The balance must be paid as follows:

  • First payment by February 28
  • Final payment by March 31

A bill will be sent to the student’s permanent address, unless otherwise indicated, each month. However, the student is still responsible for timely payments, even if a bill is not received. If payment is not made on the due date, a $35 late fee will be assessed.

Deferred Payment Plan for Summer School

Students are ordinarily required to pay the full charges for all sessions at registration. However, those unable to pay the full amount may defer up to 50% of the charges for a maximum of 30 days. Students delaying registration for a second or third session must pay an additional registration fee of $25. Students enrolling in the deferred payment plan will be charged a $100 fee for this service. This fee will apply to all students owing a balance in excess of $500 at the time of confirming enrollment.

Refund Policy

No reduction of charges will be granted unless application is made within two weeks of any change in program or departure of the students. STUDENTS WHO WITHDRAW FROM THE UNIVERSITY AFTER THE FIFTH WEEK OF CLASSES WILL RECEIVE NO ADJUSTMENT ON TUITION, FEES, AND ROOM (includes Carroll Court Apartments). Those whose study is interrupted by the university for discipline reasons will receive no adjustment on tuition, fees, and room after the fifth week of classes. When a student withdraws from the university or moves out of on-campus housing, his or her ROOM (includes Carroll Court Apartments) CHARGES WILL BE ADJUSTED ON THE SAME SCHEDULE AS TUITION AND FEES.  Board charges will be prorated from date of withdrawal. If a student withdraws during a semester and requests a refund of advanced payments, the following rules will determine the amount of adjustment, provided the student withdraws formally through the Office of Student Success.

  1. Tuition, fees, and room (includes Carroll Court Apartments), with the exception of matriculation and registration fees, will be adjusted on the following percentages:

    • During first two weeks of semester
      80%
    • During third week of semester
      60%
    • During fourth week of semester
      40%
    • During fifth week of semester
      20%
    • After fifth week of semester
      No
    Adjustment
  2. Board will be adjusted by the full amount unused at the date of withdrawal.
  3. THERE IS NO REFUND FOR REGISTRATION FEE OR LATE REGISTRATION FEE.
  4. No person who registers as a full-time student and is later permitted to drop enough courses to place him/her in the classification of a part-time student will be entitled to an adjustment or prorated tuition after the fifth week.
  5. Mandatory refunds and repayments to Federal Title IV student financial aid programs will be calculated based upon earned and unearned aid percentages as outlined by the Federal Government. The formula for such calculations is based on the number of days in a given semester and the number of days attendance completed by the student prior to his/her withdrawal. Refunds mandated by the calculation could possibly increase the amount a student must pay after he/she withdraws from school. Please refer to “Return of Federal Title IV Financial Aid Policy”  in the Undergraduate Financial Aid section.

Refund Policy for Summer School

  1. Withdrawals during the first week of classes will receive 50% credit on tuition and room. THERE IS NO REFUND AFTER THE FIRST WEEK.

  2. THERE IS NO REFUND FOR REGISTRATION FEE OR LATE REGISTRATION FEE.

  3. If you register for multiple sessions and withdraw prior to the beginning of the second or third session, you will receive full refund for the second or third session (whichever is applicable).

Accounts Must be Paid Prior to Final Examinations

Written commitments for aid from Lee University or other sources are the only substitutes for the required down payment. Therefore, students should assume responsibility for applying for aid in advance and for seeing that the proper letters or cash arrive at the Student Financial Services Office by registration day.

While we recognize the problems involved in increasing costs to the student, education with a Christian emphasis is the greatest personal investment available today. The university will assist students in every way possible to finance their education. If you need financial assistance, please check with our Office of Student Financial Aid.

Accounts with the school must be settled in full before a diploma or a transcript of credits is issued or a letter of honorable dismissal is granted. ACCOUNTS MUST BE PAID BEFORE FINAL EXAMINATIONS ARE TAKEN. NO STUDENT WILL BE ALLOWED TO GRADUATE UNTIL HIS/HER ACCOUNT IS PAID IN FULL.

In the event of default in payment of the account with the school, and if the same is placed in the hands of a 3rd party collector, the student must pay all costs and expenses incurred by the university for collection efforts which may be based on a percentage of no more than 33% of the amount owed to the school.  Deliquency of the account will be reported to the credit bureau and may negatively impact the credit score of the student.  The amount owed to the school is considered a student loan and is not dischargeable under Bankruptcy Law.

Graduate Financial Aid

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Eligibility for financial aid is determined by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the Federal Processor. The FAFSA can be completed online. In order to receive federal aid, a student must be fully accepted into a graduate program. Provisional acceptance does not meet the requirements to qualify for federal aid. Graduation from a program can impact eligibility for future federal aid. Graduate students are eligible to apply for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Maximum annual loan amounts are indicated below:

                Unsubsidized Stafford                                $20,500

Aggregate Loan Limits  can be viewed in the Lee University Catalog under the Undergraduate Financial Aid section. These amounts will be subject to the student’s filing for federal aid, showing eligibility for loans and cost of attendance for school. Students may or may not be eligible for the maximum possible award based on these criteria. Students must be enrolled at least halftime to receive Federal Student Aid.

                Half-time enrollment                                  5 - 6 credit hours

                Three quarter-time enrollment                    7 - 8 credit hours

                Full-time enrollment                                   9 credit hours or more

All graduate students who receive federal financial aid must be working toward an eligible degree from Lee University. In order to assure that students make satisfactory academic progress, requirements have been established.  Please view the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards in the Undergraduate Financial Aid section of the Lee University Catalog.

Federal Graduate PLUS Loan

A Federal Grad PLUS Loan is a loan for graduate students who need further assistance after the use of Federal Direct loans. This is a federal loan with a fixed interest rate and is approved based on a student’s credit. Applications are made at studentloans.gov. Students are eligible for an amount up to the Cost of Education, less other aid received. The Master Promissory Note and Loan Entrance Counseling are required before funds can be disbursed.

  • Grad PLUS Loan Entrance Counseling
    This interview process provides valuable information about the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Program. It is a Federal requirement that recipients must complete prior to receiving funds from this program.

  • Grad PLUS Loan Exit Counseling
    Federal regulations require all students who borrow Graduate PLUS funds to complete exit counseling when graduating or dropping below half-time enrollment.

Graduate Assistantships and Scholarships

Assistantships and scholarships are available for full-time and part-time graduate students. Information can be obtained from the Director of the Graduate Program in each area of study.

More Resources

For more information about financial aid and funding resources, see the Undergraduate Financial Aid  section of this catalog.

Graduate Student Life

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Residential Life & Housing

Lee University has a Residential Life & Housing program that exists to meet the housing needs of graduate students who desire this service. Graduate students are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis once the following criteria has been met: (1) acceptance to Lee University, (2) completion of a Residence Hall Application, and (3) payment of the $200 housing reservation deposit. In subsequent semesters, this roll-over deposit, along with an updated residence hall agreement, will reserve the student’s residence hall assignment for the following semester. When a student graduates, moves off campus or leaves the University, the deposit will be applied (within sixty days after residence halls close of the applicable semester) to the student’s account to cover any unpaid balance or a refund will be issued. Every effort is made to assign roommates based on written mutual request on the Residence Hall Application. The University reserves the right to change residence hall assignments.

Married/non-traditional housing is available; however, it is limited. Graduate students are expected to abide by all policies and regulations governing Residential Life & Housing as established by the Student Handbook, Lee University Catalog, and Residence Hall meetings/communications provided by the Resident Director. Residence Hall Applications can be obtained by contacting the Office of Residential Life & Housing or visiting http://www.leeuniversity.edu/residential-life.

Lifestyle Expectations

Graduate students will be expected to adhere to all of the rules and policies of Lee University while on campus.

Lee University is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, drug free campus. Graduate students are expected to respect campus norms.

Sexual harassment, unwelcome sexual advances, extra- or premarital sexual conduct, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature will not be tolerated on campus. Students who are subjected to harassment should promptly contact the Vice President for Student Development.

Intercollegiate Athletics

Graduate students are invited to attend intercollegiate athletic activities. Varsity teams compete in men’s and women’s cross country, soccer, basketball, indoor and outdoor track and field, tennis and golf; women’s volleyball and softball; and men’s baseball. Graduate students interested in participating in intercollegiate athletics should contact the Athletic Compliance Office to verify eligibility.

Campus Recreation

The purpose of Campus Recreation is to connect, inspire and educate people toward healthy and active lifestyles in our campus community.  We accomplish this by creating environments and opportunities that promote physical fitness, healthy habits and balanced behaviors, improving the overall wellness of participants.  We teach participants meaningful life skills, encourage personal achievement and foster a sense of excellence in every aspect of our program.  To promote physical well-being, Lee University encourages participation in various forms of athletics, outdoor recreation and other activities. Intramural sports for both men and women attract a large percentage of students who compete individually and as members of class, club, dormitory or independent teams. In addition to team sports like softball, volleyball, soccer, basketball and football, many individual sports and games are also offered (i.e., table tennis, bowling, billiards and chess).  Current students (both graduate and undergraduate) and their spouses may participate in recreation programs including intramural sports and group fitness.  The programs are free to all students who pay the student activity fee.  Spouse participation requires a membership which may be purchased at the Recreation Center Office.  Participants may register for the event(s) of their choice.

The DeVos Recreation Center provides a wide range of social and recreational opportunities. These opportunities include a full-size gym, weight and physical fitness equipment, racquetball, cycling in both class and informal formats.  This facility is only open to Lee University students, faculty, administration and staff. There are minimal fees for some features such as lockers and supplies.  Other opportunities exist in the area of sport clubs and outdoor recreation.  A list of active sport clubs and outdoor recreation activities can be obtained at the DeVos Recreation Center office.  All users must present a valid ID in order to use the facilities or any equipment.  Additional gym space and the game room is located at the Mayfield Annex.  It is available for members of the campus community as well.

Campus Security

All graduate students are required to have a valid student identification card. Additionally, all students who park a motor-driven vehicle on campus must register it with Campus Security. Upon receipt of a parking permit, the student is entitled to park in an assigned area. Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. Regular patrols are made of the parking areas, and vehicles illegally parked are subject to being ticketed and/or towed.

More Resources

For more about student life, see the undergraduate student life section of this catalog.

Graduate Academic Policies

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Graduation, Academic Probation and Disqualification

Satisfactory progress toward the degree is required. A student may be disqualified from further graduate work if a 3.0 grade-point average is not maintained. In the event that the grade-point average drops below the minimum level, the student may be given one enrollment period to raise it to the satisfactory level. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation.

Auditing a Class

Any student who has been admitted may request to audit a class.  Some classes may be excluded from auditing status by the department in which the class is taught.  Students who wish to audit a class may do so at registration and pay the applicable fees.  The audit fee is applicable regardless of the number of credit hours the student is currently enrolled in.  Auditors must attend and participate in a minimum of sixty percent of the class sessions but are not responsible for exams and/or term papers.  On the first day of class, the student must ask the instructor for permission to audit that class.  If the request to audit is declined, the student must drop the audit class or change it to credit status, with a refund of the audit fee subject to the provisions of the university’s refund policy.  Students who successfully complete the minimum audit requirements will receive a grade of “U” for the class.  Should a student not meet the minimum requirements, the instructor will inform the Office of Records, which will purge the course from the student’s transcript with no refund of the audit fee.  Any change in registration status (such as audit to credit or credit to audit) must be made by the last day to add a class (during the registration period at the beginning of each term).

Changing a Schedule (Add, Drop, Withdraw)

Adding or dropping courses and changing from credit to audit and audit to credit may be accomplished only during the 12-day registration (“add/drop”) period at the beginning of each term.  The instructor’s signature must be obtained on the Change of Schedule Form to add a class.  The student must bring the completed Change of Schedule form to the Records Office upon securing the appropriate signature so that the electronic record can be updated.

After the 12th day of registration (“add/drop”) period at the beginning of the term, the student may wish to withdraw from a class in order to avoid negatively impacting his/her GPA or to reduce a heavy academic course load.  To withdraw from a class, the student must initiate this transaction with a Change of Schedule Form obtained from the Records Office.  The form must be filled out in its entirety and signed and dated.  The student should return the form to the Office of Records upon securing the appropriate signatures so that the electronic record can be updated.  The last day to withdraw from a course with a grade of “W” is published in the university academic calendar which can be found at http://www.leeuniversity.edu/academics/.  A student who never attends a class or stops attending a class for which he/she is officially registered will receive a grade of “F” in that course if established procedures for class withdrawal outlined above are not followed.

During Advance Class Selection (ACS) the student will build his/her schedule for the upcoming term using the online student information system.  Graduate students are activated to build their schedules along with undergraduate seniors.

There is a fee applied for each schedule change beginning with the first day of classes.  The tuition refund policy is explained in the section on “Tuition and Fees”.

Questions regarding schedule changes, registration, or Advance Class Selection should be directed to either your respective academic department or to the Office of Records.

Questions regarding course offerings should be directed to your respective academic department.

Questions regarding fees should be directed to Student Financial Services.

Course Numbering System

Graduate courses are identified by a departmental abbreviation followed by a three-digit 500 or 600 level course number.

Grading

The Lee University graduate programs use the following system of grading and quality points for all graduate- level courses. These letter grades are assigned grade point values as follows:

  A   4.0 quality points    
  A-   3.7 quality points    
  B+   3.3 quality points    
  B   3.0 quality points    
  B-   2.7 quality points    
  C+   2.3 quality points    
  C   2.0 quality points    
  F   0 quality points    
  I   Indicates the student’s work was incomplete    
  P   Passing Credit (no quality points)    
  IP   In Process    
  W   Student officially withdrew from the class without penalty    

A grade of “I” indicates the student’s work is incomplete. The grade becomes “F” if the work is not completed by the end of the following semester unless a written extension has been approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. A grade of “I” is given only to students who encounter some personal difficulty such as a severe illness or an extreme family emergency near the end of the semester. The “I” grade is not given in order to allow students additional time to complete assignments.

A grade of “W” (withdrawal) is assigned to a student who, for any reason, officially withdraws or is withdrawn by the official semester date. This “W” is assigned without quality point penalty to the student.

Policies for Theses

Some of the Lee University graduate programs require a thesis as a demonstration of the student’s research, writing and critical thinking skills. If a thesis is required, the specific requirements for the number of copies, binding, and distribution and housing of the final product may be obtained from the office of the appropriate graduate program director.

Study Load

To be classified as a full-time graduate student, students must enroll in no fewer than nine hours per semester. Maximum graduate enrollment is 12 hours per semester. Students enrolled in summer sessions may take a maximum of six hours per session. For summer sessions shorter than four weeks, the maximum load is four hours.

Time Limits

Course work completed more than 10 years prior to admission is generally not accepted toward meeting degree requirements. The student has a maximum of six years from the date of admission to degree standing (and registration for course work) in which to complete the requirements for the master’s degree. Refer to specific program sections within the catalog for detailed policies.

Transcripts

A transcript of academic credits will be issued by the Office of Records upon written request of the student. Forms are available in the Office of Records or online at www.leeuniversity.edu (Current Students, “Request a Transcript”). By law, the transcript cannot be released until the office has received the student’s signature granting permission to release his/her record. If requesting a transcript to be sent to another institution or other authorized person or agency, an official transcript is required. Official transcripts cost $7.50 each. Requests for transcripts, diplomas, and/or verification of degrees will be fulfilled only when all the student’s financial obligations to the university are met.

Transfer Credit

Lee University will allow up to six semester credit hours of a graduate program to be comprised of transfer credit from a regionally accredited graduate program when the grade received is a “B” or better. The individual program committee must approve application of transfer credits. Exceptions to this policy may be determined by the respective graduate program committees.

Up to six semester credit hours of appropriate graduate work with a grade of “B” or better from institutions outside the United States may be approved by the individual graduate program committee.  The program committee will normally require these credits to be evaluated by World Education Services (WES).  Instructions for submitting a transcript for review can be found at www.wes.org.  This website provides specific submission instructions for each country.  The transfer work will not be added to the Lee transcript until the program committee has approved the hours and, if requested by the committee, the official academic credit report is received from WES.  All costs associated with obtaining the WES evaluation are the responsibility of the student.

Withdrawing from the University

Students may withdraw from the university at any time beginning the first day of classes until the final day of classes for the semester. Withdrawals will not be processed once final exams have begun. Withdrawn students will not be allowed to continue on the meal plan or remain in campus housing and should make arrangements to check-out of their on-campus housing within 24 hours upon withdrawal. Withdrawn students will be assigned the grade of “W” for all courses. Following is the withdrawal procedure:

  1. The Office of Student Success is designated by the University as the office to process official withdrawals. Any student wishing to withdraw from all courses must notify this office. Students are required to present both his/her current University I.D. card and parking permit. Students are asked to complete the Permission to Withdraw Request Form.

  2. The Director of Student Success and Retention must approve the withdrawal request. Upon approval, the appropriate offices will be notified.

  3. Students are responsible to notify their graduate program directors.

  4. Financial aid recipients should note that withdrawing from the University can affect eligibility for current and future aid. See the Undergraduate Tuition and Fees Refund section and the Undergraduate Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy respectively. Students who are recipients of federal student loans should complete required loan exit counseling. This can be completed online at www.leeuniversity.edu/financial-aid or in the Financial Aid Office. Recipients of the Tennessee Hope Scholarship should go to the Financial Aid Office to complete the Tennessee Hope Enrollment Change Request Form to avoid loss of eligibility for future funding.

  5. The Business Office will issue a final statement of the student’s account. See the Undergraduate Tuition and Fees section of this catalog for refund policy information.