Webster University: Academic Policies and Information

Undergraduate Degree Options
Baccalaureate Degree Policies and Procedures
Student Conduct
Transfer Credit
Undergraduate Grading Policy

Honors
Academic Progress
Dismissed Students
Withdrawal from the University
Transcripts and Diplomas

Undergraduate Degree Options

Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Bachelor of Music (BM)
Bachelor of Music Education (BMEd)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts (BA/MA)
Bachelor of Science/Master of Arts (BS/MA)
Bachelor of Science/Master of Science (BS/MS)
Bachelor of Music/Master of Music (BM/MM)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing/Master of Science in Nursing (BSN/MSN)
Certificate Programs

Webster University's BA and BS degrees are firmly grounded in the liberal arts. They represent differing but equal curricula. General education requirements are generally the same for both degrees; however, the BS may require more courses in the major, thus allowing fewer elective courses. Webster awards the BA to those who concentrate in language, literature, history, and other humanities and liberal arts areas. The University may grant the BS in social and natural sciences or in highly applied or technical fields. Webster University also offers a limited number of baccalaureate programs that are professional and restrictive in content, application and intent. The curricula are highly structured and prescriptive. These professional degrees include the BFA, BM, BMEd and the BSN

Baccalaureate Degree Policies and Procedures

Baccalaureate Degree Requirements

Students completing the bachelor's degree must meet these requirements:

Successful completion of 128 credit hours.
Successful completion of at least 30 of a student's final 36 credit hours registered for and earned directly from Webster University. These residency credit hours may include credit hours earned through assessment of prior learning and departmental credit hours by examination.
A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 earned in courses taken at Webster University based on a 4.0 system.
Successful completion of an approved major. Options include:
1. Completion of the requirements for an established major in a department.
2. Completion of an approved individualized area of concentration (IAOC).
3. Completion of the requirements for dual majors if the areas are available with the same degree, with the exception of a self-designed interdisciplinary major (SIM).
  Note: The same course may not satisfy the degree requirements for two different majors and/or minors.
Successful completion of general education requirements.

For a listing of the nine general education goals, see General Education Goals.

Students must graduate under the requirements in effect at the time of their acceptance as a degree-seeking student. Students leaving the University for more than one calendar year must be readmitted and must graduate under the requirements in effect at the time of their readmission.

General Education Requirements

Webster University requires all baccalaureate students to complete a general education program. The faculty of Webster University have identified nine academic goals for baccalaureate students to address. Students must satisfy this requirement by completing at least 3 credit hours of relevant coursework, with a grade of C- or better, in these categories. An approved list of courses addressing each of the general education goals is available through academic advisors. Students have the responsibility to select their general education coursework, with the guidance of their academic advisor, within these guidelines. Up to two courses within the student's major department may be used to satisfy general education goals, so long as the courses represent different academic disciplines as indicated by course prefixes. All other courses used to satisfy the general education requirement must be taken outside of the student's major department. Individual departments may also identify more specific general education coursework within this program.

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science (BA, BS) programs require students to address each of the nine general education goals (27 credit hours minimum).*

*Note: Students majoring in programs from the School of Communications (BA degree) are required to complete 36 credit hours in general education. Students pursuing a BS degree in computer science with an emphasis in information technology or information management are required to address four of the general education goals (12 credit hours minimum). See specific department listings for additional information.

Professional Degree (BFA, BM, BMEd, BSN) programs require students to address at least four of the general education goals (12 credit hours minimum--see specific departmental listings).

Transfer students are referred to information on general education equivalencies and other specific transfer guide-lines.

Baccalaureate Degree Requirements at Metropolitan Campuses

Webster University offers an undergraduate upper-division degree-completion program at its metropolitan campuses in Kansas City, Missouri; Orlando, Florida; San Diego, California; at its Weekend College program at Marymount College in Los Angeles, California; and South Carolina at: Charleston, Columbia and Greenville. Students completing their baccalaureate degree at these locations must complete the same graduation requirements as students at the home campus. Refer to the U.S. Extended Campuses Offering Undergraduate Degree Completion section for more complete information.

Major Overview

Each department at Webster may require a final overview in the student's major. Departments determine the nature of the overview and its procedures.

Some departments require a written comprehensive examination, which is prepared and evaluated by a departmental committee. An oral examination supplements the written exam in other departments. A recital, exhibit, or production may supplement a written examination in fine arts. Still other methods of proving satisfactory proficiency in a discipline may be set by departments.

The student completing coursework in July or December is subject to the same overview requirements as the student graduating in May. At the instructor's and department's discretion, graduating seniors may be excused from the final examination in courses covered by the departmental overview.

Minor

Students may elect to complete an approved minor. A minor requires a minimum of 18 credit hours of formal coursework from the University curriculum successfully completed in residence at Webster University with a grade of C- or better. The minor is formally acknowledged on the student's transcript. This secondary focus must be in an area of study different from the student's major or may be in an interdisciplinary area of study, such as fine arts, liberal arts, or women's studies. Courses used to fulfill a requirement for a major may not also be used to fulfill a requirement for a minor. A student may earn up to two minors.

Academic Advising

Beyond the major and general education requirements, all elective coursework at Webster is chosen by the student to meet individual educational goals; therefore, academic advising plays a major role in the student's academic career at Webster and provides degree-seeking students with individualized academic program planning.

On acceptance to the University, students normally schedule an appointment with the Academic Advising Center to discuss their academic plans and to register for first semester classes. (Transfer students seeking teacher certification are advised to schedule a course audit with the Teacher Certification Office prior to making an appointment in the Academic Advising Center.) Based on this initial advising session, the office assigns the student to an academic advisor. This individual is usually a faculty member within the student's intended area of study. Students who have not yet chosen a field of study are usually advised within the Academic Advising Center. (BSN students make their initial advising appointment through the Nursing Department.)

Throughout their academic careers at Webster, students work with their academic advisors to plan their choice of University courses. The advisor helps the student choose coursework to meet individual educational and career goals, informs students about academic policies and procedures, and helps solve a variety of academic problems. Ultimately, however, it is the responsibility of each student to keep apprised of current graduation requirements for his or her particular degree program. Students may request a change of advisor through the Academic Advising Center.

Freshman Seminar

All new full-time degree-seeking freshmen with fewer than 16 credit hours of college credit are required to take GNST 1200 Freshman Seminar. See General Studies for a description of the course.

Registration

Students currently attending Webster register for the upcoming session during their current session of enrollment.

Academic Load

The recommended academic load for full-time students is 16 credit hours each semester. Sixteen credit hours for eight semesters total the 128 credit hours required for a degree. For students enrolling in 8- or 9-week terms, the recommended academic load is two to three courses per term (6-9 credit hours). Students in good academic standing must request written approval from the Academic Advising Center to enroll for more than 18 credit hours in a single semester (or 9 credit hours in a term). Students who take more than 18 credit hours are charged for the additional credit hours at the per-credit-hour rate.

Connections/e-mail Accounts

Webster University provides all students, faculty, and staff with a University e-mail account through Connections. Employees and students are expected to:

Activate their Connections account after receiving their username and password. Students will receive a letter in the mail 10-14 days after they first register for classes and will need this letter to set up their Connections account. Faculty and staff will be issued a Connections username when they begin work.
Regularly check incoming University e-mail. Your Webster e-mail account is where all official communication from Webster will be sent.
Regularly check their Connections Personal and Campus Announcements.
Maintain their University e-mail account in working order (including compliance with the University's Acceptable Use Policy and appropriately managing disk space usage).

Students may choose to have their University e-mail forwarded to an alternate e-mail address. Connections account holders can call the Help Desk (x5995 or toll free at 1-866-435-7270) for assistance with this setup. Instructions are also provided on the Information Technology web site at www.webster.edu/helpdesk. Individual account holders are solely responsible for ensuring that all University correspondence continues to be received and read.
Connections also provides access to grades and registration. Students must access their final class grades through the Connections “Student Academic Services” channel. Faculty must input their final class grades through the Connections “Faculty/Staff Academic Services” channel. Those students eligible to register online may do so through the Connections “Student Academic Services” channel.

Directed Studies

In cases of scheduling problems, a student may request a directed study as a tutorial to complete an undergraduate course outlined in this catalog, except for reading courses, practica and independent studies.

The following conditions prevail if a course is to be completed as a directed study:

A basis for the directed study must be documented. Requests for directed studies are to be written and submitted to the chair or director by the student, along with supporting documentation.
Approval must be given by the chair or director.
The course must be in the curriculum at the campus where the student is enrolled.
Directed studies are identified on the student's transcript by the catalog course prefix, number and title and include a directed study notation.

Student Schedule Changes

Students may change their schedules (drop/add) during the official drop/add period. Prior to the beginning of classes, students may add or drop classes with the approval of an academic advisor. After classes have begun, students may add a course with the approval of the instructor and an academic advisor. Students may drop classes through the end of the second week of the term/semester. Section changes in the same course will be approved or not at the advisor's discretion. Drop/add forms may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar or the Academic Advising Center. In order for schedule changes to be official, the academic advisor must sign the drop slip; the academic advisor and the instructor (after classes have begun) must sign the add slip. Students who do not submit signed drop/add forms by the deadline will be graded and charged according to their registration on file at the end of the official drop/add period. Merely informing the instructor or advisor of the intent to drop a class or not attending a class will not constitute an official schedule change.

Students may make these changes online once their advisor has "released" them for registration each semester. Drop/add forms will be required only when students are dropping after the last drop date or adding after classes have begun.

Withdrawal from Courses

Students may withdraw from courses after the official drop/add period. Tuition waivers for withdrawals are made on a pro rata basis. Since the credit hours of withdrawals remain on the student's record, students adding courses and exceeding the 18-credit-hour maximum will be charged additional tuition. Students may withdraw from courses up to and including the Friday of the sixth week of an eight-week course and the Friday of the twelfth week of a semester course. To withdraw, a student must complete a withdrawal form, which is signed by the advisor. The symbol for course withdrawal (W) is recorded on the student's transcript. Withdrawals after the above dates may occur only under exceptional circumstances, and the withdrawal form must be approved by the instructor, the advisor, department chair and the director of the Academic Advising Center.

Sequential Degrees

Students who have earned a previous baccalaureate degree may apply to pursue a sequential degree in a different area of study. Webster graduates apply for this option through the Academic Advising Center; graduates of other accredited institutions apply through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. On admission, credits awarded toward the previous degree will be evaluated by the Office of the Registrar for acceptance toward the sequential degree and the new major. All students admitted for a sequential degree are required to complete all remaining core requirements in the major, the University's residency requirement, as well as departmental residency requirements. Webster graduates seeking a sequential degree are required to complete a minimum of 30 additional credit hours in residence as part of the sequential degree. Sequential degree students are not required to complete the University's general education requirement. They are advised by the department/program in which the sequential degree is sought.

Graduate-Undergraduate Registration

Courses in the 5000 series are graduate courses. An upper-division undergraduate student may enroll in them with the written permission of his or her advisor and the appropriate dean.

Courses in the 4000 series are upper-division courses in undergraduate studies. A graduate student may enroll in them with the written permission of his or her advisor and the instructor of the course. With written approval of the graduate program director, the credit may be applied toward the student's graduate degree. Undergraduate Reading Courses (4610) and Apprentice Teaching (EDUC 4940, EDUC 4950, EDUC 4960, EDUC 4965, EDUC 4970, EDUC 4980) may not be applied toward a graduate degree.

With the exception of the common core courses required for the combined BA/MA, BS/MA, BS/MS, BM/MM, and BSN/MSN programs, courses in the 4000 or 5000 series used to complete an undergraduate degree may not be counted toward the credit-hour requirement for a graduate degree at Webster. Graduate programs may establish limits for the number of credit hours in 4000-level courses they will accept toward the degree.

Concurrent Registration

Current Webster students may request permission to register for classes at other institutions; however, they must obtain prior approval. The permission forms for concurrent registration may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar and filed with that office prior to registration at the other institution. This policy applies to summer session coursework at other institutions, study abroad programs, and other international study coursework.

Interinstitutional Registration

Webster has established a program with Fontbonne, Lindenwood, Maryville and Missouri Baptist universities; and with Eden Theological Seminary that allows degree-seeking students registered at Webster University for 13-18 credit hours to register for undergraduate classes at any of these institutions during their regular terms. The interinstitutional agreement does not apply during the summer, weekend, or interim sessions, and students must furnish their own transportation. Students may take courses at these colleges, universities, and the Seminary if they are not offered at Webster. Webster students register and pay tuition at Webster but attend classes and observe regulations of the host institution. Students are also responsible for all lab fees, instructional materials, or other costs associated with the course(s). Students register for interinstitutional courses with Webster University.

Teacher Certification

Students interested in earning credits for Missouri teacher certification at Webster University should contact the School of Education, Department of Teacher Education representative. Information regarding teacher certification is included in the Education curriculum section of this catalog.

Course Numbering System

1000-1999 lower division (freshman level)
2000-2999 lower division (sophomore level)
3000-3999 upper division (junior level)
4000-4999 upper division (senior level)

While courses are sequenced as lower- through upper-division, juniors and seniors may elect introductory-level courses outside their major field of study.

Student Classification

Students may be classified in several ways, depending on the purpose of the classification.

Full Time vs. Part Time. The terms full time and part time are used for reporting purposes and for awarding federal, state, and Webster University financial aid.

Students registered for 12 credit hours or more per semester are considered full time and may be eligible for federal and state financial aid. Those registered for 11 credit hours or fewer per semester are considered part time. For financial aid purposes, some students are considered half time. See Financial Aid for more information.

Flat-Fee vs. Per-Credit-Hour Billing. The terms flat-fee and per-credit-hour are used for Webster University billing purposes.

Students registered for 13 to 18 credit hours pay flat-fee tuition. Those registered for 12 credit hours or fewer pay tuition at a per-credit-hour rate. Students must be registered for 13 or more credit hours to be eligible for Webster Scholarship and Webster Grant assistance. For more information, see the Undergraduate Tuition section.

Classification. Students are considered sophomores after completing 30 credit hours; juniors must have 60 credit hours; and seniors must have 90 credit hours.

Class Attendance

Webster University reserves the right to involuntarily drop enrolled students from classes that they do not attend during the first week of classes. Attendance requirements are set by the instructor and, as a general rule, students are expected to attend all class sessions of every course. In the case of unavoidable absence, the student must contact the instructor. The instructor may give ample warning to the student and then recommend that the student withdraw from the course. The student is subject to appropriate academic penalty for incomplete or unacceptable makeup work, or for excessive or unexcused absences.

Certificate Program Policies and Procedures

A certificate program normally consists of an identified sequence of coursework within a narrowly defined discipline. Certificate programs are designed for both first-time degree-seeking students and individuals who already possess a baccalaureate degree. Admission policies for certificate-seeking students are the same as for degree-seeking undergraduates.

Requirements for Certificate Programs

A minimum of 18 credit hours in specified coursework earned at Webster University must be successfully completed.
All courses to be applied to a certificate program must be completed with a grade of C or better. Some departments may establish a higher overall cumulative grade requirement for specific certificate programs.
Courses fulfilling the requirements of a certificate program may also be used to satisfy the requirements of a degree program, but may not be used to complete another certificate.
Transfer credits are not applicable to certificate programs.

The general academic and financial policies of the University apply to certificate-seeking students. However, scholarship awards are available to baccalaureate-seeking students only. On completion of the approved program, certificates are awarded in May, August and December. See listing of all Webster University certificates.

Student Conduct

Statement of Ethics

Webster University strives to be a center of academic excellence. The University makes every effort to ensure:

The opportunity for students to learn and inquire freely.
The protection of intellectual freedom and the rights of professors to teach.
The advancement of knowledge through scholarly pursuits and relevant dialogue.

The University community is by nature pluralistic and diverse. Those who elect to participate in the Webster University community accept the responsibility of sharing in the effort to achieve the University's mission as an institution of higher learning. Each person is expected to respect the objectives of the University and the views expressed within the community.

Participants in this shared enterprise strive to be governed by what ought to be rather than by what is. To accomplish its goals, members of the University community aspire to a standard that is higher than mere compliance with formalized University requirements and local, state, and federal law. All members endeavor to fulfill the following expectations:

Preserve academic honor and integrity by repudiating all forms of academic and intellectual dishonesty.
Treat others with respect and dignity.
Respect the rights and property of others.
Act with concern for the safety and well-being of all associates.

Inquiry, discourse and dissent, within the framework of an orderly academic environment, are essential elements of a University community. Members of the Webster University community recognize this and are consequently supportive of democratic and lawful procedure, and dedicated to rational approaches to solving problems. This assumes openness to change as well as commitment to historical values.

Misconduct

Webster University students assume the obligation of conducting themselves in a manner compatible with the University's function as an educational institution. Student misconduct may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University. To the extent that penalties for any misconduct are prescribed by law, the University will consider appropriate action under such laws.

Complete descriptions of student rights and responsibilities and the University disciplinary procedure are printed in the Student Handbook and Calendar , available in the Office of Student Affairs or the University Center information desk or online.

Classroom Disruption

Behavior occurring within the academic arena, including but not limited to classroom disruption or obstruction of teaching, is within the jurisdiction of Academic Affairs. In cases of alleged campus and/or classroom disruption or obstruction, a faculty member and/or administrator may take immediate action to restore order and/or to prevent further disruption (e.g., removal of student[s] from class or other setting). Faculty members have original jurisdiction to address the immediacy of a situation as they deem appropriate. When necessary and appropriate, Public Safety and/or the local (or military) police may be contacted to assist with restoring peace and order. Faculty response is forwarded to the academic dean (or his or her designee) for review and, if necessary, further action. Further action might include permanent removal from the course. Repeated offenses could lead to removal from the program and/or the University.

Transfer Credit

Webster University evaluates coursework completed at accredited colleges/universities or postsecondary institutions for acceptance as transfer credit. In addition, students may have other previous learning experiences (such as corporate or military training) evaluated for credit. Official transcripts and other documentation of all previous study must be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at the time of application.

The University accepts a maximum of 98 credit hours of transfer work toward a bachelor's degree unless that work includes significant lower-division work, in which case the following may apply.

The University accepts a maximum of 64 credit hours from any combination of the following:

Community colleges, unless the credits are part of a successfully completed associate's degree program from a regionally accredited institution.
Credit hours completed in programs designated by Webster University as lower division.
Credit hours included in the 32-credit-hour maximum awarded for first year (freshman) work earned through any combination of International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, CLEP General Exams, and other designated 13th year programs normally completed prior to enrollment at the University.
Standardized tests designated as lower division.

Duplicate coursework does not transfer. Transfer credit hours do not count toward the University's residency requirement. Webster University's residency requirement is the completion of 30 credit hours of the last 36 credit hours prior to graduation.

Evaluation of Transfer Credit

The Office of the Registrar conducts the transfer-of-credit-hour evaluation. Transfer credit normally includes:

College-level work completed at accredited institutions. The University accepts as transfer credit college-level work satisfactorily completed with a grade of C or better. Courses completed with a grade of D have severe transfer restrictions and generally are not applicable toward graduation requirements at Webster.
Standardized tests conducted external to Webster. These include ACT-PEP; Excelsior College Ex-aminations; CLEP; DANTES; GED College Level; and USAFI. Because this credit is normally designated lower division, no more than 64 credit hours are transferable. Academic departments approve area exams, establish possible course equivalencies, determine acceptable test scores, and determine the amount and level of credit. These exams are used to assess prior college-level learning and should be completed in the early stages of enrollment at the University. Standardized exams are not approved for upper-class students.
Extra-institutional credit. The University awards transfer credit for selected military and corporate training programs that have been reviewed by the American Council on Education (ACE). For information, see this section below.
Associate's degrees. The University always attempts to provide full transfer of successfully completed associate's degrees from regionally accredited institutions. When part of a completed associate's degree, transfer credit may include pass/fail courses, advanced placement, credit by examination, dual credit, and experiential learning credits. The integrity of the associate's degree will not be invalidated by these components, and transfer credit will be provided according to existing academic policies.

General Education Transfer

Webster University maintains policies and guidelines that promote and facilitate student transfer to the University, including transfer coursework applicable to general education requirements. Students who have completed an approved associate of arts degree will have satisfied Webster University's general education requirement. Students who have completed an approved general education program in Missouri (the "CBHE Model general education program"), or the equivalent in other states where Webster University holds articulation agreements (IGETC in California), will have satisfied Webster University's general education requirement. Completion of the general education program must be verified or documented on the sending institution's official transcript. Students transferring to Webster University without completion of an associate of arts degree will have their previous college-level coursework evaluated on a course-by-course basis for equivalency with Webster University's general education requirement.

Transfer of Associate of Arts Degree

The associate of arts degree is designed as a transfer degree into a four-year baccalaureate program. The University provides full transfer of all coursework successfully completed as part of an associate of arts degree awarded by a regionally accredited institution. While students with associate's degrees typically transfer 64 credit hours--approximately the first two years of the baccalaureate educational experience--no limit exists on the maximum number of credit hours which may be transferred as part of the completed associate of arts degree. Transfer of additional lower-division credit beyond the associate's degree is restricted. Transfer students must meet the University's minimum residency programmatic and graduation requirements. For students with multiple associate's degrees, the University will use the first degree received as the basis for transfer credit evaluation.

Transfer of Other Associate's Degrees

The University provides full transfer credit for specialized associate's degrees (associate of science, associate of fine arts, etc.) successfully completed at regionally accredited institutions. If completion of a required general education program is documented on the official transcript, the transfer student will have satisfied the University's general education requirement.

Additionally, the University maintains many program-by-program articulation agreements to assist transfer students. Transfer without a degree is evaluated on a course-by-course basis subject to the University's policies regarding lower-division programs.

Community College Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Nursing Programs

Through articulation agreements, Webster University accepts credit hours for all required courses for a completed A.A.S. program in nursing. This may include credit hours advanced by the community college for licensed practical nurse (L.P.N.) advanced placement.

Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree (AAT)

The University provides full transfer credit for all college-level coursework completed as part of the Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT ) degree. Students successfully completing the A.A.T degree from a community college in the State of Missouri, or from another regionally accredited institution, will receive full transfer credit of their AAT program towards completion of a bachelors degree at Webster University in teacher education, and acceptance of their completion of an equivalent general education program. Students must complete the remaining degree requirements of the University, as well as the applicable teacher certification requirements for their chosen program(s).

Extra-Institutional Credit

Webster University maintains articulation agreements and policies for awarding undergraduate credit hours for selected categories of extra-institutional learning. These agreements, including special conditions or restrictions that apply, are outlined in the Webster University Direct Transfer Guideline book and include the following:

U.S. military training or credits based on the recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE). Students are encouraged to use the Army/ACE Registry Transcript System (AARTS) for documentation. Official documentation of training is required.
In-service training programs as recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE). Official documentation of successful completion must be submitted when requesting credit hours. Credit hours for in-service programs can be applied only once in the pursuit of degrees offered by Webster University and cannot duplicate credit hours previously earned.
Registered nurses who do not wish to enter the BSN program, and who have completed an accredited nursing program, may receive up to 30 transfer credit hours for each year of their diploma program. These students must petition for acceptance as a major in a major other than nursing or design an individualized area of concentration (IAOC).
A successfully completed Casa Dia Montessori (National Center for Montessori Education member school) certificate program may be accepted for 30 transfer credit hours toward degree requirements only. Students interested in state teacher certification will have to be assessed through Webster University's experiential and individualized learning program to have the Montessori learning counted for certification. Students are required to schedule an appointment with the coordinator of teacher certification at Webster to review state teacher certification requirements.

Advanced Placement Credit

Enrolled freshmen who have taken advanced placement, accelerated, or honors courses may qualify for college-level credit from the University. Students who wish such work to be considered for first year (freshman) lower-division transfer credit should submit official documentation for evaluation, including test scores and/or college transcripts.

Final credit and any course equivalencies are determined according to departmental guidelines for credit by exam.

Webster University grants credit in the appropriate academic department for scores of 3 or above* on the advanced placement tests (AP exams) from the College Board. Exams are available in the following subject areas: art, biology, calculus, chemistry, computer science, economics, English literature and composition, French, German, government and politics, history, Latin, music, physics and Spanish.

*Note: A score of 4 is required by the School of Education if an AP exam is being used to meet certification requirements for composition or mathematics.

International Baccalaureate

Webster University recognizes the international baccalaureate (IB) as a preparation for university studies. The University awards first year (freshman) lower-division transfer credit to enrolled students upon receipt of an official transcript of results obtained.

IB Diploma -- Students who successfully complete the IB Diploma may receive University transfer credit for both higher level subjects and subsidiary level subjects. Credit hours are awarded as follows:

Higher Level Subjects: 8 credit hours for each subject completed with a grade of 6 or 7
Higher Level Subjects: 6 credit hours for each subject completed with a grade of 4 or 5
Subsidiary Level Subjects: 3 credit hours for each subject completed with a grade of 4, 5, 6, or 7
Higher Level Subjects Only -- Credit is awarded for higher level subjects completed without earning the full IB Diploma based upon the policy above.
Subsidiary Level Subjects -- No credit is awarded for subsidiary level subjects unless the full IB Diploma is achieved.

Transfer Credit Grading Policy

The University accepts as transfer credit college-level work completed with a grade of C or better, subject to the maximum transferable credit hours. Courses completed with a grade of D have severe transfer restrictions and generally are not applicable toward graduation requirements at Webster.

If a student has more than the maximum transferable credit hours, 64 credit hours from a community college (a two-year school) and 98 credit hours from a senior college (a four-year school) or more than 98 credit hours from any combination of postsecondary schools, the first courses accepted toward the Webster degree will be those with grades of A, B, C, or P. Only then will courses completed with a D grade be considered for transfer. No D grades will transfer if the student has the maximum allowable credits, or more, available with grades of C or above. Students should be aware that severe restrictions apply on the use of D-graded courses toward graduation requirements. These restrictions include general education requirements as well as requirements in the major.

Individual departments reserve the right to limit the number of courses completed with a grade of D toward fulfilling the specific course requirements of the major.

Undergraduate Grading Policy

Grading Systems

During the first week of class, instructors are expected to make the requirements for each course clear to the students. If the instructor agrees, the student may choose to be graded by (1) a letter grade or (2) a pass/fail system. Students electing the pass/fail option must do so by the end of the second week of class. In some courses, such as theatre conservatory, pass/fail is the official grading system. This option may not be available in courses taken at international campuses. In any particular semester, instructors may designate the pass/fail system as the grading system for their course. In such instances a student may petition the instructor for a letter grade to be recorded on the transcript.

Letter Grade System

A, A- superior work in the opinion of the instructor
B+, B, B- good work in the opinion of the instructor
C+, C, C- satisfactory work in the opinion of the instructor
D+, D passing, but less than satisfactory work in the opinion of the instructor
I incomplete work in the opinion of the instructor
ZF An incomplete which was not completed within one year of the end of the course
F unsatisfactory work in the opinion of the instructor; no credit is granted
W withdrawn from the course
IP course in progress
NR not reported for the course
Z a temporary designation given by the registrar indicating that the final grade has not been submitted by the instructor. When the final grade is filed in the Office of the Registrar, that grade will replace the Z.

Pass/Fail System

P satisfactory work in the opinion of the instructor; credit is granted
F unsatisfactory work in the opinion of the instructor; no credit is granted
I incomplete work in the opinion of the instructor
ZF An incomplete which was not completed within one year of the end of the course
W withdrawn from the course
IP course in progress
NR not reported for the course
Z a temporary designation given by the registrar indicating that the final grade has not been submitted by the instructor. When the final grade is filed in the Office of the Registrar, that grade will replace the Z.

Grade Point Average

A grade point average (GPA) is calculated on all work taken at Webster University and is recorded on the student record.

A 4-point system is used to calculate the GPA:

A = 4.0 pts.
A- = 3.67 pts.
B+ = 3.33 pts.
B = 3.0 pts.
B- = 2.67 pts.
C+ = 2.33 pts.
C = 2.0 pts.
C- = 1.67 pts.
D+ = 1.33 pts.
D = 1.0 pt.
F = 0.0 pts.

Grades of Pass, Incomplete, or Withdrawn are not used in calculating the GPA If a student wishes to repeat a course, the most recent grade will be used in calculating the GPA.

Incompletes and Grade Changes

A grade of Incomplete ("I") may be assigned by the instructor in situations where the student has satisfactorily completed major components of the course and has the ability to finish the remaining work without re-enrolling. The instructor determines the appropriateness of a grade of I, establishes the remaining requirements, and determines a deadline for course completion. These requirements for resolution of the I grade are generally documented with a "course incomplete" form. All other grades are final and may not be changed.

A grade of I in a course needed for graduation must be officially changed to an appropriate grade prior to the due date for grades for the term the student has petitioned to graduate. Students are responsible for ensuring that all grades of I have been changed prior to graduation. After one calendar year has passed, an unresolved grade of I (Incomplete) will become a ZF.

Students participating in military education programs, and in some corporate sponsored tuition plans, may have other deadlines or "I" grade stipulations that impact their enrollment and/or tuition reimbursement. These students are responsible for compliance with these third-party requirements.

Students must repeat a core course in which an F or ZF is earned. The student's enrollment history will document both enrollments and grades, but only the later grade (repeated courses) will be used for GPA calculation. Students may repeat an elective course in which an F or ZF is earned.

Grade Appeals

Normally, grade disputes should be resolved between the student and the instructor. Students may discuss any grade with the instructor. A student who believes he/she has received a grade of C or below that is arbitrary or assigned for nonacademic reasons may discuss the grade with the site director or regional academic director on extended campuses, or in St. Louis with the appropriate department chair. If the grade dispute is not resolved within three months, the student may appeal the grade to the appropriate academic dean to review the procedures the instructor used in determining the grade. Grade appeals should be addressed in a timely manner, and are not considered after one academic year.

Honors

The University has two types of graduation honors: University Honors and Departmental Honors. These honors are accorded at the time of graduation for recipients of baccalaureate degrees.

University Academic Honors

University-wide academic honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, cum laude) are awarded to students who have achieved a high grade point average across the curriculum. Students' academic records must demonstrate excellence in a variety of academic disciplines, including upper-division work outside their fields of study.

Selection Process

Students may gain entry into the pool of candidates who will be considered for University-wide honors in one of the two following ways:
1. All students whose transcripts include all of the following will automatically be included in the pool. (Note: "graded hours" excludes grades of "pass" or "credit"; "cumulative grade point average" includes all Webster University courses plus any transfer courses being used by the student to attain his/her 128 credit hours.)
  1. A minimum of 45 graded credit hours at Webster University.
  2. A minimum of 90 graded credit hours accumulated in the entire college career.
  3. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.7.
  4. A minimum of six graded courses outside of the major in addition to the general education requirements for the student's degree. (Note: students in the School of Communications must take only three graded courses outside their major in addition to their general education requirements.)
  5. A minimum of two graded upper-division courses (3000 level or above) outside the student's field of study.
2. Department chairs and site directors may wish to nominate exceptional students whose course of study puts them outside the parameters of the average student's curriculum vitae (e.g., Conservatory students, students from the international campuses). Chairs and directors should be guided by the general criteria of breadth and depth across disparate disciplines in addition to high grades.
Students who meet the minimum criteria listed above or who have been nominated by department chairs or site directors compose the pool of candidates to be considered for honors. The Honors Board will examine the pool and determine honors on the basis of cumulative GPA and breadth and depth across the curriculum. The Board reserves the right to use its discretion in making these evaluations.
After due deliberation the Board will award honors according to the traditional labels of cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude.

Department Honors

Individual departments and colleges/schools award departmental honors for excellence in the study in depth. Criteria for selection are determined by the individual department.

International Distinction

Students who successfully complete all of their requirements for their bachelor's degree and satisfy three core components of international education (second language proficiency, study abroad and an international field work/internship) will have their bachelor's degree awarded with "International Distinction." Available in most of the Schools/Colleges, interested students should consult with their academic advisor, or the director of the Center for International Education (CIE), for requirements. The "International Distinction" designation is annotated on both the student's diploma and official transcript.

Dean's List

In recognition of academic excellence, a Dean's List is compiled each academic semester. To qualify, students must complete at least 12 credit hours at Webster University, of which no fewer than 6 credit hours must have regular letter grades.All enrolled coursework must be successfully completed, with no Incomplete or Withdrawn grades recorded. The list will include the top 10% of each class (Freshmen-Seniors) as defined by the current semester's GPA.

Academic Progress

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Webster University requires that degree-seeking students and non-degree students maintain satisfactory academic standing defined as a resident grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.

Academic Probation and Dismissal

Degree-seeking students who fail to achieve a resident GPA of 2.0 are placed on academic probation. Students who fail to earn a 2.0 current GPA in their probationary semester are dismissed from the University. Students placed on academic probation are allowed to remain at Webster until their resident GPA is 2.0, as long as they continue to earn a 2.0 GPA each semester. A student is removed from probation when the resident GPA reaches 2.0.

Non-degree students must maintain a semester GPA of 2.0 or be subject to dismissal.

The University reserves the right to dismiss non-degree students without review or right of appeal.

Dismissed Students

One year after dismissal, students may apply for readmission if they can demonstrate readiness to do college-level work. This requires the transferal of 12 credit hours successfully completed (in one semester for full-time students; in one year for part-time students) at another postsecondary institution. Students will be readmitted on probation. Appeals for reinstatement should be sent to the Academic Progress Committee in the Academic Advising Center. See Academic Probation and Dismissal above.

Withdrawal from the University

A student who terminates study at the University before the end of a term may forfeit credit for work done in that term. Students who wish to withdraw from Webster for any reason must complete an exit interview with the Academic Advising Center and initiate official withdrawal procedures through the Office of Student Affairs or the Academic Advising Center.

For information on refunds and tuition waivers, please see Financial Information.

Transcripts and Diplomas

An unofficial copy of the student's transcript will be forwarded to the student after completion of the degree requirements.

Requests for official transcripts must be made in writing to the Office of the Registrar and signed by the student.

Undergraduate diplomas are issued to students upon receipt of the approved Petition to Graduate in the Office of the Registrar, completion of all graduation requirements and after clearance of Business Office accounts. The diploma is issued under the school or college sponsoring the student's primary major, as designated on the approved Petition to Graduate. The College of Arts & Sciences sponsors interdisciplinary majors and individualized areas of concentration. Double majors, certificates, minors and other academic program information are described on the academic transcript (not the diploma).

No transcript is released or diploma issued until all financial accounts are paid.