Academic & University Policies

Program, Course Start Date 

The program start date is the start date of the first course in the student’s program. 

Students enrolled in the JFK School of Law at National University programs

Once a student is registered for a course in the Spring or Fall semester, the start date may not be moved. To start the course at a later time, the student must drop the course and re-register. Compliance with the Attendance policy is mandatory regardless of any courses dropped or added. 

Students may contact their Academic and Finance Advisor for assistance in determining the latest date they may start a course without violating the Attendance policy. 

Coursework may not be submitted until the course start date. 

Matriculation Policy

The Juris Doctor degree curriculum has been carefully constructed to ensure students meet the residency requirement of The Committee of Bar Examiners under the Rules Regulating Admission to Practice Law in California and the Rules Regulating the Accreditation of Law Schools in California. Accordingly, a student may not deviate from that curriculum without making a written request and obtaining the written permission of the Dean’s office. Students are expected to complete the curriculum without interruption unless written approval for a leave of absence from the Dean’s Office is obtained. Further, a student may not extend the time for degree completion beyond the 84th month following the first term of enrollment.

Deviation from this matriculation policy without the written approval of the Dean’s office or Academic Standards Committee shall result in an academic sanction up to and including academic disqualification.

Advancement

Students are expected to satisfy academic graduation requirements under the sequence and schedule of courses spelled out in the curriculum. Students must be in good academic standing (both under the requirements of the Academic Standards Committee and under SAP guidelines) and must receive credit in all required courses to be eligible to advance into the next year of study under the curriculum. Students who do not satisfy this requirement are subject to disqualification and must petition the Academic Standards Committee if they seek to avoid adverse academic action.

Attendance Requirements

State Bar regulations require each law student at a California State Bar-accredited law school to attend a minimum of 80 percent of the meetings for each course for which they receive credit. Any student who has absences in more than 20 percent of required class meetings for any course in a single semester/ session may be administratively withdrawn from the course (see Administrative Course Codes policies) and will receive a grade of no credit or F for that class. If the student is withdrawn from a course required for good standing and advancement, the student may be academically disqualified and ineligible to continue studies.

Academic-Related Activities (ARAs) are used to determine a student’s official last date of attendance in NCUOne and corresponding enrollment status at the University. ARAs are also used to determine the effective date of active and withdrawn enrollment statuses. Academic-Related activities may include, but are not limited to:

• Uploading or completing an assignment (e.g., paper, project) in an online course
• Course-related online quizzes
• Accessing academically related online content within or related to an online course
• Participating in the Discussion Forum section of an online course (e.g., commenting on a discussion question posted by the faculty member, providing feedback to another student), provided that the discussion is related to the course content
• Attending a mandatory synchronous session of the course

NOTE: Academic-related activities must be posted to an online course no later than Sunday at 11:59 P.M. Arizona time each week. 

Educational Materials and Resources

Appropriate course materials, course syllabi, and course outlines are used for each course. Required course materials are indicated in the course syllabus by title, author, publisher, and ISBN. All course materials are provided to the students via the CMF.

The University partners with several online textbook suppliers. Students having difficulty finding required textbooks and course materials may contact their Academic and Finance Advisor or email bookstore@ncu.edu for assistance.

Registration

Registration is completed with your Academic and Finance Advisor within the designated registration period.

Additional signed permission forms are required to register for Clinical Placements contact your Academic and Finance Advisor for additional information.

Changes in Registration

Students are expected to register for classes - including internships - during the registration period before the first day of the term. Registration remains open to drop courses during the beginning two weeks of the term. Students should work with their Academic and Finance Advisor to make changes in registration.

Students are required to pay any additional tuition charges. Schedule changes resulting in a reduction of units will be credited according to the refund schedule described in the following sections. If the student is on academic probation, registration and schedule changes must be done by an Academic and Finance Advisor. An approved Probation Form must accompany the initial registration as well as for each change of registration. The Probation form is available from the JFK School of Law at National University. Phone permission is not acceptable for students on academic probation.

Add/Drop Period

Students may add courses during the first 7 days of a term or may drop courses during the first 14 days of a term by contacting their Academic and Finance Advisor. Notifying an instructor or other office of intent to add or drop does not constitute an official drop. Fees are non-refundable beginning the first day of the term.

Withdrawal Period

Beginning the fifteenth (15th) calendar day of the term. Course withdrawal requests that are submitted prior to the student attending 71% of the course will be issued a “W” grade.

Students who request a course withdrawal after attending 71% or more of a course will be issued a letter grade of F for numerically graded courses and a U (Unsatisfactory) in a Credit/No Credit course. 

“W” grades appear on student transcripts and do not contribute to GPA calculation. Withdrawals cannot be processed if a grade has been entered. Notifying an instructor or other office of intent to withdraw does not constitute an official withdrawal. Withdrawing from a course does not relieve the deferred payment obligation. Students who withdraw are still responsible for the full amount of tuition for the course and all fees. 

It is the student’s responsibility to be certain that his/her withdrawal status is properly achieved. Contact your Academic and Finance Advisor for additional assistance.

Continuous Enrollment

Matriculated students are expected to maintain regular (continuous) enrollment in their program. To maintain continuous enrollment, students must remain in compliance with the JD attendance policies.

Academic Leave of Absence for Term-Based Programs

The University programs are designed to allow students to pursue their educational efforts full-time while managing other responsibilities. The University will consider granting an Academic Leave of Absence (LOA) for a term-based student who is experiencing hardships that make effective progress in their academic course of study unusually difficult. A leave of absence is defined as a temporary break from academic registration with a clear intent to return to the program of study.

Leaves are only available to students who are in good standing, have provided their official transcripts and have been officially admitted to the university, are currently in an active status, and have proceeded beyond the drop period in at least one course since beginning their program of study. Students in a term-based program on approved ALOA who receive Federal Financial Aid are considered withdrawn for financial aid purposes and a return of Title IV funds is required. Students may not receive Federal Financial Aid disbursements while on an ALOA.

Policy and procedure for students who require a leave of absence due to military deployment are given in the

Academic Leave of Absence Policy for Term-Based Programs

The Academic Leave of Absence policy for term-based programs is applicable to all officially admitted and enrolled students in term-based degree programs at the University. If a student is not actively enrolled in a program, the student is not eligible to apply for a leave of absence (LOA). Students provisionally admitted are not eligible for an LOA until the University receives official transcripts and the basis for admission is met. Students in term-based programs may be approved for a maximum of two consecutive semesters on an LOA in a 12-month period. Each LOA must be independently submitted each semester by the student and approved by the University. 

Matriculated students are expected to maintain regular (continuous) enrollment in their program. Students who are unable to enroll for one or more terms must complete a Leave of Absence request to avoid falling out of compliance with continuous enrollment requirements. Failure to remain in continuous enrollment may result in administrative withdrawal from the university.

A leave of absence for term-based programs may be granted for up to two consecutive semesters within a 12-month period, including any term in which a student enrolled but withdrew from all courses.

Students must get prior, written approval from the Dean’s office for any Leave of Absence and must provide the following information in their Leave of Absence request: 

• The student provides evidence of an extenuating circumstance 
• The student is in good standing (under both the Academic Standards Committee policies and the SAP guidelines) within the JD program; an LOA request will not be granted to any student on probation
• The University has a reasonable expectation the student will return to school

The Dean’s office may confer with the Academic Standards Committee to impose any conditions upon return from the LOA (usually related to classes that must be taken). 

When unforeseen circumstances prevent a student from submitting an LOA request for a subsequent LOA, the Dean’s office may grant a requested LOA if the reason and decision has been documented by the University. The Dean’s office must receive the official LOA request from the student before the end of the LOA, and the request must be approved in writing by the Dean’s office and University. Unforeseen circumstances may include but are not limited to, medical and family emergencies, military, jury duty, business travel, inclement weather, and natural disasters.

During an LOA, term-based students are considered withdrawn for Title IV purposes and a Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculation is required for financial aid recipients. During an approved LOA there will be limited access to the NCUOne Learning Management System.

When a student requests an LOA start date in the future and is officially or administratively withdrawn from the University prior to the start date of the LOA, the LOA is null and void and the student will be considered withdrawn effective their last date of attendance.

NOTE: Time spent on an LOA counts toward program length and is included when determining if a student can complete their degree program within the maximum time limits.

Required Documentation

An LOA is a temporary interruption in a student’s program of study and may be approved if the Dean’s office determines there are extraordinary circumstances and that there is a reasonable expectation the student will return. The University will not grant a student an LOA merely to delay the return of unearned Title IV funds or to avoid failing grades. Students must request the LOA, by proactively providing the academic and finance advisor (on or before the start of the LOA) a request, including the reason for the LOA.

When unforeseen circumstances prevent a student from proactively providing a request on or before the start of the LOA, the Dean’s Office may grant the LOA if it has documented the reason and decision. Unforeseen circumstances may include but are not limited to, medical and family emergencies, military, jury duty, business travel, University course unavailability, inclement weather, and natural disasters.

Access to University Resources During Leave

Students on leave do not maintain access to faculty, the online courseroom, or the Academic Success Center coaching service. Access to other university resources such as the University Library may also be limited while a student is on leave.

Return from Leave

Students returning from an LOA remain in the degree program and catalog version in which they were enrolled at the time the LOA was approved and are subject to any requirements or conditions placed upon their return when the LOA request was granted.

If a student does not return to the University by the end of an approved LOA, the student will be administratively withdrawn from their program. To avoid being administratively withdrawn, the student must attend and vest in a term upon their LOA return date. The return term will be scheduled at the time of the LOA request and approval. It is the responsibility of the student to work with their Academic and Finance Advisor to begin a term on or before the date specified as the date of return from leave. The student’s withdrawal date is retroactive to the student’s last day of attendance (LDA).

Military students exceeding 180 days will be Administratively Withdrawn from the University. Students can submit their military orders to qualify for compassionate re-entry see

Military Leave of Absence

A student may request a Military Leave of Absence (MLOA) online or by contacting their Academic and Finance Advisor and submitting a copy of supporting documents. A copy of the student’s military orders, a letter from their commanding officer, or other documentation will be required to support the request for military leave. The student may request any length for the leave, so long as it does not begin more than 30 days prior to the assignment date, and does not exceed more than 180 days beyond their last date of attendance. The Academic and Finance Advisors will ensure that the MLOA return date coincides with a valid course start date.

Students are eligible for re-entry if, during their leave, they performed or will perform voluntary or involuntary active duty service in the U.S. armed forces, including active duty for training and National Guard or Reserve service under federal authority, for a period of more than 30 consecutive days, and received a discharge other than dishonorable or bad conduct. In general, the cumulative length of absence and all previous absences for military service (service time only) must not exceed five years.

• Military Leave of Absence Criteria & Process
    

Juris Doctor Enrollment Status

For the purpose of financial aid and enrollment verification enrollment status is determined by the number of units per semester. *Residency requirements under the CA State Bar Rules for Accredited Programs are different.

Semester Unit (Credit)

The JFK School of Law at National University awards credit earned based on semester credits. Most courses carry 3-semester credits.

Consistent with the Rules and Guidelines of the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State of California:

A “semester unit” includes at least 15 hours of verifiable academic engagement and a total of 45 hours of engagement. 

Students in the JFK School of Law at National University may earn credit for verifiable academic engagement via the D2L Learning Management System including, but not limited to, any of the following:

1. participating in a synchronous class session;
2. viewing and listening to recorded classes or lectures;
3. participating in a live or recorded webinar offered by the law school;
4. participating in any synchronous or asynchronous academic assignment in any class monitored by a faculty member;
5. taking an examination, quiz or timed writing assignment;
6. completing an interactive tutorial or computer-assisted instruction;
7. conducting legal research assigned as part of the curriculum in any class; and
8. participating in any portion of an approved clinical or experiential class or activity offered through distance learning technology totaling no more than 12.5 percent of the hours required for graduation; and/or
9. student participation in an experiential or clinical program where the student’s participation is pre-approved, a faculty member reviews the student participation to ensure educational objectives are achieved, the amount of credit is commensurate with the time spent, and the total credit does not exceed 12.5 percent of the total hours required for graduation.

 It is expected that a student taking a 3-credit course will need to spend approximately 135-144 hours on verifiable academic engagement and independent work/academic engagement including reading and study; research; faculty-student interaction; demonstration of defined learning outcomes through assignments, papers, and projects; examinations; outlining; case briefing; doing practice hypotheticals and any other work necessary to ensure meeting the learning objectives.

Maximum Unit Load

Full-time JD students who wish to register for more than 12 units per semester must obtain prior written approval from the Dean’s Office.

Examination Policies and Procedures

Online Proctored Examinations

A proctored exam is an exam that is supervised by a neutral person, a proctor, who validates and confirms the identity of the test taker and ensures the integrity of the test-taking environment. The JFK School of Law at National University uses an online, remote proctoring service called Examplify. Examplify connects to the student’s computer while the exam is being administered. The proctored exam process is carefully monitored to ensure all policies and procedures are strictly followed.

Students must adhere to the standards outlined in the University’s Academic Integrity and Student Code of Conduct policies while taking exams.

Identity Verification for Examinations

All students must have a government-issued picture I.D. (e.g., driver’s license, passport, military ID) to verify their identity prior to beginning a JFK School of Law at National University online examination. Students who do not provide the required photo I.D. will not be allowed to take an examination.

Students should use the Anonymous Grading Identification Number (AGIN) issued to them by the JFK School of Law at National University when taking law school examinations. If you do not know your AGIN number, please contact the Academic Operations Manager at the JFK School of Law at National University.

Examination Scheduling Policy

Students are notified in advance of the exam schedules for their term and are expected to sit for all exams at the scheduled time. Exams will only be rescheduled under extraordinary circumstances (for example, religious beliefs that prohibit taking an exam at the scheduled time or unexpected, significant illness) and only with prior, written approval by the Dean’s office. 

Absent prior, written approval by the Dean’s office to reschedule an exam, failure to sit for an exam at the scheduled time will result in a grade of F or no credit.

Students who encounter extraordinary circumstances that prohibit them from taking an exam at the required date and time and from obtaining prior, written approval for rescheduling by the Dean’s office may submit an appeal to reschedule to the Dean’s office if it meets the following criteria:

• The student is experiencing significant illness or injury, which hospitalizes or otherwise incapacitates the student;
• The student has had a death in the immediate family immediately preceding the examination date; or
• The student is experiencing a dire family emergency involving an immediate family member.
• All decisions rendered by the Academic Standards Committee are final and may not be appealed.

Grades & Academic Standards

The JFK School of Law at National University is dedicated to providing students with educational opportunities and quality legal education. To maintain the integrity of its academic program and best serve its students, the JFK School of Law at National University will not continue to enroll any student who manifests a lack of ability to do satisfactory work and whose continuation in law school could generate false hopes or detrimentally affect the education of other students. Further, it is central to the mission of the JFK School of Law at National University to train well-qualified and ethical attorneys to serve the public. Continuing the enrollment of students who likely will not have the ability to serve clients in such a manner is inconsistent with our mission.

Academic Performance Grade Scale

Grades are based on the faculty member’s academic judgment that the student has demonstrated a specified level of performance based on objective and subjective evaluations such as papers, presentations, assignments, examinations, projects, and discussions. Criteria for awarding grades for achievement may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Preparation of assignments, including accuracy, legibility, and promptness;
• Contribution to faculty member-student discussions;
• Demonstrated understanding of concepts on exams, papers, assignments, etc.;
• Application of skills and principles to new and real-life situations;
• Organization, presentation, and professionalism of written and oral reports;
• Originality and reasoning ability demonstrated in working through assignments; and

Grade points are assigned to academic performance grades as indicated and are used to calculate a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) for each student.

Grading Guidelines

JFK School of Law at National University students earn a grade based on final examinations, assignments, and activities submitted throughout the duration of their courses. 

Grading Scale

Credit/No Credit Grades

Elective courses and most skills-based courses use Credit/No Credit grading. Students will receive Credit for the course provided the student work is evaluated as the equivalent of a 73 or above (2.00 or “C”). Note that on your transcript, a grade of Credit will appear as an “S” and a grade of “No Credit” will appear as a “U”. Important: earning No Credit (U) in a required course subjects a student to academic disqualification regardless of overall grade point average. 

Numerical Grades

Numerical grading is used in all required courses covering doctrine tested on the California Bar Exam and in other courses as designated.

The following chart shows letter grade and GPA equivalents for JFK School of Law at National University courses:

Final Course Grade for Numerically Graded Required Doctrine Courses:

The final exam at the end of the course along with additional points (if eligible) from the assessment of weekly activities will serve as the final course grade.

During the class, instructors assign weekly grades based upon the course work for the week, as described more fully below. At the end of the course the instructor determines the average of those grades and submits a list of those points to the JFK School of Law at National University Academic Operations Manager. 

Final exams are graded using a blind grading method. While grading the exam answers, the instructors will only see a student’s Anonymous Grading Identification Number and will not know the name of the student whose exam they are grading. Once final exam grades are determined, they are sent to the JFK School of Law at National University Academic Operations Manager who will add the average weekly points earned by the student to any final exam grade of 73 or higher and that will determine the student’s final grade. Any student who earns a 72 or below on their final exam will not have the average weekly points added to their exam score, and the exam score will then be the final grade in the class. 

Final Examinations in Numerically/Letter Graded Required Doctrine Courses:

In numerically graded, required doctrine courses, final exams will ordinarily consist of one essay question per course credit (e.g., three essays for 3 credit courses; 2 essays for 2 credit courses). All exams will be scored on a numerical scale of 50-100, with a score of 62 or below being the equivalent of an “F” and the score of 73 equivalent to a ‘just passing’ grade of “C” or 2.00, as shown in the chart above.

In numerically, graded doctrine courses, final exams will be taken on Examplify, an ExamSoft tool. Instructions regarding how to set up your ExamSoft account and take mock exams prior to the actual final exam will be shared during the term. Students may use outlines and personal notes and any scratch paper to outline their answers but may not copy and paste from any of these sources (including your personal outline or notes) into your exam answer. Students will NOT be able to access their computer to view electronic outlines, notes, or the text during the exams. Make sure any materials you would like to refer to during the exam are printed prior to exam time.

All students will be required to acknowledge an honor code which, if violated, may lead to dismissal from the University. Students must work 100% on their own during all final exams and may not contact or respond to any other student or person during exams.

Weekly Online Activities in Numerically Graded Required Doctrine Courses:

Weekly online activities, such as assignments, exercises, discussion questions, quizzes and other submissions are designed to promote, reinforce, and enhance student learning which, in turn, is designed to improve student performance on examinations. Faculty will assess the submitted weekly online activities on a weekly basis and assign a weekly numerical score. Individual submissions need not be scored; it is the entire week’s work that is assessed a specific score.

Weekly course activities can earn a point value of 0, 2, or 4 which will be averaged and added to the final course grade provided the student earns at least a score of 73 on the final examination. For example, a student who earns a 74 on the final examination and an average score of 4 for all the weekly online activities, will receive a final course grade of 78. Alternatively, a student who earns a 68 on the final examination is not eligible for additional points and will receive a final course grade of 68. At the end of the semester, faculty will calculate the number of additional points, if any, that may be awarded under these policies.

Weekly Course Activity Grading Rubric: 

In numerically graded required doctrine courses for which students earn an academic letter grade, students will earn credit for the course if they earn a minimum of 63 points (“D”) or above in the course, but all students must maintain a specific cumulative GPA or better to be considered in good academic standing. JFK School of Law at National University is in the process of raising the minimum cumulative GPA to be considered in good standing, therefore the specific cumulative GPA required to be considered in good academic standing is determined by the student’s date of entry into the JFK School of Law at National University.  Students who entered into the JFK School of Law at National University beginning in Fall 2022 and later must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.4 or better to be considered in good academic standing. Students who entered into the JFK School of Law at National University prior to Fall 2022 must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better

JFK School of Law at National University Minimum Grade Requirements

Administrative Course Codes

Administrative course codes do not contribute to GPA calculation.

Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Grades

A mark of Satisfactory (S) grade is equivalent to acceptable undergraduate or graduate performance (“C” (72 points) or higher for law students). An Unsatisfactory (U) grade indicates that the course was not mastered. S and U grades are not included in computing the grade-point average. S grades are, however, recorded as units completed and included as units satisfying degree requirements.

Repeating Courses

Students are not permitted to repeat courses where credit has been earned unless required under the terms of probation approved by the Academic Standards Committee. In such cases both the original and repeat enrollments will be noted on the student’s transcript; however only the credits and grade points earned for the higher passing grade are computed in the grade-point average. When both grades are equal or there is no basis to determine which is higher (as in the case, for example of a U and an F or an S and an A), the last occurrence will apply to the grade-point calculation.

Academic Standards Committee

The Academic Standards Committee, composed of members of the law school faculty appointed by the Dean, develops and implements the JD program’s academic standards. The committee has the authority to enforce academic standards, including probation and disqualification. It also may place conditions on continued enrollment, such as repetition of courses, participation in Academic Support activities, and counseling.

Minimum academic requirements (listed below) must be met for a student to remain in good academic standing. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in academic disqualification or placement on academic probation. These standards are in addition to and independent of any determination of good standing made for SAP purposes.

Because exceptions to policy are rarely granted, students are urged to do everything possible to maintain good academic standing. To avoid the risk of disqualification or other academic sanctions, students are encouraged to perform their academic responsibilities at the highest possible level.

A. Appointment

The Academic Standards Committee (“Committee”) is responsible for matters related to academic disqualification, probation, advancement in the full-time program, requests for change of grade, review of examination questions, and similar academic matters. 

The Committee consists of no fewer than three and no more than six JFK School of Law at National University faculty members, appointed by the Dean of the JFK School of Law at National University, who also appoints a Chairperson from among the appointed members. The Dean serves as an ex officio, non-voting member of the Committee.

B. Committee Meetings

The Committee meets as needed to conduct its business. Meetings are closed and conducted in private.

C. Action by Majority

A majority of the Committee’s voting members present at a meeting where a quorum is present (not including any member disqualified under these Regulations) must approve any final Committee decision. A majority of Committee members is required for quorum.

D. Disqualification of Committee Members

No voting Committee member is disqualified from considering a petition solely because she or he is or has been the petitioning student’s instructor, unless the student alleges, with adequate support, that the Committee member will not be able to act fairly on the student’s petition. The Dean shall review any such allegation. If the Dean determines that the allegation may have merit, the member shall not participate in the Committee’s consideration of or vote on the petition.

E. Personal Appearance by Student/Additional Information

A petitioning student has no right to appear in person before the Committee. In exceptional circumstances, the Committee may request that a student meet with one or more members of the Committee or provide additional material or information. 

F. Submission of Petitions

To be effective, a petition filed, or other material submitted to the Committee, must be sent electronically to the Academic Operations Manager of the JFK School of Law at National University within the timelines listed below. 

Academic Standards Policy

Academic standing will be assessed at the conclusion of the Fall and Spring terms.

Academic Disqualification - Standards, Notice, and Consequences

A. Academic Disqualification

The JFK School of Law at National University will disqualify any student:

1. whose cumulative GPA is below their required minimum cumulative GPA (Students who entered into the JFK School of Law at National University beginning in Fall 2022 and later must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.4 or better to be considered in good academic standing.  Students who entered into the JFK School of Law at National University prior to Fall 2022 must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better) at the end of any academic year.
2. Who does not receive credit in any course required under the applicable part-time or full-time curriculum for the student’s current academic year. For the S/U or credit/no credit classes, that means failure to earn the equivalent of a 73 or above in the course resulting in a grade of U or no-credit. For a numerically graded class, that means failure to earn the equivalent of a 63 or above in the course resulting in a grade of F.
3. Who receives a grade of less than a “C” grade (73 points) in two or more required courses during each semester, regardless of overall grade point average.

Additionally, the JFK School of Law at National University will disqualify any First Year Student:

Who fails to earn a cumulative GPA in their first semester of study of at least a 1.33, or the equivalent of a D+.

B. Notice

Within 10 business days after the posting of spring grades for all numerically graded courses, the JFK School of Law at National University shall send written, electronic notification of disqualification (“Disqualification Notice”) to each student subject thereto under Section 3(A) above. The notice shall be sent to their University email address. 

The Disqualification Notice shall: (i) state that the student is facing academic disqualification, and (ii) explain the basis for that determination, and (iii) explain the procedure for submitting a Petition for Advancement on Probation, set forth in Section 4 below.

The University email address assigned to each student shall be used as the official mailing address for all academic or administrative notices. The failure to monitor and check the official email address shall be deemed a waiver by the student of the right to actual notice under these Regulations.

C. Consequences of Academic Disqualification

After notice of disqualification by the Academic Standards Committee, a student may enroll in and attend classes at the JFK School of Law at National University in the immediately following term only if: (a) the student has filed a timely Petition for Advancement on Probation, as described in Section 4 below, and (b) the Committee has granted the petition or has not acted upon it when that term begins. If the Committee subsequently denies the petition, the student will be withdrawn from classes and will receive a credit of tuition paid for that term. 

D. Leave of Absence

While on academic probation, a student shall not be granted a leave of absence. If a student does not fulfill the terms of probation for any reason, including but not limited to failure to meet the specific terms of probation, failure to raise their cumulative GPA or withdrawal from the program prior to the issuance of grades, the student will be disqualified. 

A. Petition for Advancement on Probation

1. Introduction

A student who has been disqualified and who wishes to continue in the JFK School of Law at National University without interruption must file with the Committee a Petition for Advancement on Probation. A determination of probation is an exception to the JFK School of Law at National University’s disqualification standards and is not granted lightly even if a student properly files a Petition for Advancement on Probation.

2. Timing

To be timely, the petition must be sent electronically to the Academic Operations Manager for the JFK School of Law at National University no later than 5 p.m on the 5th calendar day after the date of the Disqualification Notice’s mailing. If the fifth day is a Saturday, Sunday, or other days on which the JFK School of Law at National University is closed, the time for mailing or delivery expires at 5 p.m. on the next day that the JFK School of Law at National University is open. The Committee may extend the time for filing the petition, in its sole discretion, on a showing of good cause, if the petitioning student requests an extension within the original 5-day period.

If a petition is not filed within the time period above, the academic disqualification will stand and no further notice will be required.

3. Standard

A Petition for Advancement on Probation must: (a) explain the reasons for the student’s unsatisfactory performance; (b) show that the unsatisfactory performance was the result of extraordinary circumstances not likely to recur, and (c) demonstrate that the student will be able to perform satisfactorily in the future. It must also be supported by documentation when appropriate. The Committee may grant a Petition for Advancement on Probation if it addresses each of the matters in the foregoing clauses (a)-(c) and clearly shows that special circumstances and good cause support a departure from the JFK School of Law at National University’s academic disqualification standard.

B. Rules Applicable to Petition for Advancement on Probation

1. Consideration and Decision

The Committee shall consider each timely petition at its next scheduled meeting unless the Chairperson or the Committee determines that more time is needed to review the petition’s merits. The Committee shall inform the petitioning student of its decision in writing delivered electronically to the student’s University email address. The Committee may grant a petition in full or conditionally; award relief other than that requested by the student; defer its decision and request the submission of additional documentation; or deny the petition. If the Committee defers its decision, the student’s disqualification remains in effect until the Committee reaches a decision on the merits.

The Committee may deny any petition that fails to meet these Regulations’ requirements, including its requirements as to timeliness and content.

Any decision by the Committee as to a Petition for Advancement on Probation is final. There is no right of appeal to the Committee. The Dean may request clarification or reconsideration of any decision by the Committee. A decision of the Committee cannot be modified or overturned by the Dean except upon a written finding by the Dean of an abuse of discretion.

2. Additional Factors

In addition to other evidence, the Committee may consider the following factors in acting upon a petition:

1. The student’s entire scholastic record, including LSAT scores, First-Year Law Student’s Examination results, undergraduate and graduate school transcripts, writing samples, prior performance at the JFK School of Law at National University, and records from any other law school attended.
2. Previous academic disqualification from any institution of higher learning.
3. Previous advancement on probation or compliance with a condition of readmission or probation at any institution of higher learning
4. Any other material relevant to the petitioning student’s academic ability.

3. Conditions

The Committee may grant a Petition for Advancement on Probation subject to conditions. For example, the Committee may require that a petitioning student:

a. Repeat any course previously taken at the JFK School of Law at National University in which the student’s final grade was less than a “C” grade (73 points), and achieve a final grade of at least a “C” grade (73 points) (or higher as determined by the Committee) in the course;

b. Satisfy any other condition designed to monitor or improve the student’s likelihood for success at the study of law, including course-load or work-schedule adjustments. 

Should the Committee grant the student’s Petition for Advancement on Probation, the student who fails to comply with any condition of probation imposed by the Committee, unless otherwise expressly excused by the Committee in writing, is subject to immediate academic disqualification.

4. Probation

As required by the State Bar, students who advance to the next year on probation must regain good academic standing by the end of the next academic term, unless the Committee requires the student to attain good academic standing by an earlier date.

The JFK School of Law at National University is prohibited from continuing students on probation beyond one year. Specifically, the State Bar regulations state, “Students advanced to their next year of law study on probation must be academically disqualified if they do not meet the law school’s requirements for advancement in good standing and retention at the end of that year.” (7.3.A., State Bar Guidelines for Accredited Law School Rules).

Grade Change & Appeal Policy

This policy sets forth the conditions under which grades, once properly submitted to the JFK School of Law at National University may be changed. It further governs the procedures by which Petitions for Grade Changes are submitted and evaluated.

The purpose of the Grade Change Policy is to provide students with an opportunity to dispute a final grade perceived to be inaccurate or even unfair while respecting the academic independence and responsibility of faculty. It also provides faculty the opportunity to request corrections to grades that were submitted as a result of clear mistakes or errors in the grading process. The JFK School of Law at National University recognizes that:

• The integrity of the grading process is paramount in maintaining the overall integrity and credibility of the JFK School of Law at National University. The accurate recording of grades and the meticulous maintenance of academic transcripts is a core function of the University. 
• Once submitted or recorded, grades on transcripts or other official records may not be changed absent significant procedural safeguards;
• Every student has a right to receive a grade based upon a fair and unprejudiced evaluation derived from a method that is neither arbitrary nor capricious; and
• Faculty have the right to assign a grade based on any method that is professionally acceptable, submitted in writing to all students, and applied equally, and to be protected from undue influence or inappropriate pressure in the assignment of grades.

Scope

This policy does not allow challenges to an instructor’s grading standard or methods provided they are found to be neither arbitrary nor prejudicial.

Complaints about unfair grades alleged to be motivated by discrimination or sexual harassment are to be addressed to the appropriate University office responsible for managing complaints related to such conduct.

Definitions

• Arbitrariness. The grade awarded is not based reasonably on criteria related to course objectives, student learning outcomes, the grading rubric contained in the course syllabus, or other expected standards of judgment.
• Error. The instructor made a mistake in fact (clerical error) or calculation (mathematical error).
• Prejudice. The grade awarded is motivated by ill will, and is not indicative of the student’s actual demonstrated academic performance.

Grounds

Only clerical or mathematical errors, arbitrariness, or prejudice will be considered as legitimate grounds to approve a Petition for Grade Change.

It must be shown that any error or irregularity in the grading process would have made a significant difference in the grade awarded. 

While a student has a right to expect fairness in the grading process, it must be recognized that varied standards, individual approaches, and discretion in grading are valid. This policy does not provide recourse for the reassessment or re-evaluation of final grades, individual assignments, or projects absent specific findings of error, mistake, or prejudice. Grades are assigned within the context of the performance of an entire class, the applicable grading curve, if present, and other factors.

All grade changes may be approved only upon the recommendation and approval of the Academic Standards Committee following the procedure below. This ensures that no individual faculty member or administrator has the authority to approve a change to a submitted or recorded grade. This procedural step is necessary given the importance of maintaining the integrity of the grading process, the academic freedom of faculty, and the need to protect any individual faculty member or administrator from undue pressure or influence.

Procedure

Students or faculty may petition for a change of grade. Faculty who discover an error or mistake in their recorded grades may submit a Petition for Grade Change directly to the Academic Standards Committee. 

Students who feel that they have received an erroneous grade may discuss the matter first with the faculty member to see if there is agreement on the existence of an error or mistake in the grading process that would result in a petition for a grade change made directly by the faculty member. 

A student is not required, however, to communicate directly with the faculty member if concerns exist regarding the anonymity of the grading process or any possible conflict with the faculty member.

A student may submit a petition for grade change directly to the Committee and may request that the faculty member not be advised of the identity of the student (other than examination number). This may occur whether or not the student chose to consult with the faculty member or if the faculty member.

All petitions for a grade change must be submitted within 30 days after the grade was first recorded with the Office of the Registrar or the student was notified of the grade by the JFK School of Law at National University.

• The Academic Standards Committee shall review and decide the petition within 30 days of the original submission. Although the Academic Standards Committee may confer with faculty or with the petitioner if needed, no hearings are required. 
• The Academic Standards Committee shall report its decision in writing and will notify the student and the Office of the Registrar if a change has been approved. 
• The decision of the Academic Standards Committee cannot be overturned by the Dean except upon a clear showing of abuse of discretion in its decision-making.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Standards

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the standard by which the University measures students’ progress toward completion of a degree or certificate program. The JFK School of Law at National University JD program also has an Academic Standards Committee that reviews a student’s academic standing specifically within the JD program and is separate and independent of the SAP standards utilized by the University. Within the JD program, a student must be in good standing under both SAP guidelines and the standards of the Academic Standards Committee to proceed into their next term.

The three components of SAP are Grade Point Average (GPA), Course Completion Rate (pace), and Maximum Timeframe. If at any time, a student is not meeting the minimum requirements for SAP, they will receive an email notification in NCUOne as well as an email to the address on file. However, it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to know these requirements, and failure to receive notification does not nullify the SAP status.

SAP Component Definitions 

Program Grade Point Average (GPA) - A Cumulative Program GPA is calculated using only grades earned at the university for the student’s current program of study. The minimum GPA requirement for undergraduate and Juris Doctor students is 2.0. 

Course Completion Rate (Pace) - Students must earn a passing grade in two-thirds or no less than 66.66% of the course credit hours attempted toward completion of their program of study. The Course Completion Rate is calculated by dividing the cumulative number of credit hours successfully completed by the cumulative number of credit hours attempted. All courses count as attempted except for drops and withdrawals for Military Leave of Absence (“WL” grade). Only courses for which the student receives a passing grade count as completed.

SAP Maximum Timeframe -The SAP Maximum Timeframe to complete a program cannot exceed 150% of the published length of the student’s active program and is measured in credit hours. For example, if an undergraduate program consists of 120 credit hours, the student must successfully complete the program after attempting no more than 180 credit hours. See the table below.

Maximum Timeframe resets for SAP only if there has been a substantial change in degree program. Refer to the substantial change definition in the Re-entry policy for more information. A SAP Appeal will need to be filed for all program extensions when it has been determined that a student cannot complete their program within the allowed attempted credit limits per their individual program requirements and will need more time to complete their degree program.

Pursuant to the Rules for Accredited Schools of the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California, all students must complete the JD Degree no earlier than thirty (30) months and no later than eighty-four (84) months after a students has commenced law study at this school, or a law school from which transfer credit was accepted.

Treatment of Courses and Credits

Course Repetitions - Only the most recent grade for a repeated course is counted in the Program GPA. All attempted courses are counted toward the Course Completion Rate and the SAP Maximum Timeframe for program completion.

Dropped Courses - Courses dropped before the end of the drop period are not included in SAP calculations. Courses from which the student withdraws due to an approved Military Leave of Absence or for which an “NG” (No Grade) is granted are treated as dropped courses and are also excluded from SAP calculations.

Applied/Migrated Credits Within the University - All credits earned at the University that are accepted into the student’s current program of study are considered as both attempted and completed credits for calculation of the Course Completion Rate, are counted toward the SAP Maximum Timeframe, and are included in Program GPA calculations.

If a comparison of the original program and the program the student is entering results in the determination of a substantial change by the Office of the Registrar, the student is considered to be starting a new program. In this case, SAP will restart. See the Re-entry policy for further information.

Transfer Credits From Another Institution - All accepted transfer credits from an outside institution transferred into the student’s current program of study are considered both attempted and completed credits for purposes of calculating the Course Completion Rate. Graduate transferred credits are not included in SAP Maximum Timeframe or Program GPA calculations. Undergraduate transfer credits are included in SAP Maximum Timeframe but not in Program GPA calculations.

Course Withdrawals - All courses from which a student withdraws after the end of the drop period and before 71% of the class is completed receive a “W” on the student’s transcript. These courses are considered attempted credits for calculation of the Course Completion Rate and are counted toward the SAP Maximum Timeframe. 

Withdraw from a class after 71% of the class is completed results in a grade of no credit or an F. These courses are considered attempted credits for calculation of the Course Completion Rate and are counted toward the SAP Maximum Timeframe. A grade of F will also be considered when calculating cumulative GPA.

Changing Programs - Students are only permitted to make a substantial program or degree change once per degree level in their tenure with the University. If a comparison of the original program and the program the student is entering results in the determination of a substantial change by the Office of the Registrar, SAP will restart. The substantial change definition remains the same for both re-entry and continuing students who wish to change programs. Refer to the substantial change section in the re-entry policy for more details.

SAP Evaluation Schedule

Undergraduate Programs – Students enrolled in undergraduate programs are evaluated for SAP after every 12 credit hours attempted in their programs.

Graduate Programs – Students enrolled in graduate programs are evaluated for SAP after every 9 credit hours attempted in their programs.

Term-Based Programs (JFK School of Law at National University) – Students enrolled in term-based programs are evaluated for SAP after each term in their program.

SAP Evaluation Statuses 

Good Standing – A student is in good standing if: 1) No grades have been posted yet, or 2) If SAP has not been evaluated yet, or 3) Student is meeting minimum SAP requirements at time of evaluation, or 4) Student regained Good Standing after being placed on an Academic/Financial Aid Warning or Academic Probation/Financial Aid Probationary period.

Academic/Financial Aid Warning – A student is in an Academic/Financial Aid Warning status when they are not maintaining Good Standing pursuant to the terms of this policy at the time of any SAP evaluation. Financial aid may be received while in this status. If SAP is regained by the next scheduled SAP evaluation period, the student is returned to Good Standing status.

Academic Probation – A student is in an Academic Probation status when they did not regain Good Standing after being placed on an Academic/Financial Aid Warning. If the student wishes to maintain their financial aid, they will need to submit an Appeal. See below for directions on the Appeal process. If SAP is met by the next scheduled evaluation period and the Academic Plan was successfully followed, the student will regain Good Standing status.

Financial Aid Probation – A student is in Financial Aid Probation status only if they were first placed on Academic Probation and then decided to Appeal to reinstate federal financial aid. If SAP is met by the next scheduled evaluation period, the student will regain Good Standing status and will also remain eligible for federal financial aid.

Extended Probation – Special circumstances may permit a student to continue on Extended Probation and possibly receive federal financial aid for an additional evaluation period. A student is in Extended Probation status only if they were placed on Academic or Financial Aid Probation and fails to regain Good Standing status before the next evaluation point and has then decided to Appeal based on special circumstances. If SAP is met by the next scheduled evaluation period, the student will regain Good Standing status and will remain eligible for federal financial aid.

SAP (Academic) Dismissal – This status indicates a student was in a probationary SAP period and did not regain good standing by the next SAP evaluation. Students may appeal the dismissal to return to the University. Students who receive approval to return from academic dismissal are subject to the Re-entry policies and procedures. If ever it is determined that it is mathematically impossible for the student to regain good standing within the current program, the student may consider a different program. A student is allowed one substantial program change per degree-level without the submission of a SAP appeal.

*To protect the integrity of the University, a student may also be Administratively Withdrawn. Refer to the Code of Conduct policy for further details.

** For students using educational benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA), upon reaching SAP Dismissal status, unsatisfactory progress will be reported to VA and educational benefits will be discontinued. Benefits may be resumed if the student reenrolls in the same program.

SAP Right to Appeal

Occasionally, a student’s academic progress may be delayed by circumstances beyond their control. A student may appeal:

• For federal financial aid to continue after the student has been placed on Academic Probation, or
• For an extension when it has been determined that a student cannot complete their program within the allowed attempted credit limits per their individual program requirements and will need more time to complete their degree program, or
• To get permission to make a substantial change of program if they have already made a substantial change once, or
• To return to the University and their program of study after being Academically Dismissed. All SAP Academic Dismissal Appeals must be submitted within 10 calendar days of the dismissal notification.

Students must be able to regain good standing status by the next SAP evaluation point. Appeals by students who cannot mathematically attain good standing by the next evaluation point will not be considered.

Students able to regain good standing status who wish to appeal for any of the above reasons should email their Academic and Finance Advisor or saphelp@ncu.edu to request a SAP appeal form. Completed SAP appeal forms, including supporting documentation, should be emailed to saphelp@ncu.edu for the SAP Appeal Committee to review. The SAP Appeal Committee comprised of various University leaders who meet on a periodic basis to review student appeals. Committee appeal decisions are made within 15 business days of receipt and are final. Students may not submit a second appeal for the same situation without new information documenting any extenuating circumstances not previously disclosed.

For consideration, students should provide the following:

• An explanation and/or document that they have suffered from extenuating circumstances such as death of a relative, injury, disability, illness or other special circumstances;
• Specific information in the Appeal regarding why they failed to meet SAP;
• An explanation as to what has changed in the student’s situation that will allow them to achieve SAP by the next evaluation.

NOTE: Please refer to the Code of Conduct, Academic Integrity , and Attendance and Continuous Enrollment  policies information on administrative dismissals due to violation of academic and University policy.

Time Limits for Degree Completion

All students at the University are held to two standards regarding time to degree completion: Satisfactory Academic Progress and Academic Maximum Time Frame. Students in the JD program are also subject to the requirement of the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California that all students complete their JD program no later than 84 months after beginning the program.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a standard by which the University measures students’ progress toward completion of a degree or certificate program. The three components of SAP are Grade Point Average (GPA), Course Completion Rate (pace), and SAP Maximum Time Frame. For Academic Maximum Time Frame, the University sets the deadline in calendar years from the first date of attendance in the degree program. SAP Maximum Time Frame rules will supersede Academic Maximum Time Frame when it comes to financial aid eligibility.

SAP Maximum Time to Completion

Academic Maximum Time to Completion

The University requires all students to complete all degree or certificate program requirements within specific time limits as outlined in the Catalog to be eligible for graduation. Students who do not complete their degree or certificate program within the required time limits may be academically dismissed from the University. The program completion guidelines outline the maximum time frames allotted to students and do not supersede the obligation to maintain satisfactory academic progress through the student’s program of study. Program completion deadlines are calculated based on the first date of attendance in the student’s program. In extenuating circumstances, with accompanying documentation, Deans may approve an extension to the academic maximum time frame. Approved extensions may not exceed the requirements to maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Students in the JD program are also subject to the requirement of the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California that all students complete their JD program no later than 84 months after beginning the program

Administrative Dismissal

Subject to proper notice, the right to a hearing, and the right of appeal, the JFK School of Law at National University reserves the right to dismiss administratively any student from the program who: (1) unilaterally withdraws from the program without administrative approval from the JFK School of Law at National University or University; (2) breaches a curriculum contract, condition of admission, or other agreement with the JFK School of Law at National University or University that constitutes a condition of enrollment in the program; or (3) fails to abide by JFK School of Law at National University or University policies, rules, or regulations governing admission, attendance, registration, financial aid, or student conduct.

Program Change

Students must contact their Academic and Finance Advisor for assistance in changing their degree programs. Student and Financial Services are required to evaluate the impact on federal financial aid eligibility when a student requests to change degree programs after federal financial aid has been disbursed. In some cases, a program change will result in a return of federal aid per the withdrawal from the initial program and the immediate re-packaging of federal aid that will apply towards the new program.

Changes of school, degree level, specialization, and changes from a professional doctorate to a doctorate of philosophy or vice versa, require Dean’s approval.

Upon receiving Dean approval, students must complete a new application and enrollment agreement for the new degree program. The student’s new application and Dean’s approval are then submitted to the Office of the Registrar and the program specific admissions committee, if any, for evaluation and admissions approval in accordance with University policy. Once approved, the Office of the Registrar updates the student’s degree plan and program of study.

Program Discontinuation

If the University decides to discontinue an academic program, all students that remain continuously enrolled are afforded the opportunity to complete their program.

Official Withdrawal

Students have the right to withdraw from the University at any time. University team members who receive a student request to withdraw from the University will submit the request to the Office of the Registrar for processing on behalf of the student using the date they received the student’s request as the Request Date. If students are enrolled in a course at the time of withdrawal, the Office of the Registrar will use applicable Grading Policies & Procedures to determine the final grade of the withdrawn course.

See the

Honors

Dean’s List

For Fall and Spring semesters, after grades are posted the JFK School of Law at National University publishes a Dean’s List based on students’ grade point averages for that semester. A student must have earned a GPA of 3.0 or above during the semester to be considered for the Dean’s List. 

Graduation Requirements

Students must submit a Diploma Application through NCUOne, which triggers a final degree audit. The audit process confirms that the student has met all academic and programmatic requirements and is financially clear. The Diploma Application final degree audit is reviewed and completed by the Academic and Finance Advisor, the School of the degree program to be conferred, Student and Financial Services, and the Office of the Registrar.

Upon successful completion of the final degree audit, the student is degree-conferred and the diploma order is submitted to the University’s third-party diploma vendor for processing.

A student’s program completion date is the end date of the last course in their program. This date will be used as the student’s degree conferral and diploma date.

Graduation with Honors

Juris Doctor students who have completed their degree requirements, have completed at least 39 of the 62 required numerically graded units in residence at the JFK School of Law at National University, and have taken no more than 17 terms (including summers) to complete their degree requirements are eligible for graduation with honors as follows:

Academic honors will be posted on the students’ transcript and diploma.

Diploma Application and Degree Conferral

The student’s name in the official record will be printed on their diploma. Students may type out how they want their name to appear on the diploma in the diploma application, however; only minor deviations from the name will be allowed (e.g., omission or inclusion of middle name or suffix, abbreviated or nickname). If a student wants a different name than what is on record, they must complete a change of information request prior to submitting the diploma application. Contact the Office of the Registrar at graduation@ncu.edu for additional assistance.

Students receive one free diploma and diploma cover upon completion of the degree conferral audit and approval process. Students may order duplicate copies of their diploma. See Miscellaneous Fees  for duplicate fee information.

Commencement Ceremony

The current commencement ceremony calendar and general information about the University graduation process and ceremony schedule can be found at http://ncu.edu/commencement

Students may order their regalia from the University’s third-party regalia vendor. The third-party vendor’s website and contact information is published on www.ncu.edu.