Students receive final grades at the end of each 4, 5 or 6 week course module (or on a monthly basis in the Paramedic programs). They also receive a midterm evaluation in each course module and must attend an advising session based on the evaluation. If the midterm evaluation shows that the student is currently earning a D or F grade, the student receives a written warning from the instructor and a plan for bringing up performance. A course failure requires repeating the course module. If it is a prerequisite course for the next course in the sequence, the course must be repeated immediately. The grade in the repeated course replaces the previous “F” grade and the original “F” grade is not averaged in to the cumulative GPA. However, the credits or hours attempted in the failed module are counted toward the pursuit of program standard (see below). A “W” grade is also not part of the cumulative GPA calculation, but the credits or hours offered in the module are also counted toward the pursuit of program stand (see below.)
Percentage Grade Letter Grade Quality Points
(per semester credit hour)
90% or higher = A 4
80 – 89% = B 3
70 – 79% = C 2
65 – 69% = D 1
50 – 64% = F 0
P/F = Pass/Fail: Externship is graded on a Pass/Fail basis as determined by the site evaluation and the Extern Coordinator/Clinical Director. Students dismissed from externship for conduct or absenteeism will receive an “F” grade.
W = Withdrawn from course I = Incomplete
Academic Probation for Grades: If the cumulative GPA falls below 70% at the end of any module, the
student is placed on Academic Probation and must sign a form indicating a recognition that continued poor academic performance can lead to dismissal from the program. There are two exceptions: 1- In the Cardiology Technician, Medical Assistant, Hotel and Restaurant Management (SCA-NY and SCA-LI) and Culinary Arts programs (SCA-NY and SCA-LI), the cumulative GPA requirement for the introductory module is 65% and is 70% thereafter; and 2- In the Paramedic program, the minimum GPA standard is 75%. Students on Academic Probation are considered in good standing and can continue to receive financial aid. Students are removed from probationary status upon returning to the 70% (75% for Paramedic) or better cumulative GPA benchmark.
Academic Dismissal for Grades: If the cumulative GPA falls below the 70% mark (or 75% for
Paramedic) for a second consecutive module, the student is dismissed from school and is no longer eligible for financial aid. In addition, regardless of GPA, no course may be repeated more than once. Two failures of a course module also lead to dismissal. On appeal to the Executive Director, the student may be given an additional module to regain good standing following dismissal (cumulative GPA above 70% or 75% for Paramedic), but without financial aid. This requires documenting exceptional extenuating circumstances and the decision to extend enrollment is at the Director's sole discretion.
Academic Probation/Dismissal for Failure to Pursue the Program: In addition to achieving
satisfactory grades, students must track toward completing their programs in no longer than 150% of the offered credits or hours. If a student fails or withdraws (W grade) from two course modules, regardless of GPA, he or she will be placed on Academic Probation for failing to pursue the program. Financial Aid continues. Failure or withdrawal from a third course will result in dismissal from school. Exceptional extenuating circumstances can lead to one additional course module of study to establish good standing, without financial aid, at the Director's discretion.
The 1,360-hour Paramedic program, 1,250-hour Cosmetology program and 900-hour Dialysis Technician program at Star Academy-Philadelphia follow a different pursuit of program policy. Students in these programs are also not permitted to receive federal financial aid beyond 150% of the required hours in the program, a maximum time frame of 2,040 attempted hours in the case of Paramedic, 1,875 attempted hours in the Cosmetology program and 1,500 attempted hours in the case of Dialysis at SCA-Philadelphia.
Pursuit of program progress for these programs is determined according to the following progress chart, with the associated benchmarks:
Upon reaching 25% of the maximum allowable attempted hours (510 hours for Paramedic, 469 for Cosmetology and 375 hours for Dialysis), 30% of the program must be completed. Upon reaching 50% of the maximum allowable attempted hours (1,020 hours for Paramedic, 938 hours for Cosmetology and 750 hours for Dialysis), 50% of the program must be completed. Upon reaching 75% of the maximum allowable attempted hours (1,530 hours for Paramedic, 1,407 hours for Cosmetology and 1,125 hours for Dialysis), 70% of the program must be completed. Upon reaching 100% of the maximum allowable attempted hours (2,040 hours for Paramedic, 1,875 hours for Cosmetology and 1,500 hours for Dialysis), 100% of the program must be completed.
(Completion measurements are taken at the end of the course module in which the evaluation point is reached.)
Student who have not reached the minimum acceptable completion standard at the 25%, 50% or 75% attempted hours point are placed on Academic Probation. Eligibility for financial aid continues. The student then must achieve the next benchmark to be removed from probation or be dismissed from the program. A student may appeal dismissal based upon extenuating circumstances. The appeal must be made in writing to the Campus Director. If the appeal is accepted, the student may continue to pursue the program but without federal financial aid.
A
cad
emi
64