Academic Level System
Article 7
According to the academic level system, the academic year is divided into two regular semesters and, if available, one summer session that is usually half of the time period of a regular semester. The degree requirements necessary for graduation are distributed across different levels, according to the degree plan approved by the University Council.
Article 8
The University Council establishes the detailed rules governing promotion from one level to another by taking the following points into consideration:
- The courses for each major are distributed across different levels. The credit hours for each level are determined according to the approved degree plans.
- Students who pass all courses are registered in the appropriate level course, progressing from the lower level, according to the relevant approved degree plans.
- Students who have failed one or more courses are registered with the minimum allowable course load in each semester, taking the following into consideration:
- No conflict in their schedule.
- Previous requirements for the new courses are completed.
- The courses of the following academic level may not be taken unless required to complete the minimum course load.
The Rules of Implementation for Article 8
1. Course Load
A student’s course load is the total number of credit hours for which he/she is registered in a regular semester or a summer session. The course load varies from one major to another and is determined according to the following rules.
The minimum and maximum course load limit in a regular semester
The minimum number of credits in a semester is 12. A student must register for a total of at least 28 credits in any two consecutive semesters, unless it is his/her last semester.
The maximum number of credits in a semester is generally 19. A student may register for 21 credit hours, however, with the approval of the department chairperson, if his/her cumulative GPA in the semesters comprising the last 28 credits is not less than 3.50.
The minimum and maximum course load limit in a summer session
The minimum course load is 1 credit hour and the maximum is 9 credit hours.
The minimum and maximum limits of a course load for an academically warned or probated student
The minimum course load for an academically warned or probated student is 12 credit hours; the maximum is 13 in a regular semester, and 6 in a summer session.
The minimum and maximum course load limit for a student in his/her last semester
The minimum course load is 1 credit hour and the maximum is 20 credit hours in a regular semester and 9 in a summer session, provided his/her cumulative GPA in the semesters comprising the last 28 credits is not less than 2.00.
2. Degree Plan
The courses for each academic degree (after completing the PYP) are distributed across eight levels. The core courses, the elective courses, and the number of credits the student must successfully complete to earn the degree in his/her major are detailed for each level. This distribution of courses and credits is termed the “degree plan.” All degree plans are approved by the Board of Trustees. Departments must review and update their degree plans according to the following rules:
- A student’s degree plan is referred to by a specific code number, and is effective starting from his/her first semester at the University.
- Departments establish a list of approved elective courses and submit it to the College Council. The approved list is forwarded to the Admission and Registration Deanship.
- In special circumstances, some students may change from one degree plan to another, as long as their graduation requirements are not negatively affected.
- In establishing changes to a degree plan, it is anticipated that some courses might not be offered, or new courses may be included. Therefore, students who proceed at a slower pace should complete their graduation requirements in accordance with the time schedule of their original degree plan. If the new plan requires taking a course that previously was cancelled, but it becomes impossible to register for such a course, the student may take an equivalent course (in terms of content and number of credits), upon the approval of the academic advisor, the department council, and the College Council. The Admission and Registration Deanship should be informed of this substitution.
- If a dismissed or suspended student is readmitted, he/she is again subject to the same degree plan that was assigned to him/her in his/her last semester at the University, unless this plan has been canceled. If his/her original degree plan has been canceled, the student will be transferred to the most recent degree plan that is appropriate for his/her major.
- A student must continue his/her academic achievement within the framework of the degree plan. If he/she completes all requirements of the plan, he/she will be nominated for graduation.
3. Academic Record
A student is provided with a copy of his/her academic record at the end of each semester. Academic records are not issued to or sent to any authority outside the University, except upon written request of the student. Partial academic records are not issued; rather, academic records include all the grades earned by the student during his/her years of study at the University, from the date of his/her admission until the issue date of the records.
All information in the student’s academic record must be accurate and remain confidential. If an error is suspected, the Admission and Registration Deanship must be informed immediately.