Academic Policies — SGCS
c. d. e. f.
A review of related research/literature. An identified, defensible research methodology and design appropriate to the hypothesis(es) being tested (i.e., historical, descriptive, experimental). The study, including evaluation of the findings. Conclusions of the study and implications for the larger problem in the discipline.
Creative Project The creative project allows the graduate student to look reflectively at issues and strategies within his or her own context. Although similar in some respects to the more traditional thesis, the creative project is fundamentally action research, which has an application orientation. The creative project draws upon existing research relating to particular issues and strategies as a foundation for the creative development of innovative approaches to address critical issues or improve practices in the student’s workplace. The creative project document may assume various forms, depending on program. However, in general, these elements must be present: a. Clear and concise statement of the issue or practice to be addressed in the project and a rationale for its merit. b. An adequate review of related literature reporting current research on the educational issue or practice to be addressed. c. A description of the project design, action plan, and time line. d. The project materials and pre-post-assessments, an evaluation of the project’s effectiveness, and a reflective essay regarding the project’s objectives, outcomes and future implications. Before grades are officially recorded, theses/projects must be submitted to the Associate Dean - SGCS and have a minimum grade of B, unless otherwise stated.
Capstone Courses/Internships/Practica In lieu of scholarly research or projects, some programs include completion of capstone courses, internships or practicum experiences. Students should refer to their program curriculum and the Course Descriptions section for details.
Research Option Completion Deadlines, Graduate Programs — SGCS Failure to complete the research option within the prescribed program sequence may result in a grade of Incomplete (I). A learner receiving an Incomplete has four weeks from the final date of the course to complete the project and remove the grade of “I” from the record. If, at the end of the four-week extension, the learner fails to remove the Incomplete, the grade becomes an "F". A learner who receives an “F” for the final thesis, project, capstone course, internship, or practicum must complete the entire course (e.g., BSNS 634, 635) when offered with a subsequent cohort group.
Graduation Requirements, Graduate Programs — SGCS Additional specific program requirements for graduation can be found in the section of this Chapter relating to that program. 1. Grade Point Requirements: All master’s degree candidates must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. All doctoral candidates must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher. 2. Thesis/Scholarly Paper: Where appropriate, the candidate submits copies of a thesis or other scholarly paper meeting standards outlined in “Guidelines for Preparation of Thesis” or “Other Scholarly Option Paper” (available in the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies office). This paper is submitted after any required written or oral examination relative to the thesis or other scholarly paper is complete. The deadline for submission is December 15 for January conferral of degree, April 15 for May conferral of degree, and August 1 for August conferral of degree. Theses must be on file in the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies office with a minimum grade of B-, unless otherwise stated. 3. Degree candidates are required to file an “Intent to Graduate” form, which is provided to prospective graduates by the program specialist. This form must be received at least two months prior to the expected date of graduation for January and May conferrals, and six months before August conferral. 4. Payment of all tuition and fees (including graduation fee). Graduate learners may participate in Commencement as August graduates only if they are within 6 hours of graduation before the May ceremony, and have filed a plan of studies with the Associate Dean - SGCS by April 1. Degree candidates are expected to meet the requirements for graduation in effect at the time of initial enrollment, assuming they complete the degree within the normal program cycle (or within one year of completion of program cycle). In cases where a learner’s years of enrollment at Olivet exceed specified time limitations, the learner is expected to meet the requirements of the Catalog in effect for the academic year in which he or she graduates. Note: Only one graduate degree is conferred in a given Commencement exercise.
Graduation Requirements, Undergraduate Programs — SGCS Degree candidates are personally responsible for meeting all requirements for graduation, including payment of all tuition and fees. 201