Academic Policies & Procedures
Special Study Opportunities
Franciscan Studies | Early Exploratory Internship Program | College Level Examination Program (CLEP) | Contract Major | Credit For Acacemically Related Experience (CARE) | Advanced Placement Program (AP) | Pre-College Credit Programs | Research | Special Credit Opportunities | Directed Studies | International Studies | Teacher Education Program | Business Certificate Program | Practicum/Internship | Minor | Summer School | New Start Policy | The Honors Program | Model United Nations | Three-Year Degree Program
Franciscan Studies
THE CENTER FOR FRANCISCAN THOUGHT (CFT)
The CFT consists of three interdisciplinary programs that respond to the academic, professional and spiritual needs of those interested in Franciscan Studies. The CFT works at preserving the past while serving the future by forming leaders today in the Franciscan spirit. The CFT seeks to embody Quincy University's mission statement with academic, interdisciplinary programs that promote the study of the Franciscan vision in the areas of history, philosophy, theology, spirituality, ecology, peacemaking, and professional ethics. Leadership animated with Franciscan values acts as the unifying principle that guides its process of educating. The CFT invites everyone to share in the efforts to transform the world by transforming the mind and heart. Under the auspices of the Center for Franciscan Thought, additional contract majors may be available.
PROGRAM IN FRANCISCAN THEOLOGY AND SPIRITUALITY
Within the framework of the transforming visions of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi, this program explores the early sources, figures, historical developments, and variious theological/philosophical expressions which together form an accurate and synthetic understanding of the many dimensions of Franciscan spirituality.
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Early Exploratory Internship Program
The Early Exploratory Internship Program is a unique Quincy University opportunity for students. Through a combination of state grant funds from the Illinois Cooperative Work Study Program of the Board of Education, and the cooperation of the businesses and agencies, students can gain pre-professional experience in fields of interest. The program is designed for first and second year students, and like the Clinical Experience in Education, offers students the chance to explore off-campus business and technical options related to their academic fields. The program allows studetns a maximum of fifteen hours per week paid employment. A Faculty Adviosr coordinates the program, which is open to students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher by application. Students must be Illinois residents to participate. Students may take courses in the INT 180-480 sequence for credit. These courses are designed to make possible better career choices and greater dedication in the classroom as a consequence of an improved sense of direction.
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College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
The University will grant credit through CLEP in certain general and subject areas to a maximum of 30 semester hours providing that the student scores in the 50th percentile or better in each of the examinations presented. The University does not accept credt through CLEP for the general examinations in English Composition, Humanites, Mathematic, or Natural Sciences, or for subject examination in any area of English, American, or World Literature. Students should inquire of the Office of Admissions or the Office of the Registrar regarding what CLEP scores are accepted.
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Contract Major
For the student with special needs or study interests, the Contract Major provides a custom-designed curriculum. In consultation with faculty advisors and the Dean of Academic Services, a student may propose a program that combines the offerings of several programs in a pattern which fits the student's special interests, rather than the definitions of a standard curriculum. The general requirements for graduation remain effective, but major and elective sequences are described in a "contract" approved by the student, chair or Dean, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. This description may utilize courses from the regular curricula, along with private and independent study courses and CARE credits. Accredited courses may also be transferred from other colleges, and credit by examination is applicable, according to the regular rules for such transfers and applications.
Contracts must conform to minimum degree requirements of the University.
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Credit For Acacemically Related Experience (CARE)
Quincy University grants credit in certain cases for practical or life experiences which can be related to the academic emphasis of a regular curriculum of the University. These experiences may be off-campus but are evaluated by these criteria:
- The experience should relate to a regular course or equate with academic experience.
- The experience must be verified and documented.
- The experience must be one which has produced a recognizable competence in the applicant.
- The credit granted for experience is not applicable to residency requirements nor to the 56 hours required at a 4-year institution. See Residency Requirements.
- The credit must be totally separate from any practicum or internship experience for which credit has been granted.
- The limit for CARE credit ordinarilly is 12 hours.
Petitions for CARE credit are submitted to the Vice president for Academic Affairs. They are then reviewed by the CARE Credit Committee and the Vice President for Academic Affairs who determines the amount of credit to be granted (normally no more than 3 credits per experience).
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Advanced Placement Program (AP)
The University participates in the Advanced Placement Program and grants credit for courses in which grades of 4 or 5 have been earned. A grade of 3 is acceptable in some cases. The credit granted varies by department or discipline by score achieved; students should inquire of the Office of the Registrar or Office of Admissions concerning the application of scores to credit hours by subject matter.
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Pre-College Credit Programs
The University awards credit for up to 30 hours of coursework at high schools through pre-college, deferred-credit or escrow programs. The student must submit an official college transcript. A grade of "C" or better is required to receive credit.
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Research
Many academic disciplines offer the opportunity to do work beyond the regular catalog offereings through special projects and research. Significant responsibility lies with the student to work independently to develop a proposal for study which must be approved by a faculty advisor and Chair or Dean. In general, research opportunities are only available for junior and seniors.
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Special Credit Opportunities
In addition to the accredited courses listed in this catalog in the section "Curricula and Courses," Quincy University will accept a combined total of 40 semester hours of credit from nontraditional sources. The following credit opportunities are available.
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Directed Studies
Credit may be earned for study projects designed by the student under the direction of a faculty advisor, provided that the design is approved by the appropriate Chair or Dean and that evidence that the design has been realized is provided, usually by presentation of an acceptable research paper and by passing an examination in the area of study. If the addition of such a course causes a student to exceed the ordinary hour-limit of a full-time student, or if it is taken outside the calendar of a regular semester, additional tuition will be charged. To be eligible for a directed studies course, a student must have completed 30 hours of collegiate-level coursework with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Normally, a student may not take more than two courses or six semester hours through directed studies.
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International Studies
Quincy University encourages qualified students to enrich their education with an international study experience. The Dean of Academic Support Services works with students to select international study programs that meet their interests. International study opportunities are available for all majors. Quincy University has developed several special relationships and opportunities for study abroad.
- College Consortium for International Studies: Through our membership in this consortium, QU students may enroll directly at Quincy University and participate in 48 different academic programs in 29 countries. Students may study in Argenina, Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, South Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Portugal, Russia, Scotland, Spain, and Switzerland. Internships are available in many locations.
- Assisi Experience Program: The University regularly sponsors this program to provide students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the University's Franciscan heritage by journeying to the sites of Franciscan origins in Italy: Assisi, La Verna, Grecchio, Vatican City, and Rome. Students earn six hours of academic credit for an experience that includes a 15-week preparatory class, independent research, collaborative work with other students, and a 2-week culminating experience in Assisi and Rome.
- Regent's College in London: As a result of a consortial agreement with Regent's College, several Quincy University students study in London each year. Students enroll directly at Quincy University and complete their coursework in London.
- Loyola University Rome Center: Our longstanding relationship with the Rome Center enables students to study in Rome for a semester or a year. Students must be accepted and register with the Loyola Rome Center and transfer credit back to Quincy University upon their return.
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Teacher Education Program
The University has a long tradition of preparing teachers for elementary and secondary schools. Students seeking certification in elementary education have available on campus a Reading Center which offers excellent clinical experiences for potential teachers. Teahcer candidates at all levels, elementary and secondary, also have the rich school resource, public and private, or the entire Quincy area in which to pursue clinical and student teaching assignments. In addition, the University offers an Audio Visual Center and an Instructional Media Center which provide extensive materials and resourses.
Student Outcome Assessment. Participation in outcomes assessment activities is expected of all education students. These different assessment benchmarks and measures are used to assess and improve all aspects of the School of Education's programs and to ensure that all teacher candidates meet Illinois State Certification Standards.
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Business Certificate Program
In response to the dynamics of today's market place, and to increase options for students in program selection, Quincy University offers a Business Certificate Program. Through this program a student completes requirements for one of the traditional liberal arts or sciences degrees and concurrently completes coursework in accounting, business, and economics. Both the degree and the certificate are indicated on the student's transcript. Students interested in the Business Certificate Program should contact the School of Business.
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Practicum/Internship
These experiences may take a variety of forms but are designed to provide students with the opportunity to gain practical knowledge about their field of interest in a professional atmosphere. Typically these experiences involve observing and providing assistance to a practicing professional. The work is supervised and evaluated in conjunction with an on-campus coordinator and a designated individual in the agency, institution, or business organization providing the experience.
- PRACTICUM experiences are normally performed on or in close proximity to the campus and usually are done on a part-time basis while the student is enrolled full time in coursework. One semester hour of academic credit is granted for each 50 hours of field experience.
- INTERNSHIPS normally take place away from the campus involving students full-time while taking no or limited coursework. Credit ranges from three to twelve hours.
No more than 8 hours in practicum/internship credit from whatever source(s) may apply toward the basic 124-hour degree program.
Both of these experiences require approval of the appropriate Chair or Dean before they commence. The number of credits that will apply will be determined at that time. All practicum-internship experiences will be graded Pass/Fail unless otherwise determined by the school or division. With the exception of newspaper and radio, these experiences are restricted to students in good academic standing including a grade point average of at least 2.0 in the major.
Students must register for a practicum/internship at the time the experience takes place. A special tuition rate applies for students enrolled in more than 18hours during the acdemic year, for part time students, or those enrolled during the summer.
See individual discipline policies governing the application of practica and internships in the major program.
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Minor
Although a student does not need a minor to graduate, a student may select a minor or secondary area of emphasis. The minor is worked out with the appropriate faculty or department and must contain at least 18 semester hours, 12 of which must be at the 200-400 course level and 12 of which must be taken at Quincy University. A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 must be earned in the minor. Any approved minor is indicated on the students' transcript.
Declaration of a minor should be filed with the Office of the Registrar no later than the end of the junior year (or before completion of 86 semester hours).
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Summer School
The University offers a limited selection of courses in several summer sessions. Graduate and undergraduate courses are offered and are designed for those who wish to acceleate their course of study, for teachers and other professionals who desire additional training, and for those who may desire to take advantage of the opportunity for cultural and educational advancement during the summer months.
A complete schedule of courses offered during the summer session can be obtained from the Office of the Registrar or online at www.quincy.edu.
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New Start Policy
Under this policy, a student who left the University at least two years prior with less than a satisfactory grade point average may begin a new cumulative grade point average upon reentry. The student must petition to be reinstated. The transcript will note "New Start Policy Invoked; Cumulative GPA Restarted except for selected courses."
The following restrictions apply:
- The student may not have attended another institution within the past three years.
- All previous Quincy University coursework and grades remain on the transcript.
- "D" and "F" work from the previous period must be repeated if required in the new program; "C-" and better coursework may be carried forward and built into the new GPA.
- The last grade achieved is used for all repeated courses.
- Students exercising a "New Start" option must achieve a 2.0 average for all work counted toward the degree and whatever GPA is required in the major.
- A "New Start" can only be approved once.
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The Honors Program
The Honors Program provides an academically challenging course of study which adds an interdisciplinary dimension to a student's major field. Honors students and faculty pursue the University's mission to heighten students' educational experience, to prepare them for leadership, and to build relationships with faculty and each other. The Honors Program promotes academic excellence through critical thinking, original research, exceptional writing, and public presentation of scholarship. It creates a shared experience in an intellectual community and prepares students for a life of service and leadership.
ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAM.
Participation in the University Honors Program is voluntary. Entering freshmen, current students in their first year of study, snd transfer students are eligible for the program. The Honors Committee will give priority to entering freshmen who have composite ACT of 27 and a high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.6. The Honors Committee may also invite qualified first-year students and transfer students to join the program. A student must complete at least 60 hours at Quincy University in order to graduate with the title of Honors Scholar.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.
The Honors Program is University-wide rather than departmentally based. Honors courses apply toward graduation in one of three ways: to fulfill a general education requirement, to serve as an eletive, or to apply as a major course within a discipline. Honors students may not take more than six hours of Honors Coursework in any semester unless they are pursuing Senior Honor and choose to enroll in HON 498, Honors Research. Students must complete 18 hours in the Honors Program to receive Honors Scholar recognition. Honors courses fall into two categories:
- GENERAL EDUCATION CLASSES
Honors students will take 2 general education classes (normally 6 credit hours) that have special Honors status. First-year students will enter the university curriculum as a group, sharing a common experience in one general education class in the fall and another in the spring.
- HONORS ELECTIVES
Honors faculty offer special, upper-level, limited-enrollment courses that build intellectual skill and promote in-depth or interdisciplinary inquiry. Students will complete 12 credit hours of honors electives over their course of sutdy in the Honors Program.
Students may take one non-Honors ourse of Honors elective credit. To receive Honors credit the student must acquire and complete a Directed Studies form from the Honors Program Director or Office of the Registrar. Students and the instructor should indicate how the class will meet the standards of the Honors Program. This may include additional readings, presentations, reasearch, writing, lab work, service, and/or performances.
SENIOR HONORS SCHOLAR. Students wishing to earn the destintion of Senior HOnors Scholar must complete and make a public presentation of an honors thesis.
Students interested in the Honors Program should contact its director and acquire the Honors Handbook, which provides a comprehensive guide to the program.
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Model United Nations
The Model United Nations opportunity is administered by the Political Science faculty and simulates the procedures and substance of United Nations debates in an annual conference. Quincy University students attend the conference and serve as delegates representing a variety of countries and obtain experience serving on General Assembly Committees, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the International Press Delegation and the International Court of Justice.
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Three-Year Degree Program
This program option suggests that a degree can be completed in three years by a student utilizing fast-track options such as escrow and Advanced Placement courses as well as CLEP exams. These in combination with heavier course loads, summer school and proficiency exams can produce a degree in three years. Students interested in this option should contact their faculty advisor/mentor.
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