The LIOS Learning Community

Grading Policy

LIOS Graduate College operates in a competency-based learning format. Student evaluations are structured to demonstrate competence at regular intervals. In order to be self-aware and self-correcting, students must have an appropriate theory base and have highly-developed interpersonal skills. Grades are issued at the end of each semester. In the Master of Arts programs, the following methods are used in student evaluation:

• Practitioner skills and self-knowledge: Measurement is by self-assessment papers and formal faculty evaluation at appropriate intervals, demonstration of competencies through curriculum, multiple academic papers, a LOD or SC specialization oral exam and practica.
• Knowledge of theory in applied behavioral science: Knowledge is assessed in a comprehensive applied behavioral science core concepts exam and in a LOD or SC specialization oral exam.
• Completion of a final Master's Change project or Clinical Internship as specified in LOD and SC specialization manuals.

Grading consists of five marks:
AC = Achieved Competency
PC = Partial Competency
I = Incomplete
F = Failed to Attain Competency
IP = In Progress

If a student receives an AC, they are on track and no additional work is required. A PC (Partial  competency) grade is given to a student who does not meet minimum competency standards for a course or curriculum segment. Student will be required to complete this work successfully during the program curriculum, in supplemental curriculum segments, or in skill groups within one academic year. If competency is not achieved within one year, the PC grade will be changed to an F grade.
A student will receive an I (Incomplete) grade if they miss a course, are doing satisfactory work, and attain a verbal excused absence from the faculty advisor. I grades must be made up within one academic school year. If competency is not achieved in one year, the I grade will be changed to an F grade. If a student receives an F (Failure) grade, they will be required to repeat a significant number of curriculum segments and/or courses and participate in a re-evaluation process prior to advancing to the next level in the course sequence. A student who receives more than one F is subject to dismissal.

IP grades are given in each semester for ongoing courses such as Master's Change Project, Action Research Team Project, and Clinical Internships. Once these projects are successfully completed, these grades for each semester are changed to AC (Achieved Competency) grades. If IP grades are not completed within two semesters from the due date of the project or internship, IP grades will be  changed to F grades. To complete the degree then, a student would need to re-register, pay tuition per credit, and begin a new project or internship.