Enrollment

6.1 Admission Standards

All applicants to COL programs must submit an application and the designated application fee before an application for admission will be considered reviewable.  In addition, official transcripts are required.  An official transcript is defined as one sent directly from the issuing institution in a sealed envelope, printed on official transcript paper bearing the signature of the School’s Registrar, or conveyed by secure link or transmitted via email as a secure electronic document by the issuing school or third-party vendor authorized to provide official transcripts.  For applicants with attendance at foreign universities, in lieu of a transcript, the applicant must submit a detailed transcript evaluation from a recognized evaluation agency. Final, official transcripts (or credentials evaluations), if still outstanding, must be submitted within 45 days of the first day of the term for which the student was admitted. 

If a student is unable to provide official transcripts (or credentials evaluations), within 45 days of the first day of the term for which the student was admitted, an exception may be granted.  The student must provide one of the following within the first 45 days:

• Unofficial transcript showing qualifying degree conferral dated prior to the semester the student intends to start

• A letter, on the school’s letterhead, from the qualifying degree granting institution’s Office of the Registrar that includes the conferral date, degree level, and name of the degree conferred - which must be dated prior to the program start date.

Students will be administratively withdrawn if they are unable to submit the documents required for an extension within the first 45 days of the term for which the student was admitted.

Students granted an exception are eligible to receive Financial Aid. This extension allows a student to submit official proof of academic history up until the end of their first semester. Students will be administratively withdrawn if they do meet the end of the first semester deadline.

When applicants to COL programs are admitted on the basis of previous education completed or attempted, the previous education must be at an accredited college or university.  An accredited college or university is defined as a school accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency in the United States that requires the School to be authorized to confer degrees in the state in which it is located.  Applicants with previous education at foreign universities are accepted as described in the preceding paragraph when the credentials evaluation certifies the equivalency of education completed at an accredited school in the United States.

Minimum requirements for admission:   Merely meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee that an applicant will be admitted.

1. Admission Requirements: JD Degree
   
   As defined by the State Bar of California, a JD applicant is considered for admission as follows: (1) Regular Students (applicants with at least one-half of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, including those with associate’s [not applied associate’s] degrees); (2) Special Students - on site JD Program only (applicants with less than one-half a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or less than the equivalent of 60 semester units; (3) Applicants with Prior Law School Attendance (an applicant who at any time has attended a law school prior to applying for admission to COL).
   
   Admissions requirements for all categories of admission.  All applicants must submit:

• Official transcripts as described above. 
• A minimum of one letter of recommendation written by someone other than a family member or close relative. 
• A personal statement of a minimum of 750 words and a maximum of 1000 words in length, typed and double-spaced in a font no larger than 12 point.

All supporting materials must be submitted prior to an admissions decision.  Unofficial transcripts will NOT be accepted for the purpose of an admissions decision without prior permission of the Admissions Committee.

1. Admission as a Regular Student.   Prospective students who will be considered for admission as “regular students” include those who have earned from an accredited college or university:
   1. a bachelor’s degree;
   2. an associate’s degree with an academic major (applied associate’s degrees are not acceptable); or
   3. a minimum of 60 semester or 90 quarter units of college credit equivalent to at least half that required for a bachelor’s degree that was completed with a grade average adequate for graduation. Applicants with foreign undergraduate work must provide a detailed evaluation from a NACES-approved evaluation agency stating they have the equivalent of the above-stated criteria for admission as a regular student; and
   4. Applicants with a cumulative GPA of less than 2.0 are not eligible for admission.

Regular students with bachelor’s degrees must provide an official transcript from the School that conferred the degree plus an official transcript showing the conferral of any subsequent degree.  In the case of a regular student without a bachelor’s degree, the applicant must provide an official transcript from each accredited college or university attended.

2. Admission as a Special Student.  State Bar regulations permit the admission of a limited number of applicants who do not meet the academic requirements for “regular student” admission. Prospective students who are at least 21 years of age may apply for admission as “special students.” to the JD Program only.  Applicants in this category must be personally interviewed by the Dean and provide, in addition to the application materials required of all applicants, the following:
   1. a minimum score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) in the 50th percentile or above;
   2. one additional letter of recommendation (two in total);
   3. scores of at least “50” on CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) tests, including a) either the “College Composition” or “College Composition and Modular” test, and b) TWO tests, each designed to correspond to full-year courses (6 semester hours each) or FOUR other tests, each designed to correspond to semester courses (3 semester hours each) selected from at least two of the following subjects:

• Composition and Literature (Humanities Examination only)
• Science & Mathematics
• Business
• History & Social Sciences
• Foreign Language

4. Special students must provide official transcripts from all accredited colleges or universities attended (if any).
5. Additional Requirement for Special Students:  After completing the first-year curriculum, each “special student” is required by the State Bar of California to take the State Bar’s First-Year Law Students’ Examination (FYLSX). Students may take the FYLSX up to three times.  Under State Bar rules, a “special student” who does not pass the examination on their first/second attempt(s) may continue law studies if otherwise in good academic standing, but failure to pass by the third consecutive administration of the test after becoming eligible will result in loss of academic credit and dismissal from law studies. Additional information about attending law school as a “special student” is available from the Registrar’s Office and the State Bar of California.

3. Admission with Prior Law School Attendance. An applicant with prior law school attendance must meet the requirements set forth above for admission as either a “regular” or “special” student. At least 60 days before the semester for which admission is sought, the applicant must submit the application materials required of all prospective students and, in addition, must submit (1) official transcripts from all law schools previously attended and (2) a letter of academic standing from each prior law school.

An applicant who has attended another law school is subject to specific requirements, which vary depending on the applicant’s academic status at the prior law school.

If the applicant attended a law school accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California or approved by the American Bar Association, left that school in good academic standing with eligibility to return without condition, and when no more than two years will have elapsed since the applicant was enrolled at the prior school, admission with advanced standing (i.e. transfer credit) will be considered upon the applicant’s written request on the form designated for that purpose. When the applicant previously attended an unaccredited law school, transfer credit will be granted only upon the applicant providing a score of “580” or above on the State Bar of California’s First-Year Law Students’ Examination.  In the Hybrid JD Program, transfer credit is only granted in extraordinary circumstances, as determined in the sole discretion of the Dean and/or Associate Dean.

When more than two years have elapsed since an applicant was enrolled at a prior accredited law school, or if the applicant attended an unaccredited law school in the absence of the required school on the FYLSX (see above), the applicant is not eligible \for transfer credit but may apply for admission as a beginning law student, without credit for prior law study. In any situation when the applicant does not receive transfer credit for previously completed law studies, the applicant will be required to submit a Starting Over form to the State Bar of California so that prior law school attendance is not considered in calculating the length of time taken to complete the JD degree.

1. Admission with Advanced Standing: General Requirements.   Due to the cyclic nature of The Colleges’ course offerings, a student admitted with advanced standing will be allowed to enroll beginning only with a summer session or fall semester. An applicant in good standing from an accredited law school may be admitted with transfer credit for courses successfully completed at the prior law school, up to a maximum of 30 semester units of transfer credit. An applicant from an unaccredited law school, or another accredited law school in the absence of good standing, may be admitted with transfer credit of up to 15 units only if the applicant received a score of 580 or higher on the State Bar’s First-Year Law Students’ Examination (FYLSX) and for courses tested on the FYLSX.  Credits earned more than two (2) years prior to the “transfer student’s” admission cannot be applied toward JD degree completion.
2. Admission After Prior Law School Disqualification.  An applicant previously disqualified from, or without good standing at, the prior law school rarely will be admitted. The Academic Standards and Admissions Committee will consider such applicant’s admission with the same guidelines applied to former students of The Colleges who apply for readmission after academic disqualification, as follows:
   1. An application for “immediate readmission” (when less than two years have elapsed since academic disqualification) will be considered only if the applicant can substantiate that the disqualification was caused by exigent circumstances of an extreme, unavoidable, immediate, and personal nature.
   2. An application for “delayed readmission” (when more than two years have elapsed since academic exclusion) must document that, during the period since exclusion, the applicant has engaged in work, study, or other activity which provides a compelling reason to conclude that there now exists a materially greater potential for success in a law degree program. The application should focus on the applicant’s activities and accomplishments during the period, not on the mere passage of time. The applicant must also submit an LSAT score, at or above the 50th percentile.
   3. If the applicant is not awarded credit for prior law studies, she or he must file a Starting Over form with the Start Bar of California (see 3a above). A copy of the form as submitted to the State Bar must be provided to the Registrar for inclusion in the student’s permanent file. 
   4. A previously disqualified applicant may be readmitted at any time, so long as s/he will be able to graduate within the 84-month time frame required by the State Bar of California, when the applicant can provide documentation that shows they have passed the FYLSX with a score of 580 or higher and an LSAT score at or above the 50th percentile.  Applicants who meet both of these requirements will receive 15 transfer credits upon readmission in Contracts (6 credits), Torts (6 credits), and Criminal Law (3) credits.

B. Admissions Requirements: MLS Degree

To be considered for admission, an MLS applicant must have submitted the required application, fee, at least one letter of recommendation written by someone other than a family member or close relative, and a personal statement of at least three pages in length, that is double-spaced and typed in no larger than 12-point typeface, and:

1. An official transcript showing the conferral of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3 from an accredited college or university.   (Those who do not meet the GPA requirement but show an ability to succeed at graduate-level work through professional or other experience, may be considered by the Admissions Committee on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with a cumulative GPA of less than 2.0 are not eligible for admission.)
2. TOEFL scores or transcripts showing an English composition class with a grade of “C” or better may be required of students for whom English is the second language.
3. Official transcripts showing degree conferral with the appropriate GPA, and TOEFL scores (if required), must be submitted within 30 days of the start of the student’s first term of enrollment. Failure to submit required official transcripts by the due date will result in a student being withdrawn from the School and unregistered from all future courses.

C. Student-At-Large (audit) Status

Students currently attending another law school, with permission from that school, may be allowed to enroll in course(s) for the sole purpose of transferring the credit for the course(s) back to their original law school.  Attorneys, law school graduates, and other professionals may also be permitted to enroll as an auditor or visitor in a limited number of courses without complying with admission requirements.  Those admitted must have the ability and knowledge to benefit from the course and not interfere with the progress of, or be a detriment to, the regularly enrolled degree program students. Students-At-Large are not considered to be enrolled in The Colleges’ programs for any other purpose and are not eligible for Financial Aid.

6.2 Adding and Dropping Courses

Students may register for additional courses or remove courses from their course schedule by submitting an Add/Drop form, found on the Student Gateway, to the Office of the Registrar. After the first week of a term, a student may not add any additional courses unless approved by the Dean or Department Chair An Add/Drop fee applies to all schedule changes and is charged per form submitted.

1. For the JD Program, during the Fall and Spring semesters, except for Legal Internship, Directed Study, or elective courses, students may not add or drop courses; they must be enrolled in the entire curriculum offered to their cohort that semester.  A student unable or unwilling to enroll in the required curriculum will be administratively withdrawn from all courses. For JD students in a Summer session, students may add courses during the first week the course meets.  Student may drop courses at any time prior to the last class meeting or final examination. With Dean’s permission, a student may add an additional elective course during the Fall and Spring semesters.
    
2. For the HJD Program, students are expected to be enrolled in the entire curriculum offered for either the 32-month or 40-month program. A student unable or unwilling to enroll in the required curriculum must meet with the Associate Dean or the Dean about the ability to continue in the program.  After the meeting to discuss enrollment, a student may be administratively withdrawn as determined by the Associate Dean and/or Dean.  Students may add elective, Legal Internships, and Directed Study courses in the first week the course meets. Students may drop courses at any time prior to the last class meetings or final examinations.
    
3. For the MLS program, during a term in which only one course is offered, a student wishing to drop a course should be aware of The College’s continuous enrollment policy as described in Section 6.3.
    
4. If a student receiving financial aid completely withdraws before the 60% of the term/semester has expired, a Return of Title IV Funds calculation will be performed to determine how much of the financial aid award has been earned. This calculation may result in the need to return funds to the lender and may cause the student to owe a balance to the institution (See Financial Aid and Student Account Policies for additional information).
    
5. Dropping a course may cause the student to not meet the required Rate of Academic Progress standard (see Sections 6.9C and 6.10C).

6.3 Required Continuous Enrollment and Registration

COL requires students to remain continuously enrolled throughout the entire year (Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters/terms). In order to maintain good standing, a student must maintain registration throughout the entire year. A student must be registered each term or, if in the MLS program take an approved Leave of Absence (LOA) as explained in Section 6.4. 

For MLS students who are part of a Dual Degree program, based on the curriculum map, students may not be able to register for each term with COL.  Based on academic advising, these students are allowed to remain in an Active status when they are not registered for a term as long as they are still registered in at least one of the programs that is included in the Dual Degree program.  MLS Dual Degree students who intend to take consecutive terms off must apply to take an approved Leave of Absence (LOA) as explained in Section 6.4.  Additional information on Dual Degree programs can be found in Section 15.

For the JD Program, students must be enrolled in and attending courses each term with no interruption in attendance unless permission is received from the Dean to miss a single summer session.  Students who wish to miss a single summer session, must apply for a Standard Period of Non-Enrollment (SPN).  The SPN status is limited to the summer term only and if a student in the SPN status does not return and register for the term following, they will be administratively withdrawn.  Any extensions to this time frame require advisement from the Financial Aid department, and approval from the Dean. 

The Hybrid JD Program requires continuous enrollment absent extraordinary circumstances and approval from the Dean or Associate Dean.

A student who fails to register for any courses by the first Wednesday of the term and who is not on an approved Leave of Absence (MLS program), Standard Period of Non-Enrollment (SPN), or who has not received written approval from the Dean (JD Program) will be administratively withdrawn from the institution.  A student who has not registered due to a hold will be administratively withdrawn.  A student must be registered to attend class.

6.4 Leave of Absence: MLS Program Only

1. The School requires all degree-seeking students to remain continuously enrolled through the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
    
2. If a student finds it necessary to interrupt progress toward the MLS degree, a Leave of Absence (LOA) may be granted for good cause shown. A (LOA) may only be granted after the student has completed at least one term. A (LOA) allows a student to return under the same program requirements if the leave is no longer than two terms. If a student does not return to Active status through both registration in course(s) and attendance, when his/her leave expires the student will be administratively withdrawn. Students who do not return within a total of 365 days will be subject to new program requirements in effect at the time of re-entry.
    
3. LOA status will not be granted to a student on academic probation.
    
4. A student wishing to take a Leave of Absence must demonstrate the existence of good cause. To demonstrate good cause, the student must provide documentation showing extenuating circumstances beyond his or her control. Extenuating circumstances include the following: illness, death of a close family member, and extreme emotional stress. A student who takes a Leave of Absence will be automatically withdrawn from all coursework in which the student is enrolled. A student who finds it necessary to take a Leave of Absence is advised to review the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy, specifically as to rate of progress. (See Section 6.10.)
    
5. The minimum requirements for an LOA are:
   1. A student must be meeting SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress).
   2. A student must have no disciplinary, ethical, financial, or academic inquiries pending.
   3. A student must have earned credit in at least one term.
   4. A student must submit the Leave of Absence Request form to the Registrar prior to the first day of the term immediately following the last term in which the student was enrolled.
   5. The Leave of Absence Request form must state clearly and completely the reason(s) for the leave and be supported by documents showing good cause.
   6. A student must pay all tuition and other amounts owed to the School as of or prior to the date the leave of absence begins. 
6. A Leave of Absence may be granted for a maximum of two terms as set forth in Paragraph B above. Failure to return after the specified duration of the leave is considered withdrawal from the MLS program. A retroactive leave is not permitted.
    
7. The duration of an LOA may not exceed 180 days in any 12-month period.
    
8. The student is required to meet with a representative of the Office of Financial Aid to understand potential financial impacts of an LOA and failure to return.
    
9. A student who takes a Leave of Absence must nonetheless complete all requirements for a degree within the maximum time frame allowed; a leave does not extend the time to complete degree requirements.
    
10. The LOA may be noted on the student’s transcript for each approved term until the student returns to the School. A student who does not return from a Leave of Absence by the agreed-upon term will be administratively withdrawn from the institution. To be re-entered or readmitted, an administratively withdrawn student must submit a re-entry form or re-apply, as applicable. (See Section 6.8.) If admitted after re-application, a student must follow the program requirements in effect at the time of readmission.
     
11. For purposes of this section, a Leave of Absence Request form shall be deemed delivered as of the earlier of:
    1. Date marked on an e-mail submission, when a signed Leave of Absence Request form is received by COL Student Services or the Registrar.
    2. Postmark date imprinted by U.S. Postal Service, if a signed Leave of Absence Request form is mailed by U.S. mail to the Registrar.
12. An appeal from any decision on a Leave of Absence Request is to be directed to the Academic Standards and Admissions Committee (ASAC) and delivered in writing to the Administration Office no later than 10 calendar days after the Administration Office sends the student written notice of a decision on the submission by e-mail or postal delivery. ASAC will send written notification of its appeal decision within 30 calendar days of receipt.

6.4a Standard Period of Non-Enrollment

1. The School requires all degree-seeking students to remain continuously enrolled through the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
    
2. The Standard Period of Non-Enrollment (SPN)is reserved for students who are unable to take courses during a particular term (MLS students) or summer session (JD students) or HJD students due to courses being unavailable.  The Standard Period of Non-Enrollment is not the same as a Leave of Absence that can only be approved for extenuating circumstances.
    
3. A SPN allows a student to return under the same program requirements.
    
4. The minimum requirements for a Standard Period of Non-Enrollment are:
   1. A student must have earned credit in at least one term.
   2. A student must give written notification by submitting a Standard Period of Non-Enrollment Request form to the Registrar prior to the first day of the term immediately following the last term in which the student was enrolled.
   3. The Standard Period of Non-Enrollment Request form must be approved by the Dean.
5. An SPN may be granted for only one term/summer session per each request.  Failure to return after the specified duration of the SPN will result in an administrative withdrawal. A retroactive SPN is not permitted.
    
6. The duration of an SPN may not exceed 180 days in any 12-month period.
    
7. A student who takes an SPN must nonetheless complete all requirements for a degree within the maximum time frame allowed; it does not extend the time to complete degree requirements.
    
8. The SPN may be noted on the student’s transcript for each approved term until the student returns to the School.
    
9. For purposes of this section, a Standard Period of Non-Enrollment Request form shall be deemed delivered as of the earlier of:
   1. Date marked on an e-mail submission, when a signed form is received by COL Student Services or the Registrar.
   2. Postmark date imprinted by U.S. Postal Service, if a signed form is mailed by U.S. mail to the Registrar.
10. An appeal from any decision on an SPN Request is to be directed to the Academic Standards and Admissions Committee (ASAC) and delivered in writing to the Administration Office no later than 10 calendar days after the Administration Office sends the student written notice of a decision on the submission by e-mail or postal delivery. ASAC will send written notification of its appeal decision within 30 calendar days of receipt.

6.5 Withdrawal: JD Program

1. Official (voluntary) withdrawal is not available to students who are academically disqualified or otherwise dismissed from the program.
    
2. Under State Bar regulations and School policy, students must be enrolled in the entire assigned curriculum during every term. During Fall and Spring, students may not withdraw from a selected course or courses and withdrawal is permitted only on a total basis. If a student has received permission to take an elective course during the Fall or Spring semesters, the student may withdraw from that course. Withdrawal is, however, permitted from one or more JD courses during Summer session. HJD students may be able to withdraw from selected courses with permission pursuant to 6.2.
    
3. A student must officially withdraw from the JD Program by delivering a signed and completed Withdrawal Request form to the Administration Office of the student’s principal campus, prior to commencement of the first final examination for the semester or session in which the student is enrolled. A Withdrawal Request form delivered after that time will not be effective until the start of the next semester or session. Students who do not submit a Withdrawal Form prior to the commencement of the final exam, and do not subsequently sit for the exam, will receive a failing grade in the course.  See Refund Schedule for further explanation.
    
4. Except as provided in Paragraph C, a student shall be deemed to have officially withdrawn from the School on the date the student delivers a signed and completed Withdrawal Request form to the Administration Office of the student’s principal campus, unless the form specifies a later date such as the end of the term, indicating that the withdrawal is for a future semester. In the event the Withdrawal Request form is mailed by postal delivery, the effective date will be the date of postmark, unless the form specifies a later date.
    
5. A student shall be administratively withdrawn from the School, when the student fails to timely complete any of the attendance or other requirements for one or more courses in which the student was enrolled during a semester (not including any Summer session for onsite JD students). Upon a student’s showing of good cause, the Dean may waive or grant an extension to a student to complete his/her course requirements. A student who has been administratively withdrawn is not eligible for re-entry to the program except by petition to the Academic Standards and Admissions Committee.
    
6. A student in the onsite JD Program shall be administratively dropped from any single Summer session course in which the student was enrolled when the student fails to complete any of the attendance or other requirements for that course.
    
7. Failure to timely complete course requirements includes attendance, failure to sit for a regularly scheduled examination, or to submit, when due, any final paper or other final assignment required in that course. A student administratively withdrawn because of failure to timely complete course requirements remains subject to the consequences of such failure; for example, a student who fails to sit for a final examination in a course as scheduled will receive a grade of “F” for that course.
    
8. For purposes of this section, the date of a student’s administrative withdrawal shall be deemed the day on which the student failed to complete the attendance or other requirements for the student’s course(s).
    
9. An appeal as to any decision on a Withdrawal Request is to be directed to the Academic Standards and Admissions Committee and delivered in writing to the Administration Office no later than 10 calendar days after the Administration Office sends the student written notice of the decision by e-mail or postal delivery.
    
10. All students who voluntarily withdraw or who are administratively withdrawn will be held to the refund schedule listed in Section 7.5.
     
11. Withdrawal may cause the student to not meet the required Rate of Academic Progress standard (see Section 6.9C).

6.6 Re-entry/Readmission After Withdrawal: JD Program

1. Re-entry of Students in Continued Good Standing or Having Accepted Probation
   1. Subject to the other limitations set forth below, a student who, in continued good standing or having accepted the terms of probation, officially withdraws from the School is entitled to re-enter the program, provided that the student submits a Re-Entry form and re-enrolls within the time frames set forth below. A student may submit for re-entry to the program only once.
   2. Approved re-entry students will return to the same Satisfactory Academic Progress status in effect on the date of withdrawal.
   3. The timing of a student’s re-entry under Paragraph 1 is dependent upon the student’s assigned curriculum and course offerings. The first day of the semester or session the student re-enters into must be within 365 days from the student’s last date of attendance.
   4. The student re-entering within the time limits set forth above will receive credit for all courses for which credit was previously awarded at the School except where withdrawal was prior to completing a course of more than one semester duration or where the student was required to repeat courses under the conditions of probation imposed by the Academic Standards and Admissions Committee; no credit will be given for any semester or portion of such courses.
   5. A student in continued good standing or having accepted probation who was eligible for readmission but who did not re-enter within the time limits set forth above is not entitled to readmission as a matter of right but must re-apply to the program by submitting an Application for Admission.
2. Readmission in Good Standing or Having Accepted Probation
   1. Former students who left while in good standing or having accepted the terms of probation will retain credit for their prior law studies at the School if no more than two years have elapsed since their prior enrollment, or with permission of the Academic Standards Committee.
3. Readmission of Students Other Than in Good Standing or Having Accepted Probation
   1. A student who, other than in good standing or having accepted probation, officially or unofficially withdraws from the program, is not entitled to readmission as a matter of right, but only at the discretion of the Academic Standards and Admissions Committee (ASAC). This section also applies to a student who has been administratively withdrawn for violation of the attendance or other policy or who, having once withdrawn, re-enters and then withdraws any subsequent time.
   2. Any approved readmitted students will return in the same Satisfactory Academic Progress status that was in effect on the date of withdrawal.
   3. Where the student withdrew prior to completing a course of more than one semester, no credit will be given for any semester or portion of that course.
   4. Credit for coursework previously completed is not given if two or more years have elapsed since the student’s previous law school enrollment.

6.7 Withdrawal: MLS Program

1. Official Withdrawal
   1. A student may withdraw from individual MLS courses or from the program by submitting an Add/Drop form when dropping individual courses or a Withdrawal form when withdrawing from the program to the Registrar. These forms are found on the Gateway.
   2. A student who elects to discontinue all courses in the MLS program while currently enrolled in courses, between semesters, or while on a leave of absence will be considered officially withdrawn. During the Add/Drop period, a student may remove courses from his/her schedule by submitting a signed Add/Drop form to the Registrar. Students who drop a course prior to the Last Day to Drop with a “W” (list on the Academic Calendar), will have a “W” grade noted on their transcript for the course.  Any drops that occur after the Last Day to Drop with a “W” (after the start of week 5) will result in a “WF” grade noted on the student’s transcript.  The WF grade is calculated into the student’s cumulative GPA.
   3. All students who voluntarily withdraw will be held to the refund schedule in Section 7.6.
2. Unofficial Administrative Withdrawal
   A student shall be administratively withdrawn from a course in which the student is enrolled when the student fails to complete in a timely manner any of the attendance or other requirements for the course. A student who is administratively withdrawn from all courses in which the student is enrolled during a session will also be withdrawn from the MLS program.
   1. A student who does not participate in a course within the first week of classes will be unregistered from the course. If that is the student’s only course, s/he will be withdrawn from the MLS program. For purposes of this section, except as otherwise provided, the date of a student’s withdrawal from the program due to non-attendance will be the last day of the last semester the student attended.
   2. The cumulative grade point average of a student who is deemed administratively withdrawn from the MLS program shall be recalculated at the time of withdrawal, notwithstanding any contrary provisions in this Catalog. If the resulting cumulative grade point average would result in academic disqualification, that student will be academically disqualified, and his or her transcript will reflect such disqualification.
   3. All students who are administratively withdrawn will be held to the refund schedule in Section 7.6.
   4. Withdrawal may cause the student to not meet the required Rate of Progress standard (see Section 6.10C)

6.8 Re-entry/Readmission After Withdrawal: MLS Program

Re-entry of Student in Good Standing
A student in good standing, or who is on academic warning or probation, who officially withdraws from the MLS program is entitled to re-enter the program once, provided that the student submits a Re-entry Form and re-enters at the beginning of a term which begins no later than 365 days from the student’s last date of attendance. Otherwise, the student must re-apply to the program by submitting an Application for Admission.

6.9 Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): JD Programs

1. A student is required to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward the completion of the JD degree. This requires meeting standards for minimum cumulative grade point average (cGPA), rate of academic progress, and completion within the program’s maximum time frame. Each requirement is explained below. A student failing to meet these requirements will be subject to academic probation and/or disqualification. A beginning law student is first evaluated for SAP at the end of his/her second semester; that is, at the end of the first Summer term for students beginning in the Spring semester and at the end of the first Spring term for students beginning in the Fall semester.  Thereafter, a student is evaluated for SAP at the end of each Spring semester. Any student with an outstanding course grade of Incomplete at the time of review may not be able to continue until the Incomplete course has been successfully completed by the specified deadline imposed by the Dean or the Associate Dean.
    
2. Cumulative Grade Point Average (cGPA)
   1. Students must maintain a cGPA of 2.0 or higher to remain in good academic standing and to graduate.
   2. A student’s cGPA is determined once a year at the end of each Spring semester.
   3. The cGPA is based on all letter-graded courses the student has completed in the program since initial enrollment.  Only the most recent grade is counted in the cGPA when a course is repeated.
   4. At the end of a student’s first semester, if a student’s cGPA becomes 1.00 or below, the student will be automatically academically disqualified from the program due to the inability to achieve good academic standing by the time SAP is determined.
   5. Grades earned at another institution (transfer credits) are not included in cGPA calculations. 
3. Rate of Academic Progress
   1. A student’s rate of academic progress is measured at the end of his/her second semester; that is, at the end of the first Summer term for students beginning in the Spring semester and at the end of the first Spring term for students beginning in the Fall semester.  Thereafter, a student’s rate of academic progress is measured at the end of each Spring semester.
   2. To complete the program at an acceptable rate, a student must successfully complete a minimum 67% of all units attempted during the year since the last Spring semester. Because the degree requirement is 84 units, the student must make academic progress at a rate such that the student would complete the required 84 units for the JD by the time s/he has attempted 126 units (1.5 x 84 units).
   3. In calculating pace, all units attempted at the School or transferred and applied from another school are considered attempted. Grades for units attempted that count negatively against successful completion rates are “F,” “FA,” “INC,” “W,”, and repeated courses. Courses for which credit is earned (courses with a grade of at least D- or Marginal Pass) are considered completed in calculating rate of progress (Pace). 
4. Maximum Time Frame
   1. Successful completion of all program requirements must be accomplished within 150% of the normal length of the program as measured in credits attempted toward the program (maximum timeframe). Credits accepted in transfer toward the program are included as attempted and earned credits in determining the maximum timeframe.
      1. Because the degree requirement is 84 units, the student must make academic progress at a rate such that the student would complete the required 84 units for the JD by the time s/he has attempted 126 units (1.5 x 84 units).
      2. A student who exceeds the 150% maximum time frame for the JD Program who cannot mathematically complete the program within the maximum time frame will be deemed ineligible for financial aid and disqualified from continuing enrollment at the School.
   2. COL expects all JD students to complete the program within four years and for HJD students to complete it in no longer than 40 months. Any student who will not do so must seek an extension of time, by filing a petition to continue showing good cause and a clear plan for completing all graduation requirements. In all cases, the program must be completed within 126 credit hours attempted (150% of the length of the 84-unit program).
5. SAP Calculation for Students Who Withdraw
   If a student is administratively withdrawn or voluntarily withdraws before the end of any semester or session, the student’s SAP standing will be calculated at that time and will be determined by his or her cGPA and Rate of Academic Progress.
    
6. Academic Advisement
   A first-, second- or third-year student who receives a grade below “Pass” or “C” during his/her first semester of a SAP period will receive a notice advising the student that his or her academic performance must be improved in order to achieve the 2.00 cumulative GPA required for good academic standing when academic standing is calculated or as may otherwise be applicable based on a student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Recovery Plan. This early advisement is given to encourage the student to seek academic assistance or take other steps that might assist the student to improve his or her performance. In some cases, the student may be required to attend seminars or other educational activities or to meet with the Academic Advisor. Academic Advisement does not disqualify the student for Financial Aid and is not recorded on the student’s official transcript.
    
7. Academic & Financial Aid Probation
   A student who does not meet all SAP requirements at the time of SAP evaluation must petition to continue in his/her program. To continue active enrollment, the student must submit a petition to continue and receive approval by the Academic Standards and Admissions Committee (ASAC). 
   1. Students whose petitions are approved will be placed on Academic & Financial Aid Probation. ASAC will outline requirements that the student must meet by the end of each subsequent term until the following Spring Semester in a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Recovery Plan. A student who is placed on probation and does not fulfill the requirements of his/her probation and SAP Recovery Plan will be academically disqualified. Students who are otherwise eligible to receive Title IV financial aid are eligible to receive Title IV financial aid while on Academic & Financial Aid Probation. 
   2. A student who receives a final grade of “F” in any letter-graded, required course must petition to repeat the course on Academic & Financial Aid Probation, unless such student is otherwise academically disqualified because of his or her cumulative GPA. Such student will have until the end of the following academic year to repeat that course. The student must receive a final grade of “C+” or higher in that course when repeating it to meet the terms of his/her SAP Recovery Plan; otherwise, the student will be academically disqualified from the School with no right to petition for immediate readmission. It is within the ASAC’s discretion to determine what other courses, if any, the student may be allowed to take while the student repeats a course. While enrolled, the student may repeat only one failed required course, and may do so only once.
   3. A student who receives a final grade of “Fail” in any Pass/Fail-graded, required course after the Fall semester of the first year must petition to repeat the course on Academic & Financial Aid Probation, unless such student is otherwise academically disqualified because of his or her cumulative GPA or withdrawn. Such student will have until the end of the next semester/session when the class is offered to repeat that course. The student must receive a final grade of “Pass” or higher in that course when repeating it to meet the terms of his/her SAP Recovery Plan, otherwise, the student will be academically disqualified from the School with no right to petition for immediate readmission. A student who receives a final grade of “Fail” in any course prior to the end of the Fall semester of first year but who advances into the second year will not be required to repeat the course but must make up the units by enrolling in additional elective courses.
   4. Students who receive Veterans Benefits and are placed on Academic and Financial Aid probation may be subject to additional requirements, including the inability to receive Veterans Benefits while on probation, pursuant to VA policy.
8. Academic Disqualification
   1. A student on Academic & Financial Aid Probation is subject to academic disqualification if, at the time of SAP evaluation:
      1. The student does not meet all SAP standards;
      2. A student who was on academic probation during the academic year that just ended has failed to fulfill the School’s requirements for Satisfactory Academic Progress or to meet the conditions of the student’s SAP Recovery Plan. The State Bar requires that such students be academically disqualified.
   2. A student disqualified from the School is ineligible for financial aid and must petition for readmission after disqualification. (See Section 6.9.L.)
   3. In-school loan deferment status ends as of the disqualification date. According to the U.S. Department of Education regulations, financial aid previously received by a disqualified student may be returned to the lender by the institution depending on the date of disqualification. In such cases, the student may owe the School for aid returned or outstanding charges. 
   4. Academic Disqualification becomes effective as follows:
      1. For any student who is on academic probation at the end of Spring Semester and fails to meet requirements of Satisfactory Academic Progress, immediately upon the denial by the ASAC of the student’s petition for change of grade that would enable the student to fulfill the School’s requirements for good academic standing and/or the ASAC’s conditions of probation or, if the student has not timely filed such a petition, on the day following the last day for filing such a petition.
      2. For any student who was not on academic probation during the academic year that just ended, immediately upon the decision of the ASAC denying the student’s pending petition(s) that would restore the student to good standing or allow the student to continue on academic probation or, if the student has not timely filed such petition(s), on the day following the last day for filing such petition(s). A student may be academically disqualified even if the student was not previously on academic probation. 
   5. A student is no longer subject to academic disqualification if the ASAC: 1) grants the student’s petition to continue on probation (after having completed the academic year just ended in good standing) or 2) authorizes a grade change, such that the student achieves a cGPA sufficient to allow the student to continue on probation or is otherwise able to fulfill the School’s academic requirements and/or the student’s conditions of probation.
9. Petition to Continue on Academic Probation
   1. Students who have not meet SAP requirements must appeal to continue enrollment or be re-admitted to COL on Academic & Financial Aid Probation. Students must appeal in writing to ASAC.
   2. Appeals are evaluated by ASAC. The decision of the Committee will be communicated in writing to the student by the Registrar’s Office.
   3. The appeal must meet the criteria outlined previously and the student must present compelling evidence that they have the ability to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress and to succeed in an academic program due to changed circumstances or experiences.
10. Procedures for Petition to Continue on Academic Probation
    1. A student who seeks permission to continue on probation must file a written petition to continue within three days of the date the Registrar places the student on pending disqualification status and sends the student e-mail or other written notice of his/her failure to maintain SAP. To continue in the program, the student must obtain the permission of the ASAC.
    2. The ASAC will consider a petition to continue at a particular time or concerning essentially the same facts and circumstances only once; reconsideration will not be granted. The petitioning student is strongly encouraged to include in the petition all facts, circumstances, and issues s/he wishes to have considered. Facts asserted should be corroborated by neutral (unrelated) third parties and documents whenever possible.
       
       The petition should set forth: 1) facts showing that the student’s lack of academic success was caused by a traumatic event or serious hardship at the time examinations were given that kept the student from performing at his or her normal level, rather than a lack of the capability to satisfactorily study law; 2) the specific steps the student will take to resolve those issues; 3) a description of the student’s study plan; 4) identification of areas needing improvement; 5) number of hours of employment; 6) other commitments or obligations that may impact the student’s ability to complete the study plan; and 7) the length of the student’s commute (if applicable).
    3. In making its decision, the ASAC may consider all aspects of the student’s academic record at the School. The ASAC will determine whether the student, if reinstated on probation, will be likely to achieve good academic standing, maintain SAP, and graduate from the JD Program. The Petition will be denied by the ASAC if it finds that the student is not likely to succeed in these efforts.
    4. Decisions of the ASAC on matters concerning petitions to continue are final and may not be appealed elsewhere within the School. The Dean has no authority to grant a petition to continue.
    5. An approved petition will be forwarded to the Financial Aid Office for review.
       1. The Financial Aid Office has the right to deny aid even if the ASAC grants leave to continue/reinstatement into the JD Program. The student is required to meet with a Financial Aid advisor to review financial implications if aid is denied.
       2. The Financial Aid Office has the right to request additional documentation .
11. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Recovery Plan
    1. The student must complete an individualized SAP Plan (ISP) and meet with their Advisor to create a unique study plan for improvement of academic performance.
    2. The student must meet at regular intervals with his/her academic advisor as stated in his/her ISP.
    3. The student’s fulfillment of the conditions stated in the SAP Recovery Plan will be monitored at the end of each semester or session. At that time, a student who has not fulfilled the terms of the SAP Recovery Plan will be academically disqualified.
12. Petition for Readmission After Disqualification
    1. An individual who was academically disqualified may petition for readmission on academic probation.
    2. A petition for readmission must meet the following requirements:
       1. The petition must be addressed to the Academic Standards and Admissions Committee (ASAC) and fulfill the requirements set forth in the ASAC’s Charter, a copy of which is available on the Gateway or by request to the Administration Office. An applicant petitioning the ASAC is presumed to know the contents of the Charter.
       2. The petition must be accompanied by an official LSAT score report with a score as required under paragraph 6 below,
       3. The petition must be filed at least 30 calendar days before the first day of classes for the semester in which the applicant seeks readmission.
    3. The ASAC will consider a petition for readmission at a particular time or concerning essentially the same facts and circumstances only once; reconsideration of the same petition will not be granted. An applicant is strongly encouraged to include in the petition all facts, circumstances, and issues s/he wishes to have considered.
    4. Decisions of the ASAC on matters concerning petitions for readmission are final and may not be appealed elsewhere within the School. The Dean has no authority to grant a petition for readmission.
    5. Any petition for readmission will, if granted, readmit the applicant at the beginning of a Fall semester or, in some instances, a Summer session; readmission will not be granted to begin in a Spring semester.
    6. Pursuant to State Bar regulations and School policy, the ASAC may grant readmission to an applicant previously disqualified for academic reasons only when the applicant makes an affirmative showing that s/he possesses the capability to satisfactorily study law. Such a showing may be made:
       1. At any time, if the applicant satisfies the ASAC, through credible evidence, that the student’s disqualification was not caused by the applicant’s lack of capability to satisfactorily study law, but resulted from a traumatic event or serious hardship when the relevant exams were given that prohibited the applicant from performing at his or her normal level. Further, State Bar rules require that the applicant for readmission provide a score on the LSAT; the School requires a score normally at or above the 50th percentile when the petition is filed under this subparagraph.
       2. For an applicant disqualified upon the completion of his/her first year, at any time, if the applicant has passed the First-Year Law Students’ Examination with a score normally at or above 580. State Bar rules require that the applicant for readmission provide a score on the LSAT; petitions filed under this subparagraph should be supported by an acceptable LSAT score.
       3. After two years have elapsed since the disqualification, if the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the ASAC that work, study, or other experience during the interim has resulted in a stronger potential for law study than the applicant exhibited at the time s/he was previously disqualified for academic reasons. State Bar rules require that the applicant for readmission provide a score on the LSAT; the School requires a score normally at or above the 50th percentile when the petition is filed under this subparagraph.
13. Students readmitted to or continued on probation in the JD Program by decision of the ASAC may be required to meet conditions as to their academic progress each semester/session.  Such conditions address academic progress and do not constitute discipline within the meaning of this Catalog.  Amendments to policies pertaining to academic standing, disqualification, advancement, retention, probation, and graduation may be made by the Dean, with the advice and recommendations of the Faculty and its committees, subject to the ultimate direction and control of the Board of Trustees.  Except as required to comply with federal or state laws and regulations, or the requirements of the School’s accrediting agencies, no amendment concerning academic standing, disqualification, advancement, retention, probation, or graduation will be effective earlier than the semester/session beginning after the notification of change is given.

6.10 Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): MLS Program/Dual Degree Programs

1. An MLS student is required to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward the completion of the MLS degree. This requires meeting standards for minimum cumulative grade point average (cGPA), rate of academic progress, and completion within the program’s maximum time frame. Each requirement is explained below. A student failing to meet these requirements will be subject to Financial Aid & Academic Warning, Financial Aid & Academic Probation, and/or disqualification. A student is evaluated for SAP every two terms; that is for a student who begin studies in Term 1, at the end of the immediately following Term 2 and, for a student who begins in Term 2, at the end of the following Term 1. Any student with an outstanding course grade of Incomplete at the time of review may be required to successfully complete that course before being allowed to continue in the program.
    
2. Cumulative Grade Point Average (cGPA)
   1. An MLS student must maintain a cGPA of 3.0 or higher to remain in good standing and to graduate.
   2. Cumulative GPA includes all coursework attempted at COL, excluding grades of I, W, and transfer credit.  Only the most recent grade is counted in the cumulative GPA when a course is repeated. A student’s cGPA is determined as of the end of each semester.
   3. If, before the end of any session, a student is administratively withdrawn, voluntarily withdraws, or takes a leave of absence, the student’s academic standing will be calculated at that time and will be determined by his or her cGPA and Rate of Academic Progress. The cGPA is based on all courses the student has completed in the program since initial enrollment. Only the most recent grade is counted in the cumulative GPA when a course is repeated.  
3. Rate of Academic Progress
   1. A student’s rate of academic progress is measured every two terms.
   2. To complete the program at an acceptable rate, a student must successfully complete a minimum of 67% of all units attempted by the end of each semester.
   3. In calculating Pace, all units attempted at the School or transferred and applied from another school are considered attempted. Grades for units attempted that count negatively against successful completion rates are “F,” “INC,” “W,” and repeated courses. Courses with a grade of “D” or higher are considered completed in calculating rate of progress. 
4. Maximum Time Frame
   1. The MLS program must be completed within five (5) years of beginning the program.
   2. Successful completion of all program requirements must be accomplished within 150% of the normal length of the program as measured in credits attempted toward the program. A student in the 30-unit (30 credit hours) MLS program is expected to complete the MLS program in no more than 45 credit hours attempted (150% of the length of the 30-unit program).
   3. A student who exceeds the 150% maximum time frame for the MLS program who cannot mathematically complete the program within the maximum time frame will be deemed ineligible for financial aid and dismissed from the institution.
   4. Credits accepted in transfer toward the program are included as attempted and earned credits in determining the maximum timeframe.
5. SAP Calculation for Students Who Withdraw
   If, before the end of any session, a student is administratively withdrawn, voluntarily withdraws, or takes a leave of absence, the student’s academic standing will be calculated at that time.

6. Academic Good Standing for Graduation
   To meet the academic requirements for graduation, a student in the MLS program must have attained a minimum 3.00 cGPA and have successfully completed all required courses with a grade of at least “B-.” A student beginning the MLS program in Fall 2016 or thereafter must have accumulated at least 30 units. In addition, to graduate the student must have paid all fees, charges, and tuition due.

7. Academic & Financial Aid Warning
   1. At the end of any semester, a student who does not meet all SAP standards will be placed on Academic & Financial Aid Warning and required to meet with his/her advisor and/or program chair, and repeat any required course(s) in which the student did not earn at least a “B-” in the following session (if the course is being offered) or as soon thereafter as the course is offered.
   2. A required course in which the student receives a grade below “B-” will not be accepted toward the MLS degree requirements but will be included in calculating the overall grade point average and does contribute to the rate of progress calculation.
   3. A student who is placed on warning must demonstrate, by the end of the next semester, reasonable progress in improving his/her academic progress to continue enrollment.
   4. A student on warning will be removed from Academic & Financial Aid Warning if s/he meets all SAP standards at his/her next review.
   5. A student on academic warning does not, by virtue of that status, become ineligible for Financial Aid. 
8. Academic & Financial Aid Probation
   A student on academic warning who does not meet all SAP standards by the end of the next semester must petition to continue on Academic & Financial Aid Probation.
    
9. A student on Academic & Financial Aid Probation remains eligible for financial aid.  Students may be required to re-take coursework previously completed in order to increase the likelihood of successfully meeting satisfactory academic progress and/or graduation requirements. A student who is placed on probation and does not fulfill the requirements of probation will be academically disqualified.
    
10. Petition for Reinstatement
    1. To obtain permission to continue in the MLS program, a student who does not meet all SAP standards following a period of Academic & Financial Aid Warning must:
       1. Submit a timely Petition to Continue (“petition”) to the Registrar,
       2. Be granted reinstatement by the ASAC,
       3. Meet with his/her advisor and/or program chair who will develop a SAP Recovery Plan, and
       4. Repeat any required course(s) in which the student did not earn at least a “B-” in the following session (if the course is being offered) or as soon thereafter as the course is offered.
    2. The petition should set forth any extenuating circumstances (such as illness, death in the family, extreme emotional stress, etc.) as set forth in Paragraph 3 below, that will enable the ASAC to assess the student’s academic record and determine whether the student, if reinstated on probation, likely will be able to achieve good academic standing, maintain SAP, and graduate from the MLS program. The Petition for Reinstatement and Appeal will be denied by the ASAC if it finds that the student is not likely to succeed in these efforts.
        
    3. Petition Process
       1. A Petition for Reinstatement and Appeal directed to the ASAC must: 1) be filed with the Registrar within 3 days of the date the Registrar gives notice that the student has been placed on probation; 2) state clearly, specifically, and fully the extenuating circumstances being asserted as a basis for probation; 3) provide clear, convincing, and objectively verifiable evidence of the extenuating circumstances; and 4) set forth in detail the student’s plan for approaching his/her studies while on probation to regain good academic standing at the end of the semester on academic probation.
       2. Such a petition is deemed filed on the earliest of the following dates:
          1. Date on which a completed and signed letter petition is received by the Registrar during regular business hours.
          2. Postmark date imprinted by U.S. Postal Service, if a signed petition is mailed by U.S. mail to the Registrar.
          3. Date marked on an e-mail submission, if a signed petition is sent via e-mail to the Registrar.
       3.   If the student is approved for reinstatement the student will be placed on academic probation and must then:
          1. Meet with his/her advisor and/or program chair who will develop a SAP Recovery Plan, and
          2. Repeat the course(s) in which s/he received a grade below B- in the following semester (if the course is being offered) or, if the student is otherwise successful in being removed from probation, as soon thereafter as the course is offered. 
       4. The ASAC’s decision on the petition is not subject to appeal.
    4. An approved petition will be forwarded to the Financial Aid Office for review.
       1. Financial Aid has the right to deny aid even if the ASAC approves the student for reinstatement into the MLS program. The student is required to meet with a Financial Aid advisor to review financial implications if aid is denied.
       2. Financial Aid has the right to request additional documentation. 
11. Removal from Warning/Probation
    A student who is in Academic & Financial Aid Warning status or reinstated on Academic & Financial Aid Probation will later be removed from Academic Warning/Probation if s/he fulfills all of the following requirements:
    1. Must meet all SAP standards, and
    2. Successfully meets the requirements of their SAP Recovery Plan 
12. Academic Disqualification
    1. A student on academic probation is academically disqualified and will be dismissed if s/he:
       1. Does not meet all SAP standards
       2. Fails to petition for and receive reinstatement by the ASAC
       3. Fails to meet the conditions of the SAP Recovery Plan at the end of the academic probation period, or
       4. Does not meet the pace requirements of the MLS program according to the maximum time frame. Disqualification status may not be appealed. 

13. A student readmitted to or continued on probation in the MLS program by decision of the ASAC may be required to meet conditions as to his/her academic progress each session. Such conditions address academic progress and do not constitute discipline within the meaning of this Catalog.

14. Amendments to policies pertaining to academic standing, disqualification, advancement, retention, probation, and graduation may be made by the Dean pursuant to Section 1.3, with the advice and recommendations of the Faculty and its committees, subject to the ultimate direction and control of the Board of Trustees. No amendment concerning academic standing, disqualification, advancement, retention, probation or graduation will be effective earlier than the semester/session beginning after notification of the change is given.

6.11 Transfer Credit Policy

1. Transfer Credit for Prior JD Law Studies
   1. Law Studies at an Accredited Law School, in Good Academic Standing as Defined by Prior School (onsite JD only)
      When admitting a JD student who has previously studied law in another law school’s JD Program, when the law school is accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California or approved by the American Bar Association, the School may accept up to 30 units of credit from the other law school as transfer credit provided credit was earned in a JD Program no more than 2 years prior to applying to COL. Credit may be granted under this section only for whole courses (for example, both Contracts I and Contracts II when the whole Contracts course takes two terms to complete) in which the applicant received a grade at the good standing level or higher as defined by the law school where the courses were taken. Transfer credit for courses completed at a prior law school, if granted by the School, will be entered on the student’s transcript with a grade of TC and will be disregarded in computing the cGPA but will count towards the student’s rate of progress as both credit earned and attempted. Credit hours earned from an institution that is not accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California or approved by the American Bar Association are not eligible for transfer of credit for the onsite JD Program.
   2. Law Studies at an Accredited Law School, in Good Standing (Hybrid JD only)
      In the Hybrid JD Program, transfer credit is only granted in extraordinary circumstances, as determined in the sole discretion of the Dean and/or Associate Dean.
   3. Law Studies at an Unaccredited Law School or Absent Good Standing
      Where the student has completed law studies in a JD Program at an unaccredited law school, or at another accredited law school (as defined in Paragraph 1 above) in the absence of good standing, transfer credit may be granted for JD courses if the student takes and passes the State Bar of California’s First-Year Law Students’ Examination with a score of “580” or higher. In this case, the student will be awarded transfer credit for 15 units. Unit credit will be entered on the student’s transcript with a grade of TC only for 6 units in Torts, 6 units in Contracts and 3 units in Criminal Law, and will be disregarded in computing the student’s cGPA but will count toward the student’s rate of progress as both credit earned and attempted. When a student is applying in the absence of good standing, in addition to the foregoing, State Bar rules require that the student must be able to document a score on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).
   4. When transfer credit is awarded, the school will maintain a written record of the previous education and training of veterans and other eligible persons, and the records will indicate that credit has been granted, with the training period shortened proportionately, and the student notified accordingly.
2. Transfer Credit for JD Law Studies Elsewhere While Enrolled As Continuing Student
   Students in good academic standing who have successfully completed the second-year curriculum may petition the Dean for permission to enroll in up to 6 summer elective units offered in the JD Program of another law school when: (1) good cause exists for taking the course(s) at another school and (2) the other law school is accredited as defined in Section A.1 above. The student may petition for credit for “study abroad” programs administered by an accredited law school. Permission to receive transfer credit will be granted for only one summer session at another law school and may be subject to other conditions imposed by the Dean including, but not limited to, the minimum grade that will be required for such transfer credits to be accepted. In all cases, the Dean’s written permission must be obtained before the student begins studies elsewhere.  Credit hours earned from an institution that is not accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California or approved by the American Bar Association are not eligible for transfer of credit for continuing students.
    
3. MLS Transfer Credit
   When admitting a student who has previously studied at another Master of Legal Studies or equivalent degree program at a regionally-accredited institution, the School may accept as transfer credit, depending on the circumstances, up to 6 units of credit. The School may accept up to 12 units for study in the School’s own JD degree program. In all cases credit will only be given for a grade at the good standing level or higher at the awarding school or program for courses completed within 36 calendar months prior to the date the applicant is to begin MLS studies. Transfer credit from another school or program, if granted, is entered on the student’s transcript with a grade of “TC” and is disregarded in computing the cGPA but will count towards the student’s rate of progress as both credit earned and attempted. Credit hours earned from an institution that is not regionally accredited are not eligible for transfer of credit.
    
4. Dual Degree Programs: Student who are enrolled in a Dual Degree Program with a cooperating affiliate institution will be allowed to transfer coursework from the outside institution to meet the degree requirements of the Master of Legal Studies.  The amount of transfer credit accepted is dictated by the agreement between the cooperating affiliate institution and COL.  The grid of allowable transfer credit is listed below.

E. Articulation Agreements  
The school currently has no articulation agreements with any other institution that specifies coursework equivalent to COL coursework for transfer credit.

F. Experiential Learning
The school does not award credit for experiential learning.

6.12 Enrollment Status

1. Full-time and Half-time Status
   COL has established minimum credit hour enrollment thresholds for determining full-time and half-time enrollment status. A student is classified as a full-time student when enrolled, per semester/session, in at least six (6) units and as a half-time student when enrolled in at least three (3) units. An exception to the determination of full-time/part-time status is made when a student is admitted to the JD Program having completed less than 90 semester units of pre-legal education. That student is considered in an undergraduate status until such time as s/he completes a total of 90 units (pre-legal and legal education combined).  A student in undergraduate status is considered half-time when enrolled in six (6) units and less than half-time when enrolled in fewer than six (6) units in a term.  These enrollment standards are used for the following purposes:
   1. To determine eligibility for financial aid,
   2. To provide enrollment verification,
   3. To qualify for student benefits, and
   4. To qualify for in-school loan deferment.
2. Impact on Program Requirements
   These credit hour enrollment thresholds do not supersede academic program requirements regarding the pace at which a student must move through a degree program. Academic programs generally require students to take more credit hours per term to maintain adequate progress toward degree completion.
    
3. Enrollment Verification
   Students and third parties may obtain enrollment verification through the Office of the Registrar or at COLRegistrar@collegesoflaw.edu

6.13 Military Withdrawal and Readmission Policy

1. Military Withdrawal Policy
   COL understands that a member of the U.S. military may be called to duty with little notice. Any member of the United States armed forces, spouse or dependent of Active Duty, or National Guard or Reservist who is ordered to state or federal duty may withdraw from all courses and receive 100% refund of tuition and fees for those courses.
   
   Such a student will be assigned withdrawal grades that do not count negatively against Satisfactory Academic Progress. Alternatively, with the permission of the instructor(s), the student may receive an incomplete or a final grade in some or all of the courses taken. If such arrangements are made, tuition and fees shall be assessed for the applicable course(s) in full.
   
   A student who wishes to withdraw from courses as a result of a call to duty must submit a Withdrawal form and provide a copy of military orders reflecting the call to the Registrar’s Office.
    
2. Readmission after Military Service under the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008
    
   1. COL does not deny readmission to a service member of the uniformed services, or spouse or dependent of a service member, for reasons relating to that service. A student who meets the criteria set forth below will be readmitted with the same academic status as the student had when he or she last attended COL as long as the JD student can complete the degree within the 84 months required by the State Bar. An affected service member is any individual who is a member of the uniformed services, or performs, has performed, applies to perform, or has the obligation to perform, service in the uniformed services. Service in the uniformed services means service, whether voluntary or involuntary, in the Armed Forces, including service as a member of the National Guard or Reserves, on active duty, active duty for training, or full-time National Guard duty under Federal authority for a period of more than 30 consecutive days under a call or order to active duty.
   2. Any student whose absence from COL is necessitated by reason of service in the uniformed services is entitled to readmission if the following apply:
      1. the student (or an appropriate officer of the Armed Forces or official of the Department of Defense) gives advance written or verbal notice of such service to The College and provides such notice as far in advance as is reasonable under the circumstances;
      2. the cumulative length of the absence and of all previous absences from The College by reason of service in the uniformed services, including only the time the student spends actually performing service in the uniformed services, does not exceed five years; and
      3. except as otherwise provided in this section, the student submits a verbal or written notification of intent to re-enroll by informing the Office of the Registrar or by submitting a new application for admission.

However, no advance notice by the student is required if the giving of such notice is precluded by military necessity, such as a mission, operation, exercise, or requirement that is classified; or a pending or ongoing mission, operation, exercise, or requirement that may be compromised or otherwise adversely affected by public knowledge.

In addition, any student (or an appropriate officer of the Armed Forces or official of the Department of Defense) who did not give advance written or verbal notice of service to the Office of the Registrar may meet the notice requirement by submitting, at the time the student seeks readmission, an attestation that the student performed service in the uniformed services that necessitated the student’s absence.

3. When determining the cumulative length of the student’s absence for service, the period of service does not include any service:
   1. that is required, beyond five years, to complete an initial period of obligated service;
   2. during which the student was unable to obtain orders releasing the student from a period of service in the uniformed services before the expiration of the five-year period and the inability to obtain those orders was through no fault of the student; or
   3. performed by a member of the Armed Forces (including the National Guard and Reserves) who is:
      1. ordered to or retained on active duty under sections 688, 12301(a), 12301(g), 12302, 12304, or 12305 of Title 10, U.S.C., or under sections 331, 332, 359, 360, 367, or 712 of Title 14, U.S.C.;
      2. ordered to or retained on active duty (other than for training) under any provision of law because of a war or national emergency declared by the President or the Congress as determined by the Secretary concerned;
      3. ordered to active duty (other than for training) in support, as determined by the Secretary concerned, of an operational mission for which personnel have been ordered to active duty under section 12304 of Title 10, U.S.C.;
      4. ordered to active duty in support, as determined by the Secretary concerned, of a critical mission or requirement of the Armed Forces (including the National Guard or Reserves); or
      5. called into Federal service as a member of the National Guard under chapter 15 of Title 10, U.S.C., or section 12406 of Title 10, U.S.C. (i.e., called to respond to an invasion, danger of invasion, rebellion, danger of rebellion, insurrection, or the inability of the President with regular forces to execute the laws of the United States).
4. An affected service member must, upon the completion of a period of service in the uniformed services, notify COL of his or her intent to return no later than three years after the completion of the period of service. However, a student who is hospitalized for or convalescing from an illness or injury incurred in or aggravated during the performance of service in the uniformed services must notify the Office of the Registrar of his or her intent to return to COL not later than two years after the end of the period that is necessary for recovery from such illness or injury. A student who fails to apply for readmission within the required period does not automatically forfeit eligibility for readmission to COL but is subject to COL’s established general policies and practices.
    
5. A student who submits an application for readmission must provide documentation to establish that:
   1. the student has not exceeded the specified service limitations; and
   2. the student’s eligibility for readmission has not been terminated due to the occurrence of:
      1. a separation from the Armed Forces (including the National Guard and Reserves) with a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge.
      2. a dismissal of a commissioned officer permitted under section 1161(a) of Title 10, U.S.C. by sentence of a general court-martial; in commutation of a sentence of a general court-martial; or, in time of war, by order of the President.
      3. a dropping of a commissioned officer from the rolls pursuant to section 1161(b) of Title 10, U.S.C. due to absence without authority for at least three months; separation by reason of a sentence to confinement adjudged by a court-martial; or, a sentence to confinement in a Federal or State penitentiary or correctional institution.
6. In order for a service member to qualify for these benefits by reason of service, a student must submit appropriate documentation to COL. Documents that might establish service member eligibility include, but are not limited to:
   1. DD214 - Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty;
   2. Copy of duty orders prepared by the facility where the orders were fulfilled with a service completion endorsement;
   3. Letter from the Commanding Office of a Personnel Support Activity (or someone of comparable authority);
   4. Certificate of completion from military training school;
   5. Discharge certificate showing character of service;
   6. Copy of extracts from payroll documents showing periods of service; or
   7. Letter from National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) Team Leader or Administrative Officer verifying dates and times of NDMS training or Federal activation.

COL may not delay or attempt to avoid a readmission of a student under this section by demanding documentation that does not exist, or is not readily available, at the time of readmission.

7. Students who meet the criteria for readmission after military service outlined previously will be promptly readmitted with the same academic status as when they last attended or were last admitted to the institution, but did not begin attendance because of that membership, application for membership, performance of service, application for service, or obligation to permit service. “Same academic status” means that COL shall admit the student:
   1. to the same program to which he or she was last admitted, or, if that exact program is no longer offered, the program that is most similar to that program, unless the student requests or agrees to admission to a different program;
   2. at the same enrollment status last held at COL, unless the student requests or agrees to admission at a different enrollment status;
   3. with the same number of credit hours completed previously, unless the student is readmitted to a different program to which the completed credit hours are not transferable; and
   4. with the same academic standing previously held; and
   5. at the same tuition rate as that previously in effect.
8. If the student is readmitted to the same program, for the first academic year in which the student returns, the student will be assessed the same tuition and fee charges that the student was or would have been assessed for the academic year during which the student left the institution.

If the student is admitted to a different program, and for subsequent academic years for a student admitted to the same program, the student will be assessed no more than the tuition and fee charges that other students in the program are assessed for that academic year.

If COL determines that the student is not prepared to resume the program, or will not be able to complete the program, the School will make reasonable efforts at no extra cost to the student to help the student become prepared or to enable the student to complete the program, including but not limited to providing refresher courses at no extra cost to the student, and allowing the student to retake a pretest at no extra cost to the student.

9. Colleges of Law is not required to readmit the student on his or her return if:
   1. after reasonable efforts by COL, COL determines that the student is not prepared to resume the program at the point where he or she left off;
   2. after reasonable efforts by COL, COL determines that the student is unable to complete the program; or
   3. COL determines that there are no reasonable efforts it can take to prepare the student to resume the program at the point where he or she left off or to enable the student to complete the program.

6.14 Military Tuition Assistance

COL has a policy that returns any unearned tuition assistance (TA) funds on a proportional basis through at least the 60 percent portion of the period for which the funds were provided to the military Service Branch.  TA funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending.  In instances when a Service member stops attending due to a military service obligation, the educational institution will work with the affected Service member to identify solutions that will not result in student debt for the returned portion.

COL’s schedules for returning unearned Tuition Assistance (TA) to the government are listed below.  The student’s withdrawal request will be processed for the purpose of returning TA funds only, not for Financial Aid attendance or recalculating of aid.

For 15-week onsite or online semesters:

• 100% of TA received will be returned if the student withdraws prior to or during the first week of class. 

• 75% of TA received will be returned if the student withdraws from the start of the second week through the end of the third week of classes.

• 50% of TA received will be returned if the student withdraws after the third week of classes, but before the end of the fifth week of classes.

• 25% of TA received will be returned if the student withdraws after the start of the fifth week of classes, but before the end of the ninth week of classes. (60% of course is completed)

• No TA received will be returned if the student withdraws after the ninth week of classes.
 

For 10-week onsite terms:

• 100% of TA received will be returned if the student withdraws prior to or during the first week of class. 

• 75% of TA received will be returned if the student withdraws during the second week of classes.

• 50% of TA received will be returned if the student withdraws after the second week of classes, but before the end of the fourth week of classes.

• 25% of TA received will be returned if the student withdraws after the fourth week of classes, but before the end of the sixth week of classes. (60% of course is completed)

• No TA received will be returned if the student withdraws after the sixth week of classes.
 

For 8-week online terms:

• 100% of TA received will be returned if the student withdraws prior to or during the first week of class.

• 75% of TA received will be returned if the student withdraws during the second week of classes.

• 50% of TA received will be returned if the student withdraws after the second week of classes, but before the end of the third week of classes.

• 25% of TA received will be returned if the student withdraws during the fourth week of classes. 

• No TA received will be returned if the student withdraws after the start of the fifth week of classes.
 

For 5-week onsite terms:

• 100% of TA received will be returned if the student withdraws prior to or during the first week of class. 

• 50% of TA received of TA received will be returned if the student withdraws during the second week of classes.

• 25% of TA received will be returned if the student withdraws after the second week of classes, but before the end of the third week of classes.

• No TA received will be returned if the student withdraws after the third week of classes.

6.15 Covered Individuals (Chapter 31 or 33 GI Bill Benefits)

As required by the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, a “covered individual” is defined as any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under Chapter 31 or Chapter 33.  Covered individuals, upon submitting a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance, may attend or participate in the course of education beginning on the date the certificate of eligibility is provided until the date on which payment from the VA is received or for 90 days after the date the veteran’s attendance was certified to the VA.  For further information, veterans should contact the School Certifying Official.

6.16 Short Term Absence Due to Military Obligations

Veterans or active-duty military personnel obligated for short-term (up to two weeks) assignment may request to receive digital access to classroom lectures and materials during that time.

6.17 GI Bill® Trademark

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.