Master of Legal Studies

16. Academic Program

16.1 Academic Program

A.    Educational Objectives/Ineligibility for Bar Exam

        The goal of the MLS program is to provide working professionals with a practical knowledge of the law which will enable them to become informed and innovative problem solvers within the workplace.  It is specifically designed for individuals who wish to obtain an advanced knowledge of the law and the American legal system, but who do not intend to become lawyers. The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) Program is offered entirely online. The Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California requires that the following language be included in this Catalog:             

        Except as provided in rule 4.30 of the Admissions Rules (Legal Education in a foreign state or country), completion of a professional law degree program at this law school other than for the Juris Doctor degree does not qualify a student to take the California Bar Examination or satisfy the requirements for admission to practice law in California. It may not qualify a student to take the bar examination or to satisfy requirements for admission to the practice of law in any other jurisdiction. A student intending to seek admission to practice law should contact the admitting authority in the jurisdictions where the student intends to qualify to sit for the bar examination or to be admitted to practice for information regarding their legal education requirements.

        The School has established three institution-wide learning competencies, Knowledge of Law, Practical Skills, and Ethical and Professional Values, as detailed in Section 3.4, Educational Objectives. For the Master of Legal Studies program, the following Program Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes have been established:

B.     Units/Hours

1.     Units Required

        Students beginning the MLS program in Spring 1 of 2014 or thereafter:  Students must successfully complete at least 30 units of credit to qualify for the MLS degree. Students beginning the MLS program before Spring 1 of 2014:  Students must successfully complete at least 24 units of credit to qualify for the MLS degree.

2.     Hours Required per Credit Hour

        A credit hour for an online course represents 15 hours of instructional activity (e.g., engagement with web-based instructional materials) based upon a 50-minute hour (“clock hour”) toward achieving specified student learning outcomes, therefore 360 clock hours of instruction are required for the degree. For online courses, the 15 hours of instructional activity may include but are not limited to synchronous or asynchronous lectures or webinars, interactive tutorials, and online discussions. A credit hour also assumes an additional 30 hours of homework, studying, and/or research. A credit hour for practicum, fieldwork, or internship coursework represents 45 hours of applied practice and weekly seminar/supervision. Partial credits are not granted.

        Distance Online or Hybrid Course

        For distance online or hybrid courses, the total hours of work typically required for any class of work reflects: 1) synchronous and asynchronous components that facilitate faculty-student and student-interaction (virtual classrooms, discussion boards, and chats) and 2) independent learning components (readings, recorded lectures, written assignments, and quizzes). Each distance online or hybrid course constitutes the following:

a.     3 unit course: 45 clock hours of synchronous/asynchronous interaction and up to 135 hours of independent learning.

b.     2 unit course: 30 clock hours of synchronous/asynchronous interaction and up to 90 hours of independent learning.

c.     1 unit course: 15 clock hours of synchronous/asynchronous interaction and up to 45 hours of independent learning.

For the 30-credit hour MLS program, up to 1,800 hours of interaction and independent study are expected for the degree. 

For the 24-credit hour MLS program, up to 1,440 hours of interaction and independent study are expected for the degree.

16.2 Length of Program

A.    Course and Program Length

The MLS program is a part-time online program. Courses in the MLS program are taught over seven weeks. A course is divided into seven week-long class meetings; each class meeting begins on Monday and ends on Sunday.  Exceptions may occur and will be announced by email. Students are cautioned not to make discretionary plans that will prevent them from participating in the online class or completing course assignments. 

Each academic year consists of three semesters, each of which has two sessions or terms, so that six sessions (Fall 1, Fall 2, Spring 1, Spring 2, Summer 1, and Summer 2) per year are offered, separated by breaks of one or more weeks. Students may begin their studies in the MLS program three times each year: Fall 1, Spring 1, and Summer 1. See Section 4.B, MLS Academic Calendar.

The program is offered as a 30-unit program for any student beginning the program in Spring 1 of 2014 (January 1, 2014) or thereafter. The 30-unit program is designed to be completed in 15 sessions; most students will complete the program in about 2 years and 5 months, although it will be possible to complete it sooner.

The program is offered as a 24-unit program for any student beginning the program before Spring 1 of 2014 (January 1, 2014). The 24-unit program is designed to be completed in 12 sessions and thus within 2 years, although it will be possible to complete it sooner.

 Students must complete all requirements for the MLS degree within five years of beginning the program.

B.     Units Per Session

        It is anticipated that a student typically will complete one course per session (2 units) and then complete the 4-unit Capstone course over the last two sessions of enrollment. A student who enters in Spring 1 of 2014 (and thus in the 30-unit program) will typically complete 26 units over 13 sessions and then complete the 4-unit Capstone over the next two sessions. A student who enters prior to Spring 1 of 2014 (and thus in the 24-unit program) will typically complete 20 units over 10 sessions and then complete the 4-unit Capstone over the next two sessions. Opportunities to accelerate progress may be available to students who wish to take more than 2 units per session. Students may take up to 4 units of non-Capstone courses per session when courses are available. A student may elect to commence the Capstone course when the student is within 8 units of completing the program.

C.     A student’s program may, of necessity, be required to depart from the above norms in special situations, such as when a student is on probation, is a transfer student, or has interrupted the customary sequence of study for any reason.

D.    Each student is responsible for planning his or her own program, within the limits of the School’s policies, so as to complete all course and graduation requirements within the time limits stated above. Graduation likely will be delayed for students who do not adhere to the typical sequence of courses.  The School has no provisions for partial course credit, so students may find it necessary to complete more than the required units of credit to meet graduation requirements.

16.3 Course Descriptions

 (See separate left-hand Menu option for all Course Descriptions.)

17. Financial Information

17.1 General Provisions

A.    In general, all tuition and fees are due and payable at the time of registration for the session to which they apply and must be paid in full no later than the Friday prior to the first Monday that begins the session.

B.     The School reserves the right to change at any time the amount for tuition and fees. Its refund and cancellation policies also may be changed at any time.  However, any such changes will take effect at the beginning of the session immediately following the session in which the School announces the change, unless a later effective date is specified.

C.     A student who incurs fees or pays less than the full amount of tuition due upon registration remains liable for all amounts owing to the School even if the student withdraws.  The School will enforce its rights to payment, through legal action if necessary.

17.2 Tuition

Tuition is subject to refund only as set forth in Section 17.5 below, Cancellation and Refund Policy.

Tuition            $475.00 per academic unit

17.3 Fees

Fees are not refundable. Students enrolled in the MLS program are subject to these fees:

Administrative Fee (on early withdrawal; see Section 17.5.)           $150.00

Returned Check or Debit Card Payment fee                                         $25.00 per occurrence

Late Payment Fee                                                                                     $50.00 per Late Payment

Late Registration Fee                                                                              $100.00 per occurrence

Transcript Request                                                                                  $15.00 per transcript

Graduation Fee (only if participating in COL annual ceremony)  $200.00

17.4 Books and Supplies

Every course requires the purchase of course materials, which may include books and other relevant materials.  Costs vary depending on courses taken, texts used, whether the student buys new or used textbooks, etc.  A reasonable estimate of book cost is $600-$700 per academic year.  Supplies generally cost about $100.00 per academic year.  The School does not sell books.

17.5 Cancellation and Refund Policy

A.    Students may withdraw from the School or from courses by signing and submitting the Notice of Withdrawal form (available on the Gateway (https://My.CollegesofLaw.edu/), or by request to COL Student Services). A student who withdraws after the applicable deadline for withdrawal with a “W” will, however, receive a grade for the course and will be ineligible for a “W” annotation on his/her transcript. See deadlines set forth in the MLS Calendar on the website or Gateway. The Notice of Withdrawal form must be submitted to COL Student Services or to the Registrar.  Students may also be deemed to have withdrawn from the School, or from certain courses, for failure to participate actively in classes or to timely complete participation or other course requirements. See Section 20, Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.  

B.     Students who withdraw (or are administratively withdrawn) from the School, MLS program or MLS courses may be entitled to a partial refund of tuition paid. The amount of refundable tuition will be computed on a course-by-course basis.  Any refund due to the student will first be applied toward reducing any amount owed by the student to the School, including any administrative fee. See Paragraph C below.  The remaining refund balance, if any, will be forwarded to the student.

C.     An MLS student who withdraws (or is administratively withdrawn) from all courses in which the student is enrolled prior to the first day of the session will be charged a $150.00 administrative fee will be deducted from the total tuition paid and the remainder will be subject to refund.

D.    If the student withdraws from any course after the Sunday of the 3^rd week of a session, no tuition will be refunded for that course.

E.     Drop/Refund Schedule for 7 Week MLS Online Courses (NOTE: Each session and course begins on a Monday, which is the “Monday of the 1^st week.”)

F.     The amount of tuition subject to refund to the withdrawing student will be the aggregate refundable amount for all courses from which the student is withdrawing reduced by the aggregate amount of all tuition and fees owed but not yet paid.  Moreover, all amounts payable for tuition pursuant to other provisions of this Catalog remain due after reduction for any credit due under the above provisions. 

G.    In special cases where state or federal law may require a different refund schedule (for example, for students receiving veteran’s benefits), the amount of refundable tuition will be determined according to such laws.

H.    Any student who is academically disqualified from the School may receive a full tuition refund for any course or courses in which he or she had enrolled after academic disqualification but before being notified of the disqualification.  The refund will be granted upon written notification by the student by filing a signed Notice of Withdrawal form, provided the student’s withdrawal is effective before the student takes the final exam or otherwise completes all of the requirements for credit for such course or courses. 

I.      For purposes of entitlement to refunds, a student must give notice of withdrawal and request a tuition refund by completing, signing, and submitting a Notice of Withdrawal form to COL Student Services or the Registrar. Verbal requests will not be accepted for either withdrawal or refunds. The Notice of Withdrawal form is available on the Gateway (https://My.CollegesofLaw.edu/), or by request to COL Student Services.

J.      A student will be considered withdrawn and, as applicable, to have cancelled her or his enrollment agreement on the date of withdrawal, which is at the earliest of the following dates:

1.       Date on which a completed and signed Notice of Withdrawal form is received by COL Student Services or the Registrar.

2.     Postmark date imprinted by U.S. Postal Service, if Notice of Withdrawal form is mailed by U.S. mail to the Registrar.

3.     Date as of which the student is deemed to have withdrawn pursuant to this Catalog for failure to complete attendance or other course requirements.

K.     Refund checks will be mailed to a withdrawing student no later than 30 days from the date of withdrawal or discontinuation of a course or educational program in which the student is enrolled.

17.6 Default in Financial Obligations

A.    A student who fails to make timely payment, including any payment of tuition or fees due or who otherwise defaults in any financial obligations to the School, will be subject to the following administrative actions:

1.     A student who has failed to make payments required for registration for a session may be deemed absent from all classes until the student makes the payment due.

2.     A student who has failed to make timely payment will be charged a late payment fee of $50 per late payment, in addition to any fee applicable for returned check or debit card payment.

B.     A student who submits a payment with non-sufficient funds or fails to make any payment on time may be administratively dismissed.

C.     A student will be subject to administrative dismissal if past due payments on his or her account with the School are not paid prior to the final examination (or due date of any final paper or other final assignment) for any course in which the student is enrolled. The student will not be permitted to take examinations or to have any examination answers, papers, or other assignments submitted to instructors for grading.

D.    A student whose account is in arrears for a session will not be allowed to register for any subsequent session. Requests for transcripts or grades from that student will not be honored.

E.     A student will not be permitted to graduate and receive a degree from the School until his or her outstanding balance has been paid.

17.7 Financial Options

A.    MLS students may apply for educational loans provided by lenders through SallieMae.  Under the program, qualifying students can apply for loans whose repayment may be extended over a period of years.  Students may apply for loans on a per-session basis.  The School will forward loan checks to enrolled students only.

B.     Loan application forms are available online at www.salliemae.com/SmartLoan.  Loans through this program are transactions between the student and the lending source.  The School does not recommend, make, guarantee, or otherwise participate in these loans and gives no assurance that such loans will be available.  However, the School’s continued eligibility for its students to participate in the loan program is negatively impacted when its former students do not repay their loans.  Students should plan on making timely repayment of any loan received so that future students also will have the opportunity to apply for a loan.

C.     While the School does not participate in the loan process, the School is required to verify the accuracy of each loan application as to the dates and estimated cost of attendance for the period for which the loan is being requested and the student’s anticipated date of graduation.  Based in part on minimal cost of living expenses as determined by the local community college district, combined with the School’s own tuition and fees schedule, the maximum allowable loan amount per semester is $2,500. Please contact the Registrar for further information.

17.8 Loan Deferment

As the School is not eligible to participate in the Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid programs, it is not eligible to complete In-School Federal Loan Deferment forms. Students seeking to defer federal student loans from prior schooling are strongly encouraged to contact their lenders to obtain forbearance or to inquire about other arrangements for repayment.

18. Registration Procedures

A.    Prior to the start of each session, continuing students will be notified by JURIS e-mail of information about tuition, fees, class schedules, academic calendar, registration deadlines, and required books by their Student Advisor in COL Student Services. Students are responsible to purchase or otherwise obtain the required books through outside vendors. The updated General Catalog will be available on the Gateway.  Syllabi and other course information is found in Canvas, the online Learning Management System.

B.     Students registering for the first time will be contacted by COL Student Services with information about registration, the Orientation webinar, and passwords for access to Westlaw, the Gateway, and Canvas.

C.     New students will be provided with a JURIS e-mail account and log-in credentials to the School’s e-learning platform shortly after acceptance to the program and upon payment of the required tuition deposit.

D.    During the Add/Drop period, students may register for available additional courses by submitting an Add form or remove courses from their schedule by submitting a Notice of Withdrawal form. After the Add/Drop deadline, students may not add courses. See the MLS Calendar on the website or the Gateway for deadlines for dropping courses.

E.     Students who do not register for the upcoming session are administratively withdrawn for non-registration; procedures for arranging a leave of absence are described in Section 20.6, Leave of Absence.

19. Participation Policy

Students must log in and participate in the online course by the first Wednesday of the session to be considered an active participant in the course.  Failure to do so will result in administrative withdrawal.  For online courses, all students must actively participate in online discussions and varied course assignments as outlined in the syllabus and in accordance with the timelines set forth in Canvas. To be considered an active participant, a student must log in at least three days each week.  To receive a maximum of points per week, students must participate actively in all class and online activities (see assignment and discussion rubric for further detail).

Students should be aware that a failure to materially participate in online activities, discussions, and/or assignments can be treated similar to absences in a traditional face-to-face course formats.  Logins without material participation is a failure to actively and meaningfully participate in discussions and/ or complete activities, and may result in administrative withdrawal.

20. Withdrawal and Leave of Absence

20.1 General Provisions

Students may be administratively withdrawn or, if eligible, may withdraw voluntarily. Voluntary withdrawal may be made in good standing, or otherwise. The circumstances of a student’s withdrawal determine eligibility for readmission.

20.2 Administrative Withdrawal

A.    Except as otherwise provided in this section, a student shall be administratively withdrawn from the course or the MLS program when the student fails to complete in a timely manner any of the attendance or other requirements for one or more courses in which the student was enrolled during a session. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, failure to timely complete course requirements includes failure to actively participate, complete an examination, or to submit, when due, any final paper or other final assignment required in that course.  A student deemed to have withdrawn because of failure to timely complete course requirements remains subject to the consequences of such failure as described under other sections of this Catalog. The Director of the MLS Program may, upon a student’s demonstration of good cause, waive or grant an extension to such student to complete such requirements. Such permission is rarely granted.

B.     A student who fails to register in a timely fashion for courses may be administratively withdrawn from the MLS program.

C.     A student who enrolls but does not participate in a course within the first week of classes will be administratively withdrawn from that course.

D.    A student who does not return from a leave of absence by the agreed-upon session will be administratively withdrawn from the MLS program.

E.     For purposes of this section, except as otherwise provided, the date of a student’s withdrawal shall be deemed the first day after the end of the session in which the student was enrolled.

F.     The cumulative grade point average of a student who is deemed administratively withdrawn from the MLS program shall be recomputed immediately as of such 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. See Section 20.7, Readmission After Withdrawal or Leave of Absence.

20.3 Voluntary Withdrawal

A.    Voluntary withdrawal from the MLS program is available to students who are in good standing or on academic probation; it is not available to students who are academically disqualified or otherwise dismissed from the program. See 20.4, Withdrawal in Good Standing, for specific requirements for that type of voluntary withdrawal.

B.     Students eligible to voluntarily withdraw may withdraw from individual MLS courses or from the program by submitting a Notice of Withdrawal form to COL Student Services, subject to specific provisions pertaining to the refund of tuition and fees, grades, and readmission. See, respectively, Section 17.5, Cancellation and Refund Policy; Paragraph D, Voluntary Course Withdrawal; and 20.7 Readmission After Withdrawal or Leave of Absence.

C.     A student will be considered voluntarily withdrawn, and to have cancelled her or his enrollment agreement, on the date of withdrawal, which is at the earliest of the following dates:

1.     Date marked on an email submission, when a signed Notice of Withdrawal form is received by COL Student Services or the Registrar.

2.     Postmark date imprinted by U.S. Postal Service, if a signed Notice of Withdrawal form is mailed by U.S. mail to the Registrar.

D.    Voluntary Course Withdrawal         

        During the Add/Drop period, students may remove courses from their schedule by submitting a signed Notice of Withdrawal form to the Administration Office. Up to the date of each session designated Last Day to Drop with a “W”, withdrawal will be noted on the student’s transcript with a “W”; thereafter the student will receive a letter grade which will be calculated into the cumulative GPA. Notification of withdrawal will be ineffective if not submitted by signed Notice, or if delivered after the close of business on the Last Day to Drop with a “W”.

E.     Voluntary Program Withdrawal

        Students may elect to discontinue MLS studies while currently enrolled in courses (voluntary withdrawal) or while between semesters and not currently enrolled, with the intent of returning (leave of absence).

20.4 Withdrawal in Continued Good Standing

A.    To withdraw in continued good standing, a student must:

1.     Be in good academic standing at the time of withdrawal.

2.     Give written notification to COL Student Services or the Registrar on a Notice of Withdrawal form prior to or as of the day of withdrawal.

3.     Pay, as of or prior to the day of withdrawal, all tuition and other amounts then owing to the School.

B.     For purposes of entitlement to readmission to the School, a student may withdraw in continued good standing only once; an additional withdrawal will be treated as other than in continued good standing.

C.     Readmission after withdrawal in good standing is addressed in Section 20.7.A.

20.5 Withdrawal Other Than in Continued Good Standing

A.    Any student who withdraws without meeting all the requirements for withdrawal in continued good standing will be considered to have withdrawn other than in continued good standing. This includes students who are not in good academic standing at the time of withdrawal, students in good academic standing who withdraw without giving the written notification required or have been administratively withdrawn, or students who fail to timely pay all amounts owing to the School. 

B.     Readmission after withdrawal in other than good standing is addressed in Section 20.7.B.

20.6 Leave of Absence

A.    If a student finds it necessary to interrupt progress toward the MLS degree, a leave of absence may be granted for acceptable reasons. A leave of absence may only be granted at the beginning or the end of a session. A leave of absence allows a student to return under the same program requirements if the leave is no longer than six seven-week sessions.  If a student does not return to Active status when his/her leave expires, the student will be subjected to adopting new program requirements in effect at the time of re-entry.

B.     A leave of absence will not be granted to students on academic probation.

C.     A student wishing to leave during a session prior to the end of the withdrawal period must apply for a Leave of Absence and must have extenuating circumstances beyond his or her control in order to do so. Taking a Leave of Absence will entail automatic withdrawal from all coursework. The student must indicate when the Leave will begin. A student who finds it necessary to take a Leave of Absence under extenuating circumstances is advised to review the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy, specifically in regards to rate of progress. (See Section 22.1.) Extenuating circumstances may consist of but are not limited to the following: documented illness, death in the family, extreme emotional stress, and similar circumstances.  

D.    The minimum requirements for a leave of absence are:

1.     A student must be in good academic standing. A student is eligible for a leave of absence if s/he has no disciplinary, ethical, financial, or academic inquiries pending.

2.     A student must have earned credit in at least one session, unless extenuating circumstances necessitate approval.

3.     A student must give written notification of leave of absence on the Notice of Withdrawal/Leave of Absence form to the Director of the MLS Program prior to the first day of the session immediately following the last session during which the student was enrolled.

4.     The Notice of Withdrawal/Leave of Absence form must state clearly and completely the reason(s) for the leave.

5.     A student must pay all tuition and other amounts then owing to the School as of or prior to the time the leave of absence begins.

E.     A leave of absence may be granted for a maximum of six seven-week sessions, as set forth in Paragraph A above. Failure to return after the specified duration of the leave is considered withdrawal from the Program. A retroactive leave is not permitted.

F.     A leave of absence does not supersede the policy that all requirements for a degree must be completed within the maximum timeframe.

G.    The leave of absence will be noted on the student’s transcript for each approved session until the student returns to School. Students who do not return from a leave of absence by the agreed-upon session will be administratively withdrawn from the institution. To be readmitted, administratively withdrawn students must submit a re-entry form or re-apply as applicable. (See Section 20.7.) If admitted after re-application, students must follow the program requirements in effect at the time of readmission.

H.    For purposes of this section, written notification of leave of absence shall be deemed delivered as of the earlier of:

1.     Date marked on an email submission, when signed Notice of Withdrawal form is received by COL Student Services or the Registrar.

2.     Postmark date imprinted by U.S. Postal Service, if a signed Notice of Withdrawal form is mailed by U.S. mail to the Registrar.

20.7 Readmission After Withdrawal or Leave of Absence

A.    Readmission of Student in Continued Good Standing

        A student who, in continued good standing, voluntarily withdraws or takes a leave of absence from the School is entitled to readmission as a matter of right, provided that the student reenters (re-enrolls and begins classes at the School) as of or prior to the first day of the seventh 7-week session following the last session during which the student was enrolled (“Paragraph 1 time limit”).  For example, a student who withdraws in continued good standing or on probation during the Summer 1 session of 2012 would have to re-enroll and begin classes as of or prior to the Summer 2 session of 2013 to be entitled to readmission as a matter of right.

        A student eligible for readmission under Paragraph A but who does not reenter within that section’s time limit, is not entitled to readmission as a matter of right, but only at the discretion of the Academic Standards and Admissions Committee (ASAC), pursuant to Paragraph B below. Paragraph B also applies to a student who, having once withdrawn or taken a leave of absence, reenters and then withdraws or takes a leave of absence any subsequent time.

B.     Readmission of Student Other Than in Good Standing

        A student who, in other than good standing, voluntarily withdraws, takes a leave of absence, or is administratively withdrawn, 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, being eligible for readmission under Paragraph A above, fails to do so within that section’s time limit, or who, having once withdrawn or taken a leave of absence, re-enters and then withdraws or takes a leave of absence any subsequent time.

        In deciding whether to readmit a student not entitled to readmission as a matter of right, the ASAC must find good reason to anticipate that the student will successfully complete the requirements for graduation.  The ASAC may consider the student’s entire academic record, including attendance, and may impose conditions to readmission, including for example academic probation and the repetition of one or more courses.

20.8 Readmission for Services Member

Any student whose absence from the MLS Degree Program is necessitated by reason of service in the Armed Forces shall be entitled to readmission at the same academic status attained prior to such service, provided the student (or an appropriate officer of the Armed Forces) gives advance notice of such service to the Director of the MLS Program and the cumulative length of the absence and of all previous absences by reason of service in the Armed Forces does not exceed five (5) years.

21. Grading and Grades

21.1 Letter Grades and Status Designations

A.    A letter grading system is used for all courses. Grades are assigned from “A” to “F”, with numerical point equivalents on the School’s 4-point scale:

        A             4.0

        A-            3.7         

        B+           3.3

        B              3.0

        B-            2.7         

        C              2.0

        F              0.0                         

B.     Grade designations denote the following:

         A/A-        Honors

        B+/B       Competency, ranging from basic to strong; at the level of competence for good standing and satisfactory progress toward graduation

        B-/C        Below competency, but included for purposes of calculating rate of progress (when a student receives a grade below “B-” in a require course, they course must be repeated)

        F              Failure; insufficient for academic credit

C.     Other grade/status designations used to indicate a student’s grade or status at the School, and which may appear on the student’s transcript and/or other records, are:

        Academically Disqualified    Student has been academically disqualified from the School.

        Academic Probation                Student is on probation.

        Graduate                                   Student has graduated from the School.

        Leave of Absence                    Student is on a leave of absence, without indicating whether in continued good standing or other than in continued good standing.

        INC                                             Incomplete.  Used in the very rare circumstance where the student has been permitted to have additional time to complete the requirements for a particular course. Where a student is permitted to receive an incomplete, the student must complete the mandated course requirements within the period of time specified by the Administration; otherwise, the course grade will revert to an “F” or, if a Pass/Fail course, to a “Fail”.

        IP*                                             In progress.  Used in two-session courses with respect to completion of the first session.  Courses of more than one session carry no credit until successful completion of both sessions. 

                                                          *Note:  IP grades given at the end of the first session of a course completed over two sessions will be changed upon completion of the entire course to reflect the final course grade. 

        R                                                Course repeated.  This notation appears next to the effective grade, which is the most recent of the two grades in a repeated course. The prior grade also appears.

        TC                                              Transfer Credit.  Unit credit from another school or program (when granted).

       W                                               Withdrawal.  Student is withdrawn (or deemed withdrawn), without indicating whether in continued good standing or other than in continued good standing.

21.2 Calculation of Cumulative GPA

A.    The cumulative grade point average (GPA) is calculated based on course grades.

B.     To calculate the cumulative GPA, multiply the final grade in each letter-graded course by its unit value, total the sum of the products for all such courses, and divide that sum by the total number of letter-graded units.  The cumulative GPA is expressed on the transcript as a number, truncated at the second decimal.  For example, the cumulative GPA for a student who had course grades of “B” (3.0 points) in American Legal System, “A” (4.0) in Legal Fundamentals I and “B” (3.0) in Legal Fundamentals II is calculated in this manner:

        American Legal System                         3.0   x 2 (units)      =              6.0

        Legal Fundamentals I                           4.0   x 2 (units)      =              8.0

        Legal Fundamentals II                          3.0   x 2 (units)      =              6.0

        Grade points                                          (for 6.0 units)        =             20.0

        GPA (20.0 points divided by 6 units) = 3.33

        Grades earned in subsequent sessions would then be added to the prior grades to determine the student’s cumulative GPA.

21.3 Petition for Change of Grade

A.    Except as otherwise provided in this Catalog, grades will not be changed after approval by the Director of the MLS Program except to correct an arithmetic error or other material mistake by the instructor, such as incorrect calculation of points noted in the margin. An allegation that an instructor has not fairly graded an examination or other paper of the student, or has departed from established policy, is treated as an allegation of material mistake.

B.     Authority to decide student petitions for change of grade is held by the faculty’s Academic Standards and Admission Committee (ASAC). The ASAC will not authorize a change in any grade without a showing of material mistake by the instructor by clear, convincing, and objectively verifiable evidence; the ASAC will not permit or require a change of any grading decision by an instructor which represents qualitative judgment concerning a student’s performance. Objectively verifiable evidence is not shown by a student’s belief that the analysis deserved a higher grade.

C.     A student is not permitted to lobby an instructor for a change of grade. A student who has identified a potential material mistake may ask the instructor to review the claimed error. At the instructor’s election, the instructor may require the student to submit a written analysis of the claimed error or to present the analysis to the instructor in person.

D.    A student who wishes to appeal a grade must do so by timely filing a written petition for grade change to the ASAC. All such petitions must: 1) be filed with the Registrar within 14 calendar days of the date the original grade was posted; 2) state clearly, specifically, and fully the basis for the claim of material mistake; 3) provide clear, convincing, and objectively verifiable evidence of the claimed mistake; and 4) include a copy of any written analysis submitted to the instructor.

E.     Decisions on petitions to the ASAC are made pursuant to the procedures and standards set forth in the Charter for the Academic Standards and Admissions Committee of The Santa Barbara & Ventura Colleges of Law (“the Charter”), a copy of which is available on the Gateway (https://My.CollegesofLaw.edu/.)

21.4 Repetition of Courses

A.    Students must make satisfactory academic progress toward the MLS degree by maintaining a grade point average of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0. Course grades of “F” do not count toward graduation requirements. A student who receives a course grade of “C” or below in a required course must retake the course.

B.     In addition:

1.     When a course is successfully retaken, the more recent of the two grades will be computed in the cumulative grade point average; the points for the lower grade will not be computed in the student’s GPA.

2.     The original grade will remain on the student’s transcript, along with the grade received for the retaken course.

21.5 Academic Honors

Honors are awarded at graduation to students who complete the degree requirements with distinction, as follows:

        High Honors:             Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.90 or above will be awarded Highest Honors.

        Honors:                      Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or above will be awarded Honors.

22. Academic Good Standing, Probation, and Disqualification

22.1 General Provisions

A.    MLS students are required to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward the completion of the MLS degree. This requires meeting standards for minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA), rate of academic progress, and completion within the program’s maximum time frame. Each requirement is explained below. Students failing to meet these requirements will be subject to academic warning, academic probation, and/or disqualification.

B.     Cumulative Grade Point Average

1.     MLS students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to remain in good standing and to graduate.

2.     Generally, a student’s cumulative GPA is determined as of the end of each semester.

3.     If a student is administratively withdrawn, voluntarily withdraws, or takes a leave of absence before the end of any session, the student’s academic standing will be calculated at that time and will be determined by his or her cumulative GPA.  The GPA is based on all courses the student has completed in the program since initial enrollment.

4.     If in granting a petition for probation or readmission, the Academic Standards and Admission Committee (ASAC) requires that a student maintain a certain cumulative GPA or meet other requirements as of the end of a certain interval, the student’s academic standing will be based on the student’s cumulative GPA and fulfillment of the ASAC’s requirements at the end of each such interval.

C.     Rate of Academic Progress

1.     A student’s rate of academic progress is measured at the end of every semester.

2.     To complete the program at an acceptable rate, a student must complete a minimum of 67% of all units attempted by the end of each session.

        For a student beginning the program in Spring 1 of 2014 (January 1, 2014) or thereafter, the student must make academic progress at a rate such that the student would complete the required 30 units for the MLS by the time he or she has attempted 45 units (1.5 x 30 units.)

        For a student beginning the program before Spring 1 of 2014 (January 1, 2014),  the student must make academic progress at a rate such that the student would complete the required 24 units for the MLS by the time he or she has attempted 36 units (1.5 x 24 units.)

3.     In calculating progress, all units attempted at the School or transferred from another school are considered. Courses with a grade of “C” or higher are considered completed in calculating rate of progress.

D.    Maximum Time Frame

        A student beginning the 30-unit (30 credit hours) MLS program in Spring 1 of 2014 (January 1, 2014) or thereafter is expected to complete the MLS program in no more than 45 credit hours attempted (150% of the length of the 30-unit program.)

        A student beginning the program 24-unit (24 credit hours) MLS program before Spring 1 of 2014 (January 1, 2014)  is expected to complete the MLS program in no more than 36 credit hours attempted (150% of the length of the 24-unit program.)

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

F.     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.

22.2 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 cumulative grade point average and have successfully completed all required courses with a grade of at least “B-“. Students beginning the MLS program in Spring 1 of 2014 or thereafter must have accumulated at least 30 units. Students beginning the MLS program prior to Spring 1 of 2014 must have accumulated at least 24 units.  In addition, to graduate the student must have paid all fees, charges and tuition due.

22.3 Academic Warning

A.    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.

B.     A student whose cumulative grade point average falls below a 3.00 will be placed on academic warning and required to:

1.     Meet with his/her advisor and/or program chair, and

2.     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.

C.     A student who is placed on academic warning must demonstrate reasonable progress in improving his/her cumulative grade point average to continue enrollment after one semester.

D.    A student on academic warning who does not achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher at the end of the semester during which he or she is on academic warning will be placed on academic probation. See Section 22.4, Academic Probation.

E.     The student will be removed from academic warning if he or she raises his/her cumulative GPA to 3.00 or above by the end of a semester during which he/she is on Academic Warning.

22.4 Academic Probation

A.    A student on academic warning who does not achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher at the end of the semester during which he or she is on academic warning will be placed on academic probation. A student who is placed on probation and does not fulfill the requirements of probation will be academically disqualified.

B.     To continue in the MLS program, a student who is placed on academic probation is required to:

1.     Submit a Petition for Reinstatement form along with a letter of appeal to the Registrar,

2.     Be granted reinstatement by the ASAC,

3.     Meet with his/her advisor and/or program chair who will develop an SAP Development 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. 

C.     A student who is reinstated on probation will later be removed from academic probation if he or she fulfills all of the following requirements:

1.     Raises his or her cumulative GPA to 3.00 or above in the semester during which he or she is on Academic Probation,

2.     Successfully meets the requirements of their SAP Development Plan, and

3.     Is meeting the pace requirement for the MLS program.

D.    Petition for Reinstatement and Appeal

        The Petition for Reinstatement accompanied by a letter of Appeal should set forth any extenuating circumstances (such as illness, death in the family, extreme emotional stress, etc.) as set forth in Paragraph E below, that will enable the ASAC to assess the student’s academic record and determine whether, if reinstated on probation, it is likely that the student 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.

E.     Appeal Process

1.     A student who wishes to remain in the MLS program on probation must do so by timely filing with the Registrar a written letter Petition for Reinstatement and Appeal directed to the ASAC. All such petitions must: 1) be filed with the Registrar by 11:59 p.m. on Monday of week two of the session; 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:

a.     Date on which a completed and signed letter petition for appeal is received by the Registrar during regular business hours.

b.     Postmark date imprinted by U.S. Postal Service, if a signed letter petition for appeal is mailed by U.S. mail to the Registrar.

c.     Date marked on an e-mail submission, if a signed letter petition for appeal 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:

a.     Meet with his/her advisor and/or program chair who will develop a SAP Development Plan, and

b.     Repeat the course(s) he/she did poorly in immediately 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.

22.5 Academic Disqualification

A.    A student on academic probation is academically disqualified and will be dismissed if he or she:

1.     Fails to petition for and receive reinstatement by the ASAC, or

2.     Fails to meet the conditions of the SAP Development Plan at the end of the Academic Probation period, or

3.     Does not meet the pace requirements of MLS program according to the maximum timeframe. 

B.     A student may not appeal disqualification status.

23. Graduation

The School will confer the degree of Master of Legal Studies upon a student who has timely met all requirements for graduation, at the end of the session in which all such requirements are met. To be eligible for graduation, a student must do all the following:

A.    Complete at least the required number of MLS credits, as set forth below:

        1. at least 30 units for a student beginning the MLS program in Spring 1 of 2014 (January 1, 2014) or thereafter.

        2. at least 24 units for a student beginning the MLS program before Spring 1 of 2014 (January 1, 2014).

B.     Achieve a cumulative grade point average of not less than 3.00.

C      Successfully complete all required courses with a grade of at least “B-“.

D.    Fulfill all other academic requirements.

E.     Pay all fees, charges, and tuition due.