Governors State University - An Illinois Public University
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Advanced Standing for Graduate Programs - (Policy 104)

Approved By:

President Joyce Ester

Issued:

Revised:

Last Reviewed:

Related Policies:

Academic Residency Requirements for Degree Program, Transfer Credit for Graduate Students Policy

Policy Owner / Contact Person:

Provost's Office

Additional References:

Acknowledgements

The university acknowledges and credits documents from the following in the writing of this document: University of Cincinnati, Lehman College, Loyola University, Le Cordon Bleu Australia

Policy Categories:

Academic Policies

  1. Purpose

    This policy establishes the framework and criteria for awarding Advanced Standing credit in most graduate programs.

  2. Definitions

    Advanced Standing: The award of individual courses and/or a block of credit hours to qualified graduate students who have completed significant previous graduate coursework, and licensure or professional experience where applicable, that merits recognition beyond standard transfer credit limitations. A student granted Advanced Standing will be exempt from part of the course of study. 

  3. The Policy
    1. Scope
      1. This policy defines Advanced Standing for most graduate programs.
      2. This policy does not apply to some graduate programs designated as bridge programs as delineated in the student’s applicable catalog (for example, Master of Social Work).
    2. Individual graduate programs may award individual course credits and/or a block of awarded credits through Advanced Standing, in place of Policy 30 (Transfer Credit for Graduate Students).
    3. Students who are awarded Advanced Standing must satisfy the residency requirements in Policy 28 (Academic Residency Requirements for Degree Program) to graduate from the program. The number of credits awarded for Advanced Standing may not diminish or override the residency requirements for the graduate degree program.
    4. Students seeking Advanced Standing must apply for Advanced Standing before the conclusion of their first semester of their program. The application must delineate the requested courses and/or explain the significant circumstances that merit recognition beyond standard transfer credit limitations in Policy 30 (Transfer Credit for Graduate Students). No course evaluation can be performed or credit approved until the student has been admitted into the graduate program. 
    5. Advanced Standing may be recommended by the program faculty who evaluate applications for Advanced Standing. The evaluation of an advanced standing application requires an evidence-based academic judgment regarding the equivalence of learning. Supporting evidence for a successful Advanced Standing application must be authentic, current, sufficient, and valid. 
    6. When evaluating courses taken at other institutions for equivalence: 
      1. Courses must be taken at an accredited University or College at the graduate level.
      2. Graduate course credits earned from previously awarded graduate degrees and professional licensure are eligible for Advanced Standing approval. 
      3. Awarded credits are documented on the student’s transcript as individual course credits and/or a block of awarded credits.
    7. Individual graduate programs may establish additional Advanced Standing program procedures to align with accreditation, licensure requirements, curriculum, and program needs. 
    8. Advanced Standing credit recommended by the program faculty must be approved by the Department/Division Chair, approved by the Dean of the college of record for the degree, with final approval by the Provost, submitted to the Registrar for documentation in official student records, and with notification to the Dean of the Graduate College.
    9. Applying for Advanced Standing does not guarantee approval.