Undergraduate Studies Academic Standards and Practices

Whereas academic policies are established at and apply across all programs at the university, this section describes specific practices used in the School of Undergraduate Studies to support the success of our students and guide instruction in Antioch University undergraduate programs. Additional information specific to each individual academic program is found in the handbooks and shared sites of each program; students are made aware of these through the orientation process and can contact their program offices for more details. Students are advised to familiarize themselves with the information in this section and in the resources specific to their programs. 

Undergraduate Learning Objectives and Academic Standards

Antioch University’s mission calls for programs to create learning opportunities that empower students with the tools and framework needed to engage in the complexities of today’s diverse societies. Antioch’s undergraduate programs take up this charge further by pursuing a set of learning objectives that allow for a consistent means of assessing and reflecting on our progress and success.

School and Program Learning Objectives

When a student pursues an undergraduate degree at Antioch University, there are certain learning goals that faculty agree should be prioritized no matter how students focus their studies. Faculty in the various undergraduate degree programs have created common program objectives that therefore apply across the School of Undergraduate Studies. These shared program objectives inform how faculty develop and update the curriculum and also ensure that no matter what undergraduate degree a student earns from Antioch, their learning will reflect the mission and values of the School of Undergraduate Studies. These common objectives include the following:

Students in Undergraduate Studies develop the ability to:

• Engage in critical inquiry that employs relevant sources and methods;
• Consider diverse perspectives, including opposing points of view and marginalized voices;
• Connect learning with theories and experience through reflective practice;
• Analyze power, oppression, and resistance in pursuit of justice;
• Communicate effectively in oral, written, and visual forms;
• Examine issues in both local and global contexts.

In addition to these undergraduate program learning objectives, each course, workshop, independent study, and internship also centers on learning objectives established by the instructor and stated in the syllabus and on the final Student Learning Evaluation form. The instructor designs course standards and expectations in accordance with the Antioch mission and purpose as well as the School of Undergraduate Studies learning objectives. The classroom instructor has authority and responsibility for the content and expectations of the course or other learning activity. The Undergraduate Curriculum Committee and the Dean are responsible for oversight of the curriculum. 

Academic Advising and Degree Planning

The advisor-student relationship is a cornerstone of Antioch’s approach to individualized student learning. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of this unique level of support. 

Upon enrollment, each student is assigned an academic advisor to assist with degree/program planning, course selection, academic progress, academic support resources, internship placements, prior learning, graduate and postgraduate study options, career pathways, and problem-solving. Academic advisors may communicate with advisees by email, phone, electronic videoconferencing, and/or in person.

Advisors assist students in meeting University academic requirements and understanding University and program procedures, although students are responsible for reading and following procedures and policies published in this Catalog and in additional University publications. 

Classroom Learning

Antioch University’s undergraduate programs offer multiple course modalities for students to engage in learning. These include synchronous (real-time) classes held on campus or via remote video conferencing as well as asynchronous class formats. 

The campus-based undergraduate programs (in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Seattle) primarily conduct classes using synchronous methods, whether meetings are held in person or via remote video conferencing (Zoom), although some asynchronous and hybrid offerings are also available. Asynchronous classes are structured learning opportunities, with each class allowing completion of course assignments during certain timelines within the term. Fully online asynchronous programs are available through Distance and Extended Education (Antioch Online). All classes use Antioch’s Learning Management System, Sakai, for sharing course materials, conducting discussions, and/or submitting assigned work. 

Synchronous classes are offered for three or four credits and typically meet for anywhere from two and a half to three hours per session. One- to three-credit Intensive workshops, classes, and seminars may meet for one to three full days. Asynchronous classes are typically offered for three credits.

The School of Undergraduate Studies follows best practice in higher education in terms of expectations for student effort for earning academic credit. Minimum hours expected for each learning activity use the following metric:

• 1 quarter credit = 33 clock hours of student work
  • Example:  a 3-unit quarter-based course has an expectation of approximately 100 hours, 30 of which would be classroom hours in a synchronous course
• 1 semester unit of credit = 50 clock hours of student work
  • Example:  a 3-unit semester-based course has an expectation of approximately 150 hours

Non-Classroom Learning: Independent Studies, Internships, and Prior Learning

Antioch’s undergraduate curriculum often supplements classroom learning with the opportunity to earn credit in non-classroom learning activities, which can include independent studies, internships, and prior learning. Students work with their advisors and/or non-classroom learning coordinators to build non-classroom studies as applicable into the student’s degree plan in a way that furthers the student’s educational goals and career aspirations. All non-classroom learning activities require the participation of an appropriately qualified evaluator who must be approved by the program. Students are strictly prohibited from providing remuneration to their evaluators under any circumstances. 

Undergraduate students in the campus-based programs can choose from a rich mix of non-classroom learning options through independent studies, internships, and prior learning.  Students in these programs may pursue independent studies in subjects that are not offered in the classroom. Internships provide opportunities for hands-on learning in field-based sites that are approved through Antioch. The prior learning process provides students the opportunity to demonstrate and earn credit for learning acquired previous to Antioch enrollment through a process supported by the program and involving faculty review.

The fully online asynchronous bachelor’s programs are course-based, but do also provide the opportunity for students in these programs to earn credits through prior learning.  

Further program-specific information for non-classroom learning can be found in the program-specific handbooks and/or resource sites. 

Narrative Evaluations and Grade Equivalents

Narrative evaluations are at the core of Antioch University’s evaluation process; all Antioch courses and other learning activities are evaluated through a narrative assessment written by the instructor at the end of the term. This process affirms the belief that a more meaningful and useful evaluation than a simple letter grade can be obtained from narrative evaluations written by the faculty members who award the credit. For each course or learning activity, the instructor indicates “Credit Awarded,” “Credit Not Awarded” or “Incomplete” and writes a detailed, thoughtful assessment of the student’s learning with specific reference to course and program objectives articulated in the syllabus. These narrative assessments become a part of a student’s permanent academic record. This method of evaluation reflects Antioch’s philosophy and pedagogy that emphasize individualized student learning, providing students with a personalized assessment of their learning for every course, identifying areas of opportunity for growth, and highlighting their significant accomplishments. The emphasis is not on competition among students nor the simplistic achievement of a letter grade. 

However, we recognize that students increasingly feel the need to provide letter grade information in order to be reimbursed for tuition by their employer, to apply for certain grants or scholarships, or for admission to graduate programs that require letter grades and/or their equivalents. Due to these external forces, the Antioch undergraduate programs do keep track of letter grade equivalents (LGEs) for every eligible learning activity so that in the case that a student needs a letter grade equivalent or GPA equivalent, it can be generated by the Office of the Registrar. (For students in any undergraduate program, grade equivalents are not available for internships, prior learning, or 0-unit courses.) 

With this in mind, in addition to these narrative descriptions of student learning, faculty assign letter grade equivalents for all undergraduate learning activities that are archived for use if students need them. This “grade equivalent” is an assessment of the entirety of a student’s course participation and demonstrated learnings determined at the end of the term. These grade equivalents by default remain hidden unless the student requests to see them. Students may submit a form through the Registrar’s Office requesting that the grade be made visible on the narrative evaluation. Whether or not a student chooses to request this, letter grade equivalents will be archived for future use if needed. Letter grade equivalents never appear on the student’s transcript. 

The letter grade equivalents being used for undergraduate learning are as follows:

Overall Grade Point Average (GPA) Equivalents

Students may request the calculation of an overall Grade Point Average (GPA) equivalent at any time. The GPA equivalent is calculated by the Office of the Registrar, based on performance in all non-exempt activities that a student engaged in as part of her or his degree. It does not include learning activities that were recorded as an Incomplete or Administrative Withdrawal. The GPA equivalent calculation does include No Credit coursework and learning activities for which Incomplete was awarded and later converted to a No Credit. If a student repeats a course for which they earned No Credit and if the student earns credit during this subsequent enrollment, only the Credit Awarded grade equivalent is used in the calculation of the GPA equivalent.

Transfer Credit

Overview

The Antioch University transfer credit policy is aimed at facilitating the transfer of students and credits from a previous college or university to Antioch. The policy seeks to assure maximum utilization of credits earned previously, and is consistent with current and best practices in higher education. 

Antioch University has adopted the three criteria of quality, comparability, and applicability for evaluating transfer credits, as articulated in the 2001 Joint Statement on Transfer and Award of Academic Credit, developed by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, the American Council on Education, and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation:

1. The educational quality of the learning experience which the student transfers;
2. The comparability of the nature, content, and level of the learning experience to that offered by the receiving institution; and
3. The appropriateness and applicability of the learning experience to the programs offered by the receiving institution, in light of the student’s educational goals.

Antioch University does not charge transfer credit evaluation processing fees. 

Process of determining Transfer Credit Eligibility and Equivalency

Initial determinations of transfer credit eligibility and equivalency are made by the Office of Admissions or the academic department. A course-by-course evaluation of the student’s transcript is performed after reviewing the previous institution’s accreditation. Information used to evaluate courses for transfer include course codes, course titles, course descriptions, program descriptions, and any current articulation agreements between Antioch and the previous institution. Coursework deemed acceptable will be initially posted to the student’s permanent University record and then validated and approved by the Office of the Registrar upon the student’s enrollment and the final submission of official transcripts.

Transfer Credit Guidelines

The School of Undergraduate Studies has established general transfer credit policies that apply across programs, while respecting individual programs’ needs to determine particular details of implementation within these parameters. While specific guidelines and decisions to accept transfer credits rest with each degree program, all campuses/units must adhere to the following minimum policies:

1. Applicability of Transfer Credits

• Antioch University accepts for transfer only academic credits applicable to the degree requirements of the program the applicant is entering. 

  2. Eligible Transfer Credits

• The following transfer credits are eligible for consideration as transfer credit, if taken for academic credit at the originating institution. Credits taken as continuing education units (CEUs) or on an audit basis do not qualify for transfer credit.

A. Credits from institutions accredited by one of the six regional accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. These six regional accrediting bodies are: 

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
New England Association of Schools and Colleges 
Higher Learning Commission
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
And:
Credits from academic institutions accredited by national accrediting bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or Department of Education.

B. Learning demonstrated through equivalency examinations (CLEP, DANTES/ DSST, ACT, PEP, etc.) that have been evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE). Antioch awards lower-division credits for qualifying CLEP and DSST scores following American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations.

C. Learning demonstrated through portfolios that have been evaluated by Council
on Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) and are listed on an ACENET transcript.

D. Learning demonstrated through College Board Advanced Placement (AP) examinations: Antioch University campuses/units use the College Board recommendations to determine the number of credits awarded for a range of credit-granting AP scores.

E. Credits on military transcripts per guidelines established by the American Council on Education (ACE) for the crediting of military experience.

F. International Baccalaureate (IB): Scores of 5 or higher.

G. Credits earned through concurrent registration. 

Courses taken concurrently at another institution may be applied toward fulfillment of
degree requirements if the following criteria are met:
i. Students have met with their academic advisor to discuss their academic
plan and have obtained their advisor’s and department chair’s approval on the course content.
ii. The Office of the Registrar has approved the course’s eligibility for transfer to AU.

H. Credit from international institutions: Typically, foreign transcripts must
undergo, at the applicant’s expense, an evaluation by a specialized transcript evaluation
Service approved by Antioch. Credits for work from foreign institutions of higher learning may also be eligible for transfer based on an evaluation by the Registrar in consultation with the academic program, provided the credits meet standards and guidelines adopted by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO).

   3. Ineligible Transfer Credits

• The following are generally not eligible for consideration as transfer credit:

A. Credits completed at institutions not accredited or approved as indicated above
are generally not available for transfer. Exceptions must be approved by the academic
unit head on a course-by-course basis, employing the three criteria of quality, comparability, and applicability.

B. Credits completed at other institutions that have been applied to a completed degree
are not eligible for transfer credit for a degree at the same academic level.

C. Credits from institutions with candidacy for accreditation. Antioch accepts credit for transfer only if the credits were earned at a time when the school was accredited. 
Exception: A student holding a Registered Nurse (R.N.) degree from a National League of Nurses-approved program may be eligible for undergraduate transfer credit despite lack of regional accreditation.

Transfer Credit Evaluation Practices

1. An official transcript from another institution or approved agency is the only basis for awarding transfer credits on the Antioch University student record. A transcript is considered official if:
   • received in hard-copy, contains the official imprint of the Registrar’s Office of the sending institution, and is in a sealed envelope, or:
   • delivered electronically to the Office of the Registrar’s or the Admissions Office through a secure portal.
2. Unofficial transfer credit evaluations may be made from unofficial materials supplied by the student. No credit will be awarded from these documents, and the unofficial evaluation is subject to change upon receipt of the official document.
3. Students wishing to transfer credit may be required to supply additional documentation (catalog or course description from the other institution) to the Antioch faculty and/or Registrar.  
4.  Only academic courses applicable to the degree requirements may be accepted for transfer credit. 
5. Only undergraduate courses with a minimum grade of “C” or better (or equivalent to “C” or better if the other institution operates on a non-graded system) are eligible for transfer.
   • Antioch University accepts undergraduate transfer credit(s) for courses completed with a Pass in a Pass-Fail system, if the Pass is equivalent to a minimum of a C.
6. The number of permitted transfer credits must be consistent with University policy as well as any relevant state policies or guidelines in the state in which that campus is operating.
   • For Undergraduate Programs, no more than 75% of the credits in the degree may be awarded for any combination of transfer credit and prior learning.
7. Antioch University applies the following credit hour equivalencies:
   • To convert transfer credits to quarter credits the following formulas are used:
     • # of semester credits x 1.5 = # of quarter credits, or
     • # of trimester credits x 1.5 = # of quarter credits.
   • To convert transfer credits to semester credits the following formulas are used:
     • # of quarter credits  ÷ 1.5 = # of semester credits, or
     • # of trimester credits = # of semester credits.
     • Fractions are rounded down to the nearest half-unit.