All currently enrolled students must abide by the following academic policies:

ATTENDANCE
Attendance is a critical component in medical education. Attendance is taken in every class, and absence from more than four meetings of a fifteen-week course will result in a failing grade. In an eight week course more than two absences will result in a failing grade. Instructors may count excessive tardiness as an absence. Instructors may also require higher attendance standards than those published here, as long as such increased standards are specified on course syllabi distributed at the first meeting of the course.

AUDITING CLASSES
YSU students and alumni may audit courses they have taken before and completed with passing grades. There is a fee for every course audited (see current Tuition/Fee Schedule). Auditing students are expected to complete all course assignments and meet all attendance requirements.

CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE
Talking inappropriately while class is in session or any other activity that disrupts class is cause for dismissal from the class meeting at the discretion of the instructor. Students who are repeatedly disruptive will be referred to the academic administration for further disciplinary action.

Children may not accompany students to classes, to the library, or to Clinical Internships. In an emergency situation, permission may be granted by the Administration; such permission must be received for each date an emergency occurs. General permission for children in class will not be granted.

Smoking, alcohol consumption, use of illegal drugs, or being under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal drugs is not permitted at any time inside University buildings or on University-sponsored field trips.

POLICY ON ANIMALS IN THE CLASSROOMS AND BUILDING
Guide dogs and therapy dogs are allowed access to the classrooms, hallways and Clinic, though written permission may be required from the Disabilities Resource Coordinator. Aside from these exceptions, students may not bring their animals into the building. Currently the YSU Dean of Student Affairs serves as the Disabilities Resource Coordinator.

TRANSFER CREDIT
A transfer credit request must be submitted, complete with all official documents and appropriate fees, during the first semester of attendance, (See current Tuition/ Fee Schedule).

Transfer credit may be granted for Yo San University courses in basic sciences and Western clinical sciences from school accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) or any regionally accredited college.

Transfer credit may be granted for Yo San University courses in Acupuncture, Herbology, and Oriental Medicine for course work taken at an acupuncture school approved by the California Acupuncture Board and accredited by ACAOM.

Transfer credit may be granted toward Yo San University clinical training requirements from California Acupuncture Board-approved and ACAOM-accredited institutions.

Credit may be transferred for up to 50% of Yo San University’s requirements in Acupuncture, Herbology, Oriental Medicine and clinical training from an ACAOM-accredited school that is not approved by the California Acupuncture Board.

All decisions regarding credit transfers are made by the Dean of Academic Affairs.

Course work taken at another institution after admission to Yo San University is not transferable unless approved in writing, and in advance of that course work by the Dean of Academic Affairs.

Transcripts from Foreign countries must be translated into English and evaluated by a recognized credentials evaluation service. For a list of companies that provide this service, please contact the Academic Administration.

Transfer credit may be granted from a foreign institution that has approval or accreditation comparable to regionally accreditation in the U. S. and provided the courses are documented by official transcripts. Transfer courses must be comparable to courses offered at Yo San University. A student must have earned a passing grade of “C” or better for any course to be considered for transfer credit.

Students who have completed coursework, not eligible for transfer, may request to take a Challenge Examination for the equivalent course at Yo San University for which transfer credit is being sought. There is a fee charged for each Challenge Examination and a passing score of 70% is required for credit.

Courses completed more than 10 years before the date of admission cannot be transferred unless the student shows proof that he/she currently works in a field relevant to the courses. Regardless of the conditions cited above, transfer students are required to complete one year of the program or 45 units in residence to graduate from Yo San University.

CHALLENGE EXAMINATIONS
A currently enrolled student may be eligible to take a challenge exam, if they have taken courses or have professional training specifically related to a Yo San course. Students must provide the Dean of Academic Affairs with documented verification of prior academic instruction, or professional training in the same subject matter, and obtain written approval from the Dean of Academic Affairs to take a challenge examination.

The challenge exam fee is based on 50% of the tuition for that course. If a student fails the challenge exam, he/she will be required to enroll in the challenged course. An administrative fee will be retained and the remainder of the exam fee will be applied towards tuition for the course challenged.

STUDENT EVALUATIONS
Student evaluations of courses and faculty are one of the most important tools available to the University to maintain quality teaching and improve curriculum. The evaluation procedure enables students to constructively express feedback on faculty member performance and presentations. They also provide the Administration with a view of classroom instruction through the students’ eyes. All student input is strictly confidential.

GRADES
Grades are assigned by the faculty for the purpose of accessing students’ work. Grading standards are:

A = 4.0 95–100% Excellent
A- = 3.7 90–94%
B+ = 3.3 87–89%
B = 3.0 83–86% Good
B- = 2.7 80–82%
C+ = 2.3 77–79%
C = 2.0 70–76% Average
F = Failure
P = Pass (with a grade of C or better)
I = Incomplete
W = Withdrawn* (an administrative entry, not available to instructors)
WF = Withdrawal, Failing
(see Adding and Dropping Classes)
WX = Withdrawal, Cancelled Registration
(see Adding and Dropping Classes)
CPL = Completed

A grade of “F” (Failure) must be remedied by repeating the course. All grades are final with the exception of errors in the calculation of grades by instructors or Administration, and will remain as reported on a student’s transcript. A student requesting a change of grade must notify the Administration in writing within 30 days of the end of the trimester.

GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA)
A student’s grade point average is determined by dividing the number of quality points earned by the number of units of enrollment (Pass/Fail courses with Pass grades are not included in the calculation). For example, if a student enrolled in four, 4- unit courses received grades of A-, B-, C+, and P, the GPA would be calculated as follows:
Grade Points x Units = Quality Points
A- = 3.7 x 4 = 14.8
B- = 2.7 x 4 = 10.8
C+ = 2.3 x 4 = 9.2
P = — x 4 = —
16 units 34.8 quality points
34.8/12 = 2.9 (B-)

This student’s transcript shows 16 units completed with a GPA of 2.9.

Grades are recorded in official student transcripts. Grade reports are sent by mail to all students approximately two weeks after the final examinations each trimester. Students must keep their current address on file in Administration.

INCOMPLETE GRADES AND MAKE-UP EXAMS
An “Incomplete” grade for a course may be requested in writing (using the approved form, obtained in the Administration office), by a student who, for severe and unforeseen reasons (such as severe illness, or a birth or a death in the immediate family) cannot attend the final exam or cannot complete the final requirement for a course.

In conjunction with the faculty member, the Administration will evaluate the circumstances. If permission is granted, the faculty member must state in writing on the form the specific requirements and deadline for completing the course. If the requirements are not met by the deadline, the course grade will automatically be asssigned to a “Fail.” Normally, the deadline will be the end of the final week of the following term. However, the faculty member has the right to set any deadline he or she deems appropriate according to the circumstances. The faculty member will write a new, different exam, and has the right to change the format or type of exam. The student must pay a make-up exam fee, in advance, before the exam can be administered. Exams must be scheduled by the Assistant Academic Dean or Dean of Administration.

When a degree-applicable course is failed, students will be required to re-take that course for a passing grade. Once a passing grade has been achieved, both grades will be reported on the student’s transcript and included in the calculation of the GPA.

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATIONS
Comprehensive examinations are important milestones in a student’s academic progress. These exams help students keep their studies focused, and help the administration and faculty assist students in reaching their academic goals.

FIRST COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
This exam is designed to help students gauge their comprehension of the foundation material covered in their first two years of study. By measuring progress at this point, students can identify strengths and weaknesses before moving further forward in their academic career. It also helps students prepare for future comprehensive examinations by providing an opportunity to use this exam as a practice test.

Students may take the First Comprehensive Exam once they have satisfactorily completed all of the following courses: Principles and Theories of TCM I, II & III; Herbal Pharmacopoeia I, II & III; Anatomy and Physiology I, II & III; and Acupuncture Anatomy and Energetics I, II & III. The First Comprehensive Exam is given once every trimester.

Specific dates are posted on the Academic Calendar. A passing grade on this exam is not a requirement, though students are required to take the First Comprehensive Exam before taking the Pre-Clinical Exam.

PRE-CLINICAL EXAMINATION
The Pre-Clinical Examination is usually taken towards the end of the 3rd year of study at the University. It serves a dual role as a checkpoint on a student’s academic progress in the program, as well as a gate-keeping role to ensure a student has acquired the necessary academic knowledge and skills for clinical internship.

The exam consists of a written section and a practical point location section. The written portion of the examination comprises the material covered in the first eight trimesters (2.5 yrs) of the program and includes subjects such as TCM theories and diagnosis, acupuncture point location and needling techniques, TCM herbal pharmacopoeia and formulas, basic biomedical sciences, physical examination of patients and clean needle techniques.

Passing the Pre-Clinical Examination is a prerequisite for clinical internship. A pass is required in both the written and practical portions. The exam is offered once every trimester, with a separate ‘supplementary’ exam—available only to those failing their prior Pre-Clinical Examination—also offered once every trimester.

Each student will be allowed a total of four (4) attempts at the Pre-Clinical examination. Students failing the exam a second time will be required to receive mandatory academic tutoring and other remedial courses as deemed necessary by the Dean of Academic Affairs. They will be allowed a third attempt only if they satisfactorily complete all prescribed remedial activities. Students failing the exam the fourth time may be subject to academic dismissal from the University.

A study guide to the Pre-Clinical Examination is available from the academic administration. To further prepare students for this examination, the University offers a free 10-week Pre-Clinical Exam Review Course every trimester. Attendance is strongly encouraged.

GRADUATION EXAMINATION
Passing the Graduation Exam is a requirement for graduation. The exam is given three times each year in the second week of each trimester. Passing the graduation exam is also a requirement to sit for the California Acupuncture Licensing Exam and the NCCAOM Certifications Examinations.

Students are eligible to sit for the Graduation Exam when they have completed 300 approved hours (Level I) of Clinical Internship. Exam study guides are available from the academic administration.

Students are allowed four attempts to pass the Graduation Exam. Students who do not pass the exam on their first or second attempt will not be allowed a third attempt until they have satisfactorily completed a tutorial/remedial program approved by the Administration. Students failing the exam a fourth time may be subject to dismissal from the University.

Registration deadlines are posted in the YSU Academic Calendar. The Graduation Exam form and fee must be submitted to the Dean of Administration when registering for the exam. To reschedule or cancel an examination and receive a full refund, a student must give the Dean of Administration a written request five business days prior to the date of the examination. Otherwise, the fee is forfeited.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Every student must complete fifteen hours of Professional Development as part of the required curriculum. This is accomplished by participating in Community Service outreach events such as health fairs, college fairs and public lectures. Specific event participation must be approved by the Administration.

ACADEMIC PROBATION
A student will be placed on Academic Probation if:
• His/Her cumulative grade-point average falls below 2.0.
• His/Her GPA earned in a trimester is below 2.0.
• He/She does not successfully complete at least a minimum of eight (8) units per trimester.

Upon notification of probation, a student must meet with the Dean of Academic Affairs to discuss his/her academic status. Tutoring may be recommended at this time.

While on probation, a student may not enroll in more than 12 units. Probation terminates at the end of the trimester when both trimester and cumulative GPA rise to 2.0 and a minimum of 8 units have been successfully completed.

ACADEMIC DISMISSAL
Students are subject to Academic Dismissal from the University under any of the following conditions:
• Remaining on Academic Probation for more than two consecutive trimesters.
• Failing the Pre-Clinical Examination four times.
• Failing the Graduation Examination four times.
• Any other circumstance in which the University determines that the student cannot satisfactorily complete the requirements for graduation.

Subsequent to Academic Dismissal, student transcripts carry the notation “Academic Dismissal.”

READMISSION AFTER ACADEMIC DISMISSAL
To be considered for readmission following Academic Dismissal, a student must meet with the Dean of Academic Affairs to present their case for reinstatement. A student must wait two full trimesters before applying for reinstatement. The Dean of Academic Affairs will require that the student:
• Explain and submit in writing the steps that have been taken to resolve all circumstances contributing to the student’s dismissal.
• Provide transcripts of any coursework taken elsewhere to improve academic standing.
• Show that all remedial procedures outlined at the mandatory counseling session have been completed.

After the first meeting, a committee consisting of the Dean of Academic Affairs, Director of Admissions, and one other administration member will then establish additional steps (if any) required for readmission. The Committee will notify the student, in writing, of their decision. If the Committee has approved the request for readmission, the student must submit the appropriate Application and Initial Registration Fees for the first trimester of re-enrollment.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In order to be eligible for graduation, a student must:
• Successfully complete all required courses with a minimum grade of a “C” in each course.
• Complete all clinical training to the satisfaction of the Dean of Clinical Education.
• Fulfill the Professional Development requirements.
• Pass the Graduation Examination.
• Clear all accounts with the University, including administration, clinic and library, and return all borrowed library books.

Students preparing to graduate must submit an “Application for Graduation” to the Dean of Administration when they register for their final trimester. This gives the Administration time to verify that all requirements will be met before the end of the trimester.

GRADUATION CEREMONY
A Graduation Ceremony is held once a year. In order to participate in the ceremony, students must be scheduled to complete all course requirements and clinic requirements by the end of the Spring trimester (April) of their graduation year.

Passing the Graduation Exam is not a requirement to participate in the graduation ceremony. However, students will not officially graduate nor will they be eligible to receive their diploma until they have passed the Graduation Exam.

There is a one-time graduation fee which covers costs associated with the ceremony such as cap and gown, diploma, etc. All graduating students must pay the graduation fee whether or not they choose to participate in the ceremony.

AWARDS
DEAN’S LIST: Every student achieving a GPA of 3.8 or higher in a given trimester will be recognized for their academic achievement by being placed on the Dean’s List for that trimester. Members of the Dean’s List will be notified by mail.

DEAN’S PRIZE: Every trimester following the Graduation Exam, one student will be awarded the Dean’s Prize. This prize is for the student scoring highest on that exam (first-time takers only) provided the score is 80% or above.

BOARD OF TRUSTEE’S MERITORIOUS PRIZE (CLASS VALEDICTORIAN): Once a year at the Graduation Ceremony, the winner of the Board of Trustees’ Meritorious Prize will be announced. Any student who has passed the Graduation Exam by the end of the preceding trimester and has completed all academic course work required for graduation is eligible for this prize.

Additional awards, including the Distinguished Community Service Award, may also be presented at the Graduation Ceremony.

TIME LIMIT FOR DEGREE COMPLETION
The California Acupuncture Board requires that this Master’s Degree program be completed (including passing of the Graduation Exam) within eight calendar years (96 months) from the first date of enrollment. The University may require changes in the student curriculum when:
• Regulatory and/or licensing requirements significantly change.
• Courses have been modified or replaced with different or additional classes. In unusual cases, courses will have to be repeated.
• In its sole discretion, such changes are necessary to support the mission and objectives of the University.

No student may complete the program in less than 36 months unless appropriate transfer credits have been awarded. (Please see Transfer Credit Policies.)

AUDITING CLASSES
YSU students and alumni may audit courses they have taken before and completed with passing grades. There is a fee for every course audited (see current Tuition/Fee Schedule). Auditing students are expected to complete all course assignments and meet all attendance requirements.

CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE
Talking inappropriately while class is in session or any other activity that disrupts class is cause for dismissal from the class meeting at the discretion of the instructor. Students who are repeatedly disruptive will be referred to the academic administration for further disciplinary action.

Children may not accompany students to classes, to the library, or to Clinical Internships. In an emergency situation, permission may be granted by the Administration; such permission must be received for each date an emergency occurs. General permission for children in class will not be granted.

Smoking, alcohol consumption, use of illegal drugs, or being under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal drugs is not permitted at any time inside University buildings or on University-sponsored field trips.

POLICY ON ANIMALS IN THE CLASSROOMS AND BUILDING
Guide dogs and therapy dogs are allowed access to the classrooms, hallways and Clinic, though written permission may be required from the Disabilities Resource Coordinator. Aside from these exceptions, students may not bring their animals into the building. Currently the YSU Dean of Student Affairs serves as the Disabilities Resource Coordinator.

ACADEMIC ADVISING
Academic advising is an important part of the program at YSU. Prior to beginning the program, students participate in an initial academic counseling session. Every year thereafter, to ensure everyone is making satisfactory progress, students are required to schedule one academic counseling session with the academic administration. Scheduling these appointments is the responsibility of each student.

Additional counseling is available to all students and can be scheduled with the academic administration at any time.

After mid-term examinations, the progress of all students will be briefly reviewed by the academic administration. Students who do not pass their exams may be required to participate in no-cost tutorials to support their efforts to return to satisfactory academic status. All students required to participate in the tutoring program must do so through the remainder of the trimester, unless otherwise instructed by the academic administration.

TUTORIALS
No-cost tutors are available to all currently enrolled students, at every class level, who wish to strengthen their academic understanding and performance. Names of student tutors are posted on the official Administration Bulletin Board. Qualified students who are interested in becoming tutors are encouraged to contact the Dean of Academic Affairs.

TRANSFER CREDIT
A transfer credit request must be submitted, complete with all official documents and appropriate fees, during the first semester of attendance, (See current Tuition/ Fee Schedule).

Transfer credit may be granted for Yo San University courses in basic sciences and Western clinical sciences from school accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) or any regionally accredited college.

Transfer credit may be granted for Yo San University courses in Acupuncture, Herbology, and Oriental Medicine for course work taken at an acupuncture school approved by the California Acupuncture Board and accredited by ACAOM.

Transfer credit may be granted toward Yo San University clinical training requirements from California Acupuncture Board-approved and ACAOM-accredited institutions.

Credit may be transferred for up to 50% of Yo San University’s requirements in Acupuncture, Herbology, Oriental Medicine and clinical training from an ACAOM-accredited school that is not approved by the California Acupuncture Board.

All decisions regarding credit transfers are made by the Dean of Academic Affairs.

Course work taken at another institution after admission to Yo San University is not transferable unless approved in writing, and in advance of that course work by the Dean of Academic Affairs.

Transcripts from Foreign countries must be translated into English and evaluated by a recognized credentials evaluation service. For a list of companies that provide this service, please contact the Academic Administration.

Transfer credit may be granted from a foreign institution that has approval or accreditation comparable to regionally accreditation in the U. S. and provided the courses are documented by official transcripts. Transfer courses must be comparable to courses offered at Yo San University. A student must have earned a passing grade of “C” or better for any course to be considered for transfer credit.

Students who have completed coursework, not eligible for transfer, may request to take a Challenge Examination for the equivalent course at Yo San University for which transfer credit is being sought. There is a fee charged for each Challenge Examination and a passing score of 70% is required for credit.

Courses completed more than 10 years before the date of admission cannot be transferred unless the student shows proof that he/she currently works in a field relevant to the courses. Regardless of the conditions cited above, transfer students are required to complete one year of the program or 45 units in residence to graduate from Yo San University.

CHALLENGE EXAMINATIONS
A currently enrolled student may be eligible to take a challenge exam, if they have taken courses or have professional training specifically related to a Yo San course. Students must provide the Dean of Academic Affairs with documented verification of prior academic instruction, or professional training in the same subject matter, and obtain written approval from the Dean of Academic Affairs to take a challenge examination.

The challenge exam fee is based on 50% of the tuition for that course. If a student fails the challenge exam, he/she will be required to enroll in the challenged course. An administrative fee will be retained and the remainder of the exam fee will be applied towards tuition for the course challenged.

STUDENT EVALUATIONS
Student evaluations of courses and faculty are one of the most important tools available to the University to maintain quality teaching and improve curriculum. The evaluation procedure enables students to constructively express feedback on faculty member performance and presentations. They also provide the Administration with a view of classroom instruction through the students’ eyes. All student input is strictly confidential.

GRADES
Grades are assigned by the faculty for the purpose of accessing students’ work. Grading standards are:

A = 4.0 95–100% Excellent
A- = 3.7 90–94%
B+ = 3.3 87–89%
B = 3.0 83–86% Good
B- = 2.7 80–82%
C+ = 2.3 77–79%
C = 2.0 70–76% Average
F = Failure
P = Pass (with a grade of C or better)
I = Incomplete
W = Withdrawn* (an administrative entry, not available to instructors)
WF = Withdrawal, Failing
(see Adding and Dropping Classes)
WX = Withdrawal, Cancelled Registration
(see Adding and Dropping Classes)
CPL = Completed

A grade of “F” (Failure) must be remedied by repeating the course. All grades are final with the exception of errors in the calculation of grades by instructors or Administration, and will remain as reported on a student’s transcript. A student requesting a change of grade must notify the Administration in writing within 30 days of the end of the trimester.

GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA)
A student’s grade point average is determined by dividing the number of quality points earned by the number of units of enrollment (Pass/Fail courses with Pass grades are not included in the calculation). For example, if a student enrolled in four, 4- unit courses received grades of A-, B-, C+, and P, the GPA would be calculated as follows:
Grade Points x Units = Quality Points
A- = 3.7 x 4 = 14.8
B- = 2.7 x 4 = 10.8
C+ = 2.3 x 4 = 9.2
P = — x 4 = —
16 units 34.8 quality points
34.8/12 = 2.9 (B-)

This student’s transcript shows 16 units completed with a GPA of 2.9.

Grades are recorded in official student transcripts. Grade reports are sent by mail to all students approximately two weeks after the final examinations each trimester. Students must keep their current address on file in Administration.

INCOMPLETE GRADES AND MAKE-UP EXAMS
An “Incomplete” grade for a course may be requested in writing (using the approved form, obtained in the Administration office), by a student who, for severe and unforeseen reasons (such as severe illness, or a birth or a death in the immediate family) cannot attend the final exam or cannot complete the final requirement for a course.

In conjunction with the faculty member, the Administration will evaluate the circumstances. If permission is granted, the faculty member must state in writing on the form the specific requirements and deadline for completing the course. If the requirements are not met by the deadline, the course grade will automatically be asssigned to a “Fail.” Normally, the deadline will be the end of the final week of the following term. However, the faculty member has the right to set any deadline he or she deems appropriate according to the circumstances. The faculty member will write a new, different exam, and has the right to change the format or type of exam. The student must pay a make-up exam fee, in advance, before the exam can be administered. Exams must be scheduled by the Assistant Academic Dean or Dean of Administration.

When a degree-applicable course is failed, students will be required to re-take that course for a passing grade. Once a passing grade has been achieved, both grades will be reported on the student’s transcript and included in the calculation of the GPA.

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATIONS
Comprehensive examinations are important milestones in a student’s academic progress. These exams help students keep their studies focused, and help the administration and faculty assist students in reaching their academic goals.

FIRST COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
This exam is designed to help students gauge their comprehension of the foundation material covered in their first two years of study. By measuring progress at this point, students can identify strengths and weaknesses before moving further forward in their academic career. It also helps students prepare for future comprehensive examinations by providing an opportunity to use this exam as a practice test.

Students may take the First Comprehensive Exam once they have satisfactorily completed all of the following courses: Principles and Theories of TCM I, II & III; Herbal Pharmacopoeia I, II & III; Anatomy and Physiology I, II & III; and Acupuncture Anatomy and Energetics I, II & III. The First Comprehensive Exam is given once every trimester.

Specific dates are posted on the Academic Calendar. A passing grade on this exam is not a requirement, though students are required to take the First Comprehensive Exam before taking the Pre-Clinical Exam.

PRE-CLINICAL EXAMINATION
The Pre-Clinical Examination is usually taken towards the end of the 3rd year of study at the University. It serves a dual role as a checkpoint on a student’s academic progress in the program, as well as a gate-keeping role to ensure a student has acquired the necessary academic knowledge and skills for clinical internship.

The exam consists of a written section and a practical point location section. The written portion of the examination comprises the material covered in the first eight trimesters (2.5 yrs) of the program and includes subjects such as TCM theories and diagnosis, acupuncture point location and needling techniques, TCM herbal pharmacopoeia and formulas, basic biomedical sciences, physical examination of patients and clean needle techniques.

Passing the Pre-Clinical Examination is a prerequisite for clinical internship. A pass is required in both the written and practical portions. The exam is offered once every trimester, with a separate ‘supplementary’ exam—available only to those failing their prior Pre-Clinical Examination—also offered once every trimester.

Each student will be allowed a total of four (4) attempts at the Pre-Clinical examination. Students failing the exam a second time will be required to receive mandatory academic tutoring and other remedial courses as deemed necessary by the Dean of Academic Affairs. They will be allowed a third attempt only if they satisfactorily complete all prescribed remedial activities. Students failing the exam the fourth time may be subject to academic dismissal from the University.

A study guide to the Pre-Clinical Examination is available from the academic administration. To further prepare students for this examination, the University offers a free 10-week Pre-Clinical Exam Review Course every trimester. Attendance is strongly encouraged.

GRADUATION EXAMINATION
Passing the Graduation Exam is a requirement for graduation. The exam is given three times each year in the second week of each trimester. Passing the graduation exam is also a requirement to sit for the California Acupuncture Licensing Exam and the NCCAOM Certifications Examinations.

Students are eligible to sit for the Graduation Exam when they have completed 300 approved hours (Level I) of Clinical Internship. Exam study guides are available from the academic administration.

Students are allowed four attempts to pass the Graduation Exam. Students who do not pass the exam on their first or second attempt will not be allowed a third attempt until they have satisfactorily completed a tutorial/remedial program approved by the Administration. Students failing the exam a fourth time may be subject to dismissal from the University.

Registration deadlines are posted in the YSU Academic Calendar. The Graduation Exam form and fee must be submitted to the Dean of Administration when registering for the exam. To reschedule or cancel an examination and receive a full refund, a student must give the Dean of Administration a written request five business days prior to the date of the examination. Otherwise, the fee is forfeited.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Every student must complete fifteen hours of Professional Development as part of the required curriculum. This is accomplished by participating in Community Service outreach events such as health fairs, college fairs and public lectures. Specific event participation must be approved by the Administration.

ACADEMIC PROBATION
A student will be placed on Academic Probation if:
• His/Her cumulative grade-point average falls below 2.0.
• His/Her GPA earned in a trimester is below 2.0.
• He/She does not successfully complete at least a minimum of eight (8) units per trimester.

Upon notification of probation, a student must meet with the Dean of Academic Affairs to discuss his/her academic status. Tutoring may be recommended at this time.

While on probation, a student may not enroll in more than 12 units. Probation terminates at the end of the trimester when both trimester and cumulative GPA rise to 2.0 and a minimum of 8 units have been successfully completed.

ACADEMIC DISMISSAL
Students are subject to Academic Dismissal from the University under any of the following conditions:
• Remaining on Academic Probation for more than two consecutive trimesters.
• Failing the Pre-Clinical Examination four times.
• Failing the Graduation Examination four times.
• Any other circumstance in which the University determines that the student cannot satisfactorily complete the requirements for graduation.

Subsequent to Academic Dismissal, student transcripts carry the notation “Academic Dismissal.”

READMISSION AFTER ACADEMIC DISMISSAL
To be considered for readmission following Academic Dismissal, a student must meet with the Dean of Academic Affairs to present their case for reinstatement. A student must wait two full trimesters before applying for reinstatement. The Dean of Academic Affairs will require that the student: • Explain and submit in writing the steps that have been taken to resolve all circumstances contributing to the student’s dismissal. • Provide transcripts of any coursework taken elsewhere to improve academic standing. • Show that all remedial procedures outlined at the mandatory counseling session have been completed.

After the first meeting, a committee consisting of the Dean of Academic Affairs, Director of Admissions, and one other administration member will then establish additional steps (if any) required for readmission. The Committee will notify the student, in writing, of their decision. If the Committee has approved the request for readmission, the student must submit the appropriate Application and Initial Registration Fees for the first trimester of re-enrollment.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In order to be eligible for graduation, a student must: • Successfully complete all required courses with a minimum grade of a “C” in each course. • Complete all clinical training to the satisfaction of the Dean of Clinical Education. • Fulfill the Professional Development requirements. • Pass the Graduation Examination. • Clear all accounts with the University, including administration, clinic and library, and return all borrowed library books.

Students preparing to graduate must submit an “Application for Graduation” to the Dean of Administration when they register for their final trimester. This gives the Administration time to verify that all requirements will be met before the end of the trimester.

GRADUATION CEREMONY
A Graduation Ceremony is held once a year. In order to participate in the ceremony, students must be scheduled to complete all course requirements and clinic requirements by the end of the Spring trimester (April) of their graduation year.

Passing the Graduation Exam is not a requirement to participate in the graduation ceremony. However, students will not officially graduate nor will they be eligible to receive their diploma until they have passed the Graduation Exam.

There is a one-time graduation fee which covers costs associated with the ceremony such as cap and gown, diploma, etc. All graduating students must pay the graduation fee whether or not they choose to participate in the ceremony.

AWARDS
DEAN’S LIST: Every student achieving a GPA of 3.8 or higher in a given trimester will be recognized for their academic achievement by being placed on the Dean’s List for that trimester. Members of the Dean’s List will be notified by mail.

DEAN’S PRIZE: Every trimester following the Graduation Exam, one student will be awarded the Dean’s Prize. This prize is for the student scoring highest on that exam (first-time takers only) provided the score is 80% or above.

BOARD OF TRUSTEE’S MERITORIOUS PRIZE (CLASS VALEDICTORIAN): Once a year at the Graduation Ceremony, the winner of the Board of Trustees’ Meritorious Prize will be announced. Any student who has passed the Graduation Exam by the end of the preceding trimester and has completed all academic course work required for graduation is eligible for this prize.

Additional awards, including the Distinguished Community Service Award, may also be presented at the Graduation Ceremony.

TIME LIMIT FOR DEGREE COMPLETION
The California Acupuncture Board requires that this Master’s Degree program be completed (including passing of the Graduation Exam) within eight calendar years (96 months) from the first date of enrollment. The University may require changes in the student curriculum when: • Regulatory and/or licensing requirements significantly change. • Courses have been modified or replaced with different or additional classes. In unusual cases, courses will have to be repeated. • In its sole discretion, such changes are necessary to support the mission and objectives of the University.

No student may complete the program in less than 36 months unless appropriate transfer credits have been awarded. (Please see Transfer Credit Policies.)