PROGRAM AND ACADEMIC POLICIES

The American College of Law in conformance with the "Rules Regulating the Practice for the Study of Law" of the State of California, Committee of Bar Examiners requires that students must attend at least 80% of their classes. Therefore any absence in excess of three per class, per semester will result in a dismissal from that particular class. The students may make up an absence by arranging a make-up assignment with the administration and instructor. They must complete their assigned work, submit their signed make-up petition to the registrar's office and it will be dully noted on their attendance record and file.

A student who has met all administrative and academic requirements may request a Leave of Absence for not more than two(2) semesters. Such a request must be by written petition during the semester prior to the one in which the L.O.A. is to be effective. A student on L.O.A. must notify the Academic Department of the intent to return not less than 30 days prior to its expiration.

Programming difficulties may result from taking a leave of absence. Students should consider the fact their cumulative average may become defective in the semester prior to taking the L.O.A.. Since this could prevent advancement into the next academic year, students are advised to consult with the academic department before petitioning for an L.O.A..

All students are expected to be fully prepared at each class session attended. Students must attend and be prepared for at least 80% of their classes. An unprepare is considered as an dabsence. Therefore, within the course in one (1) semester, should a student be absent from up to three (3) sessions of a particular class, the 20% maximum for unpreparedness will be in effect, unless a student has arranged for make-up sessions. The consequences of attending class unprepared in excess of the maximum will be dismissal from such class.

Generally, the student will be required to make-up the session which was unprepared for and may suffer a reduction in the final grade for a particular course if unpreparedness is too excessive, but less than 20% of classes.

There will be no "plus points" given to a student who is prepared fully at all class sessions, as such is expected.

Written final examinations are generally required at the end of each course. Examinations are conducted under a number system in which students remain anonymous to the grader. Additional examinations may be scheduled at the option of the faculty. If a student is unable to take an examination at the time scheduled, he/she must notify the administration in writing, no less than one week prior to the time of the examination, stating his/her reasons for the anticipated absence, if the excuse is not acceptable, or if the student fails to give prompt notice, a failing grade will be recorded. If the excuse is acceptable and notice has been given in advance, the student will be permitted to take the deferred examination, at the discretion of the administration. A deferred examination fee of $135.00 must be attached to the petition to re-take the examination. In no event will the student taking such examination receive a grade higher than a 75. Occasionally, at the discretion of the faculty, projects may be assigned in place of examinations.

For good scholastic standing, a student must maintain an overall numerical average of 70. The following is the numerical grading system used:

Student enrolled in a semester or session course will receive a numerical grade at the completion of the course. Students who with prior approval, do not take a final examination will receive an incomplete. Incompletes which are not made up within one semester will be automatically changed to a failing grade. Students may withdraw from classes at any time only when they have submitted a written request for that withdrawal to the academics department. The grade of "W" will be recorded for all courses for which the student withdraws following the proper procedure. A failing grade will be recorded to those students who fail to follow the proper withdrawal procedure from the course of study.

A numerical grade will be assigned at the end of each semester or session. Certain courses are graded as pass or fail. These courses are not part of the numerical average. Class rankings will be determined at the end of each semester or session for the first,second, third, and fourth year classes. Students will be allowed to compare their examinations when they attend the three scheduled blue book review session. These session are held every year in February, July and October. A student may also petition the administration for a copy of their blue book or a reread of the examination.

A weighed numerical grade average of 70 or better is required for graduation and must be maintained each semester to remain in good standing.

A student is automatically placed on probation under the following circumstances.

1. If his/her overall grade point average at any time fall below 70, or
2. If his/her grade point average for any one semester in six units falls below 70, or
3. If the student receives two (2) unsatisfactory grades below 70 or one (1) failure (below 66) in any one semester.

The probationary period will be the next ensuing regular semester. The student's grades for courses taken during the probationary period must have a weighed numerical average of 70 or higher and no single course grade may be below 66.

In the event that this condition is not met, the student will be disqualified from further enrollment at the college. Such disqualification is subject to review by the academic department, which may under special circumstances permit the student advancement to the next semesters classes. Under no circumstances shall a student be permitted more than two consecutive semesters of probationary status. Students may be required to take a writing course as a condition of their probation.

Two failing grades in any one semester will operate as an automatic disqualification from the college.

First Year students who receive two unsatisfactory grades (below 70) or one failure (below 66) in any one semester shall not be certified to take the First Year Law Student's Examination.

No credit is given for any class in which a failing grade has been received, and the class must be repeated.

Grades given during the summer session will be considered with those of the immediately following fall semester for the purposes of determining probationary status or disqualification.

Students are expected to observe those standards of individual responsibility, integrity, and honesty which should govern the legal profession. Any student may be subject to suspension or dismissal for conduct involving moral turpitude, or conduct unbecoming and/or disruptive of classroom procedure or administration of the school.

Smoking is not permitted. No eating is allowed in the classrooms.

No credit will be allowed in courses where there are more than three (3) absences. Three tardies in any one class shall also constitute one absence for this purpose.

Instructors, at their, discretion, and upon showing of a reasonable excuse may make assignments to students who wish to make up absences.

The administration, at its discretion, may excuse (up to 3) absences upon a showing of good cause by the student.

No more than three (3) absences will be permitted in any one semester or two (2) absences during the summer session.

Veterans benefits may be interrupted for excessive absence, and F-1 visa status maybe affected.

A student may be able to take a leave of absence from his/her studies at the College. This is not recommended. He or she may return and resume his/her studies upon filing a petition to the administration. A student ordinarily completes his program of studies in four years. In no case may a student be permitted to extend his program of study for more than six years.