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Evaluation and Accountability The College of Inner Awareness, Metaphysical and Spiritual Studies understands itself as a responsible learning community. This is a community where faculty and students are engaged in the joyful process of helping people to unfold the consciousness and skills as a metaphysical/spiritual practitioner. The faculty regards evaluation and accountability as a part of the relationship that exists between faculty and students. Persons admitted to the CIAMSS degree and/or NAMI certification programs are considered adult learners. The faculty assumes that you are self-motivated, have the desire and maturity to receive meaningful information about your progress, and will take responsibility for your own growth in relation to the class work. There are many means by which accountability is demonstrated in a responsible learning community. These may be verbal, visual, or written. Accountability applies to both faculty and students. Faculty members have the responsibility for communicating what is to be learned, its purpose, and the goals to be achieved. Student accountability may take the form of oral reports, written reports and papers, action projects, or examinations. The objective of evaluation, whatever its form, is to engage the student in responsible self-understanding and self-evaluation which serve as a springboard for further learning. Those who are dedicated to learning seek and welcome information at every opportunity about their progress. That kind of information is indispensable in mastering a subject or skill. Course Examination and Testing Fees An open-book examination is included in most courses. This examination must be completed and submitted to the CIAMSS, using the proper format before a Certificate of Completion is issued. Thesis or Dissertation Requirements A thesis or dissertation must be written in an acceptable grammatical style and form. They should reflect the high quality of work expected of an adult student. (The book, Form and Style in Thesis Writing, by William Giles Campbell, The Riverside Press, Cambridge, Mass., 1954 or comparable book is suggested as a guide.) Before starting on the thesis, the student must submit his/her subject, which should reflect his/her major field of study. There should be approximately a 500 word explanation regarding what the student intends to include in the thesis. After approval of the Academic Board the student may begin working on the thesis. During a student's research on his/her thesis, he/she is expected to keep the Board informed of his/her progress. All theses for must be typed and legible or they will be returned without action. Master's and Doctor's degrees must be professionally hard bound. Two copies should be submitted: the original and first carbon. One copy will be returned to the student after it has been approved -- the other copy will be retained in the CIAMSS library. The title should appear on the front cover, with the candidate's name at the bottom, along with month and year of submission. If possible, the title and last name of the student should appear on the spine of the bound thesis. Evaluation Process Each course will conclude with an appropriate evaluation process. From that, and with the use of other evaluative criteria, the CIAMSS will assign a grade for each student which will then be recorded on an official transcript as follows:
Coursework with an Unsatisfactory grade may be discussed with the student's faculty advisor and an attempt may be allowed on the behalf of the student to re-take the examination within three (3) months of the first issued Unsatisfactory grade of the specific exam. If student retakes the specific exam within the period of three months with a Satisfactory grade or higher, the new grade will be entered into the student's transcripts. If the second attempt on an exam results in another Unsatisfactory grade, then the student will be required to retake the course, with an audit fee applicable. Incomplete work, whether through distance learning or on campus, must be completed within one (1) year of receipt of class for distance learning or one (1) year from last scheduled class for on-campus students. After this, the class must be retaken at audit rates for completion. Extensions may be granted to this one-year limitation through the student's faculty advisor, with a notation made to the student's files to that effect. Distance learning students who have had no activity on record for a period of one (1) year will be moved from active to inactive status. Academic Probation A student, who receives three (3) Unsatisfactory or Incomplete grades within a one (1) year period, will be placed on academic probation. The student will then be given a specified amount of time, as determined by the Dean of the College, to bring their grades and/or coursework into Satisfactory grade status or higher. A notation of academic probation will be issued to the student and additionally be placed in the student records. If Unsatisfactory grade progress and/or Incomplete coursework are not reversed through the efforts of the student, then the student will be dismissed. The Dean of the College, upon re-application by student, will set conditions for re-entrance for a dismissed student. Progress Records The CIAMSS does not operate on a semester or quarterly basis, and therefore does not issue regular progress reports. A complete record of the student's academic and attendance records is available through the Registrar's Office at the College of Inner Awareness, Metaphysical and Spiritual Studies. A file will move from active to inactive status when it shows no activity for a period of one (1) year. Faculty Advisors The College of Inner Awareness, Metaphysical and Spiritual Studies recognizes that each student develops at his/her own rate of unfoldment and has his/her unique challenges in the program. To further our mutual responsibility for growth through good communication, you will be assigned a faculty advisor. The faculty advisor is a specific faculty resource person for you on all matters relating to your progress in the program. This includes support and guidance regarding course work, being the primary faculty contact person for academic concerns and channeling specific progress information from the CIAMSS. Standards for Graduation The right of graduation from any CIAMSS degree or NAMI certification program is only granted when you provide evidence of being prepared to practice in your chosen field. This evidence is more than spending a certain length of time in training and completing designated courses. Evidence of being prepared to practice your individual discipline emphasizes spiritual, mental, and emotional maturity; devotion to a life-style of service to others; metaphysical, spiritual and intellectual clarity about the purpose and meaning of your discipline; and the demonstrated skill to work effectively with people, organize one's own life and understand the administrative responsibilities appropriate to your chosen field of service. Specific requirements are:
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