Fresno Pacific University 
Fresno Pacific University is accredited by the Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and colleges and authorized to offer coursework through the Center for Professional Development. The Center for Professional Development courses serve a distinct audience consisting of practicing pre-school through twelfth grade teachers and administrators. The primary goal of the Center is to meet the needs of school districts and provide courses that will strengthen the teachers, the school district, and the students they serve.
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Policy Statement
900 Series – Independent Study Courses
Fresno Pacific School University offers independent study courses through its Center for Professional Development that are primarily designed for students who have baccalaureate degrees and appropriate teaching credentials. These courses are graduate level, professional development units that are not part of a degree program, but instead are primarily used for professional advancement. Students should seek approval of appropriate district or college officials before enrolling in these courses to satisfy any degree, state credential, or local school district requirements.
The FPU transcript legend reads as follows for independent study courses:
Course Number Course Category 900 – 999
2000-3999
ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR INDEPENDENT STUDY COURSES
Enrollment Requirements
Open enrollment is available for all Center for Professional Development independent study courses. Students register by returning a completed registration form and appropriate fees to the Center for Professional Development office, by calling 800/372-5505 using Visa, MasterCard or Discover Card, or online at www.fresno.edu/register.
Students have up to one year to complete a course.
A minimum of one week per unit of study has been set, by design, as a standard for all Center for Professional Development independent study courses.
Note: Do not call instructors to enroll. Instructors are notified daily of new registrants. Course materials are then mailed directly from the instructor, not the CPD office.
Tuition and Materials Fees
The price per course consists of $113 tuition per semester unit plus applicable materials, online and administrative fees. All prices of taxable items include sales tax reimbursement computed to the nearest mil. Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice. Center for Professional Development courses do not qualify for financial aid or loan deferment.
For courses listing a partial materials fee, certain materials may be shared with another student. Students ordering partial materials must ascertain that they have access to all the required materials before ordering. Any shipment of materials after the partial materials have been mailed may be subject to additional postage and handling fees.
A telephone and/or additional postage fee may be charged, at the instructor’s discretion, to students receiving materials in Hawaii, Alaska, US territories, or foreign countries.
Dropping and Adding
Students are permitted to drop a course, or drop a course and add an alternative course within four weeks of the registration date. A full refund for tuition and instructional materials, less a $30 handling fee, will be granted if a course is dropped within four weeks of the registration date and all materials are returned to the instructor in their original condition. After four weeks, a 50% refund will be granted through nine weeks. After nine weeks, there is no tuition refund.
Withdrawal Requirements
Students must officially withdraw from a course or a “No Credit” grade will automatically be issued one year after the date of registration.
Extensions
Students may request an extension for up to six months from the Director of Independent Studies prior to the original due date.
A letter or the Extension Request Form (found here) must be submitted to the Director of Independent Studies PRIOR TO THE ORIGINAL COURSE DUE DATE, accompanied by a $30 handling fee. Grades will not be released until all tuition and fees have been paid. If students do not complete course requirements within the six-month extension period, a grade of “No Credit” will automatically be issued.
Reducing Number of Units
Students are not permitted to reduce the number of units in an independent study or online course for which they are enrolled.
Receiving Credit
Students must submit satisfactorily completed coursework to the instructor within one year of the registration date in order to receive credit. The postmark on coursework mailed to the instructor determines completion date.
Students may not receive credit for duplicate courses.
Grades will not be released until all tuition and fees have been paid to the university.
Grading System
Independent Study Courses are graded as either “A,” “B” or “Credit,” “No Credit.” “Credit” is equivalent to a letter grade of “B.”
A grade of “No Credit” will be issued if coursework does not meet the course requirements.
A grade of “No Credit” will automatically be issued if coursework is not completed within one year from date of registration, and anextension has not been requested.
Official Grade Reports
Grades are posted within five business days upon receipt of the Grade Form from the instructor.
Semester dates as defined by the Center for Professional Development are:
Summer Semester: January 1 through April 30 Summer Semester: Fall Semester: September 1 through December 31
The Grade Report will reflect the grade in the semester in which the course was registered. The Transcript will reflect the course beginning and ending dates.
Re-Enrollment
Students may re-enroll in Independent Study Courses if they have previously received a grade of “No Credit.”
The current tuition fee and materials fees, if necessary, must be paid in order to re-enroll.
Grade Appeals
Grade appeals must be made within one year from the date the grade report was issued.
Appeals must first be presented to the instructor. If necessary, a second appeal may be made to the CPD Director of Independent Studies, and finally to the Continuing Education Executive Director.
Important Note: Health/Physical Education (HPE) and Computer Technology (TEC) courses do not fulfill the computer or health component requirements for the California Clear Credential.
Plagiarism
All people participating in the educational process at Fresno Pacific University are expected to pursue honesty and integrity in all aspects of their academic work. Academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, will be handled according to the procedures set forth in the Fresno Pacific University catalog.
Is Fresno Pacific University an accredited University?
Yes. Fresno Pacific University is accredited by the Commission for Senior Colleges and universities of the western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is authorized to offer course work through the Center for Professional Development.
When can I enroll in an independent study course?
Open enrollment is available for all Center for Professional Development independent study courses. Students register by returning a completed registration form and appropriate fees to the Center for Professional Development office, by dialing 1-800-372-5505 using Visa, MasterCard or Discover, or using our online form.
How do I know if there is an independent study course that is right for me?
The Center for Professional Development offers over 200 courses in 17 different subject areas. Visit our home page to begin the search for the course that best fits your needs.
If I register today, how long will I wait before receiving my materials?
Within 5-10 business days. Registering for a course must be done through the Center for Professional Development office. Instructors are notified daily of new registrations. Course materials are sent to students directly from individual instructors. Please allow 5-10 business days to receive course materials.
How many units may I take at one time?
Students may enroll in up to 9 semester units at once, but may not complete more than 15 units in one semester.
How long does it take to complete a course?
As little as 3 weeks…or up to 1 year. A minimum of one week per unit of study has been set, by design, as a standard for all Center for Professional Development Independent Study courses. However, students may take up to one year to complete a course.
My school district requires a letter grade for advancement on the salary schedule. Can I receive a letter grade for my coursework?
Yes. Independent study courses are graded as either “A,” “B” or “Credit,” “No Credit” (Credit” is equivalent to a letter grade of “B.”) If a student wishes to receive a letter grade instead of a credit/no credit grade, the request for letter grade box must be checked on the triplicate grade form, which is to be returned to the instructor with the completed course assignment.
Are these courses graduate level?
Yes. The Fresno Pacific Center for Professional Development offers independent study courses that are primarily designed for students who have baccalaureate degrees and appropriate teaching credential These courses are graduate level, professional development units that are not part of a degree program, but instead are primarily used for professional advancement. Students should seek approval of appropriate district or college officials before enrolling in these courses to satisfy any degree, state credential, or local school district requirements.
How long does it take instructors to grade my coursework?
Allow two to four weeks from the date materials are mailed to the instructor for mailing/processing time. Grades are posted by Fresno Pacific University within five business days upon receipt of the Grade Form from the instructor.
How soon can I receive an official transcript after completing my coursework?
Students do not have to wait until the end of the semester to receive an official transcript! Once the student receives the blue, official computer-generated Grade Report, an official transcript may be requested directly from the Registrar (not the Center for Professional Development office). Visit the Registrar's Office for all information and the official transcript request form or call 559-453-2268 for information on how to order transcripts.
What is the difference between a partial and full materials fee?
For courses listing a partial materials fee, certain materials may be shared with another student. Students ordering partial materials must ascertain that they have access to all the required updated materials before ordering.
I registered for a course and am finding it is not what I need. May I return the course or register for another?
Students are permitted to withdraw from a course, or withdraw from a course and add an alternative course within four weeks of the registration date.
A full refund for tuition and instructional materials, less a $30 handling fee, will be granted if a course is dropped within four weeks of the registration date and all materials are returned to the instructor in their original condition.
After four weeks, a 50% refund will be granted through nine weeks. After nine weeks, there is no tuition refund.
Do these courses qualify for financial aid or student loan deferment?
No, these courses do not qualify for financial aid or student loan deferment. However, some school districts have funds available to assist their teachers in professional growth. Contact your school district to find out if those funds are available to you.
Contact Fresno Pacific University:
Phone: 1-800-372-5505
Email: profdev@fresno.edu
Visit their website at www.fresno.edu