Credit by Examination

Credit by examination is available to students whose experience or independent study has led to mastery of the content of Fisk courses they would otherwise have to take. To be eligible for participation in this program, students must be enrolled at Fisk and must be carrying a full load of class work. Since the purpose of the program is to allow for the demonstration of achievement outside of the normal academic process, no student may use this option to receive credit for a course in which he or she has previously received a failing grade. The examinations are normally scheduled with the approval of the Provost. Students may be permitted to take two examinations on each day. A list of the courses for which the credit-by-examination option is available and maintained in each division office, the Office of the Registrar and in the Office of the Provost. Students seeking credit by examination must petition the School Dean or the Chair of the CORE Curriculum Committee in writing, giving the course number, title, and hours of credit, together with a brief statement of justification, mentioning such matters as high school courses taken in the field, any special work experience, or independent study background in the content field. For continuing students, the deadline for petitions is the end of the registration period. A nonrefundable fee is assessed before each examination. A student will be assessed tuition charges for all credit hours earned by this method.

The School Dean or the Chair of the CORE Curriculum Committee will report to the Provost on the acceptability of the student's justifications within one week from the receipt of the petition. The division may exclude certain courses from the credit-by-examination process.

The student must take a written examination and/or complete additional measures to demonstrate mastery. The examination will come from the discipline or school in which the course is taught. It must be reviewed and approved by the discipline faculty or by the discipline faculties, if more than one discipline is involved. The division will promptly notify students of the exam results. Students who fail to pass the examination may petition for one additional chance and must pay the fee again. If the student passes, the course will appear on the student's transcript for that semester with a grade of "P." Records of failure for credit by examination do not appear on the transcript.