Grading Methods and Symbols
Following the conclusion of each quarter, students are provided grade sheets indicating academic progress for the quarter completed. Grades are based on the quality of work of the student as reflected on written examinations, outside assignments and class projects.

The following grading symbols are used to evaluate a student's progress.

An incomplete grade must be cleared within seven (7) calendar weeks following the quarter in which the incomplete grade was given.  The grade (I) is changed to (F) if the work is not completed in the specified time. 

A quarterly grade record is maintained by the college.  The instructors record the course grades at the end of each quarter.  Grade sheets are issued to each student following the completion of each quarter. Sponsors may receive the student's grades upon permission granted by the student.

Probation and Termination
Students who fail to achieve the required cumulative or quarterly G.P.A. at the end of a quarter will be placed on probation during the following quarter.  During the probationary quarter, a student may be allowed to progress to the next quarter of studies or may be required to repeat a previous quarter of training.  Students who fail to achieve a 2.0 or higher quarter G.P.A. during their first probationary quarter will be terminated. 

At the end of the first quarter of probation, students who achieve a 2.0 or higher quarterly G.P.A. and whose cumulative G.P.A. is high enough to permit them to achieve a 2.0 cumulative G.P.A. during the next quarter may be continued on probation for one additional quarter.  Students who fail to achieve a cumulative 2.0 G.P.A. at the end of their second consecutive probationary quarter will be terminated.  In order to be removed from probation, a student must achieve a 2.0 or higher quarterly G.P.A. at the end of the probationary quarter.

Reentry, Readmission
A student suspended or terminated for scholastic or academic deficiencies may apply in writing for admission in the next academic quarter.  A student terminated for the second time must show evidence of remedial work and improvement before readmission will be considered by the college.  A request for readmission following the third termination will be reviewed by the administration. The student has the right of appeal to the Board of Trustees of the college if he/she finds the decision of the administration is unsatisfactory.

Comprehensive Examinations
At the end of the final quarter comprehensive examinations will be given in all major areas of instruction.  The examinations indicate to both the student and the college the degree of proficiency that has been attained in the licensing testing areas. The student must pass all comprehensive examinations in order to graduate.

Attendance Policy
Attendance is recorded at the beginning of each class or lab session on the daily attendance form by the instructor.  The daily attendance form is transcribed to the master attendance record each week.

Absenteeism may lead to probation and termination from the college.  A student who is counseled by the administration of the college about excessive absenteeism is automatically placed on probation. Further counseling necessary due to continued absenteeism will lead to termination from the college.  The college will terminate any student for absenteeism in excess of fifteen percent (15%) of the total clock hours in the quarter.

Leave of Absence
Leave of absence may be granted in emergency situations and for military service obligations.  Leave of absence shall not exceed twelve days in any quarter. A student requesting a leave of absence must do so in writing. The request must contain the dates and reason for the requested leave. The request must be signed by the student, and if approved by the administration, will be placed in the student's college file and noted in the master attendance record.  

If a student fails to return from leave which has been granted, he/she will be terminated immediately, and the proper refund will be made in accordance with the refund policy.  Students are responsible for arranging makeup of class work missed as a result of a leave of absence.

Graduation
The following requirements must be met for graduation:

	A final overall grade point average of 2.0 must be attained.
	The student must assist in the preparation of the required number of clinical cases and any other work required by the college.
	The student shall be free of all indebtedness to the college thirty days prior to graduation.
	The student must pass the comprehensive examinations.
	The student must have a minimum of one hundred five (105) hours credit for completion of the Associate of Applied Science program or forty-three (43) hours for completion of the Funeral Directors' program.
	The student shall have met the requirements of the Texas Success Initiative prior to graduating with the Associate Degree, unless exempt.
	All students shall have taken the National Board Exam prior to graduating with the Associate of Applied Science Degree.

Graduation With Honors
The conferring of all honors and rewards shall be determined by a special awards committee composed of members of the college faculty and administration, and the conferring of all such honors shall be left entirely to their discretion.  The college bestows awards in recognition of service and scholastic proficiency.  The Scholastic Achievement Award is presented to those students who have maintained a high "B" average for the year. The W. H. Pierce Award is presented to the student who has best exemplified the ideals of funeral service by his/her attitude, conduct, and relationship with others during the school year.  These awards are given in addition to the Valedictorian and Salutatorian awards, which indicate first and second in the class, respectively.  Special awards are given to those students who have maintained a perfect attendance record during the entire school year.

Formal Withdrawal Policy
Students withdrawing from the college for any reason must make a formal declaration of intention to withdraw and must clear themselves in every respect from the college.  Merely discontinuing class attendance does not constitute formal withdrawal.  A student will be dropped for non-attendance after exceeding the absentee guidelines of the school.

Discipline
Behavior and conduct reflect not only on the individual, but also on the profession which he/she is entering. Therefore, students will be expected to conduct themselves accordingly.  The college reserves the right to require the immediate withdrawal of any student, when in its judgement, such action is necessary for the best interest of the college, the students, and the funeral service profession. The right of due process is guaranteed to such students by appeal to the president of the college and subsequently the Board of Trustees.

Student Conduct Policy
Dallas Institute of Funeral Service assumes that students entering college are familiar with the expected rules governing proper conduct of mature, responsible adults.  All students will voluntarily observe all such rules and respect the rights of all citizens of the college community.  

Violation of the rules of good conduct; the laws of municipal, state, or federal entities; or conduct disruptive to the educational process will lead to disciplinary action by the school.  Compliance with all rules and codes regarding the use of drugs, intoxicants and smoking is expected.  All information about the college, including rules and codes of conduct, is covered in the Student Handbook.

Dallas Institute of Funeral Service
3909 South Buckner Blvd.,  Dallas, Texas 75227
(214) 388-5466 or 800-235-5444  Fax (214) 388-0316
E-Mail difs@dallasinstitute.edu

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