Fresno Pacific University

General Information

The Center for Professional Development (CPD), offers a variety of independent study courses to help meet the ever-increasing demand for professional growth for K-12 educators. To provide flexibility and to better serve the needs of the school community, these courses are delivered through a combination of modalities: printed materials and texts, audiotapes, videotapes, CD-ROM, and online distance learning. These are not on-campus courses. They may be taken any place and any time (independent study courses have also been described as correspondence courses, self-directed independent learning courses, and distance education courses). This program provides an excellent way for educators to increase their content knowledge in a subject area, sharpen their teaching skills, or just study in a special interest area. Courses may be used, with district approval, for professional advancement. CPD currently serves over 10,000 educators throughout the United States. These independent study courses have been developed by well-qualified K-12 practitioners who understand the problems and needs in the classroom, and are available to give support throughout the course of study. CPD instructors make every effort to make their courses challenging and enjoyable. However, the flexibility and freedom to work at one's own pace as offered by this program requires self-discipline. As with all independent projects, one should be prepared to take responsibility for completion and the successful outcomes of taking the course. Admission to the university is not necessary in order to register for independent study courses, nor does enrollment in these courses constitute acceptance into the university. Enrollment in these courses may be accomplished in person, by mail, by telephone, or by fax anytime throughout the year.

Fresno Pacific University

Fresno Pacific University is located in Central California in the San Joaquin Valley. The university is situated on a 42-acre campus in Fresno, California, between the Sierra Nevada Mountains one hour to the east, and the beaches of the Pacific Ocean, two hours to the west.

Accreditation

The school began as Pacific Bible Institute in 1944. After a transitional junior college phase, Fresno Pacific University received Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation in 1965, the same year in which the first Bachelor of Arts degrees were granted. A fully accredited graduate program in Education was initiated in 1976. The growth and development of undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies programs led to renaming the college Fresno Pacific University. Fresno Pacific University is the only fully accredited, Christian liberal arts senior school in the southern part of California's great Central Valley. Fresno Pacific University serves not only members of the Mennonite Brethren Church but also persons from the larger church and public.

Center for Professional Development Mission Statement

The mission of the Center for Professional Development is to model and to extend the kingdom of God in this world through professional development dedicated to meeting the lifelong learning needs of individuals serving society while engaged in the professions. The Center seeks to integrate theory and practice through innovative strategies, and to encourage professionals in informed reflection on values that inspire the highest standards of professional and ethical behavior in the pursuit of excellence in their chosen field, in order to bring transformation to society.

Fresno Pacific University - Center for Professional Development

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 course work through the Center for Professional Development. These courses at Fresno Pacific University serve a distinct audience consisting of practicing pre-school through twelfth grade teachers and school administrators. The primary goal of the Center is to meet the needs of school districts by providing training that will strengthen the teachers, the school districts, and the students they serve.

University Credit

University credit is earned on a semester-unit basis. Numbers 999-1999 designate courses that meet objectives that cannot be served by established baccalaureate and/or graduate offerings. Coursework offered for college credit adheres to 45 hours per semester unit for 900 series independent study courses and 12.5 contact hours per unit, plus an assignment, for 1000 series professional development courses.

Policy Statement: 900 Level Independent Study Courses

Fresno Pacific University offers independent study courses through its Center for Professional Development that are intended for educators and other professionals who have obtained at least a Bachelor's 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. They are not to be used for undergraduate credit or athletic eligibility. 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 NumberCourse Category 900-999 Graduate level university credit designed for professional development and not as part of a degree program.

ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR INDEPENDENT STUDY COURSES

Enrollment Requirements

Open enrollment is available for all Center for Professional Development independent study courses. You may register online any time by creating an account at: http://ce.fresno.edu then adding a course to your cart, or by phone at (800) 372-5505 weekdays, 8~5 PT.

You may be registered for a maximum of 9 units concurrently. A maximum of 6 units may be completed in 3 weeks. A maximum of 9 units may be completed in 6 weeks. You may complete a maximum of 18 units per semester. Semester dates as defined by CPD are:

Spring: January 1 through April 30
Summer: May 1 through August 31
Fall: September 1 through December 31

You have up to one year from your official date of registration to complete a course, and the minimum completion time is 3 weeks. Instructors are notified daily (weekdays) of new registrants. Course information and/or materials are then sent directly from the instructor, not the CPD office.

Tuition and Materials Fees

As of January 1, 2017 the price per course consists of $125 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. Additional postage fees may be charged, at the instructor’s discretion, if you require materials to be shipped to US territories or foreign countries.

Dropping a Course

If you find you need to drop a course you may be entitled to a refund. To ‘Drop’ a course, login to your account on the CPD website at: https://ce.fresno.edu/my-account then go to 'My Account' and click ‘Drop Course’ then complete and submit the form.

Within four weeks of the official date of registration a full refund, less a $30 handling fee, for tuition will be given. After four weeks and through nine weeks, a 50% refund will be granted; after nine weeks there are no refunds allowed. A refund for materials fees is in order if all materials are returned to the instructor in their original, reusable condition at the time the drop is requested. There may not be materials to return for some courses, but the instructor must still be notified for the drop / refund to be processed.

Withdrawal Requirements

You must officially withdraw from a course, otherwise a 'No Credit' grade will automatically be issued one year after your official date of registration. To withdraw from a course login to your account on the CPD website at: https://ce.fresno.edu/my-account then go to 'My Account' and click ‘Drop Course’ then complete and submit the form.

Extensions

If you find you require additional time to complete a course may request a one-time six month extension, but you must do so prior to the one year due date. To request an extension login to your account on the CPD website at: https://ce.fresno.edu/my-account then go to 'My Account' and click ‘Request Extension’ then complete and submit the form. A $30 fee must accompany extension requests.

Re-Enrollment

You may re-enroll in an Independent Study Course if you have previously received a grade of “No Credit" but current tuition and fees will apply.

Requesting Online Grading

It is your responsibility to request online grading once you have completed the course and submitted your work. The university recently revised their website and as a result I am no longer able to request online grading on your behalf thus I cannot submit your grade to the university until you have requested online grading!

To request online grading, login to your account on the CPD website at https://ce.fresno.edu/my-account and 'Request Final Grade' link. Grades are posted by the university within two business days after the instructor submits your grade.

Final Grade Report and Transcripts

FPU discontinued the process of mailing hard copies of the Final Grade Report. In lieu, a .pdf Final Grade Report is available to print by logging in to the CPD website at https://ce.fresno.edu/my-account then clicking on the Final Grade Report link. The grade report will reflect credit earned in the semester which the course was registered; the transcript will reflect the actual course beginning and ending dates. The ending date is based on the last assignment posted date in Moodle system or the postmark on materials mailed to the instructor.

To order an official transcript (after you have verified that your grade is posted on the Final Grade Report): Sign in to the Continuing Education website and click on the My Account at the top, then Order Transcripts link on the left navigation tree and follow the instructions. Be sure to enter your seven-digit Student ID number beginning with a zero when requesting your transcript. If you have questions, contact the Registrar's Office at (559) 453-2037.

Receiving Credit

You must submit satisfactorily completed coursework to the instructor in order to receive credit. For correspondence courses, the postmark on your returned packet of completed coursework determines the official completion date. In the case of online courses, the date of the email to the instructor with the coursework files or final assignment is utilized. You may not receive credit for duplicate courses. Grades will not be released until all tuition and fees have been paid.

Grading System

Independent Study Courses are graded as either “A,” “B” or “No Credit". A grade of “No Credit” will be issued if coursework does not meet the course requirements. “No Credit” will automatically be issued if coursework is not completed within one year from date of registration and an extension has not been requested.

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 (HED / PED) 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.