Policies and Procedures
View the most current issue of the Paralegal Institute Academic Bulletin containing important policies and procedures information.
Academic Integrity and Student Conduct
Students at our Paralegal Institute are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the high standards of professionalism to which lawyers themselves must adhere under the Model Rules of Professional Responsibility. Our Institute reserves the right to dismiss any student for falsification of admissions information, or dishonesty involving class assignments or exams, theft or damage of property.
Students are reminded that in the conduct of their business and academic affairs at the Institute, even the appearance of impropriety is to be avoided. Students who fail in any regard to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with these statements may be dismissed.
Academic Standards
You must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 in all course work in order to be eligible for graduation. If a student's cumulative grade index falls below 2.5 at the end of the first or second term, he or she will be placed on academic probation. Students on probation are expected to achieve at least a 2.5 average the following term, or be subject to possible dismissal. Students must complete the certificate in no more than five (5) years. Students who exceed this requirement must re-apply through the Admissions Committee.
Grading System
| A | (4.00) | 94-100 |
| A- | (3.75) | 90-93 |
| B+ | (3.25) | 87-89 |
| B | (3.00) | 83-86 |
| B- | (2.75) | 80-82 |
| C+ | (2.25) | 75-79 |
| C | (2.0) | 70-74 |
| D | (1.0) | 60-69 |
| F | (0.0) | 0-59 |
Course credits graded Incomplete or Withdrawal do not earn CEUs and if required for program completion, must be repeated and passed. Students receiving an incomplete ("I") grade have six (6) weeks (three (3) weeks for the summer session) from the original due date to complete course requirements. After that time the "I" will be changed to an "F".
Attendance Policy
Since the course materials are of a technical and intensive nature, students are required to attend all classes. Students must inform their instructor if they will be unable to attend a particular class. Class attendance is outlined in the Student Academic Bulletin.
Audited Course Policy
Courses may be audited. However, audited courses are not eligible to be converted to matriculated units. Auditors must declare at registration that the course it being taken for audit and pay the full-course tuition.
Refund Policy
| 100% | Prior to the end of the first week of class |
| 80% | Prior to end of the second week of class |
| 40% | Prior to end of the third week of class |
| 20% | Prior to end of the fourth week of class |
| 0% | After the end of fourth week of class |
Transfer Policy
Although transfer credits are typically not accepted into the paralegal program, each request will be evaluated on an individual basis. Courses being considered for transfer must have been taken within the past three years from an ABA approved paralegal program. Only course grades of “B” or better will be considered for possible transfer, and no more than three courses will be considered for transfer. Under no circumstances will an ethics or professional responsibility course be considered for transfer and must be taken at the Paralegal Institute.
Withdrawal
For termination of attendance in courses after the 4th week of class. A "W" will appear on the transcript. Students are financially responsible for all withdrawals. Withdrawals must be processed before the 5th week of the term.
