Methods of Instruction
Academic (A)
The classroom instructor monitors the students’ progress by observation of attendance, attentiveness, participation in the class format, and completion of assignments. A letter grade is assigned, indicating comprehension of the content covered in the class. Clock hours are earned as recorded on attendance records. Students who wish to take Dharma Realm Buddhist University classes for clock-hour and letter-grade credit in the Sangha or Laity Training Program, must complete a Special Studies Form, get the instructor’s signature and then pass the form to the Registrar’s Office.
Practicum (P)
Practicum courses normally involve participation in group practice where learning takes place through mutual cooperation. Instruction is given both verbally and through demonstration and example on the part of the instructor. Practicum courses include ceremony and ritual, repentance, recitation, mantras, and Chan. Each practicum course is complemented with a study course. However, during actual practice of ceremony and ritual, repentance, recitation, and mantras, texts containing Buddhism’s principles and meanings are often read, recited, and memorized. Normally during Chan practice, instruction in the principles of Chan are given. Evaluation is based on close and continual observation of the students’ performance, level of competence, quality of participation, development of skill, and attendance record. Clock hours are earned and a letter grade is assigned.
Independent Study
Clock hours may be earned and letter grades given for approved and supervised independent study. To arrange an independent study class, the student must consult with the appropriate instructor to arrange the content of the course, method of study or practice, and means of evaluation. If approved, the student then completes the Special Studies Form, has the instructor sign it, and turns it to the SLTP registrar’s office.
Class format is of three types: academic, practicum, and independent study. Training is measured in clock hours for each type of course. A letter grade is given to evaluate the quality of the clock-hour performance.
Evaluation
Students’ progress is rated as satisfactory or unsatisfactory at the end of each school term. An overall satisfactory evaluation for training will be judged on the basis of (1) a minimum 70% overall average attendance and punctuality; (2) a student’s having had no disciplinary warnings; (3) a student’s having exhibited in classes a minimum level of attentiveness, comprehension, retention, and performance as determined by an overall average letter grade of at least C (70%).
Instruction, guidance, and evaluation of moral development are a major part of the Training Programs. Students are counseled and evaluated according to criteria made known to them that are based on the Six Principles.
Grades are assigned according to the following grade point scale:
| A—Excellent | A+ = 4.0, A = 4.0, A- = 3.7 |
| B—Good | B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B- = 2.7 |
| C—Satisfactory | C+ = 2.3, C = 2.0, C- = 1.7 |
| D—Minimal Pass | D+ = 1.3, D = 1.0 |
| F—Failing | F = 0.0 |
Probation
A student may be placed on probation if they receive an unsatisfactory overall evaluation on the basis of three evaluation criteria in any given semester. In such cases, the student will receive a Probation Notice, and a copy will be placed in the student’s file. Within one week of receiving the Probation Notice, the student will be required to see an academic advisor to help determine the root of the problem and to aid the student in returning to a satisfactory performance level. If this can be accomplished by the end of the semester, the probation will be lifted. If a student on probation is unable to return to a satisfactory performance level by the end of any given semester, the probation will be extended to the following semester under the guidance of an academic advisor. An accumulation of three or more unsatisfactory ratings (probations), whether consecutive or not, may be deemed cause for a student’s dismissal.
