Is this grading policy typical?

[SafetyScissors]

I am looking into master's degree programs for occupational therapy. One I am especially interested in posted their student handbook online. As I browsed through it, one of their policies stuck out to me:

 

 

5. Competence throughout both OT Programs is measured against the standard of 84% (for all assignments and final course grades. Individual and group assignments that do not meet this standard will result in the student(s) having to complete a competency contract to demonstrate a sufficient level of mastery over the content.

 

6. Students who are asked to fulfill a competency contract by the instructor cannot earn a grade higher than originally earned. The competency contract will outline a plan of action determined by student, instructor, and advisor collaboratively.

 

7. If the demands of the competency contract are not fulfilled satisfactorily by the appointed deadline (meaning both the assignment rigor and contract deadline are met), the student will be assigned a second competency contract and placed on Academic Probation.

 

8. Students are permitted no more than three (3) competency contracts throughout the curriculum. A single initial competency contract serves as a 'warning' of sorts; a second results in Academic Probation; a third will result in an academic review meeting with the instructor of record, the academic advisor, and a member of the OT Department Executive Committee.

 

9. Academic performance warranting a fourth competency contract (meaning 4 assignments below an 84%) will result in Academic Dismissal from the students program.

 

 

Can I get some insight from those already in graduate school? Is this policy unusual or is it par for the course?

 

Thanks.

Edited February 1, 2014 by SafetyScissors

[Eigen]

Not really. 

 

It seems pretty similar to the policies in my program/at my school. 

[iphi]

Most graduate programs have a stipulation that you must maintain at least a B average, so this seems on par.

[TakeruK]

I would say that it is a little bit unusual, from my limited experience, to see departmental level regulations on individual assignments within a course. Usually, I see many regulations that require a student to have a minimum final grade, though. So, I would say the only thing that might be atypical is that the requirement is on individual assignments within a course, instead of the entire course. However, maybe in this professional program, assignments are major projects, not something like a weekly homework set!