Policies

Academic Expectations and Grade Requirements

Boston University expects students to approach their coursework and studies with the same level of professionalism and integrity that each program’s industry demands. Our instructors, likewise, adhere to a high professional standard when evaluating each student’s coursework and performance.

All courses are academically rigorous with grading standards that must be met to earn a certificate from Boston University. Students are required to earn a minimum grade of C (2.0 or 73) in each module of a course or program and an overall course or program minimum grade of B- (2.7 or 80).

Students must complete all coursework by the relevant due dates. At the end of the course or program, students will receive a composite letter grade on a grade report. The composite grade will only be on the grade report and transcript. We do not archive any of the assignment grades.

Computer Requirements

To complete the Genealogy Studies Program, students must have access to a desktop computer or laptop. We recommend that students do not use a tablet to complete coursework, as the Blackboard platform does not allow students to submit assignments or take exams (among other functions) using a tablet.

Visit BU’s online learning tech guide for more information.

Disability & Access Services

Disability & Access Services is available to students who need accommodations.

To request accommodations:

• New students should complete the online intake form.
• Returning students should use the Accomodate portal.

Transcripts

All BU Center for Professional Education programs are noncredit, and only unofficial transcripts are issued. Most students can access their academic history and download transcripts directly from MyCPE using these instructions.

Withdrawal Policy, Transfers, and Fees

Genealogical Principles Course and Genealogical Practicum Course

• Withdraw before the course starts: Full refund, minus a non-refundable cancellation fee of up to $300.
• Withdraw by the eighth day of the course: 50% refund, minus less a non-refundable cancellation fee of up to $300.
• Withdraw after fifteen days: No refund.

Credit card payment refunds must be credited to the same credit card. You will not be issued a transcript when withdrawing a class or program. A “W” grade will be noted for withdrawing from the course(s) after the fifteenth class date.

Please note that ceasing to log into the online course or program or notifying your instructor that you are withdrawing does not constitute an official withdrawal.

Students may be eligible for a one-time transfer if they meet the following requirements;

• Request to transfer from the course is made within the fifteenth business/academic day of the start date.
• Only one transfer is permitted per student, and the student must transfer to another term within one year.
• A transfer fee of up to $300 will apply.

Genealogical Research Certificate

• Withdraw before the course starts: Full refund, minus a non-refundable cancellation fee of up to $300.
• Withdraw by the fifteenth day of the course: 50% refund, minus a non-refundable cancellation fee of up to $300.
• Withdraw after fifteen days: No refund.

Credit card payment refunds must be credited to the same credit card. You will not be issued a transcript when withdrawing a class or program. A “W” grade will be noted for withdrawing from the course(s) after the fifteenth class date.

Please note that ceasing to log into the online course or program or notifying your instructor that you are withdrawing does not constitute an official withdrawal.

Students may be eligible for a one-time transfer if they meet the following requirements;

• Request to transfer from the course is made within fifteen business/academic days of the start date.
• Only one transfer is permitted per student, and the student must transfer to another term within one year.
• A transfer fee of up to $300 will apply.

To learn more about withdrawals or transfers please contact our enrollment advisors at enrollment@cpeonline.bu.edu.

State Authorization and Distance Education

Boston University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), which allows the university to offer distance education programs in other SARA member states.

The BU State Authorization and Distance Education Disclosures page provides more information about SARA, including steps for dispute resolution.