Academic Policies

A. ADMISSION AND RETENTION

1. Requirements for Admission of New Students

The University reserves the right not to accept any applicant whose qualifications do not meet the standards and requirements of the School of Law.

A “New Student” is a college graduate with the appropriate baccalaureate degree and is eligible for admission to study leading to the Juris Doctor degree in accordance with the minimum requirements prescribed by the University, the Supreme Court, and the Legal Education Board (LEB).

The following are the general requirements for admission of New Students (freshmen):

(a) entrance examination;

(b) interview by the Dean (which is mandatory for all applicants);

(c) completion of a baccalaureate degree with required units for Math, English, and Social Sciences, including Rizal course; and

(d) personal statement, subject to a maximum of two hundred fifty (250) words.

Other requirements for admission of New Students are:

• Original copy of Honorable Dismissal /Transfer Credential;

• Original copy of Official TOR;

• Original copy of Good Moral Character (from the last school attended);

• Original copy of the Birth Certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA);

• Original copy of the Marriage Certificate with Affidavit of Change of Name (if the married female applicant’s TOR is under her maiden name) issued by the PSA; and

• Two (2) pieces of 2×2 photo (any background)

2. Requirements for Admission of Transfer Students

A “Transfer Student” is a student who wishes to enroll in the University after having been previously enrolled in another law school. Former law students returning to the University after having enrolled in other educational institutions are also considered Transfer Students. Transfer Students must possess all the qualifications required of the Law School’s students to continue his or her studies in the Law School, otherwise, his or her application for transfer shall be denied.

The following are the general requirements for admission of Transfer Students:

(a) all requirements applicable to New Students;

(b) general weighted average (GWA) of at least 2.50 or 80%, or its equivalent;

(c) probationary period on the first semester of residence in the School of Law, i.e., the student must not obtain a failing grade in any subject; and

(d) two (2)-year residence requirement.

Other requirements for admission of Transfer Students are:

• Letter of Intent to transfer;

• Original copy of Honorable Dismissal /Transfer Credential;

• Original copy of TOR;

• Original copy of Good Moral Character (from the last school attended);

• Original copy of the Birth Certificate issued by the PSA;

• Original copy of the Marriage Certificate with Affidavit of Change of Name (If the married female applicant’s TOR is under her maiden name) issued by the PSA; and

• Two (2) pieces of 2×2 photo (any background).

3. Requirements for Admission of Continuing Students

A “Continuing Student” is a student who was enrolled in the University in the immediately preceding semester and is not disqualified to continue his or her law studies in the University. Non-academic reasons for the non-readmission are governed by the disciplinary rules and regulations of the University.

ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Accomplished Student’s Clearance Form to be secured from the Registrar’s Office; and

• Copy of summary of grades, for incoming 2nd year, 3rd year, and 4^th year law students.

4. Requirements for Admission of Returnees

A “Returnee Student” is a student who was previously enrolled in the University and after having stopped without enrolling elsewhere or has filed a leave of absence for the period during which he or she has discontinued his or her studies, and is not disqualified to continue his or her law studies in the University. Non-academic reasons for the non-readmission are governed by the disciplinary rules and regulations of the University.

ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Accomplished Student’s Clearance Form to be secured from the Registrar’s Office; and

• Copy of summary of grades to be secured from the Registrar’s Office.

5. Requirements for Admission of Refresher Students

A “Refresher Student” is a law graduate who wants to enroll for review purposes or for a Supreme Court-mandatory course required for a law graduate who failed in the Bar Examination for the third time before he or she is allowed to take the Bar Examination for the fourth time.

ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS:

· Letter of Intent to attend refresher courses;

· Photocopy of Diploma or TOR (issued by the law school where the refresher obtained his or her law degree); and

· Two (2) pieces of 2×2 photo (any background).

6. Requirements for Admission of Cross-enrolling Students

A “Cross-enrolled” student is one who is fully admitted and enrolled in another law school who wish to enroll in the University provided that he or she will submit an endorsement from his or law school with a copy of his or her latest grades.

B. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS

1. ALIENS, NATURALIZED FILIPINOS, AND STUDENTS WITH FOREIGN NAMES

(a) Philippine-born alien students must submit a photocopy of their Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) and Native Born Certificate of Registration (NBCR), which must be certified against the original by the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) Regional Office.

(b) Children of naturalized Filipino citizens must submit a copy of Identification Certificate issued by the Commissioner of Immigration and certified against the original by the CHEd Regional Office.

(c) Filipino citizens whose family names are of foreign origin must submit their birth certificates issued by the Local Civil Registrar. Foreign-born alien students must submit a photocopy of their ACR, certified against the original by the CHEd Regional Office.

2. FOREIGN STUDENTS

(a) For overseas students, who are still abroad, they may apply for admission in writing with the University Registrar and submit the following admission requirements:

i. Six (6) copies of the duly accomplished Personal History Statements (PHS) signed in English and in his/her national alphabet. PHS form is available at the Philippine Foreign Services Post (PFSP) in the applicant’s home country;

ii. Six (6) copies of the original Transcript of Scholastic Records duly authenticated by the PFSP in the student’s country of origin or legal residence;

iii. Six (6) copies of the notarized Affidavit of Adequate Financial Support (AAFS) including bank accounts or notarized Notice of Grant for institution scholars to cover expenses for the student’s accommodation and subsistence, as well as school dues or other incidental expenses;

iv. Six (6) copies of the data page of the applicant’s passport showing the date and place of birth, duly authenticated by the PFSP in the applicant’s country of origin or legal residence; and

v. Remittance of Acceptance Fee of One Hundred Twenty United States Dollars (US$120.00) to cover the issuance of Notice of Acceptance (NOA), handling, and mailing of the above documents to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and mailing of a copy of the NOA to the applicant.

The DFA needs the above-mentioned document to process the issuance of a student visa.

(b) Foreign students, who are already in the Philippines under any visa category, may apply with the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) for the change or conversion of his or her admission status to that of a student under Section 9(f) of the Philippines Immigration Act of 1940, as amended pursuant to Executive Order No. 285.

Requirements:

i. Written endorsement from the University Registrar;

ii. NOA;

iii. Six (6) copies of the notarized proof of AAFS to cover expenses for the student’s accommodation and subsistence, as well as school dues and other incidental expenses;

iv. Six (6) copies of the original Transcript of Scholastic Records, duly authenticated by the PFSP in the student’s country of origin or legal residence;

v. Six (6) copies of the Police Clearance Certificate issued by the national police authorities in the student’s country of origin or legal residence, duly authenticated by the PFSP having consular jurisdiction over the place for a student who resided in the Philippine for less than 59 days. However, for students who resided in the Philippines for more than 59 days at the time he/she applies for said change/conversion of his or her admission status to that of a student, he or she shall also be required to submit the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance;

vi. Six (6) copies of the Quarantine Medical Examination Certificate issued by the National Quarantine Office;

vii. Six (6) copies of student’s PHS, signed by the student with a recently taken 2×2 photograph;

viii. Six (6) copies of the data page of the applicant’s passport and the stamp of the latest arrival. The passport itself shall be presented for verification; and

ix. Remittance of Acceptance Fee of One Hundred Twenty United States Dollars (US$120.00) to cover the issuance of NOA, handling, and mailing of the above documents to the BoI, Manila.

(c) For foreign students who wish to transfer from one Philippine higher educational institution (HEI) to another, the requirements are:

i. NOA from the accepting school;

ii. Letter of No Objection issued by the BoI; and

iii. Certificate of Transfer Credentials and Certificate of Good Moral Character issued by the previous school.

(d) Scheduling of Processing of Student Visa:

i. For first semester applicants: January 1 to April 15;

ii. For second semester applicants: June 1 to September 15;

iii. For summer classes applicants: December 1 to January 31.

(e) In accordance with the regulations of CHEd and other government agencies supervising foreign students, no foreign student may be allowed to enroll unless he or she can summit a valid permit to study and a student’s visa to the Foreign Students Section of the University Registrar.

3. SPECIAL STUDENTS

Special students are those who are not entitled to receive official credit for work which they desire to take because they do not satisfy the requirements for admission to the courses or subjects or for any other reason. Special students may be admitted at any time to the course they wish to attend provided that:

(a) They receive approval from the Dean and/or department Chairperson for each of the course they intend to participate in;

(b) They sign an agreement that they waive the right to receive and to demand credit for the work done [Section VIII, par. 144, Manual of Regulations for Private School (MORPS), 1970, 7^th edition] and that they pay in full the fees at the time of enrollment; and

C. ENROLLMENT, DROPPING, WITHDRAWAL, AND TRANSFER

Every prospective law student must enroll during the prescribed registration period. Detailed instructions on enrollment procedures are found in the enrollment form and are posted on the School of Law bulletin board located at the Mezzanine floor during the enrollment period. Application for enrollment may not be entertained without the necessary credentials. Processing of the enrollment documents may be done through a representative with a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) to transact necessary matters for enrollment. However, enrollment by proxy, i.e., accomplishment of the enrollment forms and requirements and submission of the same to the University Registrar, is not allowed.

Considered a bona fide law student of the University is one who is duly enrolled – that is, one who has submitted his or her valid credentials, has attended classes, and has paid his or her fees or made arrangement for payment with the Accounting Department.

1. CHANGING OF SUBJECTS

During the enrollment period, a law student may, with the approval of the Dean of the School of Law and on valid reasons, change subjects or program. Changes, however, are not permitted after the close of the official enrollment period.

2. WITHDRAWAL FROM SUBJECTS AND PROGRAM

A law student may officially withdraw from his or her subject even after the close of the enrollment period upon recommendation by the Dean of the School of Law and with the approval of the University Registrar. Withdrawal from subjects is generally not allowed after the commencement of the midterm examination period.

Prior to withdrawing from the subject, a law student must first consult with the Dean of the School of Law regarding the process. A law student who intends to withdraw his or her subject(s) must ensure that he or she has duly accomplished the withdrawal form since failure to do so would result to getting a grade of Dropped (DR).

Approval for withdrawal shall not be allowed in the following cases:

(a) If the application is submitted after the commencement of the midterm examination period; or

(b) If the accumulated number of absences from class already exceeded twenty percent (20%) of the total class hours of a particular subject during a relevant semester.

3. DROPPING FROM CLASS

Generally, a law student who accumulates at least twenty percent (20%) absences out of the total number of hours of a subject in a semester shall be automatically given a “DR” or “Dropped” in the professor’s class record and in the grade sheet submitted to the School of Law.

4. CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER CREDENTIAL (formerly Honorable Dismissal)

A law student who desires to transfer to another school should apply for a Certificate of Transfer Credential. Such Certificate will be issued only after the applicant has been cleared of all financial and property liabilities and has surrendered his or her school ID.

(a) An informative copy of the TOR and other records will be issued with the Transfer Credential seven (7) days after clearance has been filed with the University Registrar.

(b) The University will mail the official TOR and other documents within thirty (30) days after the receipt of the “return slip” to the school where the law student intends to enroll.

5. CROSS-ENROLLMENT

Cross-enrollment is discouraged. However, for valid reasons as determined by and with the written consent of the Dean of the School of Law, and approval of the University Registrar, a law student may be permitted to cross enroll in another law school only if:

(a) The subject is not offered in the School of Law, is not a Bar subject, or is a failed subject when enrolled in the School of Law;

(b) The applicant is a candidate for graduation during a relevant academic year and the course is not offered during that academic year in the School of Law or is in conflict with the other subjects;

(d) The maximum number of units for which cross-enrollment is ordinarily permitted is six (6) units during the summer term; and

(e) The student must pass the validating test to be given by the School of Law for the cross-enrolled subjects to be credited by the University.

Violation of this rule may cancel the law student’s right to credit for work done in either school or both.

D. ISSUANCE OF RECORDS AND RECORD KEEPING

1. ISSUANCE OF STUDENT’S ACADEMIC RECORDS. Before a student is issued his or her academic records, he or she shall be required to present an accomplished request form and clearance. The requested records shall be released on the following schedules:

(a) Ordinary days/period: five (5) working days upon receipt of the accomplished clearance and payment of document fee.

(b) Enrollment period: seven (7) working days upon receipt of the accomplished clearance and payment of document fee.

2. ISSUANCE OF SUBSEQUENT COPY OF DIPLOMA. Issuance of subsequent copy of the diploma requires an execution of a notarized affidavit regarding the circumstance/s of the loss of the original copy issued and payment of re-issuance fee.

3. ISSUANCE OF STUDENT’S ACADEMIC RECORDS, DIPLOMA, ETC., TO PROXY. The proxy must present a duly notarized written authority executed by the owner of the academic records, diploma, etc., before they are released to the proxy. The notarized written authority shall be kept on file in the student’s records. The notarized written authority should identify the proxy, address, and relationship of the person granting the authority and bear the signatures of both.

4. ISSUANCE OF STUDY LOAD, GRADE SLIP, EVALUATION SHEET, APPLICATION FOR GRADUATION, AND CLEARANCE. As a rule, initial issuance of study load, grade slip, application for graduation, and clearances are free, except for evaluation sheet. Re-issuance of these documents shall be subject to payment of some minimal fees.

5. WITHDRAWAL OF ENROLLMENT. A student who will withdraw his or her enrollment shall accomplish a Withdrawal Form and attach to it his or her study load and student copy of the enrollment form. If the withdrawal is by proxy, the student must present a notarized written authority executed by the enrolled student granting the authority in favor of said proxy. The notarized written authority must state the complete name and address of the proxy, and bear the signatures of both the student and proxy.

6. EVALUATION OR ACCREDITATION OF RECORDS. Students entering their third year or fourth year of law studies are advised to get a copy of the prospectus of their courses and present it to the University Registrar for evaluation of subjects and credits earned. Evaluation or accreditation shall be extended only once, so students must keep said evaluation as their guide for the succeeding enrollment until graduation. Evaluation or accreditation of subjects and units earned for transferees must be referred to and be determined by the Dean of the School of Law.

7. CHANGING OR CORRECTION OF GRADES. As a rule, no changing or correction of grade entry in the grade sheet is allowed once it has been submitted and finally encoded by the University Registrar, except upon the professor’s submission of a petition approved by the Dean of the School of Law and the University Registrar.

8. LOAD REVISION. Adjustment of study load shall be allowed during the first week of the start of classes. Students must secure an Adjustment Form from the Dean of the School of Law, a copy of which shall be submitted to the University Registrar and another copy to the Accounting Department for adjustment of fees.

9. RECORD KEEPING. To maintain secrecy and confidentiality of records, students’ records are kept in a safe and secure storeroom accessible only by authorized staff of the University Registrar. Taking out of student records are prohibited, unless authorized by the Registrar, requested by higher University officials, or required through a subpoena duces tecum by a competent court. Authorized personnel should properly record the students’ records taken out from the file.

E. CURRICULAR AND NON-CURRICULAR ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

1. STUDY LOAD

The normal semestral study load is ordinarily prescribed by the School of Law curriculum in which the law student is enrolled. A law student is considered “full time” or carrying a full-load when he or she carries all subjects prescribed for his or her program.

For each semester, the minimum number of units a student is required to take is twelve (12) units so as not to violate the residency requirement of the School of Law.

To determine the year level standing of students, the School of Law shall look at the number of units[1] required to be taken by the student before he or she can move on to the next year level.

Juris Doctor Thesis	Juris Doctor Non-Thesis
First Year – 39 units	First Year – 39 units
Second Year – 81 units	Second Year – 82 units
Third Year – 127 units	Third Year – 120 units
Fourth Year – 171 units	Fourth Year – 162 units

2. EXCESS OR OVERLOAD

At the discretion of the Dean of the School of Law, a graduating law student may be allowed to overload in a particular semester, provided that, the total load of the student for said semester shall not be more than six (6) academic units in excess of the normal load prescribed in the curriculum of the Law School. For the avoidance of doubt, the total cumulative allowable overload during a relevant academic year is six (6) units.

During the summer period, a law student is only allowed to carry a maximum of nine (9) units.

3. SEQUENCE OF SUBJECTS

As a general rule, a law student shall not be permitted to take any advanced subject until he or she has satisfactorily passed the prerequisite subject or subjects.

However, the Dean, in his discretion, may allow a student to simultaneously enroll in prerequisite and advanced classes when:

(a) the student is graduating at the end of the school year; and

(b) the prerequisite subject is a repeated subject; or

(d) the Dean, upon recommendation of the professor concerned, satisfies himself that the student is available to take the prerequisite subject and the subject of which the other subject is a prerequisite simultaneously.

4. ABSENCES FROM CLASS

The maximum number of permitted absences from class shall be twenty percent (20%) of the prescribed number of class hours for a course or subject during the relevant semester.

Rule of Absences

No. of Units	No. of Absences Allowed
1 unit	3.2 hours
2 units	6.4 hours
3 units	10 hours
4 units	12.8 hours
5 units	16 hours

Computation:

Formula: No. of Units * No. of Weeks * No. of Months * 20%

Example: 1 unit * 4 weeks * 4 months = 16 * 20% = 3.2 hrs.

2 units * 4 weeks * 4 months = 32 * 20% = 6.4 hrs.

3 units * 4 weeks * 4 months = 48 * 20% = 9.6 hrs.

4 units * 4 weeks * 4 months = 64 * 20% = 12.8 hrs.

5 units * 4 weeks * 4 months = 80 * 20% = 16 hrs.

A student who performs well in class may be given consideration for his or her absences, subject to the approval of the Dean of the School of Law.

F. CLASSROOM PROCEDURE

A bell is rung to signify the end of class, followed by a 10-minute interval. After which, a second bell is rung to mark the beginning of the next class. Professors and students are expected to be inside the classroom and ready for the lesson by the time the second bell rings.

At the end of each class, it is the professor’s responsibility to ensure that the lights are turned off, the writings on the board are erased, and the tables and chairs are in order.

1. BEADLE

The teacher must assign a student to be the beadle for each class. A beadle may either be elected by the class or be designated by the professor. The following are the general responsibilities of the beadle:

(a) Ensure that markers and eraser are available. They may be obtained from the School of Law Dean’s Office;

(b) Assist in keeping the attendance records of the professor, when requested; and

i. Students must wait quietly in the classroom for 10 minutes for a 1-hour class, 15 minutes for a 1.5 hour class, or 30 minutes for a 3-hour class.

ii. If the professor does not show up within the above-mentioned time, the beadle must inform the School of Law Dean’s Office about the professor’s absence.

iii. If no substitute professor is designated within the next five (5) minutes, the students may consider themselves dismissed.

2. TARDINESS

A student who comes in the classroom fifteen (15) minutes after the second bell has rung is considered late. A student who comes in after the fifteen (15)-minute grace period is considered absent.

3. Consultation Hour

The University believes that academic counseling is an indispensable part of the teaching process. Education is incomplete if it is limited to the classroom. As such, professors are expected to provide students with extensive opportunities to consult and, where possible, to schedule office hours for informal discussions. Students are highly encouraged to make use of the consultation hour of the professors.

There is also a designated Year Level Adviser from the members of the faculty who are handling subjects of said year level. Consultation may be done inside the Faculty Consultation Room located at the Faculty Office.

G. INTRODUCTION TO LAW SUBJECT

To facilitate the transition of new students, the subject Introduction to Law, which is offered in the First Semester, will be taught and completed within the first month of the First Semester. The total number of hours allocated for the class should meet with the required class hours under the relevant LEB memoranda and rules and regulations.

H. COURSE SYLLABUS

A course syllabus for each subject shall be prepared and submitted to the School of Dean and Head of the Department concerned by the handling professor(s) prior to the start of the relevant semester. The course syllabus shall be made available to the class at the start of the relevant semester.

I. MAJOR EXAMINATIONS

1. There are four major periodic examinations in the School of Law, namely: two (2) periodical examinations (Midterm and Final) and two mastery tests (Prelim and Semi-Final), the dates of which are to be announced by the School of Law Dean’s Office.

Students are encouraged to observe the Guidelines for Law Students When Taking Major Examinations.

2. No law student is allowed to take an official examination unless he presents a validated assessment slip issued by the Accounting Department. It is this validated assessment slip which must be inspected and signed by the professors. Generally, a student without a validated assessment slip is not allowed to take any major examination.

3. The Official Grade sheets reflecting the Midterm and Final grades are to be submitted by the faculty members no later than ten (10) days from the last day of midterm and final examinations, respectively. However, the grade sheets of the graduating students shall be submitted earlier as determined by the Dean of the School of Law.

4. Talking, whispering, making unnecessary noise, calling the attention of others, looking around, looking at the papers of others, raising one’s paper, bringing a cheat sheet, and any other suspicious behavior, or any combination of those actions during an examination, quiz, or test are sufficient presumption that the student is cheating, hence, the burden of justifying otherwise lies on the student.

5. A student who is caught in the act of cheating in a major periodic examination shall automatically receive a failing mark in that examination. In case of a second offense, the law student will receive a 5.0 for that particular subject and a suspension of two (2) to three (3) school days. In case of a third offense, the law student shall receive a 5.0 for that particular subject and the law student shall be excluded from the University.

6. To maintain the integrity of the major periodic examinations, the subject professors shall personally administer or supervise the conduct of the examination. If, for valid reasons, a professor cannot personally administer or supervise the examination, he or she shall send a proxy or personal representative from his or her office to proctor his or her examination and inform the School of Law Dean’s Office accordingly for proper coordination. If none is available, the School of Law Dean’s Office shall designate a proctor.

J. SPECIAL AND REMOVAL EXAMINATIONS

It is the policy of the School of Law that major examinations must only be taken by the law students on the dates scheduled by the School of Law. Special examinations are strongly discouraged because of the possibility of leakage and erosion of the integrity of the test results.

A law student who, for a serious valid reason, cannot take a major examination during the regular schedule may only be allowed to take a special examination if there is a written request to that effect by the law student supported with a valid certification issued by the attending physician. The request for special examination shall be allowed only upon the discretion of the professor concerned. Once approved, the law professor shall schedule a date for the special examination and prepare another set of examination questions for this purpose.

For students who cannot or fail to take the examinations during the scheduled examination period due to extracurricular activities duly sanctioned by the Dean of the School of Law such as mooting and debate competitions, conventions, and conferences, special examinations may be given to the students concerned but the same shall only be taken before the scheduled date of the examination.

The School of Law strictly implements the “No Removal Exam” policy.

K. TWO-FAILURE RULE AND GRADING SYSTEM

A. RETENTION POLICIES

1. The School of Law observes the Two-Failure Rule, i.e., failure in Bar subjects totaling at least six (6) units.

In case a law student obtains for the first time a failing grade in any Bar subject, said law student shall be considered under probation, in which case extra effort shall be exerted by him or her to perform better in his or her studies. In case a law student subsequently obtains a second failing grade in any subject, or simultaneously obtains failing grades in two (2) or more subjects, where the total number of subject units failed, in addition to the previous one, in the first instance and/or in the second instance is at least six (6) units, said law student shall be automatically disqualified from further enrollment in the School of Law in the next semester.

2. Starting in the Academic Year 2019-2020 any failure in the first semestral study of any First Year law student is not covered by the Two-Failure Rule. A qualified law student returnee or continuing law student shall automatically resume being covered by the Two-Failure Rule, taking into consideration any previously obtained failure beyond the first semestral study. A law student transferee from any school of law shall be immediately covered by the Two-Failure Rule starting in his or her first semestral study in the School of Law.

3. The standard passing percentage in any examination, test, or quiz is seventy-five percent (75%) of the highest possible score.

B. GRADE POINT AVERAGE

The grade point average (GPA) is the measure of the quality of a law student’s general academic performance for a regular academic term. As such, if a student has satisfied the GPA requirement for a given academic year, this would determine those who are qualified to be included in the Dean’s list for a particular semester or who may be candidates for Latin honors upon graduation.

The GPA of a student is computed in the following manner:

(a) credit units for each subject are multiplied by the grade earned to obtain the credit point per subject. The resulting credit points for all subjects are added; and

(b) the total number of credit points is then divided by the total number of credit units.

C. DEAN’S LIST AND ACADEMIC HONORS

C.1 DEAN’S LIST

Outstanding scholastic achievement is recognized at the end of each semester. To qualify, a student must:

(a) carry no less than the regular curriculum load for the relevant semester;

(b) have a GPA of at least 1.70 with no grade below 2.50 in any subject; and

Academic achievement is graded in the following manner.

GRADE	EQUIVALENT (Percentage)	INDICATION
1.0	100-95	Excellent
1.1-1.5	94-90	Very Good
1.6-2.5	89-80	Good
2.6-2.9	79-76	Fair
3.0	75	Passing
3W	Below 75 to 65	A grade given to a student who gets 3.1 below. It is a warning to the student to study more in order to pass the subject. This is applicable only during the midterm period.
5.0	Failed	A grade given to a student who gets below 3.0 for the final grade. Note: The final grade shall only be “Passed” or “Failed.” No conditional grade is allowed.
W	Withdrawn	A mark given to the student who officially withdrew the subject. Withdrawal of a subject is allowed only in accordance with the policies of the University. It disqualifies a student from receiving Latin honors.
DR	Dropped	A mark given to a student who unofficially withdrew from the subject and/or had incurred absences beyond the allowable limit. The grade “DR” is considered in the same category as a “5.0”. It disqualifies a student from receiving Latin honors and may be a cause for non-readmission.
NG	No Grade	A mark given to a student who failed to take a major examination and/or failed to complete the other requirements of the course. This is applicable only during the midterm period.
NA	Not Attending	A mark given to a student who has not officially withdrawn from the subject and has not attended a single class, or has no attendance at all. The grade “NA” is considered in the same category as “5.0”. It disqualifies a student from receiving Latin honors and may cause for non-readmission.

C.2 GRADING SYSTEM.

The midterm and final periodic grades are derived from the following:

i. Sixty percent (60%) from Midterm or Final Examinations, as the case may be; and

ii. Forty percent (40%) from Class Standing which may be comprised of prelim and semi-final exams, recitations, quizzes, assignments, term or research paper, legal forms, case digests, reports, projects, etc.

For the Fourth Year students, the Mock Bar Examinations shall be administered in lieu of Final Examinations with respect to the Bar review subjects. Hence, the Mock Bar Examination on a particular Bar review subject shall substitute the sixty percent (60%) component of the pre-final grade, thus constituting thirty percent (30%) of the overall semestral grade for the particular Bar review subject.

L. GRADUATION

Candidates for graduation are required to apply for evaluation of their records during the semester preceding their graduation in order that any deficiency may be settled. Dates and deadlines for evaluation are announced each semester. Fines are imposed on those who filed their applications beyond the deadline given by the University Registrar.

1. APPLICATION FOR GRADUATION

After a candidate’s records have been evaluated and cleared, he or she should file an application for graduation, which is usually done a week after the midterm period of the second semester of the relevant academic year. Application forms may be obtained from the Office of the University Registrar.

2. CLEARANCE

A candidate for graduation is required to accomplish his or her graduation clearance no later than the start of the Final Examinations period during the semester he or she is expected to complete the degree.

M. HONOR GRADUATES

Law students may graduate with Latin honors if they meet the requirements outlined below.

1. GPA Requirement

A law students may graduate with Latin honors if he or she obtains the following relevant GPA requirements:

(a) Summa Cum Laude: 1.00 – 1.20 with no grade below 2.00;

(b) Magna Cum Laude: 1.21 – 1.45 with no grade below 2.30; or

2. Academic Excellence

Without regard to the requirements for graduating with Latin honors, the School of Law may recognize students who obtained the top five (5) highest GPA, provided, that the student:

(a) took a minimum load of twelve (12) units in each semester;

(b) did not violate the maximum residency requirement;

(d) his or her overall GPA is not below 2.00.

Ranking shall be in the following order:

(a) Student(s) who are qualified for Latin honors based on their GPA—

· Awards to be given are the following:

o Valedictorian;

o Salutatorian; and

o First to Third Honorable Mention.

(b) Students who did not qualify for Latin honors but satisfy the conditions outlined in the immediately preceding paragraph:

· Award to be given: With Distinction.

The candidate must not have 5.0, W, DR, NG or NA marks throughout the entire curricular program in order to be eligible for Latin honors or Academic Excellence awards.

Unless otherwise directed by the University, the candidate for Latin honors must have carried at least a minimum of eighteen (18) units per semester. However, if the candidate has enrolled in more than the minimum of eighteen (18) units per semester, he or she may be allowed less than eighteen (18) units during the last semester to complete his or her program within the time frame of not more than eight (8) semesters.

However, if a law student has taken courses, which are not requisites of the program, but are taken for enrichment purposes, then the additional semester or summers spent on these enrichment courses will be disregarded in considering the number of units taken by the student. Grades in the enrichment course will, however, be considered in the computation of the GPA of the student.

The GPA is to be computed based on the final grades obtained by the student from the first semester of his or her first year until the last semester during which he or she attained a graduating status, inclusive of his or her curricular program and the grades obtained during summer enrollment, if any.

A candidate must not be found guilty of any serious offense as stipulated in the relevant policies of the University and the Manual for Law Students. Any serious violation of the rules and regulations of the University and the School of Law is a ground for disqualification.

3. Dean’s Medallion Award

The award will be given to a student who excelled both in academics and leadership as determined by the Dean of the School of Law.

4. Best Thesis Awards

First Best Thesis, Second Best Thesis, and Third Best Thesis awards shall be given to Juris Doctor Thesis students who obtained the first, second, and third highest ratings, respectively, in their Thesis as determined by the Dean of the School of Law, upon the recommendation of the Research Director.

5. Voice of the Class

Students nominated by their peers shall be screened and short-listed, and the Voice of the Class selected by a Selection Committee to be formed by the Dean of the School, who shall be part of the Selection Committee and act as Chairman.

The speech of the Voice of the Class shall be in addition to the Valedictory Address, unless the Voice of the Class is also the Class Valedictorian

N. HONORS SELECTION COMMITTEE (HSC)

1. SELECTION PROCESS

a. Identification. The candidates for Latin honors shall be screened by the Honors Selection Committee (HSC) after all the Mock Bar Examination results of the Fourth Year students have been transmitted for inclusion in the computation of their final semestral grades. The following process shall be observed:

i. The Dean of the School of Law shall secure an informative copy of the student’s scholastic records from the Office of the University Registrar for purposes of determining the student’s eligibility as a candidate for Latin honors.

ii. The student is encouraged to apply for Latin honors by submitting an application letter to the Dean in order for him or her to be included in the list of candidates for honor.

iii. The Dean shall forward the list of candidates with the attached informative copy of student’s scholastic records to the Office of the Vice Chancellors for Academic Affairs.

iv. The Office of the Vice Chancellors for Academic Affairs shall furnish a copy of the list of candidates to the SAO.

b. Evaluation and Deliberation. The HSC shall be composed of the Dean of the School of Law as the Chairman, the Year Level Adviser of the Fourth Year students as the Vice-Chairman, and all professors handling the Bar review subjects and the three other Year Level Advisers as members.

c. Publication. Official publication of the list shall be made at least fifteen (15) days before graduation if possible. Honor students should seek clarification or request correction of the results within the week after publication.

In the case of summer graduates, they shall participate during the graduation ceremonies of the succeeding batch in the next school year.

O. MAXIMUM RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT (MRR)

A student is subject to a maximum residency of six (6) years, or twelve (12) semesters, to complete his or her Juris Doctor Thesis or Juris Doctor Non-Thesis program, as the case may be.

The period for residency shall stop running if the law student files an official leave of absence (LOA) for a maximum period of one (1) year, or two (2) semesters. When the MRR has already been exhausted, the student will be disqualified from continuing the law program in the School of Law.

The MRR for a Transfer Student shall also be six (6) years, tacking in the years spent in his or her previous law school. If the student will do clean slate, the MRR will start from the time of enrollment in the School of Law only. However, requests for extension on compelling reasons shall be subject to the approval of the Dean of the School of Law and the University President.

P. OFFERING OF SUMMER CLASSES

Summer classes shall no longer be allowed, except where at least seventy percent (70%) of the class failed in the subject sought to be offered during summer, or as may be determined by the Dean of the School of Law at his discretion.

Q. GUIDELINES FOR SCHOLARSHIP GRANTS EFFECTIVE

1. ORIGINAL SCHOLARS

1.1 Full Scholarship with Books. To be qualified, the new student applicant:

(a) must be a Summa Cum Laude or Magna Cum Laude graduate of at least a four-year baccalaureate degree from a school duly recognized by the government of the Philippines or who is a First Placer in any government licensure examination. For the avoidance of doubt, this requirement does not apply for purposes of scholarship application after the first semester in the School of Law;

(b) must carry a load of at least eighteen (18) units during each of the semesters he or she is availing the scholarship;

(c) must obtain a GPA of at least 1.40 with no grade below 2.50 in any subject to be entitled to the same scholarship in the succeeding semesters;

(d) must submit to the School of Law Dean’s Office an application for scholarship or renewal thereof. Failure to obtain the minimum required GPA means an automatic withdrawal of said scholarship; and

(e) must not be found guilty of violating any policies of the University and the School of Law during the semester he or she is enjoying the scholarship privilege.

1.2 Full Scholarship without Books. To be qualified, the new student applicant:

(a) must be a Cum Laude graduate of at least a four-year baccalaureate degree from a school duly recognized by the government of the Philippines or who is a Second to Fifth Placer in any government licensure examination. For the avoidance of doubt, this requirement does not apply for purposes of scholarship application after the first semester in the School of Law. Thus, a law student who initially qualified for scholarship under this subsection may be entitled to the scholarship provided in subsection 1.1 above after his or her first semester in the School of Law if he or she meets the relevant requirements outlined therein;

(b) must carry a load of at least eighteen (18) units during each of the semesters he or she is availing the scholarship;

(c) must obtain a GPA of at least 1.70 with no grade below 2.50 in any subject to be entitled to the same scholarship in the succeeding semesters;

(e) must not be found guilty of violating any policies of the University and the School of Law during the semester he or she is enjoying the scholarship.

1.3 100% Tuition Fee Discount. To be qualified, the new student applicant:

(a) must be a Sixth to Tenth Placer in any government licensure examination. For the avoidance of doubt, this requirement does not apply for purposes of scholarship application after the first semester in the School of Law. Thus, a law student who initially qualified for scholarship under this subsection may be entitled to the scholarships provided in subsections 1.1 and 1.2 above after his or her first semester in the School of Law if he or she meets the relevant requirements outlined therein;

(b) must carry a load of at least eighteen (18) units during each of the semesters he or she is availing the scholarship;

(c) must obtain a GPA of at least 1.70 with no grade below 2.50 in any subject to be entitled to the same scholarship in the succeeding semesters;

(e) must not be found guilty of violating any policies of the University and the School of Law during the semester he or she is enjoying the scholarship.

1.4 50% Tuition Fee Discount. To be qualified, the new student applicant:

(a) must be a Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Cum Laude graduate of at least a four-year baccalaureate degree from a school duly recognized by the government of the Philippines or who is a First Placer in any government licensure examination. For the avoidance of doubt, this requirement does not apply for purposes of scholarship application after the first semester in the School of Law. Thus, a law student who initially qualified for scholarship under this subsection may be entitled to the scholarships provided in subsections 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 above after his or her first semester in the School of Law if he or she meets the relevant requirements outlined therein;

(b) must carry a load of at least twelve (12) units during each of the semesters he or she is availing the scholarship;

(c) must obtain a GPA of at least 1.70 with no grade below 2.50 in any subject to be entitled to the same scholarship in the succeeding semesters;

(e) must not be found guilty of violating any policies of the University and the School of Law during the semester he or she is enjoying the scholarship.

2. NON-ORIGINAL SCHOLARS

In order to give incentives to deserving students of the School of Law (who are not original scholars), the following are recommended:

2.1 Full Load (18 Units & Up)

A. Non-original scholars who obtained a GPA of at least 1.40 with no grade below 2.50 in any subject and carrying full load during the immediately preceding semester may apply for full scholarship with books but must take the full load in semester the scholarship is granted.

B. Non-original scholars who obtained a GPA of at least 1.70 with no grade below 2.50 in any subject and carrying full load during the immediately preceding semester may apply for full scholarship without books but must take the full load in the semester the scholarship granted.

2.2 Half Load (12 Units & Up)

A. Non-original scholars who obtained a GPA of at least 1.40 with no grade below 2.50 in any subject and carrying half load but less than full load during the immediately preceding semester may apply for fifty percent (50%) scholarship discount without books but must take at least half of the total required load in the following semester the scholarship is granted. For the avoidance of doubt, a student who qualified for scholarship under this subsection is only entitled to the fifty percent (50%) scholarship discount even if he or she takes the full load required in the following semester that he or she is availing the scholarship.

3. Awards for Top Ten Bar Placers

A graduate of the School of law who shall place in the list of top ten examinees with the highest ratings in the Bar Examinations shall receive an award from the University of Cebu through Toyota Cebu City, Inc. or from Hyundai Cebu, Inc.

R. CERTIFICATION TO TAKE THE BAR EXAMINATIONS

If in the opinion of the Dean of the School of Law and upon the recommendation of the Students Deliberation Committee, based on the academic performance of the graduating law student during his or her senior year, and for his or her own good, a graduating law student needs further academic preparation in the majority of the Bar subjects, said student shall be allowed to graduate with the condition to defer his or her taking of the Bar Examinations. If needed, the law student will be required to re-enroll in the School of Law in those subjects where he needs more improvement. It is only after faithful and substantial compliance of these conditions that the graduate may be given a certification by the School of Law to take the Bar Examinations.

[1] The number of units indicated in the Table is subject to amendment from time to time pursuant to directives from the University, the Supreme Court, and the LEB.

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