Exemptions Policy for AUGGS Students
At the American University of Global Graduate Studies (AUGGS), we understand that students enrolling in our DBA program may have already completed similar or identical courses during their previous educational pursuits, particularly in an MBA program or other relevant postgraduate qualifications. To acknowledge prior learning and avoid redundancy, we offer course exemptions under specific terms and conditions.
2. Eligibility for Course Exemptions
Students are eligible to apply for course exemptions if they have previously completed courses that meet the following criteria:
2.1 Similarity to DBA Courses
- Courses must be identical or similar in content to the courses offered in the AUGGS DBA program.
2.2 Accreditation and Recognition
- Courses must have been completed at a recognized and accredited institution, either as part of an MBA program or another relevant graduate-level program.
2.3 Grade Requirements
- Students must have achieved a grade equivalent to B or higher** in the relevant course.
2.4 Alignment with Learning Objectives
- The exempted courses must match the learning outcomes and syllabus of the corresponding DBA courses at AUGGS.
3. Application Process for Exemptions
Students seeking an exemption must follow the process below to submit their application:
3.1 Step 1: Course Evaluation
To determine if you are eligible for an exemption, gather the following documents for each course you wish to exempt:
- Official course description and syllabus from the institution where the course was completed.
- Transcripts showing successful completion of the course, including the grade achieved.
- Any relevant assignments, projects, or papers (if requested by the instructor) that demonstrate your learning.
3.2 Step 2: Submit an Exemption Request via Email
Once the relevant materials have been gathered, submit an exemption request via email to the course professor or instructor responsible for the DBA course. Include the following information:
- Full name and student ID
- The specific DBA course you are requesting exemption for
- A detailed justification explaining how the previous coursework matches the DBA course content
- Attach all supporting documentation (syllabus, transcript, etc.)
3.3 Step 3: Instructor Review
The course instructor will review the materials to assess whether the prior coursework meets the required learning objectives. The review will consider:
- Content depth and breadth of the previous course
- The academic rigor of the previous institution
- Evidence of subject mastery
3.4 Step 4: Instructor Decision
After reviewing the materials, the instructor will respond with one of the following decisions within 14 days:
- Exemption Granted: The student is exempt from completing the course.
- Partial Exemption: The student is required to complete certain modules or assignments.
- Exemption Denied: The student must complete the DBA course.
4. Exemption Payment Terms
4.1 Payment Structure
If an exemption is granted, students are still required to pay 80% of the course fee to cover administrative and academic review costs. This equates to $720 (80% of the regular $900 course fee).
4.2 Non-Refundable Fee
The exemption fee is non-refundable, even if the student does not continue with the program after the exemption is granted.
5. Conditions for Exemption
5.1 Maximum Number of Exemptions
Students may apply for exemptions in multiple courses, but the total number of exempted courses must not exceed 30% of the total credits required for the DBA program.
5.2 Non-Transferability of Exemptions
Course exemptions are specific to the individual student and the approved course. Exemptions cannot be transferred or applied to other courses.
5.3 Transcript Notation
Exempted courses will be noted as “Exempted” on the student’s transcript. No letter grade will be provided for the exempted course, and exemptions will not impact the student’s GPA.
5.4 Validity of Exemption Approval
Once granted, an exemption remains valid for the entire duration of the DBA program, and the student will not be required to complete the course.
6. Benefits of Course Exemptions
6.1 Recognition of Prior Learning
Students can avoid repeating coursework they have already mastered, allowing them to build upon their existing knowledge.
6.2 Accelerated Program Completion
By reducing the number of courses, students may complete the DBA program faster.
6.3 Cost Efficiency
The exemption policy allows students to save 20% on the full course fee, making the program more affordable.