The Sheridan Center for Classical Studies forms minds and hearts by promoting the liberal arts and the Catholic intellectual tradition. The Center introduces students to the power of a living tradition to renew culture and to transform individuals through the intellectual and moral virtues (conversatio morum). In this way, the Sheridan Center advances Benedictine College’s identity as “heir to the 1,500 years of Benedictine dedication to learning.”

The Sheridan Center’s graduate degree programs are designed to equip and develop educators seeking to lead in the renewal of classical liberal arts education.

Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission accredits Benedictine College to award the Master of Arts in Classical Education and the Master of Arts in Classical Leadership.

Master of Arts in Classical Education

Master of Arts in Classical Leadership 

Governance

The Graduate Studies Committee is the policy-making body for graduate programs. Management and oversight of the individual programs reside within the Sheridan Center for Classical Studies.

Dual Enrollment  

Transfer Credit

A maximum of nine (9) credit hours taken at another institution may be applied to degree requirements.*

Transfer hours, with a grade of “B” or better from an accredited institution, may be accepted subject to the approval of the Program Director and the Director of the Sheridan Center for Classical Studies. Students seeking approval of transfer credit shall contact the Program Director. The Director shall consider the request and make a recommendation to the Director of the Sheridan Center for Classical Studies. Authority for acceptance/ rejection of such requests resides within the Sheridan Center for Classical Studies. Official transcripts are necessary for final approval of transfer credits.

For students applying to the MA in Classical Education who have already successfully completed the Catholic Educator and Formation Credential (CEFC) through the Institute of Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE), up to 12 credit hours may be accepted as transfer credit. Please contact the Program Director to initiate conversation about transfer credit. No additional transfer credit beyond the 12 credit hours associated with the CEFC completion will be accepted. 

*This number is reduced by the number of dual credit hours earned at Benedictine College (e.g., if a student has earned 6 hours of dual credit at Benedictine College, that student may only transfer in another 3 credit hours from another institution). 

Academic Probation 

A student who earns a grade of ‘C’ in more than one course and/or whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 is placed on probation.  

The Director of Graduate Programs in Classical Education will notify the student of his or her probationary status. The student will be removed from probationary status after raising his or her cumulative grade point average to a 3.0 or above. All previously acquired grades, including ‘Cs’ or lower, remain on the student’s academic record and may contribute to dismissal status. 

Benedictine College strives to assist in dealing with academic problems and student concerns. The student should make every effort to determine the circumstances that led to inadequate performance and consult the program director and any faculty for advice and feedback.

Academic Dismissal from the Program 

In accord with degree requirements, students whose cumulative GPA remains below 3.0 for more than two semesters or who earn any grade below ‘C’ will be dismissed from the Sheridan Center graduate programs.   

Reinstatement following Dismissal 

A student who has been dismissed may send a written appeal for reinstatement to the Director of Sheridan Center for Classical Studies. This appeal must be made within one year following the dismissal. In the appeal letter, the student should indicate any extenuating circumstances that affected his or her performance relevant to all course grades that led to the dismissal. The Director will review the appeal with the faculty involved and rule on the appeal. If the appeal is denied, the student can submit a written appeal to the Committee on Graduate Studies through the Director of Sheridan Center Graduate Programs. If denied reinstatement by the Graduate Studies Committee, the student may submit a final appeal to the Provost whose decision is final.

Due Process Procedures

A student contesting a decision by the class instructor should first consult with that instructor. If a satisfactory resolution does not result, the following procedure shall be used:

1. The student meets with the Director of the graduate programs and verbally explains his or her complaint.
2. The director informally attempts to solve the problem or explains the Center's position to the affected student.
3. If still unsatisfied, the student drafts a letter to the Sheridan Center for Classical Studies and Graduate Studies Committee explaining his or her complaint.
4. At its next meeting, the Sheridan Center for Classical Studies forwards a recommendation to the Graduate Studies Committee, which then determines an appropriate course of action and provides a written explanation to the student.
5. If still unsatisfied, the student may appeal the decision to the Provost.

N.B. The Graduate Studies Committee does not review complaints specifically related to a student’s status as a graduate teaching fellow. After review by the Sheridan Center, the matter proceeds to the Provost as stated in the Teaching Fellows Handbook.