Frequently Asked Questions About Writing Assignments:

Begin by carefully reading the instructions in the Graduate Supplement. Be sure to pay special attention to the following:

• The Course Roadmap outlines when you should begin the writing assignments. Do not submit the writing assignments until you have completed the prerequisite steps described in the roadmap.
  
• Read the Writing Assignment carefully and be sure you thoroughly comprehend the nature of what you are being asked to do.
  
• In conjunction with the assignment, carefully examine the corresponding Specific Evaluation Criteria. This table lists identifies each major segment of the writing assignment, along with a description of what constitutes an Unacceptable, Acceptable, or Exemplary approach to that particular segment. As you plan your approach to the writing task, consider the details of each category.
  • Avoid anything listed as Unacceptable.
  • Be sure your paper includes all the criteria listed as Acceptable.
  • Strive to meet the Exemplary criteria.
    
• The Notes section of the assignment includes important points to keep in mind, including:
  • Your paper’s length should not exceed 1200 words (excluding references).
  • You must prepare your paper in electronic format using Microsoft® Word because it will be submitted electronically.
  • You may use material from other sources as long as you cite the sources appropriately.
    
• The General Writing Criteria provide guidelines for overall writing structure, writing mechanics, grammar usage, and use of outside sources. Links to several useful Web sites are provided at the Writing Resources Links.
  
• Detailed directions for submitting your assignment can be found in the Submission Guidelines section.

Can I submit both writing assignments at the same time?

No, you must receive a passing score on the first writing assignment before submitting the second assignment. However, you may begin planning your approach to the second assignment while you are waiting to receive your grade on the first submission.

Do I have to use outside (non-course) resources for the writing assignments?

No, it is not required that you use outside resources; however, many assignments will benefit from information obtained from resources other than that which can be found in your textbook. Additional suggested resources can be found near the end of each graduate supplement.

If I use outside resources, how should I credit or cite them?

It is extremely important that you give credit for any outside materials used in your paper. Whenever you quote, paraphrase, summarize, or otherwise refer to the work of another, you are required to cite its source, either by using a parenthetical citation or a footnote. The primary elements of a bibliographic reference are the same for most styles of documentation, although the order in which they are presented may vary. These elements include the name of the author, the title, the place of publication, the publisher's name, the date of publication, and a designation of the location, or page number, of a reference. Common style guides include the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association or APA Style guide, Chicago Manual of Style, and MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. More information on citing references can be found on the links page.

How long is a 1200 word paper?

Depending on the font size used, page margins, etc., a 1200 word paper will generally run between 2-3 pages. When using Microsoft Word© you may check your word count by clicking on “Tools”, then “Options” followed by “Word Count”. Please note that the 1200 word count limit does not include any references you may have used.

What if it takes me more than 1200 words to complete an assignment?

You will not be penalized for a paper that is slightly over 1200 words. However, you should try to adhere as closely as possible to this criteria. Please contact a student advisor in the graduate department for guidance or questions regarding this aspect of your paper.

Are there format guidelines for the paper?

No, however, generally accepted guidelines for margins and font sizes should be used (e.g. margins of ½ to 1 inch and a font size of 8-12).

How/when will I receive the results of my paper? Will the results also be reported to my company?

Upon receipt of your writing assignment, CMR Institute will notify you via e-mail that your assignment has been received. All submissions will be graded within 10 business days, and your score and any associated feedback will be sent to you via e-mail. If your assignment receives an Acceptable or Exemplary rating, you will receive a passing score for the assignment. If your assignment receives an Unacceptable rating, it will be sent back to you with specific recommendations for improvement. You will have one opportunity to revise your assignment based on the recommendations. The assignment must be resubmitted within four weeks of the date the feedback is provided. To continue with the course, the revised assignment must receive an Acceptable or Exemplary score.
If the revised writing assignment receives an unacceptable score, CMR Institute will provide individualized remediation. This remediation may include one-on-one counseling or referral to supportive and applicable resources.

The results of your writing assignments will not be reported to your company. If you are an employee of a company who requires that CMR Institute report student results, only the final grade received for the course will be reported.

Frequently Asked Questions About Exams:

What if I already passed the exam for the undergraduate course?

If you completed the exam within the past 24 months and scored an 80% or higher, you will be exempt from taking the exam for the undergraduate course.

What if I fail an exam?

If you score between 70%-80% on an exam, you must wait two weeks before retaking the exam. If you score below a 70%, you must wait at least four weeks before retaking the exam. You must score 80% or higher on any graduate exam. If you score below 80%, you must wait eight weeks before retaking the exam.

How/when will I receive the results of my exam? Will the results also be reported to my company?

You will receive immediate results upon completion of your exam and may print out your score as well as feedback on any objectives you may have missed. If you are an employee of a company who requires that CMR Institute report student results, your final exam score will be reported.

Frequently Asked Questions About Transferring Credit:

Are any course credits transferable to a Master’s degree program?

CMR Institute has alliances with several universities whereby students may transfer significant credit into several Master’s degree programs. The CMR Institute's university alliances are based on collaborative efforts with four outstanding universities, enabling our students to pursue cost-effective, life long learning that meets educational objectives. The four universities are:

• The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
• Nova Southeastern University
• The University of the Sciences in Philadelphia
• Virginia Tech
  
  Please visit the CMR Institute web site for additional information on graduate degree opportunities.

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