Standard of Progress

As an institute of higher learning, DigiPen (Singapore) is dedicated to providing high-quality education in an encouraging and supportive environment. The purpose of the Standard of Progress (SOP) is to communicate the Institute’s minimum expectations of academic progress.

Trainees are required to read through and adhere to the SOP set by the Institute and refer to it as and when needed during the course of study.

Grading System

The Institute uses a Grade Point Average (GPA) system. Refer to the following table for the point breakdown.

C- is the minimum grade required for the trainee to pass.

IP – In Progress

“IP” indicates that the grade was not available from the instructor at the time the transcript was printed, as the class was still ongoing.

W – Withdrawal

“W” indicates withdrawal/termination from the program before module completion. Withdrawal from the program is a process initiated by the trainee. Termination from the program is a process initiated by the Institute.

Assessment Process

DigiPen (Singapore) has an assessment process to evaluate trainees based on the learning outcomes of the education, training, and established competencies. This process includes a combination of methods such as grading, portfolio assessment, projects, internships, and criterion-referenced testing based on developed and appropriate rubrics.

Each module syllabus contains clearly defined module objectives and learning outcomes, module requirements, grading policy and allotment, and grading distribution. Trainees are made aware of the grading policy, performance standards, and grading distribution at the beginning of each module. The instructor measures the trainee’s achievement of the stated module objectives and learning outcomes based on the grading policy published in the module syllabus.

Attendance Policy and Graduation Requirement

Classes are conducted from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, except for public holidays. The total number of contact hours is 720 for the entire training duration of six months. Attendance is a graduation requirement and will be taken twice per day for the entire duration of the course. Trainees must maintain a minimum of 80% attendance to graduate from the course and receive certification.

To count for attendance, trainees must be present for class or have a valid medical certificate for the day.

Any other forms of absence, both excused and unexcused, will not be counted towards the graduation requirement.

Trainees are to submit their medical certificates within three working days from the earliest day of absence stated in the medical certificate. Failure to do so will result in unexcused absence(s) for the days in question.

For unexcused absences, further penalties may be imposed by The Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF) at their discretion.

Trainees who meet the graduation requirement will be conferred a Specialist Diploma of the specialization they were enrolled in.

Academic Milestones, Probation, and Termination

Trainees may access their latest academic grades via the Institute’s Moodle grade system. Trainees will be assessed at the end of each module.

At each milestone, trainees will have to maintain the minimum grade requirement of 70% overall. Trainees who fail to do so will be placed on academic probation. Trainees who are on academic probation and meet the minimum grade requirement will be removed from academic probation.

While on probation, trainees will be monitored and additional assistance will be provided to help them catch up in their coursework. This may include additional tasks, materials, and assignments given to the trainees. The Institute will also refer the trainee to the faculty for academic consultation.

A trainee will face academic termination in the following cases:

• Trainee fails the minimum grade requirement for two milestones consecutively.

• Trainee fails the minimum grade requirement on the final milestone date before the commencement of On-the-Job Training.

Withdrawal

Trainees are to refer to the TFIP Trainee Agreement Letter issued to them by the Program Manager, The Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF).

The trainee is also required to inform the Continuing Education Office via email and complete the Institutional Withdrawal Form. They must return the form within two working days to the Continuing Education Office.

Upon withdrawing from the program, the trainee shall immediately return all materials in the trainee’s possession relating to the program, whether created by the trainee, other trainees, or provided by the Institute.

Grievance and Appeal Process

Regarding Academic Matters

Trainees who would like to file an appeal against a decision regarding their academic result in the program or module should discuss the matter with their instructor. If a satisfactory resolution is unattainable, trainees may file an appeal to DigiPen (Singapore)’s Continuing Education Program Director. If the resultant solution is still unsatisfactory, trainees may then escalate the matter to the Provost. Decisions made by the Provost are final.

Regarding non-Academic Matters

Trainees who feel that they have any other type of dispute with the Institute should file a complaint to the Continuing Education Senior Officer. A copy of this complaint shall be given to those involved in the dispute. If the resultant solution is still unsatisfactory, trainees may then escalate the matter to the Deputy Director and, if still unsatisfactory, to the Managing Director. Decisions made by the Managing Director are final.

Academic Calendar

The following is the Academic Calendar for TFIP 2021. This Academic Calendar will be updated for every TFIP run.

The Institute is closed on all public holidays. If a Singapore public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be observed as a public holiday.