Dark Side Degrees are a method of rewarding those who put forth extended time and effort at the Shadow Academy. Originally created by Headmaster Kaiann, the system of degrees was expanded upon under the reigns of Headmasters following.
Degree Levels and Types
There are four levels of Dark Side Degrees, as originally created by Headmaster Kaiann, and were adopted to fit the new system. The levels of degrees, with college level equivalents where applicable, are as follows:
- Dark Maven (Bachelors)
- The basic level, these degrees typically require only passing certain exams with certain scores. Some practical portions may be included.
- A minimum of 3-4 courses will be required for a Dark Maven Degree to be created. If only 3 courses are used, then some type of practical portion to the exam will be implemented.
- Dark Savant (Masters)
- Somewhat harder, these degrees require two Dark Maven degrees (specific to each subject area), plus a certain number of electives, and they may also include a practical portion.
- Dark Sage (PhD)
- The highest level most members can obtain, Dark Sage degrees denote great skill and hard work that goes above and beyond typical Shadow Academy work.
- Master of Dark Lore
With the exception of Master of Dark Lore, the degrees are open to the general membership and the only thing preventing a member from obtaining a degree will be the member.
General Rules
For all academic degrees, the following rules apply:
- An exam grade of 85% or higher is required for the course to count toward the degree.
- If an exam grade is below 85%, the member will be given one chance to retake the exam and score a grade of 85% or higher.
- If a member fails to achieve a grade of 85% or higher after retaking the exam, they will be ineligible for that degree for three months, after which they may retake the exam again, and so on and so forth.
- Once all the requirements for a degree have been completed, the member is to email the Headmaster and Praetor to the Headmaster requesting the degree.
- The Headmaster and Praetor will verify all scores.
- Under no circumstances will copies of previous course submissions be provided to members.
- Once the request for the degree has been sent, members should wait at least one week before emailing the Headmaster again to verify that the request was received.
- For Service degrees, you must be a member of the Shadow Academy staff.
Revocation
At any point deemed necessary by the Headmaster, a member's degree may be revoked and removed from his/her dossier. Cheating on any Shadow Academy exam is automatic grounds for revoking of degrees, as is any Chamber of Justice conviction. Revoking degrees is handled on a case-by-case basis by the Headmaster, however, and it is entirely up to the Headmaster rather or not to remove the degree. If a Dark Maven is removed, however, then the Dark Savant that follows, is obtained, will also be removed.
Adding/Removing Degrees and Electives
As more courses open in the Shadow Academy, more degrees may be added to the available options. However, extra “filler” courses will not be created simply to allow the creation of a degree, even if it means that a certain subject area must remain without a degree. All courses must meet certain quality standards.
As the Shadow Academy is constantly changing and adapting, there is a possibility that a course will be removed, thus negating a degree. In this event, the previously awarded degrees will still stand, and a list of no longer existing degrees will be maintained.
Any course (except Brotherhood Basics) that is not established as part of a degree will be considered an elective course. Once a course becomes part of a degree, it will no longer be considered an elective, but those who used it as such will not have to take a new course.
SA Degree Requirements
Dark Maven
Dark Maven degrees are the most basic degrees offered at the Shadow Academy and are essentially the Shadow Academy equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. They require basic courses to be passed, although some also have practical requirements.
Leadership (DML)
- Pass General Leadership
- Pass Leadership Fundamentals
- Serve in a leadership position (AED or higher) for at least four months. Leadership in multiple positions counts, but only if held consecutively.
Writing (DMW)
- Grammar Studies
- Poetry Studies
- Run-On Studies
- Writing Studies
The Dark Maven Degree
Philosophy (DMP)
- Sith Core
- Krath Core
- Obelisk Core
- Force Philosophy I
General History (DMH)
- Pre-Republic History
- Old Republic History
- History of the Sith Empire I
- History of the Sith Empire II
- History of the Sith Empire III
Flight (DMF)
- Freighters/Transports
- Capital Starship Studies
- Starfighter Studies
- Astronomy
Combat (DMG)
- Lightsaber Studies
- Combat Tactics I
- Advanced Lightsaber Studies
- Hand to Hand Combat
Programming (DMC)
- HTML Basics
- HTML Advanced
- Practical: Create a basic webpage using HTML or PHP
- Basic tables, imbedded images, link to DB-related content
Service (MVN)
- Serve as a member of the Shadow Academy Staff for at least five months
Dark Savant
Dark Savant degrees are the second tier of degrees offered at the Shadow Academy. In general, they require one or more Dark Maven degrees (specific to each Dark Savant degree) and electives. Certain practical tests may be included.
Service (SVT)
- Serve the Shadow Academy for an extended period of time
- Approximately eight months or more
- Working on special SA projects will count towards overall time and may be “banked” for up to one year.
- Hold a position of Professor or higher.
- All positions require excellent service. The immediate superior shall determine the awarding.
The Dark Savant Degree
Leadership and Communication (DSLC)
- Dark Maven: Leadership
- IRC Basics
- IRC Channel Operators
- Chamber of Justice I
- One Elective
- Serve in a leadership position (AED or higher) for at least six months. Leadership in multiple positions may count, but only if held consecutively
Tactics and Combat (DSTC)
- Dark Maven: Flight
- Dark Maven: Combat
- Combat Tactics II
- Test of Power
- Serve as Trainer during two sessions of "Training Days", which begin in Nov. 2010
Writing and Philosophy (DSWP)
- Dark Maven: Writing
- Dark Maven: Philosophy
- Test of Wisdom
- One Elective
Electives
Electives are used as extra courses in Dark Savant degrees. While the 85% passing rule still applies, the person applying for the degree chooses which courses he or she would like to use as electives. In the email applying for the degree, the courses being used must be listed. The courses available as electives are:
- DB Basics
- Sith Alchemy
- Wiki Basics
- Wiki Editing
- Philosophy II: Cults
Dark Sage
Dark Sage degrees are the third tier of degrees offered at the Shadow Academy. Dark Sage degrees require great effort and are not offered very often.
Writing (DSW)
This highly specialized course is offered once or twice a year by Oberst. One must sign up for the class and can only do so at certain times as announced by the Headmaster. You must successfully pass the course as outlined by the instructor to earn the degree.
The Dark Sage Degree
Service (SGE)
Provide long term, superior service to the Academy while holding a position of no lower than Magistrate. This includes writing multiple exams, being involved in multiple projects, and maintaining constant activity at the Academy. This will be very rare, but specific members may be worthy of this. The minimum time to even begin being considered for this degree is one year, but many times it will be even longer.
Law (DSL)
- Dark Savant: Leadership and Communication
- Chamber of Justice II
- ACC Basics
- Wiki Basics
- Practical: Serve as Justicar or a Hand of Justice for a full term
Disclaimer, Conclusion, and Credits
The Headmaster reserves the right to alter degree requirements at any time, so long as they are applied equally across the Brotherhood.
The system described above resulted largely from the ideas of Dacien "BubbaX" Victae, though they were inspired by the original degree system created by Kaiann, which was further refined by Spears, Anshar Kahn Tarentae, and Aabsdu.