Repeating a Course

Students are permitted to retake any classes at the regular tuition rate. If a student repeats a course, both the first and the later grades will automatically be calculated in the grade point average. The new grade IS NOT SUBSTITUTED for the old. All classes in which a failing grade was received must be repeated, and a passing grade of “C” or higher must be earned. Repeated failure of a course will require academic advising.

Vacation and Leave of Absence

1. A written request for vacation or leave of absence must be filed for the approval of the Academic Dean.
2. A Student who requests medical leave of absence must seek in writing by completing a Leave of Absence Application. The student must provide a signed written statement from the doctor, which describes the nature of the student’s illness, the duration of the absence, and treatments, which the student will receive during his or her absence.

Ethical Principles and Practices

Students are to conduct themselves in a responsible and mature manner, and to abide by the policies of the University. It is the responsibility of each student to display academic honesty and integrity, and thus reflect the highest ideals of the University through their conduct and behavior.

Any form of academic dishonesty or inappropriate conduct by students, faculty or staff will be dealt with in an appropriate manner following the procedures of due process.

Due process provides that students be told in writing about the charges against them, that they be given a fair opportunity to refute them, and there be terms of appeal for a decision.

Causes for Disciplinary Actions

Following the procedures consistent with due process, a student may be placed on probation, suspended or dismissed, or given a lesser sanction for any of the following:

1. Cheating or plagiarism on the academic program
2. Forgery, change of University documents, or knowingly providing false information
3. Disruption of the educational or administrative process of the University, by acts of expression
4. Physical abuses or destruction of University property; physical abuse or threat of abuse to student, University employees or their families
5. All other actions in violation of law or violating the purpose of the University or the rights of those who comprise the University.

Disciplinary actions

Faculty members are responsible for determining the type of disciplinary action in incidents of cheating or plagiarism.

A decision to place a student on probation, suspension, or dismissal is determined by a Hearing Committee in matters of repeated cheating or plagiarism or matters of serious violations in student conduct. If a student believes that he or she has been wrongfully charged or penalized, the student may appeal the decision to the Student Conduct Appeals Committee.

Academic Dishonesty
Any form of academic dishonesty is a gross violation of University policy.

Faculty should make every reasonable effort to foster honest academic conduct. If the faculty member believes there is evidence of academic dishonesty of a student, it is the faculty member’s responsibility to take action against the student. Faculty members should notify their classes of the ethical standards needed in their courses and the permissive procedures in class work and examination, preferably in the course outline shared to students.
Academic dishonesty is considered as any form of cheating, plagiarism or attempt to gain credit for academic work through fraudulent, deceptive or dishonest means. The following definitions are not intended to be all-inclusive:

1) Cheating:
The intentional use or attempt to use unauthorized materials, information or study aids in any academic exercise, such as: copying from another’s test; submitting work previously presented in another course; using sources or materials not allowed by the instructor In an examination; altering grading materials; sitting for an examination by a surrogate or acting as a surrogate; or any act which defrauds the results of the academic process.

2) Plagiarism:
Taking the ideas, words, or specific concepts of another and offering them as one’s own, without giving credit to the source, such as: the word for word use of another’s material without the proper citation of the source; paraphrasing information from another’s work without the proper reference.

Hearing Committee

When repeated instances of academic dishonesty are reported or the student is accused of a serious violation of student conduct, the student may be subject to dismissal from the University, or some lesser sanction. Any student so accused is guaranteed an unbiased hearing before disciplinary action is taken and has the right appeal an unfavorable decision.

On Committee Hearing, specific penalties that might be considered are:

1. Review No action
2. Warning
3. Requirement that the work be repeated
4. Reduction of grade on specific work in question
5. A failing grade for the work in question, or for the entire course.

Student Grievance Process

In all matters, the University will provide the student the right to voice a grievance according to the following procedures:
Classroom Grievances

1. Speak with the instructor.
2. If the problem cannot be solved with the instructor, a written complaint may be submitted to the Dean of Academics.
3. If the problem is not solved satisfactorily, the student may appeal to the Grievance Committee, which is composed of one faculty member, one student, and the Dean of Academic. The decision of the committee is final.

Administrative Grievances

1. Speak with the administrative officer involved.
2. If the problem is not solved, file grievances in writing to the Dean of Administration and Assistant to President.
3. If the problem is not solved, it may be brought to the President. All decisions made by the President are final if the student is not satisfied with the final decision, he or she may bring the problem to: BUREAU FOR PRIVATE POSTSECONDARY AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION--400 R Street, Suite 5000 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 445-3427

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