Graduate Academic Policies

Academic Honor Code

To a large extent, a College’s reputation depends upon the quality and the integrity of the academic work that its students produce. Maintaining high standards of academic honesty is the responsibility of both Goldey-Beacom College students and faculty. As students begin or continue their career pursuits, it is critical that they bring high ethical standards to their work. The Academic Honor Code System at Goldey-Beacom College will strive to enhance ethical awareness in each student.

Definition of Academic Dishonesty

Cheating: An act or attempted act by which a student seeks to misrepresent what he/she has mastered on an academic exercise. Cheating includes but is not limited to the following examples:

1. Copying from others during an examination.
2. Collaborating on a test, quiz, or project with others without authorization.
3. Using unauthorized materials to complete an exam or assignment.
4. Programming of notes, formulas, or other aids into a programmable calculator or electronic dictionary without prior authorization.
5. Using a communication device such as a cell phone, pager, PDA, or electronic translator to obtain unauthorized information during an exam.
6. Using online resources such as Web sites or email while completing an online exam without the permission of the instructor.
7. Copying computer files from another person and representing the work as the student’s own work.
8. Taking an exam for another student or permitting someone else to take a test for the student.
9. Allowing others to do research or writing of an assignment; e.g.,
   1. Using the services of a commercial term paper company,
   2. Using the services of another student,
   3. Using Internet services to access another’s work.
10. Submitting substantial portions of the same academic work for credit in more than one course without consulting the second instructor (and the first instructor if the courses are concurrent at GBC).

Fabrication: the use of invented information or the falsification of research or other findings. Fabrication includes but is not limited to the following examples:

1. Citation of information not taken from the source indicated. This may include incorrect documentation of secondary source materials; e.g., using the bibliographic information from a source instead of going to the original source yourself.
2. Listing sources in a bibliography not used in the academic exercise.
3. Submission in a paper or other academic exercise of false or fictitious data, or deliberate and knowing concealment or distortion of the true nature, origin, or function of such data.
4. Submitting as the student’s own work any academic exercises prepared totally or in part by another.

Plagiarism: the inclusion of another’s words, ideas, or data as one’s own work. This covers unpublished as well as published sources. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to the following examples:

1. Quoting another person’s words, sentences, paragraphs, or entire work without acknowledgment of the source.
2. Utilizing another person’s ideas, opinions, or theory without acknowledgment of the source.
3. The use of resources without documentation on a task that is to be completed without resources.
4. Copying another student’s essay test answer.
5. Copying, or allowing another student to copy, a computer file that contains another student’s assignment, and submitting it, in part or in its entirety, as one’s own.
6. Working together on an assignment, sharing the computer files and programs involved, and then submitting individual copies of the assignment as one’s own individual work.

Academic Misconduct: other academically dishonest acts. Academic misconduct includes but is not limited to the following examples:

1. Stealing, buying, or otherwise obtaining all or part of an unadministered exam.
2. Selling or giving away all or part of an exam, including answers; e.g., telling someone in the 10 a.m. class what was on the 8 a.m. class exam.
3. Bribing another to obtain an exam.
4. Copying and distributing an unadministered exam.
5. Continuing to work on an exam or project after the specified allotted time has elapsed.
6. Changing, altering, or being an accessory to the changing or altering of a grade on a test, assignment, or project.
7. Falsifying an excuse to obtain an extension on a deadline for a test, assignment or project.
8. Attempting to use technology to alter grades or academic records.
9. Violating copyright laws and/or regulations. Guidelines on the appropriate use of copyrights are available at http://www.gbc.edu/academics/academic-resources/library-technology-services/copyright.html.

Procedures for Handling Student Violations of the Honor Code

Any student, staff or faculty member has the right and is expected to report suspected student violations of the Academic Honor Code to the instructor of the course or to the Chair of the Academic Honor Code Committee. The instructor should handle suspected violations in the following way:

1. Satisfy oneself that there is credible evidence that a violation has occurred.
2. Document everything completely.
3. As soon as Steps 1 and 2 are completed, the following three steps should be done concurrently.
   1. Take action appropriate to the violation (e.g. “0” on the assignment, grade reduction, etc.)
   2. Submit a Violation Report to the Chair of the Academic Honor Code Committee and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The instructor should only submit the Report and keep the supporting evidence in their file for a minimum of two years.
   3. Notify the student promptly in writing that a Violation Report has been filed. This will be done via email with “return receipt requested” to the student’s GBC email account.

A reported incident of academic misconduct will be handled by the instructor by one of the following means:

1. written reprimand,
2. assignment of additional work,
3. re-examination,
4. lowering the assignment or course grade,
5. assigning an “F” grade for the course.

All communication with the student should be in private and completely documented. The instructor must apprise the student of the appeal process available to him/her.

Student Appeal Process

If a student disagrees with the faculty action, he/she should request a meeting with the Vice President for Academic Affairs. After meeting with the Dean, the Dean may document the meeting and any resulting decision and communicate the information to the student via the student’s GBC email address. If, after meeting with the Dean, the student still disagrees, he/she may appeal the faculty action to the Academic Honor Code Committee. The appeal should be handled in the following way:

Student appeals must be made in writing and submitted within ten (10) business days of the meeting date with the Vice President for Academic Affairs, or the date of the Dean’s email, whichever is later. The written appeal should include a brief summary of the alleged violation of the Academic Honor Code, the faculty action taken, and the student’s reasons for appealing the action. The appeal should be submitted to the Chair of the Academic Honor Code Committee who will hold a formal administrative hearing to consider the appeal. Such hearings will occur during standard business hours during the Fall and Spring semesters.

Parties involved in the administrative hearing process have the following rights and responsibilities:

The Student:

1. At least five (5) business days prior to the hearing, the Student shall be sent written notice via the GBC email account and letter of the administrative hearing specifying the suspected violation, the time and the place of the hearing, and a copy of the procedures which will be used during the hearing.
2. Shall be given the opportunity to present his/her explanation of the alleged academic dishonesty.
3. Is entitled to be present during the hearing while evidence is being presented and may remain until the deliberations have begun. If the student elects not to appear at the hearing, the hearing shall be conducted in the student’s absence.
4. Shall have the right to produce witnesses, written documents, and other evidence to substantiate his/her case.
5. Shall have the right to ask questions, which shall be directed to the Chair of the hearing who will pose all questions to all witnesses.
6. Shall have the right to refuse to answer any question(s) or to make a statement.
7. May have someone present to advise them, e.g., a faculty member, fellow student, or staff member of the College Community. Legal counsel is not permitted to be present during the hearing. Should the suspected academic dishonesty have the potential for criminal prosecution based on the activity that is the subject of the violation, an exception may be granted to allow for the presence of legal counsel. Should legal counsel be permitted, the counsel’s role is limited to legal advisor to the student, not advocate, and he/she may not ask questions of witnesses or otherwise participate in the hearing.

The Instructor:

1. At least five (5) business days prior to the hearing, the Instructor shall be sent written notice of the hearing specifying the suspected academic dishonesty, the time and place of the hearing, and a copy of the procedures which will be used during the hearing.
2. Shall be given the opportunity to present his/her explanation of the suspected academic dishonesty. Is entitled to be present during the hearing while evidence is being presented and may remain until the deliberations have begun.
3. Shall have the right to produce witnesses, written documents, and other evidence to substantiate his/her case.
4. Shall have the right to ask questions, which shall be directed to the Chair of the hearing, who will pose all questions to all witnesses.

The Academic Honor Code Committee:

1. Shall base its findings upon the preponderance of evidence.
2. Shall make all decisions by majority vote at a meeting with the appropriate quorum of members.
3. Shall submit its findings, decision, and action to be taken within ten (10) business days following the hearing.
4. Shall keep summary minutes of the hearing, which will be available to the student, upon request, within ten (10) business days following the hearing.
5. At the discretion of the Chair, an audio record may be made. Deliberations need not be recorded.

The student will receive written notice via the GBC email account with “return receipt requested” and letter either hand delivered or mailed by certified mail within ten (10) business days following the hearing informing him/her of the Committee’s decision. Copies should be sent to the faculty member, the appropriate Cluster Coordinator, and the Academic Affairs Office.

The decision of the Academic Honor Code Committee may be appealed to the Appellate Board within ten (10) business days after the notification of the Committee’s decision. The written appeal should include a detailed summary of the alleged violation of the Academic Honor Code, the faculty action taken, and the student’s reasons for appealing the action. The appeal should be submitted to the Chair of the Appellate Board who will hold a formal administrative hearing to consider the appeal. Such hearings will occur during standard business hours during the Fall and Spring semesters. The student will receive written notice via the GBC email account with “return receipt requested” and letter either hand delivered or mailed certified within ten (10) business days of the Appellate Board’s decision. The decision by the Appellate Board in all Academic Honor Code cases is final.

Sanctions for Repeat Violations

Individuals with documented repeat violations of the College’s Academic Honor Code may be subject to the following sanctions:

• Disciplinary warning: A disciplinary warning is an official written notice expressing that the student’s conduct violates one or more College rules, regulations, or policies.
• Loss of Scholarship: A student may have his/her Goldey-Beacom College scholarship revoked for engaging in behaviors that are in violation of the Student Code of Conduct, the Alcohol and Drug Policy, or the Housing Policy Handbook. Upon dismissal from the College, all College-funded scholarships are permanently revoked.
• Probation: Probation is a period of review during which the student must comply with all College rules, regulations, and polices. This action is a period of official censure. A probation action may specify any conditions with which the individual must comply or any privileges which may be withheld. Probation may include, but is not limited to, the loss of privilege to represent the College in an official capacity (e.g., varsity intercollegiate events, holding office, or participation in campus government or related organizations).
• Suspension: Suspension from the College is the termination of student status for a specified period of time. A student may not attend classes, take exams, receive grades, or be on College property. After this period of time, the student must seek written approval from the Vice President for Academic Affairs to return to the College. The hearing officer may establish additional requirements which must be fulfilled to the Vice President for Academic Affairs’ satisfaction prior to reinstatement. There will be no refunding of tuition or fees.
• Dismissal: Dismissal is the permanent, involuntary separation from the College due to academic violations. A student is not permitted on College property. There will be no refunding of tuition or fees.

Honor Code Committee:

The Academic Honor Code Committee will consist of five (5) members:

1. A committee chairperson - one of the Cluster Coordinators,
2. One (1) faculty members (with two alternates),
3. The Dean of Students,
4. Two (2) students (with two alternates).

Members and alternate members will be appointed each academic year. The Academic Honor Code Committee administrative hearings must have in attendance at least three (3) members, with one of either the faculty or staff member in attendance. If a member cannot serve, she/he should notify the Honor Code Committee Chairperson immediately.

Maintenance of Academic Honor Code Violation Records

All reports involving Academic Honor Code violations will be housed in the Academic Affairs Office. The files may be discarded after a ten (10) year period.

This policy supersedes any previously published Academic Honor Code policies of Goldey-Beacom College.

Academic Year Definition

The academic year consists of one fall and one spring semester, each 16 weeks in duration. The College also offers a winter and summer session.

Change of Address

Any student who changes his/her mailing address(es) or name while enrolled at the College can submit the information using Campus Web (log in, click on the Personal Information link in the upper right corner of the window, then click the Biographical Info tab). Forms are also available in the Financial Aid/Advisement Office. An official government document may also be requested for a change of name.

Change of Curriculum/Major/Program

The student’s choice of major, once made and recorded, can be changed only by following the formal procedures for change. Changes in curriculum should be made well before the beginning of a semester. After conferring with an advisor, the student must submit written notification to the Financial Aid/Advisement Office to change his/her major. Students must realize that changing their major may delay graduation.

Class Attendance and Tardiness

All students are expected to attend punctually, and for the full class time, every scheduled meeting of each class in which they are registered. Students who do not attend the first class meeting may jeopardize their federal financial aid funding or, in the case of F-1 visa students, be reported out of status to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Absences are recorded beginning with the first class meeting.

Poor attendance and/or habitual tardiness to class may not only negatively impact a student’s academic success, but may also jeopardize the student’s continued enrollment at the College. Exceptions may be made in cases of serious illness or other documented emergency.

Students are held responsible for all work missed as a result of absences. Each faculty member shall assess each course he/she teaches to determine what class attendance requirements are necessary to complete a course successfully. Students will be informed in writing of these requirements for each course at the beginning of the semester by the professor.

Students who do not attend the first week of class and have not secured their schedules may be dropped from their class(es) if they do not provide notice to the faculty or Advisor.

Class Scheduling

All students who are accepted into a graduate program and begin enrollment at Goldey-Beacom College are to complete their required courses at the College. Graduate classes are normally offered during the evening, starting as early as 4:30 p.m. and ending as late as 10:30 p.m. Classes may also be held on Saturday. A graduate student can request to have his/her future course schedules prepared when they are accepted. Any deviation from the planned schedule may or may not delay a student’s graduation. Students changing their schedule should do so with the assistance of their Advisor, and have the Advisor check the remainder of the schedule as well. Course offerings are not guaranteed for any student who has to repeat one or more courses. Approval from the Dean is necessary for students making special scheduling requests such as independent studies, course substitutions, etc. These requests must include an explanation and be submitted in writing to their Advisor.

If a student fails a class, it is the student’s responsibility to contact his/her Advisor to adjust future class schedules accordingly, ensuring that all necessary prerequisites have been successfully completed.

Prerequisites are designed to ensure students are academically prepared for course work in a subsequent class based on knowledge gained from a previous course. The College strongly recommends, and may require, that all prerequisites for a course be successfully completed (credits are earned or transferred in) prior to the student’s actual enrollment in a specified course. To request waiver of a prerequisite for a particular course, permission must be granted in writing by the Vice President for Academic Affairs two weeks prior to the start of the course.

Advisors preschedule graduate students at least one semester in advance. Students can request to opt out of the course prescheduling process by notifying their Advisors using GBC Email.

With each graduate Saturday class meeting representing 25% of the total class time, make-up dates are published for Saturday classes. A fifth class date is scheduled and published on the Academic Calendar as the make-up date for each session. The make-up date is for College-wide cancellations due to circumstances beyond the control of the College, such as inclement weather. Students are expected to keep their schedules open on that date in case the College determines that a make-up session is needed.

Credit Hour Definition

One credit hour is awarded for fourteen hours of structured instruction over a fourteen week period, or its equivalent, utilizing the standard academic 50-minute hour. This is exclusive of registration or outside study time. Structured instruction time includes lecture, testing, regularly scheduled face-to-face consultation, supervised group work, class presentation time, electronic media assignment modules, required laboratory time, or regularly scheduled tutorial sessions. Each credit hour should be complemented by at least 120 minutes of outside assignments or study time per week.

One credit hour is also awarded for completion of 100 hours of internship or practica when appropriately registered for credit, learning is documented, and supervision is ensured.

Cumulative Index (Cumulative Grade Point Average)

For Graduate students, the scholastic average is computed after the first semester and for every semester increment thereafter. A graduate student must earn and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in order to meet the minimum academic requirement for graduation.

Curricular Updates

The College reserves the right to change curricula and course requirements. Such changes must go through the appropriate academic channels of the College before being implemented. The Financial Aid/Advisement Office is apprised of changes in a timely fashion so that students are properly advised and directed.

Drop/Add

Once a student has secured his/her schedule for classes in a specified semester/session with the Business Office, it is the student’s responsibility to make changes to the course schedule within the drop/add timeframe for that semester/session. The student must contact an Advisor in the Financial Aid/Advisement Office via GBC email to make the official course schedule changes. All course change requests must be in writing utilizing GBC email. By attending a course, the student accepts financial responsibility for the full cost of the tuition and fees for that course. A student or parent cannot request a course schedule drop/add after the academic drop period has ended for a particular semester/session. By securing his/her schedule, the student has acknowledged receipt of the course schedule and is responsible for all tuition charges for the semester/session.

Students dropping or adding graduate or undergraduate seven-week courses, eight-week courses, fifteen-week undergraduate day courses, or one-week seminars must do so during the College’s official Drop/Add periods.

Those Drop/Add periods are:

• Seven-week Session I or Session II courses: first week of each session
• Eight-week Session I or Session II courses: first week of each session
• Fifteen-week day courses: first two weeks of each semester
• One-week seminars: before the second scheduled day/night of class (The adding of seminars after the first class meeting has begun is not permitted.)
• Saturday classes: before the second scheduled day of class (The adding of Saturday classes after the first class meeting has begun is not permitted.)

Students who drop a course during the Drop/Add periods are charged 20% of the tuition charges. For details on tuition charge or refund information, please contact the College’s Business Office. The College reserves the right to drop a student’s course(s) if the student has not attended the course(s) and has not secured his/her schedule for the semester/session in which the course(s) is (are) scheduled.

Drop Period

Enrolled students who choose to drop a fifteen-week course during the Drop Period, third week of the semester, are charged 50% of the total tuition charges. Students can only drop courses during this period, not add, by contacting their Advisor.

Academic Drop Period

Students may drop graduate or undergraduate courses without academic penalty during the Session I, Session II or fifteen-week semester Academic Drop periods. Students will receive a grade of “W” instead of a final grade. The “W” does not affect the student’s cumulative grade point average; the student will not earn credits for the course. In addition, students who drop courses during the following Academic Drop periods will be charged 100% of the total tuition charges. Students must contact their Advisor to drop a course.

• Seven-week Session I or II courses: second week to the end of the fourth week of the session
• Eight-week Session I or II courses: second week to the end of the fifth week of the session
• Fifteen-week undergraduate day courses: fourth week to the end of the tenth week of the semester
• One-week seminars: prior to the fourth class meeting
• Saturday classes: prior to the third class meeting

After the Academic Drop Period

A student or parent may not request a course schedule drop/add after the academic drop period has ended for a particular semester/session. Once a student has secured his/her schedule, it is the student’s responsibility to make changes to the course schedule within the drop/add timeframe for that semester/session. A student who contacts his/her advisor after the academic drip period has ended will not be considered for a semester charge reduction regardless of class attendance, how payment was made, or if an outstanding balance is presently owed. The student will be charged 100% of the total tuition charges.

Drops for Medical/Work-Related Reasons

For students who find it necessary to drop courses due to medical or work-related reasons, please review the following tuition credit descriptions to see if you may be eligible for a tuition credit.

Description of Tuition Credit

Medical Tuition Credit - A medical tuition credit will be considered if the student’s medical condition has caused the student to miss two consecutive weeks of classes.

Work-Related Tuition Credit - A work-related tuition credit will be considered for any student whose supervisor has required/requested them to change work hours and the new hours are during the class hours.  Medical and work-related tuition credits are non-refundable.

Prior to consideration being granted for a possible tuition credit, the student must:

• Speak to the professor to see if it is possible to make up the work missed, even if it means taking an incomplete for the course and completing the work beyond the semester/session.
• Contact the student’s advisor if he or she is unable to complete the required course work to officially drop the course(s) at the current refund percentage. The charge will be corrected if necessary when the tuition credit is approved.

Complete the Goldey-Beacom College Medical and Work-Related Tuition Credit Request form and submit it with the required documentation to the Executive Director of Finance & Human Resources. See part three for the required documentation.

All medical and work-related tuition credit documentation must be submitted within 30 days of the incident, in order for the tuition credit to be considered. Listed below is the medical and work-related documentation that would need to be provided to the Executive Director of Finance & Human Resources, Susan M. Mannering.

Documentation Required

Medical Tuition Credit - supporting documentation from the doctor and/or hospital that includes the dates for which the student was being treated and a brief explanation for why the student was not able to attend and/or complete the class.

Work-Related Tuition Credit - supporting documentation from the student’s supervisor explaining that the student requested/required the student to change their work hours and list the hours that the student is now required to work.

The documentation may be mailed to Susan M. Mannering, Goldey-Beacom College, 4701 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE  19808, or sent by email to manners@gbc.edu.

Listener Status

Students can change to Listener Status during the College’s official Drop/Add periods by notifying their Advisor. Students will be charged full tuition; a grade of “L” will be assigned.

SAM 2016 License & Certification Program

Once a student activates the SAM 2016 license in the SAM 2016 License & Certification Program, the activation cannot be reversed and the charge of $75 will apply. At that point, there is no refund of the Program charge.

Appeal Process

If the student would like to appeal the decision regarding the tuition charge, the student should submit an appeal request to the Executive Vice President within 30 days of receiving the decision. At this time, the student should present any and all documentation that fully describes the circumstances that would warrant a change in decision. The Executive Vice President will respond within ten working days. The decision of the Executive Vice President will be final.

Exceptions

Requests for exceptions to any academic policies must be submitted in writing to the Dean of Enrollment Management for review.

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)

Annually, Goldey-Beacom College informs students of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. This Act grants certain rights, privileges, and protection to students concerning educational records maintained by Goldey-Beacom College. These rights transfer from the parents to the student who has reached the age of 18 or is attending any school beyond the high school level. The law requires that the institution shall protect the confidentiality of student educational records. The law also provides students with the right to inspect and review information contained in their educational records, to challenge the contents of their educational records, to have a hearing if the outcome of the challenge is unsatisfactory, and to submit explanatory statements for inclusion in their files if the decisions of the hearing panels are unsatisfactory. A copy of the policy statement describing the regulations for this act may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office. Annual notification to students of this policy is through Campus Web. Please refer to the Release of Student Information policy (below) for more information about the release of student information and the student’s option to opt out of the release.

A graduate student can give another person access to his/her information by completing an Information Release Form found on the “Academic” tab of Campus Web. The Information Release Form gives a student the ability to allow a parent, guardian, or third-party access to the specific student information requested. After the form is submitted, access will be granted to the designated individual for the specific areas selected by the student. The designated individual will only be able to view information online or discuss the indicated areas with the appropriate College Administrators.

Grade Appeal Process

Students who wish to appeal a final grade received in a course completed at Goldey-Beacom College that is not the result of an Academic Honor Code violation* must follow the grade appeal procedures:

1. The student must discuss his/her concern with the individual faculty member who assigned the grade as the first step in this process. There is no “grade appeal” without this initial step.
2. If the student feels that the grade has been assigned unfairly, e.g. there is a discrepancy between the faculty member’s written grading policy and the way the grade was assigned, the student should complete the Grade Appeal Form, including documentation, to the Grade Appeal Committee within 60 days of the official end of the semester in which the grade was assigned.
3. The Grade Appeal Committee will render a decision within ten (10) business days and communicate the decision to the student via the GBC email account with return receipt requested.
4. If the student wishes to appeal the decision of the Grade Appeal Committee, he/she must submit the appeal in writing, within ten (10) business days of receiving the decision, to the Vice President for Academic Affairs with supporting documentation attached.
5. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will review the case and make a final determination within ten (10) business days from receipt of the appeal. The student will receive written notice via the GBC email account with return receipt requested within ten (10) business days. The decision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs is final.

*Any grade that is the result of an Academic Honor Code violation must be dealt with through the Academic Honor Code appeal process.

Students: After discussing your grade concern with your instructor, if you would like to appeal your final grade in a GBC course (per the policies stated above), please complete the GBC Grade Appeal Form available by visiting http://bit.ly/Goldey-BeacomGradeAppealForm.

Grading System

In each course a student will receive one of the following grades at the end of the semester: A+, A, B+, B, C+, C, F, W/X, or I. The grade of C is the lowest passing grade which is considered minimally acceptable at the graduate level. A failing grade of F is given for work which is unsatisfactory. The grade of W/X indicates an official withdrawal from a course and is not computed into the grade point average.

The following scale will be utilized to assign grades in the graduate courses at Goldey-Beacom College:

The I grade is assigned because of incomplete work when circumstances were beyond the control of the student. The student must make arrangements with the instructor of the course to complete the missed work/examination within three weeks after the next regular semester begins (fall, spring, summer). Otherwise, the I will be replaced by the Registrar in accordance with the previous directions of the instructor, and the student will be notified of the change of grade via the GBC email account.

Academic credit is given for the grades A+ through C. A student may repeat a course to improve skills, enhance knowledge, and/or affect their cumulative index. All grades will appear on the official transcript but only the higher grade will be included in the cumulative index.

NOTE: A student who officially/unofficially drops a course(s) or withdraws from the College after the Academic Drop Period will receive a final grade(s). A grade of W/X will be considered only for the substantiated reasons satisfactory to the faculty or the Academic Honor Code Committee.

Graduation

Any student expecting to complete the requirements of his/her program of study (degree(s)) from fall semester through summer session must file a Petition for Graduation form on Campus Web and pay the graduation fee by December 15 preceding the annual graduation ceremony at the end of spring semester. This fee is applied toward the cost of the student’s diploma, cap and gown, and other expenses relating to graduation. All future Registrar’s Office services are also covered by this fee. The graduation fee is nonrefundable, but if the student delays completion of his/her program requirements, the fee will be maintained on account until all requirements are fulfilled.

To be eligible to receive a graduate degree, the student must satisfy all requirements established by the College. These requirements include successful completion of all degree program courses within 7 years from the time the first graduate level course is taken and achievement of a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher. A diploma will not be released to a student who has an outstanding debt to the College.

For more information, please see Petitioning for Graduation.

Honors and Awards

Graduates at the Master’s level who have attained superior academic achievement are recognized. Degree curricula graduates who have earned a final cumulative index of 4.000 are cited by being graduated “Highest Honors”; those with a final cumulative index of 3.900 and above, “High Honors”; students with a final cumulative index of 3.750 and above, “Honors.”

Candidates for graduation who have attained superior academic achievement are recognized according to their cumulative index at the end of the last semester/session completed prior to the ceremony (spring semester is not included due to the close proximity of commencement with the end of spring semester). Any student who feels that grades earned in spring semester may entitle him/her to academic recognition at commencement for which he/she is not eligible at the end of the previous semester/session may request the Financial Aid/Advisement Office to monitor their grades in the spring semester to determine potential entitlement.

International Students on F-1 Visas

International students who are F-1 visa holders are expected to comply with all College policies and procedures while in attendance at Goldey-Beacom College. In order to remain in compliance with U.S. Citizen and Immigration regulations, certain enrollment obligations must be fulfilled. These include:

Undergraduate F-1 visa holders must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours in each fall and spring semester. Students will have their Form 1-20s cancelled if not continuously enrolled in subsequent required semesters/ sessions. A student can request consideration for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) after nine (9) months of consecutive enrollment at Goldey-Beacom College. Enrolled students must also meet the undergraduate Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress by maintaining a 2.0 cumulative grade point average or higher and earn all credits each semester. A student will be placed on academic warning status or dismissed from the College if Standards are not met at the conclusion of each semester.

Graduate F-1 visa holders must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours per academic semester/session (fall, spring and summer). For graduate students, summer is a required period of enrollment. F-1 visa students will have their Form I-20s cancelled if not continuously enrolled in subsequent required semesters/sessions. Enrolled students must also meet the graduate Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress by maintaining a 3.0 cumulative grade point average or higher and earn all credits each semester/session. A student will be placed on academic warning status or dismissed from the College if Standards are not met each semester/session.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is the database of the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State to track F, J, and M visa holders. All students of Goldey-Beacom College on F-1 visa status are registered through SEVIS. While enrolled at the College, students’ personal information housed on the database must be kept current. Students are required to notify their Advisors of all such changes in address, visa status, and employment status. Goldey-Beacom College is required by law to report to SEVIS any student who is not in full compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies which includes, but is not limited to, attendance, financial obligations, academic dishonesty, and unapproved departure from the United States during a required period of enrollment. A student’s Form I-20 and CPT authorization will be reviewed and may be terminated in SEVIS if non-compliance occurs. Additionally, Optional Practical Training (OPT) will not be granted.

International students are expected to fulfill the following additional obligations while attending the College:

• Comply with the Goldey-Beacom College Student Code of Conduct.
• Comply with all Goldey-Beacom College academic policies.
• Maintain a valid passport and valid Form I-20 at all times. Provide updated copies of passport and visa to an Advisor.
• Contact an Advisor to request an extension to the Form I-20 prior to the current Form I-20 expiration date.
• Do not skip enrollment in any semester or session. If a required period of enrollment is skipped, the student is reported as out of status with SEVIS. Consequently, CPT would be cancelled or not approved, and/or requested OPT would be denied.
• Complete all course schedule changes prior to the day the class begins by contacting an Advisor.
• Make timely tuition and fees payments to the College’s Business Office through Campus Web or other payment method. Collection costs and/or legal fees, up to and including 50% of the delinquent balance may be charged to the student’s account by Goldey-Beacom College. Students with outstanding balances are not permitted to register for future semesters. If enrollment in a future semester is prohibited, the student is reported to SEVIS as an unauthorized withdrawal and the Form I-20 is terminated.
• Attend every scheduled class meeting for the duration of the class. A student’s class attendance is recorded and regularly reported to the College’s Registrar’s Office by faculty. Failure to attend the first class meeting of any course may be reported to SEVIS and the student will be considered out of status. As a result of this change in status, the following consequences would apply: CPT would be cancelled or not approved; requested OPT would be denied; and an unauthorized withdrawal from the program of study would be noted in SEVIS.
• Notify the Professor when the student needs to miss a class meeting due to an emergency situation. This is deemed an action of courtesy and has no impact on a student’s SEVIS compliance.
• Provide any requested documents, such as travel or medical, when requested to do so by an Advisor, DSO, or Dean.
• Comply with the Obligations of a Student at Goldey-Beacom College found in the Student Code of Conduct.
• Update an Advisor whenever changes of addresses occur.
• Work only with approved CPT work authorization and an Advisor’s/ Designated School Official’s signature on the student’s Form I-20 which is updated to include CPT approval.
• Submit a Request for Departure form to Advisor/DSO, when requesting to leave the United States, at least one month prior to the intended travel dates. The College reserves the right to deny or to approve the request. Departure from the United States during required periods of enrollment may result in the College’s right to cancel the student’s Form I-20 and re-issue a new Form I-20 at a later date. The student will pay for all expenses related to mailing the Form. College approval to re-issue a new Form I-20 requires a thorough review of academic, attendance, payment, and Student Code of Conduct records.

International students holding F-1 visas who have questions regarding maintaining proper visa status, procedures for working in the United States on CPT or OPT, renewing visas, or other academic matters should contact their Advisors in the Financial Aid/Advisement Office. Detailed information on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is available on its website at http://www.uscis.gov/.

Privilege of Attendance

Goldey-Beacom College extends to students the privilege of attendance. The expectation is that they will put forth a genuine effort. Poor attendance and/or habitual tardiness to class may not only negatively impact a student’s academic success, but may also jeopardize the student’s continued enrollment at the College. The privilege of attendance is extended to enrolled students only. Guests of the students, such as friends, spouses, or other family members, are not permitted in the classroom during class time. Students with special needs requiring assistance in the classroom should contact their Advisors.

Upon enrolling, every student automatically accepts the obligation to comply with the College rules and regulations. Students are expected to comply and be familiar with the College’s Academic Honor Code and Student Handbook and Code of Conduct. A student may be dismissed from the College for poor academic performance or be suspended or expelled for disciplinary reasons. Owing an outstanding balance to the College may affect a student’s enrollment in subsequent semesters. Students who owe outstanding balances to the College and who are not registered for courses are not permitted to attend class(es).

International students attending the College on an F-1 visa must comply with the College’s academic, financial, and disciplinary policies. Students not meeting their obligations to the College may have their I20s canceled.

The Obligations of a Student at Goldey-Beacom College

With the privilege of attendance at college, come certain obligations and commitments. To ensure that every student derives the maximum benefit from their learning experience, and to further ensure that every student enhances the learning environment for others, Goldey-Beacom College sets forth the following student obligations. Every student shall:

1. Read, be familiar with, and comply with the Student Handbook and Code of Conduct.
2. Conduct coursework with honesty and integrity, refraining from cheating, plagiarism, or falsification, in accordance with the Academic Honor Code.
3. Attend only classes for which the student is officially registered; attend all classes regularly to fully meet expectations of faculty.
4. Submit assignments and coursework in a timely manner as expected by faculty.
5. Contact faculty or Advisors to discuss attendance or other performance problems in the classroom before it is too late.
6. Maintain acceptable levels of academic progress as defined in the Student Handbook.
7. Show respect, civil language, appropriate dress, and proper decorum at all times on campus, both in and out of the classroom.
8. Respect fellow students, their ideas, and their differences so that diversity is a strength and not an impediment on the GBC campus.
9. Respond promptly to any and all requests for meetings with faculty and staff.
10. Regularly check GBC email accounts, the primary method of communication with students.
11. Meet all financial obligations to the College.
12. Maintain a drug-free and weapon-free campus at all times.
13. Dispose of all waste in the proper trash receptacles and help to keep the campus clean and free of debris.
14. Meet all State, Federal, and local laws at all times on campus.

Progress Toward Degree

Twelve graduate level courses are required to complete a graduate program. All degree requirements must be completed within seven years after the first graduate level course is taken. All degree requirements, including prerequisite curriculum courses and those approved for transfer, must be completed within 10 years. International students must comply with the terms of their visa status, which may be shorter.

The College reserves the right to update and revise the graduate curriculum on an annual basis. Students who re-enter the graduate program must follow the curriculum in existence at that time.

Re-Entry

A student who has not been continuously enrolled at the College and is interested in resuming his/her degree program course work must make the request in writing to his/her Advisor to do so. Consideration for re-entry will require a review of the student’s prior academic record, previous financial payment history at the College, and compliance with the College’s Student Code of Conduct and/or Housing Guidelines. If the student was an International student (F1) when previously enrolled, his/her records will be reviewed for SEVIS compliance. Additional information or documentation may be requested from the student to accompany the request. The written request with supporting documentation will be forwarded to the Committee of Deans for their review.

Approval to return is contingent upon course availability and may be deferred to a future semester or session.

Previous course work completed at Goldey-Beacom College will be evaluated according to current programs; therefore, the longer a student has been out, the more courses he/she may need to complete in order to earn a degree. Depending on its content, course work which is more than 10 years old may no longer apply to a current program.

Credits earned for previous course work at Goldey-Beacom College which are not required in the current program chosen are still included in the total number of credits the student has earned but do not apply directly to the new program.

Semesters during which a student in the graduate program is not registered for coursework continue to count toward the maximum completion time for the degree. (See Progress Toward Degree)

Students who are approved to re-enter the College will not automatically receive previously awarded Goldey-Beacom College sponsored merit and need-based scholarships. Consideration for the reinstatement of the scholarship awards will include a review of the student’s prior record while in attendance at the College.

A student may be granted approval to re-enroll at the College but may not be eligible to apply for federal financial aid funding if the student did not meet the Standards of Academic Progress while previously enrolled. Federal financial aid questions can be discussed with an Advisor.

Release of Grades Policy

Grade reports can be accessed by students using the College’s Campus Web Module within 10 days after the close of the semester/session. Grades are posted at the instructor’s discretion using Campus Web. Grades will not be released to students who have outstanding debts to the College. Students should speak with their advisor if official documentation is needed for employer tuition reimbursement. Grades are not released to students over the telephone or in emails.

Release of Student Information

In conformity with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (The Buckley Amendment), Goldey-Beacom College may disclose directory information upon written request unless the student specifically files a written notification with the Registrar’s Office of his/her desire not to have such information released. The written request must state the reason the request is being made and how the information will be used or maintained by the third party. The College reserves the right to deny a request if it is considered not in a student’s best interest to release the data to a third party. Directory information such as student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, dates of attendance, and honors and awards may be disclosed without consent. Directory information does not include a student’s Social Security Number or GBC Student ID number. No information about a student, directory or otherwise, will be released over the telephone except in cases of extreme emergency.

A student’s directory information is released to Federal loan third-party servicers without obtaining prior written consent for the purpose of collecting debt originating from financial aid disbursed while enrolled. Additionally, other external parties, such as the College’s contracted auditors, governmental agencies, scholarship donors, and other third-party servicers may be provided access to data reported on a student’s FAFSA as well as satisfactory academic progress information. In these instances, all of this data is safeguarded, as the College maintains a comprehensive information security program. By “Accepting” a scholarship or other financial aid award on the College’s financial aid module, Net Partner, the student gives Goldey-Beacom College permission to routinely share this information with external parties on an “as needed” basis. “Declining” an award on Net Partner will be considered opting out of this information release.

The College may use information from a student’s educational record to determine eligibility for future awards and honors given by GBC or community organizations. A student who does not want to be considered for an award or honor can opt out by notifying the College’s Registrar Office at registrar@gbc.edu.

A graduate student can give another person access to his/her information by completing an Information Release Form found on the “Academic” tab of Campus Web. The Information Release Form gives a student the ability to allow a parent, guardian, or third-party access to the specific student information requested. After the form is submitted, access will be granted to the designated individual for the specific areas selected by the student. The designated individual will only be able to view information online or discuss the indicated areas with the appropriate College Administrators.

Repeating Courses

A student may repeat a course to improve skills, enhance knowledge and/or affect their cumulative index. All grades will appear on the official transcript but only the higher grade will be included in the cumulative index. A student who is receiving Federal financial aid assistance should speak to his/her Advisor about the impact repeating a course has on financial aid eligibility as well as Standards of Academic Progress.

Return to School After Medical Leave

The College reserves the right to request medical clearance from the treating physician when a student or employee requires medical or psychiatric care. This documentation may be required to return to campus if the illness is serious, contagious, and could pose a threat to others, or when a psychiatric condition involves behavior which might pose a threat to the safety and well-being of the individual or the campus community.

Second Degree

Graduate students who wish to earn another degree with a different concentration must fulfill additional requirements and complete at least 3 additional courses for the other concentration, as appropriate. Students interested in earning a Master of Management, Master of Science in Taxation or Finance degree after completing an MBA or vice versa are required to complete a minimum of 6 additional courses. Students interested in obtaining a second concentration or degree should consult with their advisor.

Standards of Academic Progress

The Goldey-Beacom College academic and financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards are in accordance with federal regulations for graduate students. The College makes its SAP policies applicable to all federal and state financial aid as well as institutional aid. The Satisfactory Academic Progress applies to all enrollment periods regardless of whether financial aid was received. The graduate periods of consecutive or non-consecutive enrollment include fall semester, winter session, spring semester and summer session.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Procedures

Goldey-Beacom College evaluates a student’s academic progress in a degree seeking program at the end of regular enrollment periods. That review process determines if a student is eligible for subsequent federal and state financial aid as well as institutional aid or if a student is not achieving academic success. Given the extent that a student is not succeeding academically, he/she may be placed on Academic Warning or dismissed from the College.

Academic Warning Procedures

A student is on Academic Warning after his/her academic transcript has been reviewed by an Advisor at the end of a stated enrollment period* and if the student is academically deficient in accordance with the applicable graduate Standards of Academic Progress. Students remain eligible for federal and institutional funding if on Academic Warning. When a student has been determined to be on Academic Warning, he/she is notified via GBC email and, if necessary, by phone.

Academic Warning requires that an academic action plan be developed for the graduate student with input from the Advisor, Dean of Enrollment Management, Dean of Students and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The action plan is to identify the student’s academic deficiencies and focus on strategies that can lead to academic success and continued federal and state aid eligibility. All students are required to meet in person with an Advisor and/or Dean to discuss the academic action plan. A student’s continued federal and state aid as well as institutional aid may cease should the student choose not to attend the prescribed meeting or not agree to the recommended academic action plan.

It is the federal government’s and Goldey-Beacom College’s expectation, that the student will successfully achieve his/her agreed upon academic action plan through prescribed strategies. An example of a particular strategy would be the requirement of a student to reduce his/her course load for a given semester or require the student to earn a certain final grade in a particular course registered for in a stated semester.

The Advisor will monitor the student’s academic progress toward completion of the academic action plan through email communications with the student and his/her faculty members. A student may be required to regularly meet with his/her Advisor to discuss progress of the academic action plan. The Advisor will routinely present all findings to the Deans.

Academic Action Plan Outcomes Procedures

Any student who meets his/her academic action plan continues to be eligible for federal and state financial aid as well as institutional aid. The student will be removed from Academic Warning status when the academic action plan has been achieved. The student will be notified of the determination by the Advisor using GBC email. Students who demonstrate satisfactory progress toward the completion of the action plan but may not have met their plan can appeal to have the plan extended with approval from the Advisor, Dean of Enrollment Management, Dean of Students and Vice President for Academic Affairs. If approved, the student remains on Academic Warning and the monitoring process by the Advisor and Deans continues.

Should a student be unable to successfully achieve the academic action plan as documented and monitored by the Advisor he/she will be forwarded to the Committee of Deans for final review and determination of dismissal or continued enrollment. A student who is permitted to continue enrollment in the next regular semester at the College is not eligible for federal and state financial aid and may not be eligible for institutional financial aid. The final decision of the Committee of Deans will be communicated to the student using GBC email.

Dismissal from the College

Any student who is dismissed from the College may petition the Vice President for Academic Affairs for possible reinstatement to the College, but may not do so until taking a full semester period of enrollment break from the College after the dismissal.

Petitioning is defined as submitting an appeal in writing for consideration to be reinstated. Reinstatement grants permission to register and enroll in classes. The student’s written request should state why he/she failed to make academic progress and what has changed that will now enable the student to succeed. The petition is reviewed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs in consultation with the Dean of Enrollment Management and the Dean of Students. The Vice President for Academic Affairs may request an interview with the student. A decision will be rendered in writing to the student within ten (10) business days of receipt of the petition. All decisions by the Vice President for Academic Affairs are final. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will communicate the final decision regarding reinstatement using GBC email.

Students reinstated at Goldey-Beacom College must meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards prior to receiving federal and state aid. Students who re-enter the College will not automatically receive previously awarded Goldey-Beacom College sponsored merit and need-based scholarships. Consideration for the reinstatement of the scholarship awards will include a review of the student’s prior record while in attendance at the College.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards

The Satisfactory Academic Progress standards are two-fold. A student must make satisfactory academic progress according to both Grade Point Average Progress and Earned Credit Progress criteria to continue receiving federal or state financial aid as well as institutional aid.

Grade Point Average Progress

The cumulative grade point average is reviewed for every graduate student after each semester/session, beginning at the completion of the first semester/session of attendance. At any time, a cumulative grade point average below the level of 3.0, the student will be placed on Academic Warning status.

Two periods of enrollment* below a 3.0 cumulative grade point average may be grounds for dismissal. A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or below will be grounds for immediate dismissal.

*semesters/sessions may not be consecutive

Earned Credit Progress

Students must progress toward their degree completion by earning all registered and enrolled credits during required periods of enrollment at the College.

Maximum Time Frame

All degree requirements, including prerequisite curriculum courses and those approved for transfer, must be completed within 10 years.

Final Grades and Satisfactory Academic Progress

The final grade(s) that an undergraduate or a graduate student receives at the end of each semester or session has a direct effect on the academic progress standards:

• For a course in which a final grade of “F”, “W” or “X” (which is a result of courses dropped or an official withdrawal from the College) is received, the credits for that course are included in a student’s attempted credits but not in earned credits.
• Course credits for a grade of “I” are added to attempted credits at the end of the semester. However, earned credits for incomplete courses are not added until the “I” is replaced by a final grade of “C” or better. If a final grade of “F” replaces the “I” grade, no credits will be included in earned credits.
• Transfer credits are not included in attempted or earned credits. Therefore, a student cannot earn credits at another institution in order to make up any earned credit deficiency at Goldey-Beacom College.
• Courses that are taken as listener status are not included in attempted or earned credits. (Note: A student who enrolls in a course as a listener cannot receive financial aid for that course.)

NOTE: A reduction in course load during and after the College’s official drop/add and drop periods, repeating courses, and withdrawing from the College have major effects on your continued financial aid academic progress eligibility. The Financial Aid/Advisement Office recommends that students contact their Advisor prior to dropping/adding a course, withdrawing from the institution, receiving a non-passing grade, or rescheduling a previously taken course to have his/her continued financial aid eligibility reviewed.

Students accepted by the College’s Admissions Office on Conditional Status must achieve a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and earn the required number of earned credits to remain in a degree program after the first semester. The Standards of Academic Progress must be met each semester/session.

Undergraduate students who enroll in graduate courses to complete an undergraduate degree must meet the graduate standards of academic progress.

Student Responsibility

It is each student’s responsibility to understand the academic standards of Goldey-Beacom College and the degree requirements of the program in which he/she is enrolled. For assistance in interpretation of the requirements, the student may see an advisor. All students who are accepted into a graduate degree program and begin enrollment at Goldey-Beacom College are to complete their required courses at the College.

Transcripts of Permanent Records

As a service to students, the College provides transcripts to students free of charge. Students should not, however, misuse this service. Transcript requests will be processed within two (2) business days from the day on which the request was received. Transcripts will not be released to students who have outstanding debts to the College. However, during rare periods of high student need (such as graduation or registration) or during holidays or school closings, a slight delay may occur in which case you will be notified. Transcript requests are not fulfilled if an outstanding debt is owed to the College. Currently enrolled students can secure an unofficial academic transcript using the Campus Web module.

Transfer of Credits

Students may transfer a total of nine (9) applicable graduate credits from other regionally accredited institutions in all modes of delivery, provided those credits carry a grade of B or above. Such credits generally transfer as applicable curriculum substitutes.

Students may submit official documentation of credits earned at non-accredited institutions and/or through non-traditional programs for review; however, there is no guarantee that the credits will be accepted. Documentation needs to include an in-depth description of material covered, number of contact (classroom) hours, mode of delivery, amount of time required outside of class, and a grade equivalent to a B or better. Such credits will be reviewed on an individual basis

Transfer credits may be awarded for college-level coursework completed at institutions outside the U.S. Overseas institutions must be accredited. Students may submit transcripts translated into English, along with documentation demonstrating the institution’s accreditation, for evaluation. The College may require the student to submit the documents for formal evaluation by a third-party translation and evaluation service if there is any doubt regarding accreditation or credit hour equivalency.

Students who wish to attend Goldey-Beacom College must supply the College with the information listed under Admissions Requirements as well as official transcripts from each graduate program previously attended.

Withdrawal

An graduate student is considered withdrawn from the College if the student does not complete scheduled enrollment or the student withdraws and fails to return after providing written withdrawal confirmation by completing a Withdrawal Form or notifying his/her Advisor via GBC email. If a student withdraws without providing written notification, the withdrawal date will be determined by the student’s date of last attendance.

Scheduled enrollment is defined as enrollment in the next regular semester. The next regular semester for graduate student is fall, spring or summer. The timeframe a student has to satisfy degree requirements is not suspended using the period when the student has not registered for coursework.

Student withdrawals due to substantiated medical reasons require the submission of medical documentation within thirty (30) days from the date of withdrawal. The official withdrawal date will be determined as the date on which the official Withdrawal Form was received by the Financial Aid/Advisement Office.

A student who withdraws owing an outstanding debt to the College is expected to contact the College’s Business Office to immediately clear the debt. Student referral to collection agencies and credit bureaus is at the discretion of the College. Collection costs and/or legal fees, up to and including 50% of the delinquent balance, may be charged to the student’s account by Goldey-Beacom College in the collection of a delinquent balance.

In the event of a withdrawal from the College, a student who has received federal student loan funds to assist with their tuition, fees, books, resident housing, miscellaneous and/or living expenses while enrolled, must contact their Advisor in the Financial Aid/Advisement Office to learn more about federal student loan exit counseling or go to www.nslds.ed.gov to understand his/her student loan obligation.

Leave of Absence

Students who contemplate leaving Goldey-Beacom College voluntarily and anticipate that they will not be able to return the semester following their departure are encouraged to file for Leave of Absence (LOA). The LOA cannot exceed a total of 180 days in any 12-month period. If unable to return at the end of the first semester on a LOA, a student on LOA may make application for continuation by emailing or calling their Advisor. The LOA assures re-admission without further paperwork and the ability of the student to continue under the terms of the academic requirements that applied at the time the LOA was granted. At any time after return to full-time status, a student who has been on LOA may opt to study under the terms of a later curriculum. Information about the College’s Leave of Absence Policy is available from an Advisor or from the Registrar’s Office. All LOAs must be approved by the Committee of Deans.