ACADEMIC ADVISING
Each student receives the name of an academic advisor at admittance to the University. Students are responsible for planning and completing advising forms with the assistance of an advisor. Advisors assist students in course planning, interpretation of academic policies and procedures, clarification of academic and career goals, and monitoring progress toward academic goals.
Students are responsible for consulting with their academic advisors prior to registration to select courses and again at registration for final approval. A close advisor-student relationship can be very helpful and students are encouraged to meet with their advisors at the start of each semester, at mid-term, and at any time to discuss academic problems, interests, and goals.
Students who do not know who their academic advisor is must contact the Student Services Office for assignment of an advisor. Academic advising problems which may not be met through the above policies may be referred to the Faculty Coordinator for Academic Advising.
ACADEMIC PROGRESS
Satisfactory academic progress is defined as the normal progression towards a certificate or degree by a full-time or a part-time student in a reasonable amount of time.
ACADEMIC WARNING, PROBATION AND SUSPENSION
A student whose mid-term grade for any course is below a grade point average of 2.00 may receive an academic warning in writing upon recommendation of the course instructor.
If the semester grade point average is below 2.00, the student is placed on academic probation. Once an undergraduate student is placed on academic probation, the student must attain at least a 2.00 semester grade point average for the next six semester credits in order to continue his or her studies. A student on academic probation for two consecutive semesters is subject to academic suspension, which is noted on the permanent record (transcript).
After each semester, the Academic Standards Committee reviews the grades of all students who have made unsatisfactory progress and decides the action to be taken. Students are notified by letter of the committee's decision and are given the opportunity to appeal in writing to the Provost/AAVP if circumstances warrant.
The University reserves the right to dismiss at any time a student whose conduct, academic standing, or health is such that the administration believes continuance at the University undesirable.
ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY
The pervading spirit underlying the mission and goals of Heritage University is the pursuit of justice and truth in every aspect of a student's education. Honesty and integrity are expected of all members of the academic community and are essential to the learning process. Professors must demonstrate by precept and example the necessity of rigorous honesty in the use of sources and of utter respect for the work of others.
Heritage University students have the responsibility to adhere to academic honesty in all their educational endeavors. Faculty have the responsibility to model academic honesty and to prevent, detect, and confront students who violate it.
Academic dishonesty is serious and will carry appropriate sanctions ranging from a written record of the violation being placed in the student's file to course failure, or even suspension or dismissal from the University.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, and all behavior inconsistent with academic integrity and honesty.
When a faculty member has reasonable cause to believe that academic dishonesty has occurred, the following procedures shall be followed:
1. The faculty member will confer with the respective student concerning the violation and will discuss the course of action to be pursued.
2. The faculty member will file a short report of the incident and will consult with the Provost/AAVP regarding the sanction.
3. For cases involving academic theft, alteration of data, unauthorized access, or fraud, the Provost/AAVP will confer with the student to determine the nature of the offense, the involvement of the student, and the course of action to be pursued. The appropriate sanction will be imposed. The Provost/AAVP shall make the decision based on the merits of the case. The reasons for the decision shall be put in writing and shall be given to the student and/or faculty member involved within ten days.
4. A student or faculty member may appeal a decision by requesting a hearing in accord with the procedures stated in the Student Handbook or the Faculty Handbook.
ACADEMIC GRIEVANCE PROCESS
Students who feel that an academic decision affecting them should be re-examined may present their case according to the following grievance process. The steps are followed until the concern is resolved.
1. A student confers with the instructor concerned.
2. If the student believes the matter has not been satisfactorily resolved, the student confers with the Department Chair or Department Director.
3. If the student believes the matter has not been satisfactorily resolved, the student confers with the College Dean to seek assistance in resolving the concern.
4. A student makes an appointment with the Provost/AAVP to seek assistance in resolving the concern.
5. The student and the Provost/AAVP may request a hearing committee to review the matter.
6. The Provost/AAVP communicates the decision to the concerned student.
The grievance procedure is explained in the Student Handbook which is available from the non-academic Student Life Center.
CATALOG YEAR POLICY
Students, except those described above as inactive, may fulfill catalog requirements in effect either at the time of their official acceptance to Heritage University or requirements from the current catalog. The complete degree requirements of only one catalog must be followed. Students seeking teacher certification are responsible for following on-going changes in these regulations. Since courses and departments are subject to change without notice, all courses necessary to complete all departments may not be available on a continuing basis. Substitutions for discontinued courses are required and authorized by the Department Chair and Provost/AAVP.