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South University, Online Programs Student Handbook 2020-2021

Student Support Center 709 Mall Boulevard, Savannah, Georgia 31406

Student Handbook 2020-2021, Page 2

Contents

Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4  About the Student Handbook ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4  Institutional Mission ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4  Student Rights and Responsibilities …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4  Orientation ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5 

University-wide Orientation ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5  International Student Orientation ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5  Online Orientation …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5 

Student IDs …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6 

Academic Policies and Procedures …………………………………………………………………………………………… 6  Class Attendance …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6  Disability Services …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6  Online Participation Policy ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7  Changing Programs ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8  Adding and Dropping Courses ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8  Grades and Educational Records ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8 

Grading System ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 8  Grade Reports …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9  Repeated Courses ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9  The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended ……………………………………………………. 9  Transcript Requests ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 13 

Satisfactory Progress ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 13  Graduation ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 13  Academic Integrity, Intellectual Property, and Copyright Policies ……………………………………………………………… 14 

Undergraduate Academic Integrity Policy ………………………………………………………………………………………… 14  Academic Integrity Policy (Graduate Students): Honor Code and Honor Council ………………………………….. 19 

Intellectual Property Policy …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 28  Notice of South University’s Policies to Comply with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 …………… 28 

Conduct and Behavior Policies ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 29  Code of Conduct ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 29 

Disciplinary Procedures …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 32  Sanctions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 33 

Anti-Hazing Policy ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 35  Firearms Policy ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 35  Non-Discrimination Policy ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 36  No Harassment Policy ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 36 

Grievances, Complaints, and Disputes …………………………………………………………………………………………. 37  General Complaint Procedures ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 37  Student Grievance Procedure For Internal Complaints of Discrimination and Harassment …………………………….. 40  Sexual Misconduct & Relationship Violence Policy; Procedures for Handling Sexual Misconduct and Relationship

Violence Complaints ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 42  I. Preliminary Issues & Important Definitions …………………………………………………………………………………… 42  II. Reporting & Confidentiality ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 44  III. Response Procedure ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 45 

Health and Safety ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 48  Campus Security ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 48  Emergency Notification ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 49  Inclement Weather Policy …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 49 

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Weather Announcements ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 50  Health Insurance ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 50  Immunization Policy ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 50  Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program and the Drug-Free Workplace and Campus Program …………………………. 51  Procedures Following Suicide Threats and Attempts ………………………………………………………………………………… 52 

Student Life …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 52  Activities and Clubs …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 52  Communication …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 53 

Publications ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 53  Online Student Portal …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 53 

Resources and Services ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 53  Career Services ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 53 

Graduation/Completion Rates …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 54  Computer and Technology Services ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 54 

Books 54  Email 54  Student Portal ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 54  Technology Support ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 55 

Counseling Services …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 55  Financial Aid ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 55  Library Services …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 56  Military and Veterans Affairs ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 57 

Quick Reference Guide …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 58 

South University Academic Calendar …………………………………………………………………………………………… 60 

Student Handbook 2020-2021, Page 4

Introduction

About the Student Handbook

South University reserves the right to change the policies contained within this student handbook from time to time. Notice is not required for a new policy to take effect; however, South University will make reasonable attempts to notify students promptly of any policy changes through the student portal, website or email postings, mail distributions or other methods deemed appropriate by the college administration. Alternative formats of this publication are available upon request. For more information on alternative formats, contact the Dean of Student Affairs.

Institutional Mission

South University (the “University”) is a private academic institution dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the intellectual, social, and professional development of a diverse student population. To achieve this purpose, the institution offers focused and balanced curricula at the associate’s, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral levels. A broad-based core curriculum is offered promoting critical thinking, effective verbal and written communication, and skills for life-long learning. Additionally, the University focuses on developing the requisites to pursue and appreciate knowledge. South University’s approach to higher education and the resulting varied academic experiences provide students with the intellectual acumen and pragmatic approach necessary to create the foundation for personal and professional fulfillment. South University attempts to provide a comprehensive education that instills within its students a philosophy that values not only learning and professionalism but also contribution and commitment to the advancement of community. Believing that qualified individuals should have the privilege of formal academic training, South University welcomes those who seek educational challenges. To this end, the University provides a learning environment, both on-campus and online, that helps students identify goals and the means to achieve them. With this philosophy in mind, students learn by interacting with a community of faculty, staff and administration dedicated to South University’s academic purpose.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

South University is committed to the development of knowledge and ethics that are consistent with responsible professional and social behavior. Students are expected to meet academic requirements as well as to develop a sense of responsibility and an understanding of and respect for the rights of others. The atmosphere of the University reflects these goals; and, in turn, each student must be aware of his/her individual responsibility to behave accordingly. By enrolling as a student at South University, you have agreed to abide by the rules and regulations of the University. The rules concerning student behavior are outlined in the Code of Conduct section of this handbook. Alleged violations of the Code of Conduct may be referred to the Dean of Student Affairs.

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Orientation

University-wide Orientation

All students are encouraged to attend a University-wide orientation program prior to the start of classes at South University. Enrolled students who have earned less than 24 hours of college level credits are required to complete a web-based orientation session, South University College Success Course, prior to the start of classes. For all students, the University’s orientation program provides an overview of South University and acquaints students with academic policies, resources, success skills and registration procedures. At the conclusion of the ground location’s orientation program, students are able to finalize their schedules, obtain their parking permits, and have their photo taken for their student IDs.

International Student Orientation

In addition to the University-wide orientation, International students attending South University on an F-1 (student) visa are required to meet with the school’s Designated School Official (DSO) prior to the start of classes. The DSO will serve as the student’s International Student Advisor and help the student to adjust to the many cultural differences, answer any questions about transitioning to living in the United States, and provide important information for maintaining F-1 (student) visa status. Initial attendance International Students will be SEVIS registered only after completing the International Student Orientation.

Online Orientation

All students taking online courses for the first time through South University are encouraged to take an orientation to online learning prior to the beginning of their course(s). The orientation reviews the expectations, policies and associated procedures with taking online courses. All students taking graduate online course(s) will be encouraged to complete the graduate online orientation. If you are a graduate student that will need to take prerequisites to enter the graduate program you will be encouraged to take the South University undergraduate orientation. When you officially meet the requirements and enter a South University graduate program, you will be encouraged to take the graduate orientation. You will be given a user name and password prior to starting your orientation. When you are ready to begin your orientation, you will login into the orientation course through your computer and internet connection. The orientation contains several exercises that you will go through to make sure that you are knowledgeable and comfortable working before the class begins. It is absolutely necessary to make sure you are ready to begin working in class when your first session begins. You will not have the time to orient yourself once classes are underway. Should you have any problems getting to class or operating within your online classroom, a toll-free number for 24-hour online classroom support is available for your use, 1-888-444-3404. This number is posted on the course home page within your course under the heading “Tech Support” located on the top navigation bar.

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Student IDs

Student ID cards include student identification numbers (that are different from social security numbers). ID cards also function as library cards for utilizing the University library. Students may order Student ID cards through the Student Portal, Student Resources, Form Center. There is no charge for the initial student ID. Students who lose their IDs may obtain a replacement for a charge of $10.00 per occurrence. The use of a student identification card by anyone other than its original holder is prohibited.

Academic Policies and Procedures

Class Attendance

Behavior patterns are often hard to change once established. Therefore, students are expected to attend each class session as absences result in lower achievement. Students are responsible for knowing and adhering to the attendance policy as outlined in the South University Academic Catalog, Attendance Policy. Each student should familiarize themselves with the classroom guidelines paying particular attention to the consequences for missing exams, turning in assignments after the deadline, and receiving points for participation in class. Clarify any questions regarding the course syllabus at the beginning of the term to avoid any unnecessary confusion. Students are responsible for material missed while absent, and should check with their instructors as soon as possible.

Disability Services

South University provides accommodations to qualified students with disabilities. Disability Services assists qualified students with disabilities in acquiring reasonable and appropriate accommodations and in supporting equal access to services, programs and activities at South University. Students who seek reasonable accommodations should notify the designated representative at their location of their specific limitations and, if known, their specific requested accommodations. Students will be asked to supply medical documentation of the need for accommodation. Classroom accommodations are not retroactive, but are effective only upon the student sharing approved accommodations with the instructor. Therefore, students are encouraged to request accommodations as early as feasible with The Office of Disability Support Services to allow for time to gather necessary documentation. If you have a concern or complaint in this regard, please contact the Campus Director or President. Complaints will be handled in accordance with the school's Internal Grievance Procedure for Complaints of Discrimination and Harassment. Please see the Appendix at the end of the catalog for contact information for each South University location. http://catalog.southuniversity.edu/content.php?catoid=17&navoid=936

Student Handbook 2020-2021, Page 7

Online Participation Policy

Successful online learning requires active participation in the discussion area of the online classroom. Students must contribute to the class discussion in a substantive way. The quality of the postings is the most important aspect of discussion, and only substantive participation will be counted as active participation. This is measured by recording the posting date on which a student makes a substantive classroom posting.

Substantive participation includes responses to discussion questions as well as discourse with other students related to the subject matter. Substantive responses must be based upon the course content, theory, and/or or personal experience, not mere opinion. Substantive responses should also include appropriate documentation/citation. For example, a simple “I agree” will not qualify as a substantive posting. The participation point value in the learning experience is defined within the grading criteria for each assignment (which is located on assignment pages in each course), and/or as directed by the instructor. Submission of assignments, posting questions to the professor or classmates and/or sending emails to students and/or faculty outside of classroom threads does not count as participation. Students are expected to read all discussion area postings. The quality of the student responses will be graded. Students will earn weekly participation grades based on the quality and frequency of their comments to others in the discussion assignment(s) based on the established grading rubric in the course. Everyone’s comments are important. The diversity of experience among members of the class will enhance learning. All students will be treated equitably within the classroom. The classroom is a place of expression and discussion.

1. Communications must be respectful. Inappropriate language will not be tolerated, and the instructor has the right to determine what is inappropriate. Disrespectful students are subject to discipline or dismissal from the online learning platform for this course. All activities in the classroom will follow standards set in this Student Handbook.

2. For absence due to prolonged serious illness or personal emergency, the student is expected to

contact the instructor as soon as possible. For absence due to technical problems, the student is expected to follow the steps outlined below:

• Contact your instructor and technical support the same day you are experiencing technical

difficulties and work out a plan with your instructor to make up missed assignments.

• Contact your Academic Counselor and advise them of your technical difficulties within 48 hours.

• If your technical difficulties will not be fixed for a prolonged period, it is the student’s responsibility to find another source for internet service such as a public library or a friend’s computer.

• Failure to notify the instructor will be considered a missed deadline. All assigned work must be

completed regardless of the reason for absence. Please be advised in the unforeseen event that you would need to formally withdraw from the course this must be done by contacting your Academic Counselor

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Changing Programs

At the time of their entrance to South University, students are required to declare a major. If a student wishes to change programs, he/she should follow the procedures outlined in the South University Catalog, Change of Program. International students must consult with the school’s Designated School Official prior to changing majors as doing so may impact F-1 (student) visa status eligibility. Consult the South University Catalog for information regarding specific campus offerings and academic program curricula.

Adding and Dropping Courses

Students may adjust their schedules without penalty by dropping and/or adding courses during the Drop/Add period. Specific dates are reflected on the academic calendar or can be obtained from an Academic Counselor. Students officially withdrawing or administratively withdrawn from a course by the end of the Drop/Add period shall receive a 100% refund of all monies paid for the course and will have that course removed from their academic transcripts. Students are encouraged to consult the professor and/or department chair before dropping any course. All schedule revisions must be made by the Academic Counselor, where an official Drop/Add Form must be completed. Students should consult with financial aid to ascertain implications of schedule changes. Courses cannot be added after the late registration period indicated on the University calendar. Students considering adding or dropping a course should consult their academic counselor, program director, financial aid officer and the South University Catalog, Institutional Refund Policy.

Grades and Educational Records

Grading System

The following grade scale is used: Grade Quality Points Range Interpretation A 4.0 90-100 Excellent B 3.0 80-89 Above Average C 2.0 70-79 Average D 1.0 60-69 Minimum Passing F 0.0 0-59 Failure WF 0.0 0 Withdraw/Failure NCF 0.0 0 Non-Completion Failure LP* 0.0 33-79 Limited Progress Grades or symbols of "D," "F," "W," "WP," "WF," "NCF" and "LP" can negatively affect one or more of the following and should be considered punitive in terms of a student's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), Incremental Completion Rate (ICR) or Maximum Allowable

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Timeframe (MTF). A grade of "C" may also be punitive in certain graduate and professional program courses requiring a grade of "B" or higher. Refer to the catalog section on "Explanations of Related Issues" for additional information on calculation of CGPA, ICR, and MTF. *Note: The grade of LP may be awarded in Pass/Fail courses. Students who complete the remaining assignments in the extension course receive a letter grade or grade of P and the grade for the original dissertation course is changed to a letter grade or to P. Students who complete at least half of the remaining assignments may be awarded the grade of LP and then register for a subsequent extension course. Students who do not make adequate progress receive a grade of F and the grade for the original dissertation course is changed to a grade of F.

Grade Reports

Grade reports are available on-line through https://portal.southuniversity.edu Grades cannot be released by telephone. Grade reports will be mailed to the address on file if a written, signed request is made to the Academic Counselor. Students who need to notify the University of a Change of Address can obtain the appropriate form from the Academic Counselor or submit the change through the student portal.

Repeated Courses

Grades achieved in repeated classes will replace withdrawn or failing grades. Withdrawn and failing grades are included in the maximum allowable time frame and ICR. Students should consult the South University Catalog, Repeating Courses Policy.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (“FERPA”), sets out requirements designed to afford students certain rights with respect to their education records. In addition, it puts limits on what information South University may disclose to third parties without receiving prior written consent from the student. I. Procedure to Inspect Education Records Students have the right under FERPA to inspect and review their education records. A student who wishes to inspect and review his/her records should submit a written request to the Academic Counselor. The request should identify as precisely as possible the records the student wishes to inspect. If the requested records are subject to inspection and review by the student, arrangements for access will be made within a reasonable period of time but in no case more than 45 days after the request was made, and the student will be notified of the time and place where the records may be inspected. The school may require the presence of a school official during the inspection and review of a student’s records. Certain limitations exist on a student’s right to inspect and review their own education records. Those limitations include, for example, the following: (i) financial information submitted by parents; (ii) confidential letters and recommendations placed in their files prior to January 1, 1975; (iii) confidential letters and recommendations placed in their files after January 1, 1975 to which the student has waived his or her right to inspect and review and that are related to the student’s admission, application for employment or job

Student Handbook 2020-2021, Page 10

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