Section Seven, Academic Policies and Procedures

Academic Year

Campus-Based Programs 

Argosy University Online Programs

 Enrollment Policies

Continuous Enrollment Policies

Campus-Based Programs

Matriculated students must be continuously enrolled in the program from the time of matriculation through graduation. Enrollment in any part of an academic semester satisfies this requirement (e.g., enrollment in a single 7.5-week session).
Students who must take time off request temporary withdrawal from Argosy University. Students seeking temporary withdrawal status must provide an expected date of return and receive approval from student services. Students approved for temporary withdrawal may re-enter their program at any time prior to the anticipated return date without approval. Failure to re-enter Argosy University by the expected date of return will result in withdrawal from Argosy University. Students are permitted to take up to three semesters of temporary withdrawal. The three semesters may be taken either consecutively or intermittently. Students using federal financial aid need to consult their financial aid advisor prior to seeking a temporary withdrawal from Argosy University.

In accordance with U.S. federal regulations, international students in valid nonimmigrant status must maintain full-time enrollment as stipulated in this catalog (see below). It is the student’s responsibility to stay abreast of all requirements for maintaining appropriate student status. Nonimmigrant students are urged to periodically review all federal requirements for maintaining proper status, including those for full-time study, with the campus International Student Advisor. Students who do not register for the current semester will be considered withdrawn from the program.

Argosy University Online Programs

Students enrolled in Argosy University Online Programs who take a break of 29 consecutive calendar days or less remain continuously enrolled and are classified as a full-time student. Students who need to take a break of longer than 29 days should contact their Academic Advisor and request a Leave of Absence. Students who have not attended class for over 29 consecutive calendar days are considered withdrawn from the University unless they have an approved Leave of Absence on file. If a student does not return from an approved Leave of Absence, the official withdrawal date and beginning of the loan grace period (if applicable) is the last date of class attendance.

Level of Enrollment Criteria

Campus-Based Programs

Clinical Psychology* and Sport-Exercise Psychology Graduate Programs**

Other Graduate Programs

Argosy University Online Programs

All students enrolled in Argosy University Online Programs who remain continuously enrolled, including breaks of 29 consecutive calendar days or less, are classified as full-time.

Enrollment in Multiple Programs

Students are not permitted to be concurrently enrolled in more than one degree program. Students, however, may enroll in a certificate program while currently enrolled in a degree program.

Leave of Absence (Argosy University Online Programs)

Overall Considerations

Students who are enrolled in Argosy University Online Programs may request a Leave of Absence. A Leave of Absence is not available to students enrolled in campus-based programs (including those campus-based students who are taking online courses).

Students enrolled in Argosy University Online Programs who take a break of 29 consecutive calendar days or less remain continuously enrolled and are classified as a full-time student. Students who need to take a break longer than 29 consecutive calendar days should contact their Academic Counselor and request a Leave of Absence. Refer to “Leave of Absence Procedures” described below.

Students enrolled in Argosy University Online Programs who have not attended class for over 29 consecutive calendar days are considered withdrawn from Argosy University unless they have an approved Leave of Absence on file.

Signed Leave of Absence forms submitted after 29 consecutive calendar days of the last date of attendance will not be accepted.

Leave of Absence Procedures

Students enrolled in Argosy University Online Programs may request a Leave of Absence under two instances:

1. Future Leave of Absence: A student may request a Leave of Absence to take place at a date that occurs while s/he is not enrolled in a course. Students who request a Future Leave of Absence must submit a signed Leave of Absence Request Form to their Academic Counselor 14 calendar days prior to the effective date of the Leave of Absence.

If extenuating circumstances prevent a student from submitting a Leave of Absence Request Form prior to 14 calendar days before the effective date of the Leave of Absence, the Leave of Absence form will be accepted on a case by case basis. Qualifying extenuating circumstances include military deployment, extended serious medical emergencies, extended serious family emergencies, jury duty, or natural disasters.

2. Immediate Leave of Absence: A student may request a Leave of Absence to take place immediately due to extenuating circumstances while s/he is enrolled in a course. Students who request an immediate Leave of Absence must submit a signed Leave of Absence Request Form to their Academic Counselor. Forms will be accepted on a case by case basis Qualifying extenuating circumstances include military deployment, extended serious medical emergencies, extended serious family emergencies, jury duty, or natural disasters.

Students may not request an immediate Leave of Absence after the last day of week 3 of a 5 week class.

In the event of a natural disaster, Argosy University will evaluate the need for the impacted student in the disaster zone to be automatically placed on an approved Leave of Absence.

Additional Leave of Absence or an Extension of a Current Leave of Absence

Students are limited to no more than two Leaves of Absence of 60 calendar days or less within a 12-month period. Students may be granted an additional Leave of Absence or an extension of a current Leave of Absence due to extenuating circumstances. Students who request an additional Leave of Absence or an extension to a current Leave of Absence must submit a signed Leave of Absence form to their Academic Counselor. The form must explain the extenuating circumstances that require an additional Leave of Absence or an extension of a current Leave of Absence. Extenuating circumstances include military deployment, extended serious medical emergencies, extended serious family emergencies, jury duty, or natural disasters. Requests for an additional Leave of Absence or an extension of a current Leave of Absence must be received 15 calendar days prior to the end of the current Leave of Absence. Leaves of Absence (including extensions) may not exceed 180 calendar days in a 12-month period.

Returning from an Approved Leave of Absence

Students returning from an approved Leave of Absence that was granted while they were enrolled in a course will be allowed to complete coursework started prior to the leave with no additional tuition and/or fee charges assessed. The University allows students who begin a Leave of Absence during a course to withdraw with an Approved Tuition Waiver for a Future Course. Although students will not be charged for the subsequent course, students must re-take the entire course.

If a student does not return from an approved Leave of Absence, the official withdrawal date and beginning of the loan grace period (if applicable) is the last date of class attendance.

Leaves of Absence may not exceed 180 calendar days in a 12-month period. The 12-month period begins the first day of the first Leave of Absence. Students who fail to return on the 180th calendar day will be administratively withdrawn from Argosy University.

Registration

Students intending to enroll for a given course must do so during the registration period and complete plans for payment of tuition and fees according to the tuition payment policy.

Registration Priority

For a variety of reasons, to better serve students and manage the operations of Argosy University, registration priorities have been set up to determine the order of processing in registration. Care will be taken to ensure that the priority system is fair to all students and allows registration to proceed efficiently in order of priority.

Add/Drop Registration

Campus-Based Programs

Registered students may add a class during the registration period by submitting a signed and dated Add/Drop Request Form to the Student Services Department or by doing so online. Students will not be able to add a given class to their schedules if the course is closed.

Argosy University strongly urges all students to register for their entire course schedule during the official registration period. However, if students elect to add a course after the official registration period, they may do so by completing the Add/Drop Request Form. Adds after the official start date of a course must have registrar approval. No adds will be allowed after the end of the add/drop period.

Students will not be permitted to add a course after the end of the add/drop period.

Unless otherwise authorized, students are not allowed to enter an online course after the second day of a 7.5-week course and after the fifth day of a 15-week course.

Students who want to drop a class may do so by submitting a signed and dated Add/Drop Request Form to the Student Services Department or by doing so online. In courses with unique fees attached, that fee may be charged to students submitting a request to drop a course(s) after the official start date of the course(s) or during the add/drop period.

Argosy University Online Programs

Students enrolled in Argosy University Online Programs may not add courses after the course start date. Students in Argosy University Online Programs, who choose to withdraw after the start of the course, will follow the withdrawal policy.

Late Registration

Campus-Based Programs

Late registration during the add/drop period will be allowed, provided the courses have not been closed to additional enrollment. A late fee is assessed to any student who registers after the registration deadline.

Argosy University Online Programs

Late registration is not an option for students enrolled in Argosy University Online Programs.

Course Availability/Cancellation

While Argosy University makes every effort to provide sufficient course sections for students, Argosy University reserves the right to cancel any course. Students enrolled in canceled courses will be granted a full refund and will be allowed to add a course until the end of the add/drop period. Enrollment in a particular course section or with a specific instructor is not guaranteed. Course instructors may change at the discretion of Argosy University.

Course Types and Delivery Methods

Face to Face Instruction

Face-to-face instruction in Argosy University courses is offered in both traditional and non-traditional formats. Traditional face-to-face instruction occurs in a physical classroom facility. Non-traditional face-to-face instruction is delivered at a distance using technology to fuse the benefits of online and real-time learning.

In-Residence

In-Residence courses are those courses that meet for 23 hours or more face-to-face.  These courses meet the University’s residency requirement.

Blended In-Residence

Blended In-Residence courses are those courses that meet for 23 credit hours or more face-to-face and have an online component in a three credit hour course.  These courses meet the University’s residency requirement.

Blended Not In-Residence

Blended Not In-Residence courses are those courses that meet for 22 hours or less face-to-face and have an online component in a three credit hour course.  These courses do not meet the University’s residency requirement.

Directed Independent Study

These courses are completed on a one-to-one basis with a faculty mentor. A directed independent study course provides an opportunity for students to carry out a creative research project in an area of their choice where no course currently exists. The course may arise from an in-depth study of some aspect of a recently completed course; an analysis of new ideas, theories or concepts in education; or evaluation of new strategies used in education. Depending how instruction is provided, Directed Independent Studies may or may not fulfill residency requirements. Directed Independent Study courses are available only on a limited basis and with approval of the program chair to meet a compelling need of a student.

Tutorial

These courses are completed on a one-to-one basis with a faculty mentor. Tutorial courses follow an existing and approved course syllabus, which is provided to students prior to the course start date. Students are required to maintain weekly contact with the instructor. The course syllabus contains specific instructions regarding weekly contact format and requirements. Depending how instruction is provided, Tutorial courses may or may not fulfill residency requirements. Tutorial courses are available only on a limited basis and with the approval of the program chair to meet a compelling need of a student.

Online Courses

Online courses are those in which 100% instruction is delivered via the internet. Students enrolled in master’s level programs may take 100 percent of their coursework in a fully online format. Students who wish to take 100 percent of their coursework in a fully online format do so through Argosy University Online programs. Students enrolled in 60-hour doctoral level programs must take 18 hours of in-residence credits, including dissertation credits. Students in doctoral level programs through Argosy University Online fulfill this requirement through two doctoral residencies and the dissertation courses. Residency I is taken concurrently with W7000 and must be taken as the second or third course in the student’s program of study. Residency II is taken during the student’s last course.

Off Campus

Some programs provide courses at an off-campus location in a community setting. Courses taken at off-campus locations cannot exceed 49% of a total program. Students taking courses off-campus should speak to their advisors regarding how many off-campus courses they are permitted to take.

Lecture

Instruction in lecture courses is traditional and fully face-to-face. Lecture courses meet the definition of an in-residence course, though course length and number of meetings per week may vary by campus and program.

Lab

Instruction in Argosy University laboratory courses is conducted in a traditional and fully face-to-face format, and therefore meets the criteria of an in-residence course.

Field Experience, Practicum, Internship, and Clinical Training Courses

Field Experience, Practicum, Internship, and Clinical Training courses provide students with supervised out-of-class professional experiences and take place within a health care delivery system, or other professional work environments. These are generally held in a traditional face-to-face format at a facility with which Argosy University has a relationship, and therefore are considered in-residence courses.

Waiver/Course Substitution

In specified programs within Argosy University, course waivers are granted. The general waiver policies applying to all waived courses are as follows:

• Waivers are defined as a substitution of a required course with a comparable transcripted course, subject to the requirements of the program in which the student is enrolled approved by the program chair and consistent with all relevant accrediting and regulatory requirements.
• The term “waiver” is used to indicate the process of accepting courses from other institutions which satisfy specific course requirements but do not reduce total credit requirements of a program.
• Waiver requests may be submitted at any time during the admission process, until the end of the first year of matriculation.
• Waivers are not granted until a student is officially accepted.
• Waived courses will appear on the transcript as “Waived Courses” under the Argosy University course name and number.

Course/Credit Transfer

Courses Taken at Other Argosy University Campuses

 Every Argosy University student is assigned a campus of record. The campus of record is the Argosy University campus to which the student applied and was accepted. Consistent with any campus-specific program accreditation and any state regulatory requirements, matriculated students may apply courses in their program of study taken at another Argosy University campus to their degree program.

Courses Taken via Distance Delivery

In some cases where either campus-based program accreditation is present or state regulatory requirements govern, there are restrictions on the amount of distance delivery course credit hours allowed. Residency requirements vary by campus and program. Please consult the program chair for details pertaining to your program of study.

Courses Taken at Other Institutions

College credits completed at another university are acceptable for transfer under the following conditions:

• Transfer of credits is not officially granted until students have been accepted into a program of study.
• The course must have been a graduate-level course, taken for equivalent graduate-level credit at a regionally accredited college or university,or nationally accredited college that is part of a program approved and documented by the dean of the appropriate college of Argosy University. Colleges and Universities accredited by agencies recognized by both the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) are deemed as approved for all Argosy University programs unless applicable state regulatory or program accreditation guidelines require other review. In the case of institutions outside the United States, the appropriate equivalent accreditation is required. Unless otherwise approved by the College Dean, “Equivalent graduate-level credit” refers to both content and degree level of the course.
• Students must have earned a grade of “B” or better for any course submitted.

Transfer of Argosy University Credits to Other Institutions

Students should be aware that the transfer of credit is controlled by the receiving institution, and therefore cannot be guaranteed by Argosy University.

The transferability of credits you earn at Argosy University is at the complete discretion of an institution to which you may seek to transfer. Acceptance of the degree, diploma, or certificate you earn in your educational program is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. If the credits or degree, diploma, or certificate that you earn at this institution are not accepted at the institution to which you seek to transfer, you may be required to repeat some or all of your coursework at that institution. For this reason you should make certain that your attendance at this institution will meet your educational goals. This may include contacting an institution to which you may seek to transfer after attending Argosy University to determine if your credits or degree, diploma or certificate will transfer.

Students considering transferring to an unaffiliated school have the responsibility to determine whether that school will accept Argosy University credits. Argosy University encourages students to initiate discussions with the potential transfer school as early as possible. Argosy University does not imply, promise, or guarantee transferability of its credits to any other institution.

Graduate Transfer Credit Criteria

College credits completed are acceptable for transfer under the following conditions:

• Transfer of credits requests are not granted until students have been accepted into a program of study.
• The course must have been a graduate-level course, taken for equivalent or greater credit at a regionally accredited college or university or nationally accrediting agency recognized by the USDE and CHEA. In the case of institutions outside the United States, the appropriate equivalent accreditation is required. Unless otherwise approved by the College Dean, “Equivalent graduate-level credit” refers to both content and degree level of the course.
• Students must have earned a grade of “B” or better for any course submitted.

Transfer credit maximums are listed here by program:

• Programs may determine that certain courses are not eligible for transfer of credit.
• Argosy University does not accept for graduate credit any credits earned as military credit, credit by examination, credit by correspondence, credit for life experience, or graduate credit from non-accredited schools unless offered in an approved program or under an arrangement approved by the dean of the appropriate college of Argosy University or otherwise provided for in this catalog.
• Official transcripts are required for transfer credit to be considered.
• Students may be required to provide a copy of the catalog description and/or the course syllabus from the institution where the credit was awarded to validate that the course satisfies the transfer credit criteria.
• Argosy University will accept a maximum of 6 credit hours of graduate-level continuing education toward elective credit in a master’s degree program if offered through The Connecting Link, an approved partner of Argosy University, and approved as transfer credit by the dean of the degree program (see Section Thirteen, Graduate Course Listings  for available courses).
• Final decisions on accepting graduate-level continuing education coursework as transfer credit are made by the program in which the student is enrolled; therefore, students are not guaranteed that coursework will be accepted for transfer until they have applied for and received approval from the program chair of their program.

Second Graduate Degree

Once students have matriculated into a degree program, graduate credits earned via coursework taken at other approved institutions, but not resulting in a completed graduate level degree program, can be applied to their Argosy University degree programs up to specified transfer maximums outlined in Section Seven, Academic Policies and Procedures (see “Course/Credit Transfer”).

Credits earned in any completed graduate level degree program may not apply as transfer credits into an Argosy University graduate level degree program. Such credits may provide opportunities for course waivers in an Argosy University graduate level degree program as defined in Section Seven, Academic Policies and Procedures under “Waiver/Course Substitution.” This limitation on transfer credit applies to degrees earned at Argosy University or other higher education institutions with exceptions granted for specific Argosy University degree programs in which the coursework for one graduate degree is approved as credited for another graduate degree. See program descriptions for such exceptions.

Writing Assessment Policy

Writing Requirement

Writing competency is essential for successful completion of doctoral-level coursework at Argosy University. Students are expected to be proficient in written and oral communication and produce written work consistent with the accepted standards of their respective fields.

All new doctoral students in programs requiring W 7000  Advanced Academic Study and Writing must complete this course within the first nine (9) credit hours of study. All students will complete a writing assessment in the first weeks of this course in order to evaluate their writing skills and needs in such areas as organization, comprehension of subject matter, analysis, and professional writing style. Based on the results of the writing assessment, those students unsuccessful in meeting the standard will be required to enroll in and successfully complete a professional writing course (W 5099  Graduate Academic Writing) within the next two sessions of study. This writing course is non-credit bearing for the purposes of all doctoral degrees.

Students required to take W5099 as a result of the writing assessment may continue to take coursework in their program of study concurrent with W5099. If a student is unsuccessful in completing the required W5099 course, the student may re-take the course once.  Any student who fails to successfully complete W5099 twice will be referred to the Student Professional Development Committee (SPDC) to address barriers to academic readiness (see Section Four, Student Rights and Responsibilities  for an explanation of SPDC authority and responsibility).

Transcripts and Student Records

The registrar’s office maintains academic records for each student. The department issues transcripts only upon receipt of a written request. The department will release official transcripts only when students have met all their financial obligations to Argosy University. Grade reports are mailed to students and/or  made available via the Student Portal on the Internet. Students that meet the degree requirements of the program in which they are enrolled will receive an official diploma.

Relocation To Another Argosy University Campus

A student who wants to attend a different Argosy University campus may change their campus of record if he or she is currently enrolled and in good academic and financial standing at the time the transfer is requested unless a program is limited by accreditation or state regulatory requirements. Students who are relocating geographic areas with less than 30% of their degree program to complete may take courses at another campus but remain a student of record at the initial campus except where either programmatic accreditation or state regulatory requirements impose restrictions.  In order to move to a new campus, doctoral students must have 18 semester hours of coursework left to complete, not including dissertation, prior to the move.  Students should consult with their program chair and student service staff prior to relocation..

Students who are relocating but also applying for a new degree program  may be required to submit additional materials required for admission to the new degree program. The Admissions Department at the new location will notify the transferring student if additional documents are required.

Internal transfers across programs are not guaranteed; however, relocations from one campus to another within a specific degree program for students in good standing are automatic except where state regulatory requirements or program accreditation requirements differ. Similarly, all credits and grades earned at the initial campus are applicable at the new campus unless state regulatory requirements or campus-specific programmatic accreditation restricts such movement. Students must fulfill all financial obligations at their current campus before a relocation or transfer is complete.

Courses taken at another Argosy University campus will be applied to the student’s overall GPA.
 

State Certification/Licensure and Campus-Specific Accreditation

For programs with state regulatory requirements or campus-specific programmatic accreditation, the student must submit a completed transfer application to the campus the student is currently attending. Students who are transferring, and are applying for a new degree/program, may be required to submit additional materials required for admission to the new degree/program. Internal transfers may not be guaranteed. The Admissions Committee will review criteria including space availability, performance in the current program, and other relevant factors to determine if the transfer is approved or denied. Students must fulfill all financial obligations at their current campus before a transfer is complete.

Students internally transferring within Argosy University will receive credit for courses taken at the previous campus based on the following:

• Courses are accepted for transfer if the course is a requirement, including electives, of the degree program at the new campus.
• Courses with the same course name and number at both campuses, in which the student has received an acceptable grade according to the requirements of the new campus, will automatically transfer to the new campus.
• The new campus will evaluate other courses to determine their eligibility toward degree requirements.

The campus may require that transferring students fulfill specific degree requirements of their program, such as successfully passing a Comprehensive Examination. Courses taken at another Argosy University campus will be applied to the student’s overall GPA.

Note: VA benefit recipients may jeopardize their eligibility for benefits by transferring.

Student-At-Large Status

In limited circumstances and with permission of the program chair, students who wish to take courses without completing the admission application requirements may enroll as students at-large (non-degree students). Applicants for student-at-large status must provide transcripts for the highest degree attained and any subsequent coursework. An immunization form may also be required.

Students-at-large pay the standard fees and tuition rate and are ineligible for financial aid.

Credit is granted, grades are recorded, and students are required to satisfy all academic requirements, including prerequisites, for courses taken. Students may be permitted to apply up to nine (9) credit hours to a degree program upon acceptance to the program.

Students-at-large planning to formally apply for admission to a program should have their intended course selection approved by the appropriate program chair to ensure their relevance and later applicability to the program.

Individuals who have previously matriculated at the campus but are not in attendance currently, or who previously have been denied regular admission, must petition the program chair in order to register as a student-at-large.

Graduates of Argosy University may register for continued coursework as students-at-large. No application is necessary. The number of non-matriculated students in any class will be limited. Argosy University reserves the right to limit courses for which a non-matriculated student may register, as well as to assess the suitability of a non-matriculated student for any course.

Admission to Degree-Seeking Status

Registering as a non-matriculated student in no way guarantees or implies admission to any degree programs.

Attendance

Campus-Based Programs

Students are expected to be punctual to all classes and practicum. Absences should occur only for such urgent reasons as ill health or critical emergency. Whenever possible, students should notify the faculty of these absences in advance. Excessive late arrivals or absences, regardless of the reason, may jeopardize a student’s academic standing.

Attendance requirements are met by (a) attending a face-to-face course session at the campus or other class location, or (b) substantive online activity, including commentary in the discussion section of the online classroom and posting of required evaluative assignments in a timely manner.

Online courses start on the first day of the semester or session. A student who does not participate in the course prior to the Add/Drop date for the session, and has not submitted an official Add/Drop Form, will be dropped from the course automatically and receive a refund based on the applicable Argosy University refund policy. Also, students who fail to attend both on-ground and online course activities for 14 consecutive days will be administratively withdrawn from the course.

Attendance is not equivalent to participation. Student grades will be impacted by the frequency and quality of participation in class, whether face-to-face or online, consistent with the requirements of the particular course and as outlined in the course syllabus.

Dissertation students are required to post a weekly message confirming their attendance in the Questions for the Professor section of Course Home of their eCollege dissertation course. In addition, to confirm their enrollment each session, students must post their initial confirmation message during the first seven days of a session. Students who fail to post within the first seven days, or who miss two consecutive weeks of attendance confirmation, will be dropped from their program and the university.

In blended courses (those consisting of in-residence and online components), students missing equal to or greater than 30% of face to face instruction time or two or more weeks of no online participation will receive an automatic “F” grade in the course.

Argosy University Online Programs

Students enrolled in Argosy University Online programs must complete an academic related activity in their course at least two days each week. Academic activity is defined by (a) posting a substantive response in a discussion section of the online classroom, (b) engaging in online tutorials, (c) submitting an assignment via the online classroom, or (d) taking an exam.
Students who fail to meet the attendance requirements for a week will be given an absence for that week. Students who fail to meet the attendance requirements for 2 consecutive weeks during a course will be administratively withdrawn from the course. Students who are dropped for not meeting attendance requirements and do not attend class within 29 consecutive calendar days of their last date of attendance will be administratively withdrawn from school.

For online classes beginning on a Tuesday, the attendance week is defined as beginning on Tuesday at 12:00 am Mountain Time (MT) to 11:59 pm MT the following Monday. The last week of a 7.5week class begins on Tuesday at 12:00 am MT and ends on the following Thursday at 11:59 pm MT.

For online classes beginning on Friday, the attendance week is defined as beginning on Friday at 12:00 am MT to 11:59 pm MT the following Thursday. The last week of a 7.5 week class begins on Friday at 12:00 am MT and ends on the following Sunday at 11:59 pm MT.

Student Advisement

Upon admission to a program, each new student is assigned an academic advisor who will work with the student in the selection of courses and general academic matters. Student advising is an important part of the Argosy University program.

Withdrawal Policy

Campus-Based Programs

Argosy University considers a student as withdrawn when he or she drops all courses within a session.

Students who are in the first session of their semester and are administratively dropped from all of their courses in that session must have a Voluntary Intent to Continue form on file or will not be considered withdrawn from the University. Students will have 4 business days from their date of determination to file the Voluntary Intent to Continue. Students who do not have a Voluntary Intent to Continue form on file after the 4th business day are dropped from all their courses will be administratively withdrawn from the University.

A student who intends to withdraw from Argosy University should submit a letter to the Student Services Department requesting withdrawal. Any student in good standing who wishes to discontinue study will be withdrawn. The student must resolve any financial obligations to Argosy University before receiving an official transcript from the Student Services Department

Argosy University Online Programs

A student enrolled in Argosy University Online Programs is withdrawn when he or she fails to meet attendance requirement for the current course, or reaches 29 days out of attendance. Students enrolled in Argosy University Online Programs should contact their Academic Counselor requesting to withdrawal. The student must resolve any financial obligations to Argosy University before receiving an official transcript.

Withdrawal Date

For official withdrawals, a student’s notification date is the date the student officially notifies the institution in writing of his or her intent to withdraw.

For administrative withdrawals, a student’s withdrawal date is:

• The midpoint of the payment period or period of enrollment
  –or–
• Any earlier or later date which the institution documents as the last date of academically related activity by the student

For students enrolled in Argosy University Online programs, the withdrawal date is designated as the date when the student has been out of attendance for 29 days with no academic related activity.

If a student begins the withdrawal process and otherwise officially notifies the institution of his or her intent to withdraw, the withdrawal date is the earlier of the two unless the institution documents a later last date of attendance.

Unit of Credit

Academic credit at Argosy University is granted using the semester credit hour system. To earn one semester credit hour, a student must complete the equivalent of 15 hours of lecture or, 30 hours of lab work.. The hours required for credit in clinical training/internship vary. Please consult your program chair for specific information.

Grade Point System

Student performance is based on and recorded in a letter grading system with corresponding point equivalents:

Additional Grades

Audit (“AU”)

An audit is not used in computing the grade point average. Admission into a course for audit is at the program chair’s discretion. Students are not allowed to audit experiential courses.

Credit (“CR”)

This represents a passing grade for certain designated courses or earned transfer credit. This grade is not included in computing a grade point average.  It is included in computing both the incremental completion rate (ICR) and maximum allowable timeframe (MTF).

Incomplete (“I”) and Incomplete in Progress (“IP”)

A grade of “I” is given at the faculty member’s discretion to a student who has completed at least 67% of the course requirements, including attendance, and has a reasonable likelihood of successfully completing the course requirements in the extended time allowed. Students must be passing the portion of the course completed to be eligible for either the “I” or “IP” grade. Any course for which a student receives an “I” must be completed within ten days after the end of the session. A student who, because of medical or other serious factors, cannot reasonably complete the coursework within the ten day timeframe may receive an “IP” (Incomplete in Progress) with approval of the program chair and faculty member.

Students seeking a grade of “IP” must meet with the faculty member to develop a contract that stipulates the requirements for completing the course. The contract will include the length of time for completion and the consequences for failure to complete the requirements. Requirements for an “IP” grade must be fulfilled by the end of the next semester or by the contract completion date, whichever is earlier. The grade of “I” or “IP” will automatically be changed to an “F” if the “I” or “IP” contract is not completed in the time frame required. A grade of “I” or “IP” completed in a timely manner is changed to permanent grade once it is submitted by the faculty member.

The grade Incomplete “I” or “IP” will be calculated as a grade of “F” until the permanent grade is assigned. The course will be included as credit hours attempted but not credit hours earned. 

Limited Progress (“LP”)

Faculty will assign a grade of LP when the dissertation chair and student are confident that only seven weeks of work remains in the current dissertation course, the student enrolls in the extension dissertation course to complete the work. Upon receiving the grade of LP, the student will enroll in the extension block. The student must complete 100% of the course objectives during the extension to continue to the next course. If the student does not complete all objectives, the LP grade assigned to the previous course will be changed to NC and the student must re-take the block. If the student completes the extension successfully, the LP changes to PR. Grade of LP is included in calculating Maximum Timeframe and Incremental Completion Rate.

No Credit (“NC”)

This represents a failing grade for certain designated courses. This grade is not included in computing a grade point average. The grade of NC is included in computing the incremental completion rate.

Progressing (“PR”)

Progress is being made toward completion of a clinical research project, dissertation, thesis or similar project. Grade becomes credit when all requirements are complete.

Withdrawn (“W”)

Students withdrawing from a course by the end of the add/drop period will have the course removed from their transcript. A record of the course attempted remains on the student’s ledger as a withdrawn course. Students who officially drop after the end of the add/drop period and before 67 percent of the academic session has elapsed will receive a “W” on their transcripts. Students who have completed more than 67 percent of the academic session will not be eligible to receive a “W” grade.  The grade of “W” is included in computing the incremental completion rate and maximum time frame, but does not impact the CGPA.

Failure Due to Late Withdrawal (“WF”)

Students who complete more than 67% of a course but do not complete the remaining portion and either are not approved for or do not request an “I” or “IP” will be assigned the grade “WF”. This grade is a special application of an “F” grade to designate that the student did not complete all course requirements. The “WF” is included in both the total credit hours attempted and the GPA for purposes of evaluating academic progress, as well as computing the incremental completion rate.

Audit Policy

To audit a course, students must obtain the permission of the program chair, submit a request at the time of registration, and pay the regular tuition.

Grade Appeal Procedures

Students who have a concern about a course grade are initially encouraged to consult with the faculty member who issued the grade to resolve the matter. Students wanting to pursue the matter further may appeal the grade in the following manner.

The student must file a written grade appeal to the program chair. Students may appeal a grade or an evaluative comment only during the semester following issuance of the grade or evaluative comment. Students may appeal a grade or evaluative comment only during the session following the issuance of the grade or evaluative comment.  Those grounds include the following: the application of nonacademic criteria in the grading process, the assignment of a grade to the student for reasons other than the student’s academic performance in the course, or miscalculation of the grade according to grading criteria contained in the course syllabus or other posted or distributed course information. The student should include any relevant written evidence, which may include the syllabus, exams, papers, and anything else that supports the student’s claim. The program chair shall review the appeal and issue a written response.

If, after receiving a written response to the grade appeal from the program chair, the student wishes to pursue the issue, he/she must, within 14 days, request in writing further investigation from the campus chief academic officer. The campus chief academic officer will review the findings and issue a written response. The final authority rests with the chief academic officer of the campus and is not subject to the grievance procedure policies in Section Two, Institutional Policies , “Student Grievance Procedure for Internal Complaints and Harassment .” After following the policies and procedures above, students who believe further recourse is needed should consult the appeals policies and procedures outlined in Section Four, Student Rights and Responsibilities .

If the faculty member involved is the program chair or associate dean, the written grade appeal is submitted to the campus chief academic officer. If the faculty member involved is the campus chief academic officer, the written grade appeal is submitted to the campus president. The result of the review will be summarized in writing by the campus official responsible for the final decision and placed in the student’s academic file. A copy of the report will be given to the student.

Grade Changes

If a grade appeal results in a recommended change of grade, the course instructor will forward a completed Grade Change Form to the Student Services Department. Grade changes may only occur during the session following the issuance of the grade or evaluative comment and with the appropriate approvals. Exceptions may be granted under extenuating circumstances by the campus chief academic officer.

Standards For Satisfactory Academic Progress

The Standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy determine financial aid eligibility and ensure that all students maintain satisfactory academic progress towards successful completion of their academic programs. The evaluation points and milestones contained in the policy are meant to identify problems for which actions of early intervention and/or remediation can be taken. Students who fall below the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) or the Incremental Completion Rate (ICR) cutoffs are deemed to be on Academic/Financial Aid Warning. Students who fail to raise their CGPA or ICR above the cutoffs within the following evaluation period of Academic/Financial Aid Warning are deemed to not be making Satisfactory Academic Progress and are academically dismissed from the University.

Students will be notified in writing in the event they fail to meet the standards for satisfactory academic progress and/or when the student is placed on Academic/Financial Aid Warning or Academic/Financial Aid Probation.

To maintain satisfactory academic progress, each student must meet the required standards of the following three criteria:

• Maintain a minimum acceptable Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA);
• Achieve the minimum Incremental Completion Rate (ICR); and
• Complete the program within a Maximum Allowable Time Frame (MTF)

Evaluation Period

Campus-Based (On-Ground) Programs

The evaluation point for students enrolled in campus-based (on-ground) programs is at the end of each semester. Students who start or re-enter at mid-semester (or Session II) will have that session count as an entire semester (evaluation period) for determining satisfactory academic progress.

Argosy University Online Programs

The evaluation point for students enrolled in Argosy University Online master’s programs is after the successful completion of 12 credits and at least 15 weeks of instruction. The evaluation point for students enrolled in Argosy University Online doctoral programs is after successful completion of 9 credits and at least 15 weeks of instruction.

Cumulative Grade Point Average

To continue enrollment in an academic program, students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 or above. CGPA is reviewed at the end of each evaluation period.

Incremental Completion Rate

To continue enrollment in an academic program, students must successfully complete at least 66 percent of the cumulative course credit hours attempted at Argosy University. The Incremental Completion Rate (ICR) is reviewed at the end of each evaluation period.

Maximum Allowable Time Frame

Students must successfully complete all program requirements within 150 percent of the program length based in credit hours. The maximum allowable time frame is calculated as of the point in time at which a student has attempted 1.5 times the number of credit hours required to complete the program.

All courses attempted are included in the maximum allowable time frame and incremental completion rate calculations. Transfer credits are considered credit hours attempted and credit hours earned although transfer credits reduce total credit hours the student must complete at Argosy University. Students may also be required to meet calendar maximum time frame requirements in certain programs and should review the graduation requirements listed in the program description.

Students may not attempt more than 150% of the credits required to complete their degree program. Students who attempt credits beyond 150% of the credits required to complete their degree program will be dismissed from Argosy University.

Standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress Calculation Process

Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)

CGPA is the cumulative average of all grade points a student has earned over all semesters completed.

Incremental Completion Rate (ICR)

Incremental completion rate is computed by dividing the sum of earned credits and foundational courses by the sum of attempted credits and foundational courses.

Maximum Allowable Time Frame (MTF)

Maximum allowable time frame is computed by multiplying total credit hours required in the program by 1.5. 
 

Factors Affecting Academic Progress

 In addition to dropping coursework, students should be aware that the following can affect academic progress.

Withdrawn and Repeated Courses

Students who receive a grade below the minimum standards in any course within their program must repeat and pass that course. All grades will be included on the transcript. However, only the grade in the repeated course will be included in the cumulative grade point average (CGPA). The credit hours for both the failed course and the passed course will be counted in the credit hours attempted.

A grade of “Withdrawn” (W) is not counted in the cumulative grade point average (CGPA); however a grade of “Failure Due to Late Withdrawal” (WF) is considered a failed grade. (Refer to “Additional_Grades” for detailed descriptions of grade of “W” and grade of “WF). The credits for a withdrawn course will be counted in the credit hours attempted.

Foundation Courses

Students may be required to take Foundation Courses based on their prior degree and/or coursework completed. Foundation Course credits are included when calculating a student’s maximum time frame and incremental completion rate. Foundation Course credits do not count towards the total number of credits required for graduation, nor do they count in the CGPA. Foundation courses do have credit hours assigned to them for enrollment and tuition assessment purposes.

Transfer Credits

Transfer credits from other institutions are calculated in the incremental completion rate (ICR) and maximum allowable time frame (MTF) and are included in the total hours attempted. Grades for credits transferred in from any post-secondary institution (including an Argosy University) will be recorded as “CR” in the Student Information System and will not affect the student’s cumulative grade point average (CGPA).

Change of Program

Students are allowed to change programs if they meet satisfactory academic progress at the time a request is made to the change of programs. Courses taken in one program that are applicable to the second program will be transferred with the applicable grades. If the student has taken a course more than once, only the grades transferred to that new program will apply to the second program. All grades earned in the original program that apply to the new program will count towards the CGPA. For ICR and MTF purposes only, those courses transferred to the second program will be considered credit hours attempted and credit hours earned.

Academic/Financial Aid Warning

Students are placed on Academic/Financial Aid Warning for failure to achieve the CGPA and ICR milestones. Students cannot be on Academic/Financial Aid Warning for two consecutive evaluation periods. A student is dismissed if he or she does not meet the standards for satisfactory academic progress at the end of the evaluation period if he or she was on Academic/Financial Aid Warning. During the Academic/Financial Aid Warning, a student may receive (if otherwise eligible) financial aid.

The conditions under which students are placed on Academic/Financial Aid Warning are not limited to failure to meet the standards for satisfactory academic progress. Students should review “Student Professional Development Committee ” and “Student Conduct Committee ” in Section Four, Student Rights and Responsibilities .

Academic/Financial Aid Probation

Following dismissal, a student who submits a written appeal according to the University policy, and is granted the appeal, will be placed on Academic/Financial Aid Probation when the student resumes their coursework. During the Academic/Financial Aid Probation period (which lasts one evaluation period), a student may received (if eligible) financial aid.

Removal from Academic/Financial Aid Probation

Removal from Academic/Financial Aid Probation and Re-Establishment of Financial Aid Eligibility
 

Students will be removed from Academic/Financial Aid Probation when they have met the standards for satisfactory academic progress and may continue receiving financial aid (if eligible). A student cannot be on Academic/Financial Aid Probation for two consecutive evaluation periods. A student is dismissed if he or she does not meet the standards for satisfactory academic progress by the end of the Academic/Financial Aid Probation period and is no longer eligible for financial aid.

Dismissal

Academic / Financial Aid Dismissal

 If the student has not met the standards for satisfactory academic progress after the evaluation point in which the student was placed on Academic/Financial Aid Probation, then he or she will be dismissed. A student who is readmitted to the university after successfully appealing his/her dismissal will re-enter on Academic/Financial Aid Probation and is required to meet the standards for satisfactory academic progress by the end of the payment period in which he or she re-entered. 

Students enrolled in campus-based programs are required to meet the standards for satisfactory academic progress within one or two semesters based on the Appeals Committee. Students enrolled in Argosy University Online Programs are required to meet the standards for satisfactory academic progress after the successful completion of 12 credits or 15 weeks of instruction.

Please note that students may be dismissed for academic reasons without previous academic action, including failure to complete all program requirements within the maximum allowable time frame.

Students who have been dismissed are prohibited from taking or continuing in coursework at any Argosy University campus or online, regardless of circumstance or pending appeal. Students must successfully appeal a dismissal in order to re-enter any Argosy University campus or program.

A student who has been dismissed and wishes to transfer to another Argosy University must appeal his/her dismissal at the originating campus and receive reinstatement prior to the transfer.

Academic Warning

Clinical Psychology Students

Students enrolled in the clinical psychology programs will receive a letter of academic warning for:

• Receipt of a grade of “F” 
• Receipt of a grade of “NC”
• Receipt of a second grade below “B-”

In addition, students placed on warning may be referred to the Student Professional Development Committee (SPDC)  and/or the Academic Affairs Committee for evaluation.

General Probation

The administration and/or faculty may request that the Student Professional Development Committee   (SPDC) or Student Conduct Committee   (SCC) (see Section Four, Student Rights and Responsibilities  for a detailed discussion of each committee) review any student whose professional performance indicates deficiencies in performing the work required of students within their respective programs. The SPDC may refer students to the SCC with a recommendation of general probation and require remediation steps deemed appropriate. The student must agree to all reasonable conditions in order to remain enrolled.

Criteria for Removal from General Probation

The body that placed the student on general probation (the SPDC or SCC) determines the conditions under which students placed on general probation shall be removed. The conditions must be clearly stated in writing and sent to the student.

Schedule for Removal from General Probation

The body that placed the student on general probation (the SPDC or SCC) will determine the schedule under which the student placed on general probation shall be removed, as well as make the determination as to the satisfaction of the terms of the probation.

Other Reasons for Dismissal

A student may be dismissed from Argosy University for other reasons than those stated above if the institution determines that the student cannot satisfactorily meet the academic, professional, or ethical expectations, the expectations detailed in the student responsibility policy, or other expectations of the program. Dismissal normally occurs when the Student Conduct Committee  or campus president makes a decision for dismissal and communicates that decision to the student.

It is the responsibility of all students to be familiar with the Argosy University Ethical Code of Conduct  (see Section Four, Student Rights and Responsibilities ).

Clinical Psychology Students

Students enrolled in the clinical psychology programs are dismissed from the program for:

• Receipt of a second grade of “F”
• Receipt of a second grade of “NC”
• Receipt of a grade of “F” and a grade if “NC”
• Receipt of two grades below “B-” during the same semester
• Receipt of a third grade below “B-”

Policy Governing Satisfactory Progress and Recertification of Benefits for Eligible Veterans

If a student receiving VA benefits does not meet the standards for academic progress requirements as defined earlier, and is placed on academic probation, a notation of this status is placed in the student’s file. If, following placement on academic probation, a VA student does not meet the requirements at the end of two consecutive evaluation periods, VA students cannot be recertified, benefits are terminated, and the VA will be notified. Students have the right to submit a statement of mitigating circumstances with the VA notification.

Commencement and Petition To Graduate

Students are eligible for degree conferral when they have completed all degree program requirements. The graduation and degree conferral dates are based upon the last day of the course in which all academic requirements were completed. All students who wish to graduate, independent of participation in commencement ceremonies, must submit the Petition to graduate form and appropriate fees to the Student Services Department by the campus deadline date. All forms are available from the Student Services Department or the student portal.

Students may not receive their diploma or transcript until all financial obligations to the University have been satisfied.