Academic and Professional Standards
Each campus of Argosy University is committed to developing professionals who demonstrate high levels of integrity. All programs have been designed to be challenging and demanding. They require that students continually apply themselves to their academic program over an extended period of time.
Argosy University closely monitors student academic progress. Monitoring by faculty, and in some programs training supervisors, addresses the issues of professional preparation as well as academic achievement. Aspects of students’ personal adjustment, interpersonal relationships, and behavior in all settings are relevant to student progress. Argosy University endeavors to ensure that students realize their potential to become competent and ethical professionals.
Argosy University requires that all students meet the standards of the profession for which they are preparing. Students are required to do more than complete certain academic and field training requirements. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with professional ethics at all times. Professional conduct requires the faithful discharge of all responsibilities undertaken during all aspects of the educational experience, as well as the maintenance of respectful interpersonal relationships with all individuals.
Distribution of Copyrighted Material
Notice of Argosy University Policies to Comply with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008
The unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, including unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, may subject students and individuals to civil and criminal liabilities. Almost all of the music, movies, television shows, software, games and images found on the Internet are protected by federal copyright law. The owner of the copyright in these works has the right to control their distribution, modification, reproduction, public display and public performance. It is generally illegal therefore to use file sharing networks to download and share copyrighted works without the copyright owner’s permission unless “fair use” or another exemption under copyright law applies.
Fair use under the federal Copyright Act allows the use without permission of copyrighted material for the purpose of criticism, comment, news reporting or teaching under certain limited circumstances. There is no blanket exception from liability for students or employees of educational institutions, however, and whether the use of copyrighted material without permission falls within “fair use” or one of the other exceptions in the Act depends on a very detailed, case-by-case analysis of various factors. Students should be aware that sharing music, videos, software and other copyrighted materials is very likely not to be considered a ‘fair use” and therefore may be a violation of the law.
A violation of the institution’s policy for use of its information technology system can result in termination of network access for the student and/or other disciplinary action including removal of the student from the institution. Moreover, there are severe civil and criminal penalties for copyright infringement under federal law. A copyright owner is entitled to recover actual damages and profits resulting from an infringement, but also may recover statutory damages ranging from $750 to $30,000 per work for a non-willful infringement and up to $150,000 for a willful infringement, even if there is no proof of actual damages, in addition to court costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. The government also can file criminal charges that can result in fines and imprisonment.
Argosy University policies in regard to copyright infringement via the Internet prohibit the illegal downloading or unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials using the institution’s information technology system. Argosy University policies prohibit use of the Argosy University computer network to engage in illegal copying or distribution of copyrighted works such as by unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing (i.e., the sharing of copyrighted works, typically in digital or electronic files, without permission.
Outcomes Assessment
Argosy University is committed to a process of continuous improvement in all operations of the institution, especially those related to improvements in student academic achievement. Using both direct and indirect measures, Argosy University regularly and formally assess student learning on program outcomes which have been developed by faculty to reflect the skills, knowledge bases, and behaviors required of the profession, the accreditation standards where applicable, and the disciplines in which the degrees are offered. Argosy University also evaluates student perceptions of the services provided to support student learning. In addition to the ongoing assessment of individual students, these assessment and evaluation strategies occur at the class, program, campus, college and institutional levels.
Argosy University believes that such ongoing analyses of students’ learning are central to the efficacy of its educational services and programs. The integration of the collective data and results generated by these assessment strategies form a significant portion of the information used to evaluate individual student and programmatic success in Argosy University’s programs. Further, this educational input on the outcomes of student learning and the various educational processes furnishes critical feedback to Argosy University’s planning process that closes the institutional effectiveness loop and is used on an ongoing basis to continuously enhance the quality of student learning at Argosy University.
Students should anticipate participating in a wide array of evaluation and assessment procedures throughout their educational careers. Students are expected to enter into these procedures openly and honestly in an effort to assist Argosy University in its continuous improvement processes.
Philosophy of Education
The primary objective of Argosy University is to educate and prepare students for careers in professional fields. To achieve this, each campus provides an environment that integrates theory, training, research, and applications of the discipline. A faculty composed of individuals who are both practitioners and scholars guide students through coursework experiences to enable them to meet the standards of their professions. Students are educated through training and practical experiences appropriate to their discipline, as well as through the study of a comprehensive academic curriculum.
Commitment to Diversity
Argosy University prepares students to serve populations with diverse social, ethnic, economic, and educational experiences. Both the academic and experiential curricula are designed to provide an environment in which students can develop the skills and attitudes essential to working with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Notice of Nondiscrimination
Argosy University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, genetic marker, or any other characteristic protected by state, local or federal law, in our programs and activities. Each campus has designated a staff member to handle inquiries and coordinate individual campus compliance efforts regarding the nondiscrimination policy.
Student Grievance Procedure for Internal Complaints of Discrimination and Harassment
Students who believe they have been subjected to discrimination or harassment in violation of this policy should follow the procedure outlined below. Students with complaints not related to discrimination or harassment should refer to the “Student Complaint Procedure” in section 4 of this catalog or, if regarding grades, to the “Grade Appeal Procedures” in section 7 of this catalog. Student complaints about Disability Services will be handled in accordance with this policy. The Student Grievance Procedure is intended to provide a fair, prompt, and reliable determination about whether the Argosy University nondiscrimination policy has been violated. University policy and state and federal law prohibit retaliation against an individual for reporting discrimination/harassment or for participating in an investigation. The University will not tolerate retaliation against any student who files a complaint, serves as a witness, assists a complainant, or participates in an investigation of sexual harassment. Retaliation is a serious violation that can subject the offender to sanctions independent of the merits of the sexual harassment complaint. Allegations of retaliation should be directed to the the director of Student Services (or designee), or vice president of Academic Affairs at your campus.
1.Complainants are encouraged to file a written complaint as soon as possible after an alleged incident of discrimination has occurred. Any student who chooses to file a discrimination complaint should present the complaint in writing to the director of Student Services (or designee), or vice president of Academic Affairs at the campus, or if the complaint is about those individuals themselves, then to the campus president. This individual will investigate the complaint or appoint an appropriate investigator. In the event this individual is not able to complete the investigation in a timely fashion, he/she shall ensure that the University’s Vice President for Student Services is notified. The University’s Vice President for Student Services is then responsible for assigning the investigation to an appropriate and impartial individual in light of the allegations raised. The complaint should describe the alleged incident(s) and any corrective action sought. The complaint should be signed by the student. In most cases, the person accused of discrimination will be notified of the complaint.
2.The person accused of discrimination will have up to fourteen calendar days to respond to the complaint in writing, if he or she so requests in writing. The signed written response should be submitted to the investigator.
3.The director of Student Services (or designee) or vice president of Academic Affairs will investigate the allegations promptly without regard to whether or not the accused has submitted a written response. Both the complainant and the accused will be afforded the opportunity to meet and discuss the allegations with the investigator and may offer any witnesses in support of their position to the investigator during the course of the investigation. A student may be accompanied during investigation meetings and discussions by one person (family member, friend, etc.) who can act as an observer, provide emotional support, and/or assist the student with the investigation. The observer may not be an attorney, unless otherwise required by local law. It is the sole discretion of the investigator to remove or prohibit from attending anyone who, in the investigator’s opinion, disrupts or otherwise interferes with the proper conduct of the investigation.
4.The investigator will determine whether a violation of the Argosy University nondiscrimination policy has occurred, and will issue a written determination within 45 days of the receipt of the complaint. If the investigator determines that the policy has been violated, he or she may also recommend corrective action.
5.The student may appeal any final decision under this policy by using procedures of the “Student Right to Appeal” described in section 4 of this catalog under “Student Rights and Responsibilities.”
6.Matters involving general student complaints will be addressed according to the “Student Complaint Procedure” described in section 4 of this catalog under “Student Rights and Responsibilities.”
For more information about student rights under the federal laws prohibiting discrimination, please contact the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education or visit the Web site at http://www.ed.gov/ocr.
Right to Change Requirements
Argosy University reserves the right to change the policies contained within this catalog from time to time. Accordingly, although notice is not required for a new policy to take effect, Argosy University will make reasonable attempts to notify students promptly of any policy changes through Web site or email postings, or other methods deemed appropriate by university administration.
Students will follow the degree requirements in effect at the time of their matriculation. However, a student who changes degree programs or fails to maintain continuous enrollment with an absence greater than one year (see Readmission Process After Withdrawal in Admission Policies ) will be required to follow the Academic Catalog in effect at the time of matriculation. Furthermore, requirements of government agencies, accreditation agencies, and other regulatory bodies may influence a student’s degree requirements. Possible changes include, but are not limited to, graduation requirements, admission requirements, tuition, fees, curricula, and course content. Students are responsible for making themselves aware of any changes.
Licensing/Registering/Certification
Argosy University does not guarantee third-party licensing/registering/certification. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing licensing/registering/certification exams and are subject to change without notice to Argosy University.
Disability Services
Argosy University provides accommodations to qualified students with disabilities. The Disability Services Coordinator assists qualified students with disabilities in acquiring reasonable and appropriate accommodations and in supporting their success at Argosy University.
Argosy University is committed to providing qualified students with a disability an equal opportunity to access the benefits, rights and privileges of college services, programs and activities in compliance with The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Students who believe they are in need of accommodations should contact the Disability Services coordinator. If you have a concern or complaint in this regard, please contact the Student Services Department. Complaints will be handled in accordance with the Argosy University’s Student Grievance Procedure for Internal Complaints of Discrimination and Harassment.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974
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 Argosy 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 appropriate university official. 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 university may require the presence of a university 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 placement, or receipt of honors. In addition, the term “education record” does not include certain types of records such as, by way of example, records of instructional, supervisory, administrative, and certain educational personnel that are in the sole possession of the maker thereof, and are not accessible or revealed to any other individual except a substitute.
When a record contains personally identifiable information about more than one student, the student may inspect and review only the information that relates to him/her personally.
II. Disclosure of Educational Records
Argosy University generally will not permit disclosure of personally identifiable information from the records of a student without prior written consent of the student. Personally identifiable information is disclosed (some items are mandatory, some discretionary) from the records of a student without that student’s prior written consent to the following individuals or institutions or in the following circumstances:
1. To Argosy University officials who have been determined by the university to have legitimate educational interests in the records. A university official is
a. a person employed by the school or its corporate parent in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position; or
b. a person employed by or under contract to the university to perform specific tasks, such as an auditor, consultant, or attorney, a person on the Board of Trustees, or a student serving on an official committee or assisting another university official. Any university official who needs information about a student in the course of performing instructional, supervisory, advisory, or administrative duties for Argosy University has a legitimate educational interest.
2. To certain officials of the United States Department of Education, the Comptroller General of the United States, the Attorney General of the United States, and state and local educational authorities in connection with state or federally supported educational programs.
3. In connection with the student’s request for, or receipt of, financial aid necessary to determine the eligibility, amounts or conditions of financial aid, or to enforce the terms and conditions of the aid.
4. To organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the university.
5. To accrediting commissions or state licensing or regulatory bodies to carry out their functions.
6. To parents of a dependent student, as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code.
7. To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena.
8. To appropriate parties in health or safety emergencies.
9. To officials of another school, upon request, in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
10. To an alleged victim of a crime of violence or a nonforcible sexual offense, the final results of the disciplinary proceedings conducted by the university against the alleged perpetrator of that crime or offense with respect to that crime or offense.
11. To persons in addition to the victim of a crime of violence or nonforcible sexual offense, the final results of the disciplinary proceedings described in paragraph 10 above but only if the university has determined that a student is the perpetrator of a crime of violence or non-forcible sexual offense, and with respect to the allegation made against him or her, the student has committed a violation of the institution’s rules or policies. (The university, in such instances, may only disclose the name of the perpetrator — not the name of any other student, including a victim or witness — without the prior written consent of the other student(s)).
12. To a parent regarding the student’s violation of any federal, state, or local law or of any rules or policy of the university governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if the school determines that the student has committed a disciplinary violation with respect to that use or possession, and the student is under 21 at the time of the disclosure to the parent.
13. Directory information (see section IV).
14. Student Recruiting Information as requested by the U.S. Military. Student recruiting information includes ONLY: name, address, telephone listing, age or date of birth, class level, academic major, place of birth, degrees received and most recent educational institution attended. It does not include and Argosy University will not provide: social security numbers, race, ethnicity, nationality, GPA, grades, low performing student lists, religious affiliation, students with loans in default, veteran’s status, students no longer enrolled. Students who opt out of the directory also opt out of student recruiting information.
III. Record of Requests for Disclosure
Except with respect to those requests made by the student themselves, those disclosures made with the written consent of the student, or to requests by or disclosures to Argosy University officials with legitimate educational interests and disclosures of directory information (or other exceptions described in the applicable regulations), Argosy University will maintain a record indicating the parties who have requested or obtained personally identifiable information from a student’s education records and the legitimate interests those parties had in requesting or obtaining the information. This record may be inspected by the student.
IV. Directory Information
Argosy University designates the following information as directory information. (Directory information is personally identifiable information which may be disclosed without the student’s consent):
1. Student’s name
2. Address: Local, email and Web site
3. Telephone number (local)
4. Date and place of birth
5. Program of study
6. Participation in officially recognized activities
7. Dates of attendance
8. Degrees and certificates awarded
9. Most recent previously attended school
10. Photograph of the student, if available
11. Enrollment status (i.e., enrolled, continuing, future enrolled student, reentry, etc.)
12. Student honors and awards received
13. The height and weight of athletic team members
Notice of these categories and of the right of an individual in attendance at Argosy University to request that his/her directory information be kept confidential will be given to the student annually. Students may request nondisclosure of student directory information by specifying nondisclosure, in writing, to the campus director of Student Services or Registrar. Failure to request nondisclosure of directory information will result in routine disclosure of one or more of the above-designated categories of personally identifiable directory information.
V. Correction of Educational Records
Students have the right under FERPA to ask to have records corrected which they believe are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of their privacy rights. The following are the procedures for the correction of records:
1. A student must ask the campus director of Student Services or Registrar to amend a record. As part of the request, the student should identify the part of the record they want to have changed and specify why they believe it to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of his/her privacy rights.
2. Argosy University may either amend the record or decide not to amend the record. If it decides not to amend the record, it will notify the student of its decision and advise the student of the right to a hearing to challenge the information believed to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s privacy rights.
3. Upon request, Argosy University will arrange for a hearing and notify the student reasonably in advance of the date, place, and time of the hearing. The hearing will be conducted by an individual who does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing. That individual may be an official of Argosy University. The student shall be afforded a forum for the opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issues raised in the original request to amend the student’s education records. The student may be assisted by other people, including an attorney.
4. Argosy University will prepare a written decision based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing. The decision will include a summary of the evidence, and the reasons for the decision.
5. If, as a result of the hearing, Argosy University decides that the information is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the privacy rights of the student, it will (a) amend the record accordingly; and (b) inform the student of the amendment in writing.
6. If, as a result of the hearing, Argosy University decides that the information in the education record is not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the privacy rights the student, it shall inform the student of the right to place a statement in the record commenting on the contested information in the record or stating why he or she disagrees with the decision of the school.
7. If a statement is placed in the education records of a student under paragraph 6 above, Argosy University will
(a) maintain the statement with the contested part of the record for as long as the record is maintained; and
(b) disclose the statement whenever it discloses the portion of the record to which the statement relates.
VI. Student Right to File Complaint
A student has the right to file a complaint with the United States Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Argosy University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the governmental office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
United States Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20202 – 4605
Graduation/Completion Rates
According to regulations published by the U.S. Department of Education based on the Student Right-to-Know act, the graduation/completion rates for first time, full-time students who entered school in 2002 and who graduated/completed within 150 percent of the normal time to complete the program is 50%. It was not until the 2007-2008 academic year that enrollment of first-time, full-time freshmen was expanded to additional Argosy University campuses beyond the Argosy University, Twin Cities campus. Campuses other than Argosy University, Twin Cities do not have any first-time full-time students and, therefore, did not have any data to be included in the rate.
According to regulations published by the Department of Education the retention rate of certificate or degree seeking first time, undergraduate students must be made available to all enrolled students and prospective students. You may obtain this information in the student services office.
Arbitration Agreement
The student and Argosy University agree that any dispute or claim between the student and Argosy University (or any company affiliated with Argosy University, or any of its officers, directors, trustees, employees or agents) arising out of or relating to this enrollment agreement or, absent such agreement, the student’s enrollment or attendance at Argosy University, whether such dispute arises before, during, or after the student’s attendance and whether the dispute is based on contract, tort, statute, or otherwise, shall be, at the student’s or Argosy University’s election, submitted to and resolved by individual binding arbitration pursuant to the terms described herein.
If the student decides to initiate arbitration, the student may select either, JAMS or the National Arbitration Forum (“NAF”) to serve as the arbitration administrator pursuant to its rules of procedure. If Argosy University intends to initiate arbitration, it will notify the student in writing by regular mail at the student’s latest address on file with Argosy University, and the student will have 20 days from the date of the letter to select one of these organizations as the administrator. If the student fails to select an administrator within that 20-day period, Argosy University will select one.
Argosy University agrees that it will not elect to arbitrate any individual claim of less than $5,000 that the student brings in small claims court (or in a similar court of limited jurisdiction subject to expedited procedures). If that claim is transferred or appealed to a different court, however, or if the student’s claim exceeds $5,000, Argosy University reserves the right to elect arbitration and, if it does so, the student agrees that the matter will be resolved by binding arbitration pursuant to the terms of this section.
IF EITHER THE STUDENT OR Argosy University CHOOSES ARBITRATION, NEITHER PARTY WILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL, TO ENGAGE IN DISCOVERY, EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THE APPLICABLE ARBITRATION RULES, OR OTHERWISE TO LITIGATE THE DISPUTE OR CLAIM IN ANY COURT (OTHER THAN IN SMALL CLAIMS OR SIMILAR COURT, AS SET FORTH IN THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPH, OR IN AN ACTION TO ENFORCE THE ARBITRATOR’S AWARD). FURTHER, THE STUDENT WILL NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE AS A REPRESENTATIVE OR MEMBER OF ANY CLASS OF CLAIMANTS PERTAINING TO ANY CLAIM SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION. THE ARBITRATOR’S DECISION WILL BE FINAL AND BINDING. OTHER RIGHTS THAT THE STUDENT OR ARGOSY UNIVERSITY WOULD HAVE IN COURT ALSO MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN ARBITRATION.
The arbitrator shall have no authority to arbitrate claims on a class action basis, and claims brought by or against the student may not be joined or consolidated with claims brought by or against any other person. Any arbitration hearing shall take place in the federal judicial district in which the student resides. Upon the student’s written request, Argosy University will pay the filing fees charged by the arbitration administrator, up to a maximum of $3,500 per claim. Each party will bear the expense of its own attorneys, experts and witnesses, regardless of which party prevails, unless applicable law or this Agreement gives a right to recover any of those fees from the other party. If the arbitrator determines that any claim or defense is frivolous or wrongfully intended to oppress the other party, the arbitrator may award sanctions in the form of fees and expenses reasonably incurred by the other party (including arbitration administration fees, arbitrators’ fees, and attorney, expert and witness fees), to the extent such fees and expenses could be imposed under Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
The Federal Arbitration Act (“FAA”), 9 U.S.C. §§ 1, et seq., shall govern this arbitration provision. This arbitration provision shall survive the termination of the student’s relationship with Argosy University. If the student has a question about the arbitration administrators mentioned above, the student can contact them as follows: JAMS, 45 Broadway, 28th Floor, New York, NY, 10006, www.jamsadr.com, 800.352.5267; National Arbitration Forum, P.O. Box 50191, Minneapolis, MN, 55405, www.arb-forum.com, 800.474.2371.
The above supersedes any inconsistent arbitration provision published in any other document.
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