Section Four, Student Rights and Responsibilities

Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities

All students enrolled at Argosy University assume an obligation to conduct themselves at all times as responsible members of the campus community, to respect the personal and property rights of others, and to support the educational mission of Argosy University. Argosy University insists that its students demonstrate personal and professional integrity in addition to academic excellence.

Argosy University’s administrators, faculty, and staff encourage student involvement in decision making. Student membership and input on institutional committees are valued and encouraged at Argosy University.

Argosy University Ethical Code of Conduct

Students are expected to conduct themselves in an ethical, professional, and civil manner. Unprofessional behavior includes, but is not limited to, hostile or careless uses of profanity or obscenities, physical displays of anger or aggressiveness, threatening gestures or comments, violence or harassment, insubordination or persistent, disrespectful arguing or any other illegal or unethical conduct. Unprofessional behavior may be cause for disciplinary action.

Argosy University is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and learning, as well as to the development of responsible personal and social conduct. Each student, by registering, assumes the responsibility of becoming familiar with, and abiding by, the general standards of conduct expected by Argosy University, as well as those of their respective disciplines. By way of example, each student is expected to refrain from engaging in the following:

• Academic dishonesty of any kind with respect to examinations or coursework. This includes any form of cheating and plagiarism
• Falsification or alteration of Argosy University documents, records, or identification cards.
• Forgery, issuing bad checks, or not meeting financial obligations to Argosy University.
• Theft or the deliberate damaging or misusing of property belonging to others or the property of Argosy University.
• The manufacture, possession, use, or distribution of any form of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs while on Argosy University property.
• Possession, display, or use of any dangerous instrument, weapon, or explosives (certified law enforcement officers. required by their employer to carry a firearm are excluded).
• Disrupting the study of others or of Argosy University activities, or interfering with the freedom of movement of any member or guest of the Argosy University community.
• Deliberate interference with academic freedom, freedom of speech, or movement of any member or guest of the Argosy University community.
• Participation in any activity that disrupts or interferes with the education of others or the orderly operation of Argosy University.
• Physical abuse, threatening acts, or harassment toward others.
• Students in all programs are also required to demonstrate behavior that conforms to standard codes of conduct of their respective disciplines.

Students suspected of violating Argosy University’s Code of Conduct will be referred to the Student Conduct Committee (SCC). Students found guilty of violating Argosy University’s Ethical Code of Conduct are subject to sanctions up to and including dismissal from Argosy University.

Academic Dishonesty/Plagiarism

Argosy University seeks to foster a spirit of honesty and integrity. Any work submitted by a student must represent original work produced by that student. Any source used by a student must be documented through normal scholarly references and citations, and the extent to which any sources have been used must be apparent to the reader. Argosy University further considers resubmission of a work produced for one course in a subsequent course without the expressed written consent of the instructor, or the submission of work done partially or entirely by another to be academic dishonesty. It is the student’s responsibility to seek clarification from the course instructor about how much help may be received in completing an assignment or exam or project and what sources may be used.

Students found guilty of academic dishonesty or plagiarism shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from Argosy University.

Institutional Review Board

The mission of the Argosy University Institutional Review Board (IRB) at each campus, and at the national level, is to ensure the ethical treatment of human and animal participants in the conduct of any and all research by any individual affiliated with Argosy University, in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations (Title 45) and the Belmont Report. Consistent with the guidelines outlined in the IRB Guide, each investigator proposing a research project must submit an IRB request for certification form. This policy applies regardless of source of funding and location of study to all research studies or pilot studies conducted by or on faculty, staff, students, or employees of Argosy University, or by or on Argosy University as an institution.

To ensure the highest quality research and to protect subjects involved in that research, Argosy University requires that all students, faculty and investigators complete human subjects protection training. To facilitate this training, Argosy University has arranged for a web-based training and assurance program in human research subjects protection through the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI).

There are two sets of modules: one set for IRB members and a general set for all investigators, dissertation/Clinical Research Project committee members, faculty, and students. Additional modules may be required based on the nature of the research (e.g., research with children or prisoner).

Student Professional Development Committee

The Student Professional Development Committee (SPDC) is a standing academic committee responsible for monitoring the academic progress, professional competence and behavior of students. Students who do not meet the academic standards of their program or whose behaviors raise concerns about professional competence shall be subject to referral to the SPDC. The primary function of the SPDC is to guide students who are referred to the committee in improving their academic performance and developing the professional competencies required by their profession. The SPDC can hold hearings on student issues specific to respective professional and academic requirements and recommend remediation actions to students where warranted. If remediation actions are not satisfied by the student, a SPDC may impose probationary conditions with explicit requirements and a timeline for removal from probation. The committee should include any consequences that will result in the event of noncompliance with academic probation requirements. Any recommendation to dismiss a student should be referred to the Student Conduct Committee (SCC).

Please refer to the Academic Catalog for the institutional, college, or program minimum requirements for maintaining satisfactory academic progress. Failure to meet the minimum standards for satisfactory academic progress outlined in the Academic Catalog will result in automatic academic probation. If academic progress is not achieved during the probationary period as defined in the Academic Catalog, the student will be dismissed from the program.

Student Professional Development Committee Policies and Procedures

I. Purpose and Scope

The SPDC and department faculty share the role of student academic and professional performance evaluation. Faculty evaluate student academic performance in the classroom and monitor student interactions and behaviors with the faculty members, staff, practicum and internship supervisors and peers. Faculty members are strongly encouraged to discuss concerns about academic, professional, or interpersonal performance directly with students. Through these discussions faculty assess how a student accepts supervision and feedback. If concerns remain, the faculty member may first seek out the student’s advisor for further discussion. The faculty member and/or advisor may then refer the student to the SPDC if the problems are not resolved or are serious enough to raise ongoing concerns about professional competence.

1. Monitoring Academic Progress

• Academic difficulties that come before the committee may be managed in a number of ways including:
  • Written response to the student indicating concern and proposing methods of remediation. Copies of the letter are sent to the student’s advisor and placed in the student’s file.
  • Requiring student to develop a remediation plan with the advisor within a specified period of time. The remediation plan should (1) communicate specific desired improvements and (2) identify real consequences for failing to reach the desired goals. The remediation plan is returned to the committee and a copy is placed in the student’s file. The student’s advisor is responsible for monitoring the remediation plan with the student, communicating with the student that the student is failing or has failed to reach desired improvements and for imposing the specific consequences identified in the plan. In addition, the advisor should provide the committee with written progress reports that specify the degree to which the student is making satisfactory progress.
• The committee may meet with the student if:
  • A student and advisor are unable to come up with a mutually acceptable remediation plan or if the student is unable to complete a remediation plan.
  • The occurrence of a single event or a continuing pattern exists suggesting the possibility of academic, professional or ethical unsuitability in the program and/or the need for major remediation.
     

2. Monitoring Professional Competence and Conduct
   
   All students are expected to demonstrate professional behavior that conforms to the standard codes of conduct of their respective disciplines. It is the job of all faculty members to evaluate students for clinical and/or professional competence during their entire course of study. For example, students in the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences and in the College of Health Sciences are expected to demonstrate professional behavior that conforms to the guidelines developed by the Student Competence Task Force of the Council of Chairs of Training Councils (CCTC), December 4, 2003. Faculty in the Colleges of Psychology and Health Sciences programs are asked to evaluate each student in the following competency areas:

• Interpersonal and professional competence; examples of which include the following:
  • Demonstrates respectful peer and faculty interactions
  • Demonstrates respect for the ideas and integrity of others
  • Demonstrates maturity in interactions with others
  • Demonstrates ability to interact respectfully with people of diverse backgrounds
  • Demonstrates ability to react with appropriate empathy and sensitivity
    Sample behaviors that could result in referral to the committee are:
    • Student demonstrates an inability to control anger uses insulting or profane words
    • uses intimidating tactics
    • demonstrates inability to tolerate cultural or lifestyle differences
    • demonstrates dishonest or unethical behavior
• Self-awareness, self-reflection, and self-evaluation; examples of which include the following:
  • Ability to formulate and express observations/impressions
  • Interpersonal interactions provide evidence that student understands how one’s behavior affects relationships with others
    Sample behaviors that could result in referral to the committee are:
    • Student demonstrates a lack of awareness or inability to manage own limitations and responsibilities; for example, does not allow enough time to study, turns assignments in late with some regularity avoids responsibility for situations by blaming others
• Openness to process of supervision; examples of which include the following:
  • Uses professional language to communicate even when agitated, uses the appropriate chain of command, etc.
  • Subsequent clinical work samples and/or interpersonal interactions reveal evidence that student has understood and applied supervisory feedback
    Sample behaviors that could result in referral to the committee are: Student
    • demonstrates overt hostile reaction to supervision refuses or is unable to adjust behavior in response to clearly communicated feedback
• Resolution of problems or issues that interfere with professional development or functioning in a satisfactory manner; examples of which include the following:
  • Demonstrates ability to respond constructively to feedback from supervisors or program faculty with minimal defensiveness
  • Is able to acknowledge own role in creating problems such as, contributions to or exacerbation of a situation
  • Offers appropriate responses given a situation
  • Demonstrates ability to act constructively to prevent and resolve issues and openness to solutions proposed by others
  • Demonstrates tolerance for the shortcomings and mistakes of others
    Sample behaviors that could result in referral to the committee are: Student
    • consistently fails to give appropriate credit to others demonstrates pattern of overreaction to a small slight demonstrates inability or refusal to accept academic inquiry or disagreement or to work collaboratively in a professional or academic environment 

II. Procedures

1. Referral Procedure
   
   Any member of the academic community who wishes to bring a student concern before the SPDC must submit a formal letter of referral addressed to the chair of the committee. The letter should include specific descriptions of academic insufficiencies and subsequent attempts at remediation by faculty, and/or descriptions of behaviors that raise concerns about clinical competence and/or professional conduct.
   
   If a student serving an internship, practicum, or clinical placement is dismissed by the internship site or asked not to return, the student will typically be referred to the committee for an investigation of the circumstances by the clinical or internship training director or the program chair. The focus of the investigation will be to determine what happened at the site and whether any remediation may be needed, both with the site and with the student.
   
   The committee will evaluate any written referral and respond in one of the following ways:
   1. Request additional information,
   2. Reject the referral
   3. Refer the student back to the student’s advisor or faculty member with instructions,
   4. Refer the complaint to the student conduct committee or
   5. Accept the referral. Once a referral is accepted, a meeting date is determined and the student in question is notified in writing of the meeting date and the concerns brought before the committee. The committee may request additional information from any source available to it. 
2. Committee Procedures
   
   The following procedures govern the actions of the SPDC:
   • The student should be notified in writing of the requirement  to meet with the committee, the date and time of the meeting and the reasons for the referral. The meeting should be held within 30 days of the date of receipt of the complaint.
   • In advance of the hearing date, the committee may request additional information or documentation pertinent to the referral. Where third party witnesses are available, the committee may consider meeting with the witnesses in advance of the hearing.
   • The student may submit written information relevant to the situation to the Chair within 48 hours prior to the hearing. All written documentation to be considered by the committee should be made available for review by the student in advance of the hearing.
   • If a student does not to attend a duly noticed meeting, the SPDC may continue its action and render a decision.
   • The student is permitted to have a support person for example, another student, faculty, staff member, friend or family present during the hearing. The support person must not act as an attorney or an advocate. Students are expected to speak on their own behalf.
   • The student is not permitted to bring legal counsel to committee meetings.
   • Verbatim transcription or electronic recording of the meeting is not normally permitted, and never without the consent of all parties in the room.
   • The committee should assure itself that the student has had a fair opportunity to understand the charges against him or her and that the student has had an opportunity to respond.
   • After the meeting the committee members shall render a decision on what course of action, if any, is required. The outcomes may include, but are not limited to the following:
     • No action required
     • Letter of concern for student file
     • Individual consultation with faculty member recommended by the committee
     • Tutorial assistance
     • Referral to advisor, training director or Training Committee for remediation
     • Recommendation for referral to outside resources
     • Academic or behavioral remediation; note that any remediation should include specified desired outcomes and consequences and a process for monitoring
     • Structured monitoring of progress with specific and structured remediation actions required
     • Probation with explicit requirements and a timeline for removal from probation. The committee should include any consequences for noncompliance with probation requirements
     • Referral to the Student Conduct Committee (SCC) with recommendations for program dismissal
     • The committee should also consider whether any follow up action is required with an internship or practicum site (to the Internship or Practicum Coordinator) or with an instructor (to the program chair or dean) or with another student (to the director of Student Services)
     • The committee shall inform the student and appropriate faculty of its decision and any remediation requirements in writing within 30 business days of the date of the meeting. In all cases, the faculty should describe the problems before it and the recommended solutions in specific detail.
        
3. Requesting Additional Evaluation by Professionals
   
   When a student claims a disability, the SPDC should refer the student to the campus Disability Services Coordinator to determine if the student needs accommodations for committee proceedings. All students with or without a documented disability must perform to the standards of conduct and academic achievement required by Argosy University. Accommodations are not retroactive and the failure to request accommodations does not forgive past difficulties. Referral for mandatory evaluation is the purview of the Student Conduct Committee (SCC) The SCC may require a student to submit to an evaluation by a health care professional in limited circumstances (such as where violence or suicide is threatened and where drug or alcohol abuse is suspected). In such cases, the evaluation is to determine the health and safety of the student and the campus. In the event of a crisis situation where the health and safety of the student or anyone on campus is threatened, the director of Student Services will contact the proper authorities.
    
4. Appeal Process
   
   Students wishing to appeal a disciplinary decision may do so according to the Student Right to Appeal process. Any sanctions issued as a result of the SCC proceedings will remain in place until the designated appeals committee or campus official assigned by the Campus President renders a decision otherwise. This designated appeals committee or campus official will be comprised of staff and faculty members not involved in making the initial disciplinary decision. The student must obey the terms of the decision pending the outcome of the appeal.

III. Committee Membership

The SPDC consists of at least three (3) voting members to be comprised of faculty. Where three voting members from a single department are not available, membership may be interdepartmental. A staff member may be added at the discretion of the campus Vice President of Academic Affairs or Campus President. In addition, a student appearing before the SPDC may request that another student from the program, selected by faculty, be added as a student representative of the program and as a fourth committee member. The committee will determine whether or not student members are voting members. Faculty members are selected by the program chair or dean. If requesting a student member, the student before the committee should also sign a form giving the school permission to share educational and other records with the student committee member. The student committee member should sign acknowledging that the student will not further disclose educational and other student records beyond any disclosures required by the student’s committee duties or otherwise necessary to investigate issues before the committee.

In the event that a member of the committee has made the referral under review or has other potential conflicts of interest, that member will be excused and another will be recruited by the chair as a temporary replacement.

Student Conduct Committee

Any student suspected of violating the Argosy University Ethical Code of Conduct may be referred to the Student Conduct Committee (SCC) which is responsible for investigating the allegations. In addition, students may be referred to the SCC by the programmatic Student Professional Development Committee (SPDC) for failure to comply with the remediation recommendations of the SPDC and failure to meet the academic and professional standards of the program.

Students found guilty of violating the Argosy University Ethical Code of Conduct by the SCC or failing to meet the academic and professional standards of Argosy University as determined by their respective SPDC shall be subject to disciplinary action. Sanctions include but are not limited to the following:

1. Issue a warning to the student
2. Place the student on administrative leave of absence and establish conditions for re-entry.
3. Place the student on general probation
4. Remove the student from school premises.

The SCC is the only committee that has the authority to dismiss the student from Argosy University. Referrals to the SCC can be made by any member of the university community, including students, faculty, administration, and/or the SPDC.

Student Conduct Committee Policies and Procedures

I. Purpose and Scope

The SCC is responsible for investigating suspected violations of the Argosy University Ethical Code of Conduct. Additionally, the SCC accepts referrals from a SPDC, where a determination has been made that a student has not complied with the remediation actions set forth by that committee and whereby that committee is making a recommendation that program dismissal be considered. The SCC is the only institutional committee with the authority to dismiss a student.

II. Procedures

1. Complaint Procedures
   
   Any member of the University including faculty, staff, students, clinical supervisors, may file a complaint against any student for misconduct or for otherwise being in violation of Argosy University policies. The complaint must be prepared in writing and directed to the director of Student Services as co-chair of the committee or his/her designee. Complaints should be submitted within 30 business days after the alleged violation occurred.
   
   Students may also be referred to the SCC for disciplinary action by their program SPDC when previous remediation and disciplinary actions imposed by the SPDC have been unsuccessful or if they have failed to meet the academic and professional standards of the program. The SPDC shall prepare a referral in writing to the director of Student Services or designee. As co-chair of the SCC, the director of Student Services or designee shall review and investigate the complaint to determine if the allegations have merit, to identify specific violations of the Argosy University Ethical Code of Conduct, and to coordinate the student conduct committee proceedings.
    
2. Committee Procedures  
   
   The following procedures govern the actions of the SCC:
    
   • The student should be notified in writing of the charges and pending action of the SCC
   • The director of Student Services (or designee) will schedule a committee hearing within 7 to 21 business days of notifying the student of the charges and pending action by the SCC
   • The student should receive written notification of the time and date of the hearing as well as the specific allegations against them including any supporting documentation that will be reviewed by the SCC prior to the hearing
   • In the event that the student does not attend the proceedings, the SCC should commence deliberation and render a decision
   • The student is permitted to have a support person, for example, another student, faculty, staff member, friend or family present during the hearing. The support person must not act as an attorney or an advocate. Students are expected to speak on their own behalf
   • The student is not permitted to bring legal counsel to committee meetings
   • Witnesses with knowledge of circumstances related to the alleged infraction are permitted to present information during the hearing and pertinent records, exhibits and written statements may be accepted as evidence for consideration by the SCC
   • Any procedural questions raised during the process should be addressed by the committee
   • After the hearing, the SCC shall render a decision regarding the merits of the allegations. If the SCC determines that a violation has occurred, the SCC will determine what sanctions are appropriate, including, but not limited to: a) issue a warning to the student, b) place the student on general probation with a remediation plan c) place the student on administrative leave of absence and establish conditions for reentry, or d) dismiss the student from Argosy University
   • Within 30 business days of the hearing the student should be informed in writing of the disciplinary action, as well as the conditions that must be met in order to remove the disciplinary action, if appropriate. Information regarding the student’s right to appeal should be included
   • Copies of the referral letter, evidence, letter of notification, minutes, and the letter sent to the student describing the disciplinary action are retained in the SCC records and a copy of the disciplinary letter is placed in the student file. A copy of the disciplinary letter is also provided to the student’s program chair. The referral source, faculty, and administration will be informed of the outcome on a need to know only basis in accordance with the Family Educational and Privacy Rights Act (FERPA )

3. Mandatory Evaluations
   
   The SCC may require a student to submit to an evaluation by a health care professional in limited circumstances (such as where violence or suicide is threatened and where drug or alcohol abuse is suspected) in order to determine the health and safety of the student and the campus. In the event of a crisis situation where the health and safety of the student or anyone on campus is threatened, the director of Student Services will contact the proper authorities.
    
4. Administrative Leave of Absence
   
   In addition to other reasons for administrative leave, the University may place a student on an administrative leave of absence prior to a conduct hearing when, in the judgment of Argosy University, the student’s presence may pose a threat of harm to himself, to others, or to property of Argosy University. The administrative leave of absence is subject to the provisions outlined in the Academic Catalog (see “Administrative Leave of Absence” in Section Four, Student Rights and Responsibilities ).
    
5. Violations of Law
   
   Disciplinary procedures may be instituted against a student charged with violation of a law that is also a violation of the student conduct policy. Proceedings under this policy may be carried out prior to, concurrent with, or following civil or criminal proceedings off campus. Argosy University will cooperate fully with law enforcement and other agencies in the enforcement of criminal laws on University property.
    
6. Appeal Process
   
   Students wishing to appeal a disciplinary decision may do so according to the Student Right to Appeal process described in Section Four, Student Rights and Responsibilities of the Academic Catalog. No further appeals will be heard.
    
   • Any sanctions issued as a result of the SCC proceedings will remain in place until the designated appeals committee or campus official assigned by the Campus President renders a decision otherwise. This designated appeals committee or campus official will be comprised of staff and faculty members not involved in making the initial disciplinary decision. The student must obey the terms of the decision pending the outcome of the appeal.

III. Committee Membership

The SCC consists of at least three (3) up to five (5) voting members, including co-chairs (a core faculty member and the Director of Student Services or designee), and faculty. In the event of a referral from a SPDC, a faculty member from the respective program who is not a member of the referring SPDC, should be added as a voting member for that referral. The referring SPDC will be notified of the hearing and informed that a representative may be asked to provide information to the SCC. The Campus President accepts nominations from the Vice President of Academic Affairs and selects the members. A student member may be selected by the faculty members of the committee.

Members shall serve for staggered two-year terms, with half of the seats expiring in even-numbered years and half of the seats expiring in odd-numbered years. The Campus President may assign certain seats temporarily to one-year terms to meet this requirement.

In the event that a member of the committee has made the referral under review or has other potential conflicts of interest, that member will be excused and another will be recruited by the chair as a temporary replacement.

In carrying out its responsibilities, the committee operates within the published policies of Argosy University governing standards for academic progress, academic and administrative sanctions, and professional competence.

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. The SCC may place the student on general probation and require remediation steps as 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 (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 (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 requirements of the terms of the probation.

Other Reasons for Dismissal

Students may be dismissed from Argosy University for reasons other than those described under “Dismissal ” (see Section Seven, Academic Policies and Procedures ). If the institution determines that a student cannot satisfactorily meet the academic, professional, or ethical expectations, the expectations detailed in the student responsibility policy, or other expectations of the program, then the student may be dismissed from Argosy University. 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 in Section Four, Student Rights and Responsibilities .

Student Complaint Procedure

Students may use this complaint procedure to address complaints that are not otherwise covered by a more specific policy. Students who have a complaint regarding grades should refer to the “Grade Appeal Procedures ” (see Section Seven, Academic Policies and Procedures ). Students with complaints about possible bias and harassment or Disability Services should refer to the “Student Grievance Procedure for Internal Complaints of Discrimination and Harassment ” (see Section Two, Institutional Policies ). The institutional community benefits from prompt resolution of issues. Before pursuing the Student Complaint Procedure, where practical, the student should first discuss the problem or complaints with the individuals involved in the complaint. Students presenting complaints for resolution must present them in writing within 45 days of the incident prompting the complaint. Faculty, staff, and administrators should make a prompt response in order to answer any questions or resolve the complaints brought to their attention. Students will not be subjected to adverse actions by any school officials as a result of initiating a complaint.

If these efforts are unsuccessful, the following process will be utilized:

• For complaints about faculty members, written complaints may be brought to the faculty member’s program chair (or campus Vice President of Academic Affairs if such a position exists at the campus). This individual will appoint a third party or parties to hear both sides of the dispute and present a recommendation to t program chair (or campus Vice President of Academic Affairs). The s program chair will forward a decision in writing to the student within 45 days of the receipt of the complaint.
• For complaints about campus administrators who are not the Campus President, written complaints may be brought to the Campus President, who will appoint a third party or parties to hear the dispute. This party will present a recommendation to the Campus President who will forward a decision in writing to the student within 45 days of the receipt of the complaint.
• For complaints about the Campus President, the matter should be presented in writing to the Argosy University president, who will appoint an appropriate third party or parties to hear the dispute. This party will present a recommendation to the Argosy University President who will forward a decision to the student in writing within 45 days of the receipt of the complaint. In the event that the third party is, for any reason, unable to complete his/her investigation, a substitute individual will be appointed to complete the investigation.

Students may appeal the outcome of a final student complaint resolution by following the Argosy University Student Right to Appeal process in Section Four, Student Rights and Responsibilities .

Student Right to Appeal

Appeal of Disciplinary Action or Dismissal

Students have the right to appeal academic probation, dismissal, and disciplinary actions taken against them, as well as final decisions regarding any other dispute resolution procedure, except for dismissal due to violation of the Maximum Allowable Timeframe (MTF) policy. Students who believe they have extenuating circumstances regarding a particular matter or believe that they have been treated in an arbitrary or biased fashion and/or without adherence to Argosy University policies and procedures may file an appeal. For the purposes of this policy, “bias” shall mean inequitable treatment based upon a student’s membership in a class protected from discrimination under relevant Argosy University policy, and shall not encompass personality conflicts between student and instructor/administrator. Extenuating circumstances include extreme situations such as:

• Death of an immediate family member
• Student illness requiring hospitalization (this illness includes mental health issues
• Severe illness of an immediate family member where the student is a primary caretaker
• Illness of an immediate family member where that family member is the primary financial support
• Abusive relationship
• Divorce proceeding
• Natural disaster
• Financial hardship such as foreclosure or eviction
• Military deployment

Students must provide documentation of extenuating circumstances. The appeal must clearly state, in writing, and in the student’s own words, the reason(s) for the appeal, and provide any evidence the student may have in support of his or her position.  As part of the appeal, the student must document in writing what in the student’s situation has changed that will allow the student to meet the standards for satisfactory academic progress by the end of the Academic/Financial Aid Probation period, according to a written academic plan. The Chair of the Appeals Committee will initially rule as to whether the subject of the appeal constitutes an issue of bias/discrimination or a failure of the University to follow its process and procedures. The Chair determines if a basis for an appeal has been stated. If so determined, then the Appeals Committee gathers and reviews relevant information in order to make its decision.

Appeals Committee

Appeals Committee Procedures

• Students have 45 days from the date of the action to inform the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA), or in the absence of a campus VPAA, the Campus President of their intent to appeal in writing. The letter must clearly state the reason for the appeal, and provide any supporting documentation.
• Students should provide documentation to support the allegations in the appeal.
• The Vice President of Academic Affairs or Campus President will convene a hearing by the Appeals Committee within 30 days of the date of receipt of the appeal. The student will be notified in writing of the date and time of the meeting.
• The student is expected to attend or otherwise participate in the meeting, and failure to do so, for other than documented emergencies, may be considered forfeiture of the right to present further information regarding the appeal.
• The Appeals Committee may hear from others who can provide relevant information in the matter.
• The student may request that others provide information to the committee regarding the grounds of the appeal.
• The Appeals Committee is an academic hearing, not a legal hearing. Therefore, legal counsel is not allowed at the meeting, and the student is expected to present the appeal, in the student’s own words.
• Audio recording of the academic hearing is not permitted. Minutes of the meeting are confidential.
• Following appropriate review and deliberation, the Appeals Committee will communicate its decision in writing to the student within 15 calendar days of the Appeals Committee hearing, with copies to the student’s academic file and the Campus President.
• Appeals Committee decisions are subject to review by the Campus President.
• The Campus President has final authority for campus appeals.

Appeals Committee Membership

 The membership of the Appeals Committee consists of five voting members: a chair, faculty members, and a student. The Campus President appoints the committee members.

 The Campus President will typically appoint the Vice President of Academic Affairs as chair of the Appeals Committee. If circumstances warrant, however, the Campus President may appoint any other appropriate chair.

The Campus President appoints the faculty members to serve on the Appeals Committee. These faculty members will hear all appeals that arise from September through August. Any committee member, however, may decline to serve on a particular appeal, if a real or perceived conflict of interest exists. The Campus President appoints replacement committee members.

The Campus President may appoint a third faculty member on an ad hoc basis, depending on the nature of the appeal. Faculty may be appointed because they bring special knowledge of the student’s program or because they have expertise in the area of appeal.

Argosy University’s administrators, faculty, and staff encourage student involvement in decision-making. To this end, the Campus President appoints a student to serve on the committee on an ad hoc basis.

If a committee member is absent, the Chair, in consultation with committee members, will decide whether the appeal hearing will go forward as scheduled.

Unresolved Disputes

If a dispute cannot be resolved satisfactorily after exhausting the institution’s complaint or appeals procedures, the student may file a complaint with the campus state licensing agency or Argosy University’s institutional accrediting agency, the Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, California, 94501, http://www.wascsenior.org).

Contact information for the state agencies can be found at the beginning of Section One, Introduction  of this catalog.

Students may also reference the Argosy University Arbitration Agreement found in Section Two, Institutional Policies .

State Contact Information for Student Complaints

Alabama

If a complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution’s complaint procedures, the student may file a complaint with the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education (135 South Union Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104-4340, 334-293-4500).

Arizona

If a complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution’s complaint procedures, the student may file a complaint with the Arizona State Board for Private Post-secondary Education (1400 West Washington Street, Room 2560, Phoenix, AZ 85007, 1.602.542.5709, website: www.azppse.gov). The student should contact the State Board for further details.

Arkansas

If a complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution’s complaint procedures, the student may file a complaint with the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (114 E. Capitol, Little Rock, AR 72201, Phone 501.371.2000, website www.adhe.edu).

California

A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) by calling 1.916.574.8200 or by completing a complaint form, which can be obtained on the bureau’s Internet web site www.bppve.ca.gov. Also, if a complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution’s complaint procedure, the student may file a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs, 1625 North Market Boulevard, Suite S-308, Sacramento, CA 95834, 1.916.574.8200.

Georgia

If a complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution’s complaint procedure, the student may file a complaint with the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission, 2082 East Exchange Place, Suite 220, Tucker, Georgia, 30084-4113, 770.414.3300, www.gnpec.org.

Kansas

If a complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution’s complaint procedure, the student may file a complaint with the Kansas Board of Regents, 1000 SW Jackson St., Suite 520, Topeka, KS 66612, www.kansasregents.org.

Maryland

If a complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution’s complaint procedures, the student may file a complaint with the Maryland Attorney General. Complaints should be directed to: Maryland Attorney General Consumer Protection Division, 200 St. Paul St., Baltimore, MD 21202, 410.528.8662 or 888.743.0823 (toll free). Argosy University is subject to investigation of complaints by the Office of the Attorney General or the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

New Mexico

If a complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution’s complaint procedure, the student may file a complaint with the New Mexico Higher Education Department, 2048 Galisteo Street, Santa FE, NM 87505-2100, Phone: 505.476.8400 fax: 505.476.8453, www.hed.state.nm.us/institutions/complaints.aspx.

Tennessee

If a complaint cannot be resolved at the institutional level, the student may contact the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (Parkway Towers, Suite 1900, 404 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243-0830, 615.741.5293).

Texas

If a complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution’s complaint procedures, the student may file a complaint with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, TX 78711-2788, (512) 427 6101. To review the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s rules governing student complaints (Title 19 of the Texas Administrative code, Sections 1.110-1.120: http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=19&pt=1&ch=1&sch=E&rl=Y. A description of the complaint procedure and online forms are located at: http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/index.cfm?objectid=051F93F5-03D4-9CCE-40FA9F46F2CD3C9D.

Virginia

If a complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution’s complaint procedures, the student may file a complaint with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (James Monroe Building, 101 North 14th Street; Richmond, VA 23219; 804-225-2600; www.schev.edu).

Administrative Leave of Absence

In situations requiring immediate action, and after consultation with concerned individuals (e.g., students, faculty, administrators, other staff members, practicum site supervisors) the Student Conduct Committee (SCC) or the appropriate administrative unit may, after discussion with the student, place the student on an administrative leave of absence. During this leave of absence, the SCC or the appropriate administrative unit may undertake, in a timely fashion, assessment of the circumstances and severity of the student’s behavior. Students will remain on an administrative leave of absence no more than 45 days. Within that 45-day period, the SCC or appropriate administrative unit will render a decision as to the student’s future with Argosy University.