Section Seven, Academic Policies and Procedures

• Academic Year
• Enrollment Policies
• Leave of Absence (Argosy University Online Programs)
• Enrollment in Multiple Programs
• Registration
• Course Availability/Cancellation
• Course Types and Delivery Methods
• Waiver/Course Substitution
• Course/Credit Transfer
• Second Bachelor’s Degree
• Math and English Assessment Policy
• Registration Policy For Developmental Coursework (College of Arts and Sciences)
• Transcripts and Student Records
• Relocation to Another Argosy University Campus
• Student-At-Large Status
• Attendance
• Student Advisement
• Withdrawal Policy
• Grade Level Classification
• Unit of Credit
• Grade Scale
• Grade Point System
• Additional Grades
• Audit Policy
• Grade Appeal Procedures
• Retaking Coursework Policy
• Criteria For Undergraduate Honor Designation
• Standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress for Undergraduate Programs
• Dismissal
• Appeal of Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal
• Failed Course Policy in Capped Programs (Diagnostic Medical Sonography–General and Echocardiography Concentrations, Radiation Therapy, and Radiologic Technology)
• Policy Governing Satisfactory Progress and Recertification of Benefits For Eligible Veterans
• Minimum Academic Achievement Standards for Students Receiving Department of Defense Tuition Assistance
• Petition to Graduate and Commencement

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 part of an academic semester satisfies this requirement (e.g., enrollment in two 5-week session).

Students who must take time off must 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.

Approved temporary withdrawals do not count as time accrued for those programs with a specified program time to completion.

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

Argosy University Campus-Based Programs

 Note

*Students who wish to register for credit hours greater than the stated maximum for their degree program are required to obtain approval from their academic advisor.

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.

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.

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.

Registration

Students intending to enroll for a given session 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, and to better serve students and manage the operations of the 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 an Add/Drop Request Form or sending written notification via email or fax 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 complete 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 or sending written notification to the Student Services Department. Adds after the official start date of a course must have campus dean or program chair 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. For intersessions, students are not allowed to enter the course after its official start date. Unless otherwise authorized, students are not allowed to enter an online course after the second day of a 5-week course and after the fifth day of a 15-week course.

Students who want to drop a course may do so by submitting a signed and dated Add/Drop Request Form to the Student Services Department, sending written notification via email or fax, or by doing so online. A 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. International students must consult with the school’s DSO prior to adding or dropping any courses as doing so may impact F-1 (student) visa status eligibility. 

Argosy University Online Programs

Students enrolled in Argosy University Online Programs may not add courses after the course start date. Students enrolled in Argosy University Online Programs, who choose to withdraw after the start of the course, will follow the withdrawal policy. International students who require the Form I-20 (F-1 visa holders) are not eligible for Argosy University Online Programs.

Late Registration

Campus-Based Programs

Late registration during the add/drop period will be allowed for 5 week and 15 week courses, provided the courses have not been closed to additional enrollment.

Argosy University Online Programs

Late registration is not an option for 5 week courses taken by 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 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.

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% of instruction is delivered via the internet. Students enrolled in associate’s, bachelor’s, and 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.

Off Campus

Some programs provide courses at an off-campus location in a community setting. Courses taken 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 both traditional face-to-face formats (which meets the criteria of an in-residence course) and online format (which does not meet 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.
• 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

Undergraduate Transfer Credit Criteria

Students may transfer the maximum number of credit hours as follows:

• Associate’s Level Degree Programs–Students may transfer a maximum of 45 credit hours.
• Bachelor’s Level Degree Programs–Students may transfer a maximum of 72 lower division or 90 total credit hours.^†

The transfer credit maximums described above may be limited by state regulatory agencies (See State Requirements section below). In addition, fewer lower division credits may be accepted because of specific requirements of a given program.

Argosy University accepts transfer credit from the following sources: college learning, extra-institutional learning, and prior learning.

College Learning

College-level credits earned from a regionally or nationally accredited institution will be considered for transfer. Credits and degrees from institutions that are nationally accredited by agencies recognized by both the US Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) are considered for transfer. Credits earned at institutions that are recognized by only one of the above (either CHEA or ED) will be considered for transfer if the institution is recognized by one of the following accrediting bodies:

1. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC; formerly Accrediting Commission for Career Schools/Colleges of Technology or ACCSCT),
2. National Association of Trade and Technical Schools (NATTS),
3. Career College Association/Accrediting Commission for Trade and Technical Schools (CCA-ACTTS), or
4. Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

In the case of institutions outside the United States, the appropriate state (or its equivalent) or national accreditation is required. Students should contact an admissions representative for additional information.

College credits earned from other regionally or nationally accredited institutions are accepted for transfer if the following conditions are met:

• The course must be comparable in content, goals, and level to the Argosy University course or content area for which credit is sought.
• The course must have been a college-level course, taken for equivalent or greater credit at a regionally or nationally accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education (ED) and Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). In the case of institutions outside the United States, the appropriate equivalent accreditation is required.
• The course must have been taken for college credit.
• Students must have earned a grade of “C-” or better for any course submitted.
• Associate’s degrees, such as Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Applied Arts (AAA), Associate of Applied Science (AAS) are transferred in their entirety, including “D” grades, as long as the student’s cumulative GPA is 2.0 or better.
• Official transcripts are required for transfer credit to be awarded.
• 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.
• Courses submitted for transfer credit are evaluated under the direction of the program chair. In general, a lower-division course completed at another institution will transfer as lower-division credit, even when Argosy University offers the course at the upper division level. Similarly, upper-division courses completed at another institution will transfer as upper-division credit, even when Argosy University offers the course at the lower-division level. Exceptions to this policy may occur in the case of established course equivalencies with institutions that have a transfer or articulation agreement with Argosy University. A student may petition for recognition of a successfully completed lower-division course as an upper-division course with appropriate documentation (e.g., a copy of the course syllabus).

Extra-Institutional Learning
Third Party Recommended (military and non-military) Coursework and Training

American Council on Education (ACE)

Credits earned from coursework or training that has been recommended for college credit by the American Council on Education (ACE) may also be accepted. This includes both credits for military training, as well as non-military coursework or training Unless otherwise limited by a state regulatory agency (see State Requirements below), these credits count towards the maximums listed above for transfer of credit (45 total credit hours for associate’s programs and 72 lower division or 90 total credit hours for the bachelor’s programs^†).

Students should refer to the ACE Military Guide (see http://www.acenet.edu/news-room/Pages/Military-Guide-Online.aspx) and ACE College Credit Recommendation Service (CREDIT) (see http://www2.acenet.edu/credit/?fuseaction=browse.main) to determine whether their military or workplace learning experiences are identified in the respective guide.

National College Credit Recommendation Service

Credits earned from coursework and training that has been recommended for college credit by the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS) may be accepted. Unless otherwise limited by a state or regulatory agency (see State Requirements below) these credits count toward the maximums listed above for transfer credit (45 total credit hours for associate’s programs and 72 lower division or 90 total credit hours for the bachelor’s programs).

Standardized Examinations

For associate’s level and bachelor’s level degree programs, national testing credit is accepted for commonly administered and accepted tests such as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DSST (formerly known as Dantes Subject Standardized Tests), Excelsior College Examinations (ECE), International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP). National testing credit is listed on the student’s transcript and may not be removed once it has been recorded. Exam scores must meet or exceed minimum qualifying scores established by Argosy University (in accordance with criteria established by the American Council on Education (ACE) or similar agency. Unless otherwise limited by a state regulatory agency (see State Requirements below), national testing credit counts toward the maximums listed above for transfer of credit (45 total credit hours for associate’s programs and 72 lower division or 90 total^† credit hours for bachelor’s programs). In addition, maximum number of standardized testing credits that can be applied for transfer may vary by program. Students should contact their academic advisor for a description of the type and amount of credit that can be applied toward their program of study.

Prior Learning

The Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process determines if learning acquired outside of a university classroom is equivalent to academic learning and is eligible for college credit. Examples of learning that may be eligible for Prior Learning Assessment include recognized professional licenses and certifications, corporate professional development, and other informal learning opportunities. Credit is only awarded for demonstrated learning. Unless otherwise limited by a state regulatory agency (see State Requirements below), as many as 15 credit hours may be earned from prior learning assessment credit towards associate’s degree programs and as many as 30 credit hours may be earned in from prior learning assessment credit towards bachelor’s degree programs. These credits count toward the maximums listed above for transfer of credit (45 total credit hours for associate’s degree programs and 72 lower division or 90 total credit hours for bachelor’s degree^† programs).

Prior Learning Assessment can only be requested by matriculated students enrolled in associate’s or bachelor’s degree programs. Credit awards may be applied to elective, general education and core requirements as appropriate to the content of the learning and as approved by the university college dean.

For more details, students should contact their Academic Advisor.

Notes

^†Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology degree program may transfer a maximum of 75 lower division or 90 total credit hours.

^††Students enrolled at the Washington DC campus must complete 30% of coursework at Argosy University. This means that Associate’s Level Degree students may transfer a maximum of 42 credit hours, and Bachelor’s Level Degree students may transfer a maximum of 84 credit hours.

State Requirements

Exceptions to the Argosy University policy as required by state regulatory agencies are described below. States with a (*) indicate that the state policy applies only to students who are enrolled in Argosy University Online Programs and are residents of that state.

California: Of the first 60 semester credits awarded a student in an undergraduate program, no more than 15 semester credits may be awarded for prior experiential learning. Of the second 60 semester units (i.e., credits 61 to 120) awarded a student in an undergraduate program, no more than 15 semester credits may be awarded for prior experiential learning.

Georgia: Maximum amount of credit from examination and credit for “life experiences’ is limited to 25% of the total credit requirements of the degree.

Kansas*: 50% of the credit hours earned through campus-developed and administered tests may be included in the instructional base.

Virginia: A student shall complete a minimum of 30% of the course work at the institution in order to be granted a degree from that institution.

Washington: Credit for non-traditional activities may only constitute 25% of an undergraduate degree program. Institutions may only grant the credit if it is validated through a portfolio or similar procedure.

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.

Notice Concerning Transferability of Credits Earned at 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.

Second Bachelor’s Degree

Students with an earned bachelor’s degree who want to complete a second bachelor’s degree program may apply for admission to Argosy University for a second bachelor’s degree program through the standard admissions process. A minimum of 30 credits in residence in addition to the minimum number of credits required for the first degree program (typically 120) are required to complete a second bachelor’s degree. Students who hold a bachelor’s degree can apply transfer credits to fulfill General Education and elective requirements for a second degree.

Math and English Assessment Policy

Math Requirement

Students who are transferring in one or more college level General Education Math courses will not be required to take a placement test. Students with no college credit (transferred in or completed at Argosy University) in General Education Math will be placed in a developmental course per the Registration Policy for Developmental Coursework. However, they can choose to place out of developmental coursework by passing a placement test.

Writing Requirement

Writing competency is essential for successful completion of any coursework at Argosy University. Students who are transferring in one or more General Education English writing course will not be required to take a placement test. Students with no college credit in General Education English writing (transferred in or completed at Argosy University) will be placed in a developmental course per the Registration Policy for Developmental Coursework. However, they can choose to place out of developmental coursework by passing a placement test.

Algebra Competency Requirement

Students enrolled in the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Diagnostic Medical Sonography  program must demonstrate competency in algebra by completing an algebra placement test. Students who do not demonstrate competency must register for, and successfully complete MAT107 - College Algebra  in the first semester.

Registration Policy For Developmental Coursework (College of Arts and Sciences)

Students who have not transferred in either a college level General Education English writing course or General Education math course and who have not successfully passed either or both of the placement tests in English and math, may only enroll in the English or math developmental coursework after the first session until all required developmental courses are successfully completed, with the exception of those courses listed below.

* Not for college credit

Once the required developmental coursework for both math and English are successfully completed, students proceed into their given program of study.

Mathematics Review

Students who have not transferred in a college level General Education math course and who have not successfully passed a placement test in math may only enroll in the math developmental coursework after the first session until the math developmental course is successfully completed.

Prior to successful completion of MAT096 - Mathematics Review I , students are limited to registration in the following General Education electives: COM105 - Organizational Communication , COM106 - Information Literacy and Communication , COM180 - Interpersonal Effectiveness , POL110 - American Experience , PSY101 - General Psychology , SOC110 - Sociology in a Global Perspective .

MAT096 - Mathematics Review I  may be taken a second time, but students may not register for other courses until the developmental coursework is satisfactorily completed. 

English Review

Students who have not transferred in a college level General Education English writing course and who have not successfully passed a placement test in English may only enroll in the English developmental coursework after the first session until the English developmental course(s) is successfully completed.

English Review I

Students not taking the placement test, or having placement scores below a certain threshold will be placed in ENG095 - English Review I . After the successful completion of ENG095 - English Review I , they will be placed in ENG096 - English Review II . Prior to successful completion of ENG095 - English Review I , students are limited to registration in the following General Education electives: COM106 - Information Literacy and Communication , MAT106 - Quantitative Literacy  (if they have met developmental math requirements outlined above), MAT107 - College Algebra  (if they have met the developmental math requirements outlined above), MAT109 - General Education Mathematics  (if they have met developmental math requirements outlined above).

English Review II

Students with placement test scores above the threshold for ENG095 - English Review I  but with scores below the cutoff for passing will be placed in ENG096 - English Review II . Prior to successful completion of ENG096 - English Review II , students are limited to registration in the following General Education electives: COM106 - Information Literacy and Communication , ECO201 - Macroeconomics , ECO202 - Microeconomics  , MAT106 - Quantitative Literacy  (if they have met developmental math requirements outlined above), MAT107 - College Algebra  (if they have met developmental math requirements outlined above), MAT109 - General Education Mathematics  (if they have met math requirements outlined above). 

ENG095 - English Review I  and ENG096 - English Review II  may be retaken a second time, but students may not register for other courses until the developmental coursework has been successfully completed. 

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 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. 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.

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 engage in weekly academic activity by attending classes and/or participating in the online portion of a course.

Academic activity is defined by (a) attending a face-to-face course, (b) posting a substantive response in a discussion section of the online classroom, (c) engaging in online tutorials, (d) submitting an assignment either in-person or via the online classroom, or (e) taking an exam. Students who do not have any academic activity for 14 consecutive days will be administratively withdrawn from the course and may be administratively withdrawn from the University. Online and blended 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.

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.

Argosy University complies with Title IX’s requirement that pregnant students are not discriminated against or penalized because of their pregnancy or related condition (including recovery from childbirth). At the same time, Argosy University will not presume that a pregnant student is unable to attend classes due to pregnancy. For more specific information regarding Argosy University’s accommodations for pregnant students, please see Section Two: Institutional Policies, Subsection: Disability Services .

The last day of attendance is based on the student’s last academic related activity in the classroom.

Argosy University Online Programs

Students enrolled in Argosy University Online Programs must have an academic related activity in to 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 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.

Argosy University complies with Title IX’s requirement that pregnant students are not discriminated against or penalized because of their pregnancy or related condition (including recovery from childbirth). At the same time, Argosy University will not presume that a pregnant student is unable to attend classes due to pregnancy.

An instructional week is defined as beginning on Thursday at 12:00 am Mountain Time (MT) to 11:59 pm MT the following Wednesday.

The last day of attendance is based on the student’s last academic related activity in the classroom.

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 be considered withdrawn from the University. Students will have ten 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 tenth 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

Campus-Based Programs

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 will be determined to be withdrawn from the institution if the student violates the schools published attendance policy.

Argosy University Online Programs

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.

Grade Level Classification

Campus-Based Programs

Undergraduate students are assigned to a grade level based on the total number of credit hours earned. Grade Levels for students enrolled in campus-based programs are determined as follows:

Argosy University Online Programs

Undergraduate students are assigned to a grade level based on the total number of credit hours earned. Grade Levels for students enrolled in Argosy University Online Programs are determined as follows:

Unit of Credit

Academic credit at Argosy University is granted using the Carnegie credit hour system. Students can expect 15 hours of instructional engagement for every 1 credit hour of a course. In addition to instructional engagement, students can expect to complete 30 hours of outside work for every 1 credit hour of a course. At least an equivalent amount of work shall be applied for other academic activities as established by the institution, including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours. Please consult your program chair for specific information.

Grade Scale

Student performance on overall course assignments is evaluated and recorded in a letter grading system with corresponding point equivalents. Each letter grade, with the option of a plus or minus designation, represents levels of student achievement of course outcomes and corresponds to a numerical point equivalent as follows:

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 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). It is included in computing both Incremental Completion Rate (ICR) and Maximum Time Frame (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 course. 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. For students enrolled in campus-based programs, requirements for an “IP” grade must be fulfilled by the end of the next semester or by the contract completion date, whichever is earlier. For students enrolled in Argosy University Online Programs, requirements for an “IP” grade must be fulfilled within 15 weeks 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.

No Credit (“NC”)

This represents a failing grade for certain designated courses.* This grade is not included in computing a Cumulative Grade Point Average, but is included in computing the Incremental Completion Rate as attempted credits and in the Maximum Time Frame.

Non-Completion Failure (NCF)

This represents a failing grade for students who fail the course and do not complete the final assignment. The final assignment includes, but is not limited to a final exam, final project, final paper, portfolio presentation, capstone project or any other assignment due in the last week of the course. This grade is included in computing a Cumulative Grade Point Average, Incremental Completion Rate, and Maximum Time Frame.

Non-Completion Failure No Credit (NCF/NC)

This represents a failing grade for students who fail the course and do not complete the final assignment. The final assignment includes, but is not limited to a final exam, final project, final paper, portfolio presentation, capstone project or any other assignment due in the last week of the course. This grade is not included in computing a Cumulative Grade Point Average. It is included in computing both Incremental Completion Rate and Maximum Time Frame

Prior Learning (“PL”)

This represents credits earned through a Prior Learning Portfolio Assessment. This grade is not included in computing a Cumulative Grade Point Average. It is included in computing both the Incremental Completion Rate (ICR) and Maximum Timeframe (MTF).

Transfer Credit (“TR”)

This represents a passing grade for earned transfer credit. This grade is not included in computing Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) or Incremental Completion Rate (ICR). It is included in computing the Maximum Time Frame (MTF).

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 the computing the Incremental Completion Rate and Maximum Time Frame but does not impact their CGPA.

Failure Due to Late Withdrawal (“WF”)

Students who complete more than 67 percent 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 CGPA for purposes of evaluating Satisfactory Academic Progress and computing Incremental Completion Rate and in the Maximum Time Frame.

Note

*Developmental course credits do not count toward CGPA, however, they do count in determining the Maximum Time Frame (MTF) and Incremental Completion Rate (ICR). See Factors Affecting Satisfactory Academic Progress for a detailed description of Developmental Courses.

Satisfactory Academic Progress for Educational Benefits which are not Title IV Funds

Please note that in order to receive and/or retain certain education benefits from a source other than the Department of Education, the entity may require a higher cumulative grade point average and/or a higher incremental completion rate. Examples of these education benefits are State Grants, Veterans’ Benefits, Department of Defense (TA) benefits or employee reimbursements. Please check with the Student Financial Service Office or the school’s Veteran Affairs School Certifying Official for details.

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 session following issuance of the grade or evaluative comment. The written appeal must include the grounds upon which the student believes the grade is not correct. 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 calendar 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 of Discrimination 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 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 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.

Retaking Coursework Policy

Students may retake coursework if one of the following conditions is met:

• Failed the course and earned no credit hours
• Withdraw from the course and received a withdrawn (W) or failed due to late withdrawal (WF)
• State or accreditation requirements indicating a course must be passed within a specific window of time. For example, the course must be passed within the last 5 years and the course was taken 7 years ago so it must be repeated.
• Successfully completed the course and earned credit hours but are required to improve the grade point average. For term-based programs, financial aid will cover a single repetition of a previously successfully passed course if the course is required as part of an academic plan to appeal a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) termination or to help students who need a specific grade or GPA to practice upon graduation or progress in the program. For example, the course grade is a C but, in order to graduate, a B or better is required.

Criteria for Undergraduate Honor Designation

To promote academic excellence and to recognize exemplary academic achievement at the undergraduate level, the following system is used for honor designations on a semester basis and upon graduation.

Semester Honor Designation

Any student who enrolls for and completes 12 credit hours or more in a semester and meets the following criteria may receive the corresponding designation:

Semester Honor Designation Semester GPA

President’s List 4.0
Dean’s List 3.70–3.99
Honors 3.50–3.69

Honor Designation at Graduation

Any student who achieves a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) that meets or exceeds the following levels will receive the corresponding honor designation at graduation:

Graduation Honor Designation CGPA

Summa Cum Laude 3.90–4.00
Magna Cum Laude 3.70–3.89
Cum Laude 3.50–3.69

Standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress for Undergraduate Programs 

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.

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 re-enter at mid-semester will have that session count as an entire semester (evaluation period) for determining satisfactory academic progress.

Evaluation Period - Argosy University Online Programs

The evaluation point for students enrolled in Argosy University Online programs is after the successful completion of each payment period.

Cumulative Grade Point Average and Incremental Completion Rate

To continue enrollment in an academic program, students must maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) as follows:

1. At the end of the first evaluation point, students must achieve a minimum CGPA of 1.5 and an ICR of 50 percent. Anything below these milestones will result in Academic/Financial Aid Warning through the following evaluation point.
2. At the end of the second evaluation point, and every evaluation point thereafter, students must achieve a minimum CGPA of 2.0 and an ICR of 66.67 percent. Anything below these milestones will result in dismissal unless the student was not on Academic/Financial Aid Warning in their previous attended evaluation period. If they were not on Academic/Financial Aid Warning in their previous attended evaluation period, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Warning through the following evaluation point.

Students will be notified in writing after each evaluation point in the event they fail to meet the standards for satisfactory academic progress and are placed on Academic/Financial Aid Warning, and/or when the student is academically dismissed from the University, and/or placed on Academic/Financial Aid Probation following a successful appeal of academic dismissal.

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 (MTF) is calculated as 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 not attempt more than 150 percent of the credits required to complete their degree program. If the MTF calculation indicates the student will exceed 150 percent of the credits required to complete the degree program, the student will be dismissed prior to attempting the courses.

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 that are applicable to a student’s program.

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 in the students program.

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 Satisfactory 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. Students who receive a passing grade in a course, regardless of whether it was below the minimum standards in any course within their program, may only receive Title IV financial aid for one repetition. All grades will be included on the transcript.

Argosy University Online Programs: Students enrolled in Argosy University Online programs will be dismissed if they attempt any course three times without passing.

However, as courses are retaken, only the most recent attempt will count in the cumulative grade point average (CGPA). All attempts are included in the credit hours attempted for the purposes of calculating Incremental Completion Rate (ICR). Students should contact their financial aid advisor to determine if the repeated course is eligible for financial aid.

In the College of Arts and Sciences, grades of “D+” or below in the program core and concentration courses and grades of “F” in all other coursework are considered below minimum standards, and not considered credits that are earned.

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 and included in the CGPA. (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.

Developmental Courses

Students must successfully complete developmental courses in order to progress in the program. Developmental course credits do not count toward the total number of credits for graduation nor do they count in the CGPA. However, they do count in determining the Maximum Time Frame (MTF) and Incremental Completion Rate (ICR). Developmental courses do have credit hours assigned to them for enrollment and tuition assessment purposes.

A student enrolled in developmental courses in the College of Arts and Sciences must pass the course with a grade of CR (70%) or better.

Transfer Credits

Credits from transfer courses are calculated in the maximum allowable credits and Incremental Completion Rate requirements as credits attempted and credits earned.

Grades for credits transferred in from any post-secondary institution (including an Argosy University) will be recorded as “TR” 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, only the credits for those courses that 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 (length of time is determined by the Appeals Committee as documented in the Academic Plan), a student may receive (if eligible) financial aid.

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 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 (as described by the Satisfactory Academic Progress Plan) 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.

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 Satisfactory Academic Progress Plan (SAPP). Students enrolled in Argosy University Online Programs are required to meet the standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress after the successful completion of one payment period.

Please note that students may be dismissed for academic reasons without previous academic action, including failure to complete all program requirements within the Maximum Time Frame. Students are not allowed to appeal dismissals for violating Maximum Time Frame (MTF).

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 campus must appeal his/her dismissal at the originating campus and receive reinstatement prior to the transfer.

Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal Appeals Not Allowed

Students are not allowed to appeal dismissals for violating Maximum Time Frame (MTF).

Appeal of Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal

Students have the right to appeal an academic/financial aid dismissal. The student’s written appeal must state the extenuating circumstances that contributed to the dismissal. Extenuating circumstances include the following extreme situations:

• 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 of the student or the student’s spouse
• Military permanent change of station (PCS)

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. The Chair determines if a basis for an appeal has been stated and that it meets one of the extenuating circumstances. If so determined, then the Appeals Committee gathers and reviews relevant information in order to make its decision.

Appeals Committee Procedures

Students have up to 45 calendar days from the date of the action to file a written appeal to the campus Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA), or in the absence of a campus VPAA, the Campus President. 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 calendar 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 to serve 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.

Failed Course Policy in Capped Programs (Diagnostic Medical Sonography–General and Echocardiography Concentrations, Radiation Therapy, and Radiologic Technology)

If a student fails a course, the student may return to the program as long as a seat is available. If a student is offered another opportunity to join another cohort due to a failure or temporary withdrawal from Argosy University, they may have to wait one or more terms until a clinical site is available to complete their internship. In this event, graduation would be delayed pending successful completion of the internship.

Policy Governing Satisfactory Progress and Recertification of Benefits for Eligible Veterans

If students receiving VA benefits do not meet the standards for academic progress requirements as defined earlier, and are placed on academic/financial aid warning, a notation of this status is placed in the students’ files. If, following placement on academic/financial aid warning, VA students do not meet the requirements at the next evaluation period, they 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.

Minimum Academic Achievement Standards for Students Receiving Department of Defense Tuition Assistance

In addition to Argosy University’s Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy, in order for a Service member student to continue to receive Tuition Assistance (TA) military education benefits for TA-funded courses, the following minimum academic standards must be achieved.

The Department of Defense requires reimbursement from the Service member if a successful course completion is not obtained. For the purpose of reimbursement, a successful course completion is defined as a grade of ”C” or higher for undergraduate courses, a ”B” or higher for graduate courses and a ”Pass” for ”Pass/Fail” grades. Reimbursement will also be required from the Service member if he or she fails to make up a grade of ”I” for incomplete within the time limits stipulated by the educational institution or 6 months after the completion of the class, whichever comes first.

Students using TA must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher after completing 15 semester hours/23 quarter hours, or equivalent, in undergraduate studies, or a GPA of 3.0 or higher after completing 6 semester hours/9 quarter hours, or equivalent, in graduate studies, on a 4.0 grading scale. If the GPA for TA funded courses falls below these minimum GPA limits, TA will not be authorized and Service members will use alternative funding (such as financial aid or personal funds) to enroll in courses to raise the cumulative GPA to 2.0 for undergraduate studies or 3.0 for graduate studies.

The Secretary of the Military Department will establish recoupment processes with the Service member directly for unsuccessful completion of courses.

Petition to Graduate and Commencement

Petition to Graduate

Campus-Based Programs

Students enrolled in campus-based programs are eligible for degree conferral when they have completed all degree program requirements. 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.

Argosy University Online Programs

Students enrolled in Argosy University Online programs are eligible for degree conferral when they have completed all degree program requirements.  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.

Commencement

Campus-Based Programs

In order to participate in commencement ceremonies, students enrolled in campus-based programs must have completed all degree requirements or be scheduled to complete them in the semester in which the commencement ceremony is scheduled. In addition to satisfying the above degree requirements, students who wish to participate in commencement ceremonies must submit a petition to graduate by the deadline established by the campus.

Argosy University Online Programs

In order to participate in commencement ceremonies, students must have completed all degree requirements or be scheduled to complete them during the month in which the commencement ceremony is scheduled. In addition to satisfying the above degree requirements, students enrolled in Argosy University Online Programs must submit a formal request to the campus in whose commencement they wish to participate by the deadline established by the campus.