Mar 29, 2024  
2021-2023 University Catalog 
    
2021-2023 University Catalog

Academic Affairs



The Mission of Academic Affairs

The mission of the Office of Academic Affairs at Saint Augustine’s University is to create, implement, and assess learning that embraces and promotes the mission of Saint Augustine’s University. The mission is achieved through academic policies that facilitate students learning through the mastery of core competencies that are transparent, transferable, and transportable.

In keeping with the institutional goals, Academic Affairs prepares students for graduate and professional studies, or employment through a general education program built on broad transferable knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Developing student competencies in general education areas allows us to build student competencies in major academic disciplines. 

 Goals:

1. To ensure that students attain competencies in the foundational skills of reading, writing, oral communication, mathematics and technology;

2. To help students acquire a historical perspective of the impact of race, gender and culture and the requirements of citizenship in American society;

3. To foster in students a critical understanding of the influence and contributions of diverse cultures in a global context;

4. To provide students with the requisite skills and analytical reasoning ability necessary for the successful pursuit of graduate and professional studies in their major discipline;

5. To develop, review, and revise curricula that will prepare students for meaningful careers including employment in business, government, STEM fields, social and behavioral science fields, the military, education, the arts and health and wellness fields; and

6. To regularly assess the effectiveness of Academic Affairs in fulfilling its mission through regular evaluations of student outcomes, reviewing comparative institutional indicators of institutional effectiveness, and conducting continuous assessment of faculty teaching.

Academic Policies

The Academic Year

The academic year at Saint Augustine’s University is divided into two semesters of approximately sixteen weeks, and on occasion, one eight-week session per semester for traditional courses. Within each semester, program delivery and clock hours may vary. In addition, the University may offer an accelerated Summer Session. Students may begin their matriculation at the University at the beginning of the fall or spring semesters or at the start of the Summer Session.

Degrees Awarded

Bachelor degrees are awarded to students who successfully complete a minimum of 120 credits and who satisfy all other relevant graduation requirements provided in this catalog, which may be amended from time to time. The academic programs at Saint Augustine’s University lead to two degrees: a Bachelor of Arts and/or a Bachelor of Science. Candidates for either degree must complete all courses in their major, including required supporting courses from other disciplines, with a minimum grade of “C.”  Degrees are awarded in the following majors.

Bachelor of Arts Degrees

Communications

 

Political Science

Elementary Education

 

Psychology

English

 

Religious Studies

Film

 

Sociology

Music

 

Theatre

Visual Arts

 

Bachelor of Science Degrees

Accounting

Engineering Mathematics

Biology

Exercise Science

Business Administration

Health and Physical Education

Chemistry

Organizational Managment

Computer Information Systems

Public Health Science

Criminal Justice 

Sport Management

 

 

Minors

Accounting

Black Politics

Computer Information Systems

Criminal Justice

 

Pre-Law

Political Science

Psychology

Public Health Science

English

Foreign Language (French/Spanish)

History

Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness

Military Leadership

Public Policy

Religious Studies

Sociology

Social Work

Sport Management

 

Graduation Requirements

Candidates for graduation must have: passed all General Education competency requirements; earned a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0; earned a minimum grade of “C” in ENGL 131or 131L ENGL 132, ENGL 150, and LIS 150, MATH 131 and MATH 132; earned a minimum grade of “C” in all major courses, including required supporting courses from other disciplines; and earned the last 25% of semester hours of course requirements in a major in residence at Saint Augustine’s University. Candidates for graduation are expected to participate in all commencement exercises, unless excused in writing by the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Candidates for graduation must submit an application to their respective advisors to verify their eligibility for admission to candidacy for graduation. The Candidacy for Graduation form can be obtained from the Registrar’s Office and must be reviewed and signed by the student’s advisor as well as the department chair and submitted to the School Dean one year in advance of the planned graduation date. The School Dean will review the student’s academic record to determine whether all requirements for graduation have been successfully completed.

In summary, in order to be eligible for graduation, students are expected to know and satisfy all relevant degree requirements published in the Saint Augustine’s University Catalog in effect when they declared their current major, including General Education Program competency requirements, School requirements, as well as the major requirements. While students may expect to receive guidance in course selections and assistance in familiarizing themselves with the University’s academic policies from faculty advisors, Department Chairs and School Deans, students shall be held responsible for satisfying all requirements necessary to earn their degrees. A student’s failure to satisfy all relevant degree requirements is not a basis for making exceptions to the University’s academic requirements and/or policies.

Candidates must also be financially cleared with the University. Students should review the financial Information section of this Catalog for a listing of graduation fees.

Independent Study Policy

Offering courses through Independent Study provides students an opportunity to complete courses required for graduation, but which may not be offered in the semester needed to complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree. Students needing to complete a required course in their major through Independent Study must obtain an application from the Office of the Registrar. Only students with the class standing of Senior are eligible to apply for an Independent Study unless otherwise approved by the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The application requires prior written approval from the instructor teaching the course; the signature of the School Dean from the academic department offering the course, the signature of the School Dean in the student’s major, the signature of the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the signature of the Registrar.

The following policies shall govern Independent Study:

  1. Independent Study is limited to students with Senior standing who are currently enrolled at Saint Augustine’s University who must complete required courses in their major;
  2. A student is limited to a maximum of three (3) Independent Study courses. Independent Study may not be used to repeat a course unless otherwise approved by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; and
  3. A student may not enroll in an Independent Study course in any semester that the course is offered as part of the regular schedule of courses.

The faculty member teaching an Independent Study course must:

1.Provide the student with a standard syllabus for the course; and

2.The syllabus must include required meeting dates, weekly assignments/topics and graded assignments including an assignment that forms the basis for a mid-term and final grade.

Honor Graduates

In order to be eligible for honors at graduation, a student must have: completed all requirements for the degree within seven years of enrolling in the University; must have earned a minimum of sixty (60) credits at Saint Augustine’s University and earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.40 or greater. Recognition at graduation for honors in academic performance is as follows:

Summa Cum Laude
3.80 to 4.00

Magna Cum Laude
3.60 to 3.79

Cum Laude
3.40 to 3.59

General Education Program (GEP) Mission Statement

The purpose of the General Education Program (GEP) at Saint Augustine’s University is to support the University’s mission by ensuring that its graduates are proficient in the core competencies of: communication; critical thinking; wellness; STEM and quantitative literacy, global prospective, innovation, creativity, and artistic literacy.

GEP Goals

Students who graduate from Saint Augustine’s University share certain characteristics based on common learning experiences. Upon completion of the GEP course requirements, students should:

  • Think critically and demonstrate a high level of proficiency in written and oral expression;
  • Understand and apply mathematical concepts;
  • Understand essential elements in the physical and natural sciences;
  • Possess a basic understanding of social and behavioral sciences, and of the human environment and think in an informed manner about social and political issues;
  • Possess an appreciation of cultural and spiritual values, creative expression and the history and experience of human society through courses in the humanities, fine arts, and languages;
  • Reflect upon ethical and spiritual questions related to their intellectual interests, social responsibilities, and personal growth; and
  • Know how to lead a healthy lifestyle based upon an understanding of the importance of physical, spiritual, emotional, economic and psychological wellness, which often includes exercise and the principles of physical and natural science.

 

 

Saint Augustine’s University General Education Program

   
Subject Area Course Satisfying Requirements Credit Hours Total Required Credit Hours
Communication Skills COMM 201  
ENGL 131  
ENGL 132  
3 9
STEM

Science course* plus Lab
MATH 131  ** or higher

*

**



(3+1=)4
 

3


 

7
Spiritual Development PHIL 231   or
PHIL 235   or
REL course
3 3
Health/Wellness PE 120  
PE Activity
3

1

4
First-and Second-Year Experience

FYE 111  

FYE 112  

SYE 211  

SYE 212  

1

1


1


1

4
World Languages FL 131 or higher 3 3
History HIST 224   (Recommended)
or Any HIST course
3 3
Fine Arts Any 100/200 Level ART, FIM, MUS, or THE course 3 3
Social Science POLS 210  (Recommended)
or
ECON 236  
3 3
Behavioral Science Any 100/200 Level PSYCH, SOC, or CJ course or POLS 100   3 3


Time Limit (Seven - Year Rule)

Students matriculating as degree-seeking students at Saint Augustine’s University are allowed seven consecutive years to complete degree requirements under the catalog in effect when they entered the University or when they declared their current major, whichever event is the most recent. If students have not met the requirements for graduation under the Catalog within the seven-year time frame, they will be denied eligibility for graduation under that Catalog. Students whose time limit has expired will be graduated under the current University Catalog. Students exceeding the seven-year time limit may appeal in writing to the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs for exceptions to this rule.

Residence Requirements: 25% Rule

All students enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program are required to complete the final 25% of semester hours of academic credit toward the degree in residence at Saint Augustine’s University. The student should be enrolled at the University during the year in which the degree is granted. This requirement also applies to transfer students who are admitted to the University. Coursework taken within the Cooperating Raleigh Colleges (CRC) Consortium is considered “in residence.” The Department Chair, School Dean, and the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs must give prior written approval to students, who have attained senior classification, for a waiver of the 25% rule to support the completion of graduation requirements, including waivers for GEP competency requirements or major requirements as well as CRC coursework. Official transcripts from the CRC institutions where academic credit was earned must be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar prior to Commencement. Students who have earned a grade of “D” or “F” in a course required for graduation while enrolled at the University must repeat that course at Saint Augustine’s University or one of the CRC colleges and obtain a grade of “C” or better. The Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs may make exceptions to residence requirements in conjunction with the approval support of the School Deans and the Department Chairs.

Earning a Second Baccalaureate Degree

Students wishing to pursue a second degree are responsible for initiating and coordinating any action relating to the majors, whether pursuing two degrees concurrently or successively. Saint Augustine’s University will not permit a student to earn more than two baccalaureate degrees.

Prior to pursuing courses in the second major, students are encouraged to meet with the Department Chairs and the School Deans to obtain a full understanding of the courses and/or other requirements necessary for graduation. School Deans, Department Chairs, and faculty advisors are encouraged to meet regularly with students pursuing a second bachelor’s degree to ensure that candidates for a second degree remain thoroughly familiar with all graduation requirements.

With the exception of GEP requirements, students may not use one course to satisfy two sets of academic requirements. Students pursuing a second bachelor’s degree at the University will not be awarded credit towards the second major for courses that were required to complete the first major. Thus, students who plan to graduate with two degrees and dual majors must satisfy the requirements for each major, including all supporting courses and electives with separate courses. Credit for supporting courses completed at another institution for other than the first major may be transferred to Saint Augustine’s University as part of the maximum number (i.e., 90) of transferable credits. Students who satisfy all graduation requirements for two degrees shall receive two diplomas. Students pursuing a second degree at the University must satisfy all internal graduation requirements of the School in which their majors are located.

Concurrent Pursuit of a Second Degree at Saint Augustine’s University (Dual Degree)

A student may earn two degrees concurrently at Saint Augustine’s University by meeting the following requirements:

  • Earn a minimum of 60 hours at Saint Augustine’s University;
  • Receive written approval from the School Dean in which the second major is located;
  • Meet all graduation requirements for both degree programs;
  • Satisfy all requirements for the two majors with separate courses; and
  • Earn a grade of “C” or better in required major’s coursework.

Successive Pursuit of a Second Degree

Students who already hold a baccalaureate degree either from Saint Augustine’s University or another regionally accredited university or university may earn a second baccalaureate degree at Saint Augustine’s University by meeting the following requirements:

  • Complete a minimum of 30 credit hours towards the requirements for the second baccalaureate degree at Saint Augustine’s University;
  • Satisfy all current requirements for the second major, including all course prerequisites;
  • Earn a grade of “C” or better in the required major coursework; and
  • Earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher in all coursework earned at Saint Augustine’s University.

Students who have previously earned a baccalaureate degree at Saint Augustine’s University or at another regionally accredited institution and who wish to acquire a second baccalaureate degree from Saint Augustine’s University must satisfy the current major requirements in effect when they enroll for the second baccalaureate degree.

Semester Credit Hours

A semester credit is defined as one 50-minute class per week (or its equivalent) for one semester. For example, a three-hour class may meet for three 50-minute periods per week, or for two 75-minute periods per week, or for a combination of the two formats per week for one semester. Laboratory and studio classes normally require two to four hours in class per week to be equivalent to one credit hour. Credit for internships, fieldwork courses and practica is determined according to this prevailing standard as well.  For instance, 1/4-time internships, etc., that require about 10 hours per week per semester earn 3 credit hours. 

Overall, one credit hour equates to about 3 hours of the student’s time (i.e., 50 minutes in class and 2 hours of out-of-class student work per week over a semester for a semester hour. Most three-credit courses at Saint Augustine’s University meet for 150 minutes per week of in class instruction and the faculty and administration expect its students to spend at least 6 hours per week engaged in out-of-class preparation for each class hour.  Therefore, students spend about 10 hours per week on each course.  The University considers the 10-hour-standard both sound and acceptable for a 3-credit course.

 

Credits Earned at Accredited U.S. Colleges

Once a student has matriculated at Saint Augustine’s University, he/she may not pursue courses at another accredited college or university as transfer credits towards a degree without obtaining, in advance of registration for such courses, written approval from the Department Chair, the School Dean, and the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs. The University may not accept courses taken without such prior approval. Further, after a student has earned 65 or more semester hours of academic credits at another college, credits earned after enrolling in Saint Augustine’s University from a junior college, community college, technical institute or other comparable institution will not be accepted as transfer credits.

Students transferring from regionally accredited community colleges and/or technical institutes will receive appropriate credit for courses completed. The student must, however, meet the requirements of the Saint Augustine’s University major, even if this involves pursuing freshman and sophomore level courses. The respective School Dean and/or Department Chair will review the record of the transfer student and will make the final recommendation on the course’s applicability towards the major. This procedure will also apply in cases where the transfer student has earned the Associate of Arts or the Associate of Science degree from a state-approved program or programs approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools:Commission on Colleges. All transfer credits will be evaluated where applicable, but will not be computed in the grade point average at Saint Augustine’s University.

Credits Earned at Foreign Colleges

Students transferring credit from courses taken or degrees completed at colleges and/or universities in foreign countries must have their transcripts forwarded to either World Educational Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc., (ECE) for the evaluation of foreign educational credentials. The student should request that the transcript evaluation be sent from WES or ECE to the Office of the Registrar at Saint Augustine’s University. The student must also provide the Office of the Registrar with an official copy (including the foreign colleges or university’s seal or stamp) on the transcript. The Registrar shall forward a copy of both the transcript and WES’ or ECE’s evaluation of the transcript to the Department Chair. The respective School Dean and/or Department Chair will review the transcript and the transcript evaluation of the international student and will make the final determination on courses to be taken and/or credit accepted towards the degree. The international student must, however, meet the graduation requirements as found in the current Saint Augustine’s University Catalog, even if this involves pursuing freshman and sophomore level courses.

Cooperating Raleigh Colleges (CRC)

Through an agreement with North Carolina State University, Shaw University, Meredith College, William H. Peace University, and Wake Technical Community College (i.e., the Cooperating Raleigh Colleges or the “CRC”), students may take courses and pursue programs of study, including courses leading to a minor, when such courses are not offered at Saint Augustine’s University. Fall and Spring Semester credits earned through the CRC are not considered transfer credits and, therefore, are computed in the students’ semester and cumulative grade point averages. Students who are enrolled at Saint Augustine’s University and who are interested in taking courses through the CRC must receive written permission prior to registration at the CRC institutions from the Department Chair, the School Dean and the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs. During the summer there is no inter-institutional program with local colleges.

Students who have previously enrolled in courses at Saint Augustine’s University and who received a grade of “D” in courses required in the major must repeat such courses at Saint Augustine’s University or one of the CRC institutions when not offered at Saint Augustine’s University. Where there are extenuating circumstances that students believe warrant consideration in the application of this policy, students should appeal in writing to the Department Chair of the department in which the course is offered and written authorization must be granted prior to enrolling in the course through the CRC by the School Dean and the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Articulation Agreements

Students who enroll as transfer students from a North Carolina Community College System institution and who have earned either an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science two-year degree are able to transfer and enter into Saint Augustine’s University at the junior class level with all general education requirements satisfied. However, in the event that a major course requires a pre-requisite that has not been satisfied as part of the community college curriculum, then the student will be required to take that pre-requisite in order to satisfy the major course requirement.

If a student earned a two-year degree with an Associate in Applied Science, then the student’s academic coursework will be transferred on a course-by-course basis. Course applicability is at the discretion of the academic School Dean upon the recommendation of the major department Chair.

Credit for Prior Learning

Students may submit evidence that they have met the student learning outcomes (SLOs) required for the General Education Program or major curriculum through life and/or work experience. Students who demonstrate that they have mastered competencies in the prescribed SLO’s may receive college credit and are not required to take courses covering the mastered content. Prior learning may be demonstrated by

  • Advanced Placement (AP) Examination
  • College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
  • Credit by examination
  • Educational Experiences in the Armed Services
  • International Baccalaureate
  • Self-Acquired Competency
  • National Guide to Educational Credit for Training
  • European Patterned Education

1.A maximum 60 credits toward bachelor’s degrees may be established by examination.

2.Maximum credit awarded for Self-Acquired Competency (SC) will be 30 credits toward a bachelor’s degree.

3.Credit for Prior Learning may be applied toward graduation, but not toward residency requirements.

4.Application for Credit for Prior Learning must be submitted prior to the completion of 90 credits for bachelor’s degree programs.

5.No credit may be established by examination in any course in which the examinee has previously earned a grade below “C,” or in any course previously attempted or audited by the student.

6.Credit earned by departmental examination will usually be restricted to lower-division (100 and 200 level courses).

7.Tuition and fees may be charged prior to examination or for posting of credit above eighteen (18) hours.

8.All credits earned through Prior Learning options will be counted for purposes of the Financial Aid Satisfactory Progress policy.

For consideration

Self-Acquired Competency is academic credit for learning that occurred outside the classroom. Current students or applicants may request credit by submitting a written request and a portfolio documenting mastery of the content area(s) and the outcome(s) to a faculty member or the appropriate faculty committee. Portfolios will be externally evaluated through the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) American Council on Education (ACE) CREDIT or approved faculty member(s) with expertise in the major field of study will evaluate the portfolio and determine whether credit should be granted.

The National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs published by the American Council on Education lists credit recommendations for programs and courses sponsored by non-academic organizations to employees or members. In most instances, Saint Augustine’s University will accept these recommendations and award appropriate credit. For more information, contact the Registrar.

International Baccalaureate Degree: Students who achieve 5, 6, or 7 in an individual higher level examination may receive credit for an equivalent course at Saint Augustine’s University. Official transcripts must be issued by the International Baccalaureate North American Office.

European-Patterned Education: Students may earn up to one year of credit for completing the courses and the national examination for advanced high school work equivalent to a thirteenth year of school, depending on examination results, course syllabi and subjects taken. Saint Augustine’s University requires an officially certified copy of externally issued exam results that show the scores for each exam subject, with an official English translation. Advanced credit is most often awarded for these programs:

British GCE Advanced-level or AS-level examinations
Canadian (Quebec) two-year College d’enseignement General et Professionnel
Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) when two units are completed
Danish Studentereksamen
Finnish Ylioppilastutkinto
French Baccalaureate exams
German Abitur exams
Hong Kong HKALE
Icelandic Studentsprof - Menntaskoli exams
Italian Maturita
Lebanese Baccalaureate
Netherlands Voorbereidend Wetenschappellijk Onderwijs (VWO)
Norway Vitnemal
Singaporean Advanced-level exams
Swedish Fullständigt Slutbetyg från Gymnasieskolan
Swiss Federal Maturite exams

Other European Baccalaureate: Students seeking credit for educational experiences in the armed services must provide AARTS or SMART transcripts, verified by the services, and evaluated and endorsed by ACE.

Academic Credit Travel Program Credit: Academic programs that provide travel courses and study abroad carrying one to three credits. To register for these courses, a student must submit a petition to a special review committee consisting of the chair and dean of the appropriate School, the Coordinator of the appropriate program, Director of International Programs/Study Abroad and a faculty member. The student must prepare and submit a portfolio including a written report describing the experience to the committee for its approval before credit can be granted.

To be considered for credit, the travel must be a bona fide, full-time intercultural experience of intensity and depth, which exposes the student to another culture, either interurban or international. In general, one credit is granted for each week of travel to a maximum of six credits.

A Travel Program experience may be developed as an Independent Learning Plan (ILP) to meet the student learning outcomes for the Humanities Competency. Students must work with a faculty member and the Director of International Programs/Study Abroad to develop methods for demonstrating and documenting required outcomes within the experience, and identify methods by which the experience may be assessed. The ILP must be reviewed and approved on the Study Abroad Approval Form by the review committee, which may require alterations to the ILP. The committee will review documentation of the experience and review or conduct appropriate assessments before credit for achievement of the student learning outcome for Humanities Competency is granted. It is possible for one Travel Program experience to meet outcomes in more than one area. For example, an experience could meet outcomes for the Business program and also meet the competency for Humanities Competency.

Credit by Examination

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

CLEP is a national program of credit-by-examination that offers students the opportunity to obtain recognition for College-level achievement. CLEP offers Subject Examinations. CLEP credits will be reflected on the student’s transcript as transfer credits. No more than twenty-four (24) hours of credit can be received through CLEP tests for both general and subject examinations combined.

To be considered for credit students must achieve scores of 50 or higher for each CLEP exam. No credit may be granted for CLEP tests, which are repeated. If a student fails a CLEP test and then retakes the test, the student may not receive credit even if the subsequent score meets the criterion.

The amount of credit to be awarded is to be determined by the Registrar and School Dean in whose department/School the test falls. Credit will be granted only when an official CLEP score report is sent directly from the College Board to the Office of Registrar. Duplicate reports, examinee’s copies or score reports received in any other manner, with the exception of a CLEP examination administered at the College are not acceptable.

Advanced Placement Examinations

Part A

Saint Augustine’s University awards Advanced Placement and/or degree credits for certain college-level courses based on the results high school students may obtain on some of the College Examination Board Advanced Placement Examinations. A list of courses, which are acceptable for exemption by Saint Augustine’s University, has been included in the following chart. Students who wish to receive Advanced Placement for subjects not listed below, and who have earned a score of 3 or higher, should request that the School Dean and Department Chair of the department in which the subject is located review their examination scores for the assignment of Advanced Placement credit. Students desiring to receive credit for Advanced Placement examinations should request that the examination scores be sent to the Office of Admissions at Saint Augustine’s University by contacting:

Advanced Placement Service
Post Office Box 6671
Princeton, New Jersey 08541
Telephone #: 1 (888) 225-5427
E-mail: apexams@info.collegeboard.org

Part B

Additionally, Advanced Placement credits may be awarded to high school students who have enrolled in selected courses at the University upon enrolling as a matriculating student at Saint Augustine’s University. Under certain circumstances, high school students classified as juniors or seniors, with a grade point average of 3.00 or better, and a letter of recommendation from their high school principal, may be granted permission to take university course work. Upon matriculation and approval by the School Dean and Department Chair of the department in which the course was taken at Saint Augustine’s University, the student will be granted college credit.

Advanced Placement
Examination

Score

Course Eligible for Exemption

Credits
Awarded

Art History

5, 4 or 3

ART

130

Art Appreciation 

3

 

 

ART

331

Survey of Art History I 

3

Art Studio

5, 4 or 3

ART

131

Introduction to Drawing 

3

 

 

ART

132

Color and Design 

3

Biology

5 or 4

BIOL

131

Fundamentals of Biology 

4

 

 

BIOL

133

Principles of Biology I 

4

 

 

BIOL

134

Principles of Biology II 

4

Chemistry

5 or 4

CHEM

141

General Chemistry I 

4

 

 

CHEM

142

General Chemistry II 

4

Economics

5, 4 or 3

ECON

235

Principles of Microeconomics 

3

 

 

ECON

236

Principles of Macroeconomics 

3

English

 

 

 

 

 

Literature/Composition

5, 4 or 3

ENGL

131

English Composition I 

3

Language/Composition

5, 4 or 3

ENGL

132

English Composition II 

3

French

 

 

 

 

 

Language

5, 4 or 3

FLFR

131

Elementary French I 

3

Literature

5, 4 or 3

FLFR

331

Survey of French Literature 

3

Government/Politics

 

 

 

 

 

American

5, 4 or 3

POLS

210

American National Government 

3

Comparative

5, 4 or 3

POLS

332

Comparative Politics 

3

History

 

 

 

 

 

American

5, 4 or 3

HIST

231

American History I 

3

 

 

 

or

 

 

American

5, 4 or 3

HIST

232

American History II 

3

Mathematics

 

 

 

 

 

Algebra

5, 4 or 3

MATH

131

College Algebra 

3

Calculus (AB or BC)

5, or 4

MATH

231

Calculus I 

4

 

3

MATH

232

Calculus II 

4

Music

 

 

 

 

 

Listening/Literature

5, 4 or 3

MUSIC

135

Music Appreciation

3

Theory

5, 4 or 3

MUSIC

131

Music Theory and Ear Training I 

3

Physics

 

 

 

 

 

Physics B

5, 4 or 3

PHYS

241

General College Physics I 

4

 

 

 

or

 

 

 

 

 

242

General College Physics II 

 

Physics C

 

PHYS

 

 

4

Mechanics, Electricity/Magnetism

5, 4 or 3

PHYS

243

General Physics I 

4

 

 

PHYS

244

General Physics II 

4

Spanish

 

 

 

 

 

Language

5, 4 or 3

FLSP

131

Elementary Spanish I 

3

 

5, 4 or 3

FLSP

331

Survey of Spanish Literature 

3

Proficiency Exam

Students enrolled at Saint Augustine’s University may have developed knowledge and skills that match the knowledge and skills to be achieved in certain courses at the university. A student may request credit by examination for the purpose of validating this knowledge of the material presented in a course. In order to be eligible to take a proficiency exam a student must show evidence of preparedness, such as high achievement in private or public secondary schools, military service, or work experience which will qualify one for advance standing; documentation must be provided. Challenge procedures:

  • To challenge a course, a student must have the approval of the School Dean, after consultation with their advisor, to take a proficiency test in a particular course.
  • No student will be allowed over two examinations for credit per semester, up to a maximum of 15 hours per degree.
  • No freshman student will be allowed to earn credit by examination for 300 or 400 level courses.
  • Only grades of “C” or better will be approved for credit toward graduation.
  • Students may not challenge courses in which they have previously made a grade other than “W”.

The appropriate department will administer the examination. The standard fee (existing tuition and fees) will be charged, payable after the proficiency exam has been authorized. No fee paid to take a proficiency exam will be refunded regardless of the result of the examination. Only the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs may make an exception to these rules upon the recommendation of the School Dean.

Military Credit

Credit earned while a student was a member of the United States armed forces, including credit earned for military training, may be accepted at Saint Augustine’s University upon review by the Department Chair and School Dean and upon the written approval of the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Vice President for Academic Affairs may require that the student submit an evaluation of credit earned while in the armed forces from such national organizations as the American Council on Education.

Class Load Limits and Excess Credits

As part of the University’s completion agenda Falcon 15: Focus on the Finish, all students are encouraged to take at least 15 credit hours per semester. The minimum academic load during a semester for a regular, full-time student is 12 semester hours. The normal full-time class load is defined as 12 to 18 semester hours per semester. A class load in excess of 18 hours is considered an overload and will require the approval of the Department Chair, School Dean and written authorization from the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs. A student whose cumulative grade point average is less than 3.00 may not register for overload hours in any semester. No freshman may take an overload. Authorization for registering for excess credits must be granted in writing by the last day of registration as reported on the University’s current academic calendar for the semester in which an overload is requested. Additional tuition and fees will be charged (see the section of this catalog on Financial Information) for overloads. Students with class loads of less than 12 hours are part-time and will be billed accordingly.

Classification of Students

A student is classified as a freshman at the time the student enrolls at the University. The classification of students is based upon the number of credits earned as follows:

Enrollment Level

Class Level

Number of Semester Hours

Freshman

0 - 29 semester hours

Sophomore

30 - 59 semester hours

Junior

60 - 89 semester hours

Senior

90 semester hours and above

 

 

Enrollment Status

Full-time

Students who are pursuing a minimum of 12 semester hours

Part-time

Students who are pursuing less than 12 semester hours

 

Class Attendance

With the intent of optimizing student performance and ensuring that students have the opportunity to achieve academic success, students are expected to attend all classes. Faculty members shall provide as part of their course syllabi a clear explanation of their policy on unexcused absences and class attendance including the consequences of violating their policy. The faculty member’s policy on unexcused absences and class attendance must be distributed to students within the first week of classes each semester. Excessive absences may result in a failing grade.

 

It is the sole responsibility of the student to withdraw from a course they are no longer attending prior to the deadline. The deadline will be announced and should be published in the Academic Calendar. The instructor may administratively withdraw students failing to attend the first week of any class and the instructor must notify the Registrar’s Office by the end of the day of the second class meeting.

Students who occasionally fail to attend class may have a valid documented reason for their absence. Students who possess acceptable documentation for their absence from class will be allowed to make up and/or complete class assignments, tests, quizzes, papers, etc. Students must, whenever possible, provide prior notice to the faculty of their intended absence and upon the request of the faculty provide documentation that will account for their absence on the date(s) of the class assignments, tests, quizzes, papers, etc. For example, faculty members may request that students provide documented evidence of:

Personal Sickness, e.g., a written statement from a nurse, doctor, or hospital records.

Death in Family, e.g., a funeral program, documentation from the funeral director, and/or minister.

Emergencies, e.g., appropriate evidence sufficient to document the particular emergency.

Participating in Required School Activities, e.g., a written statement from the appropriate University official such as a coach, band director, choir director, etc.

Students on academic probation are allowed no absences unless approved through the Office of Academic Affairs. Students who fail to meet this condition are subject to suspension.

The academic schools of the university may adopt supplementary rules on attendance not inconsistent with these general rules with the approval of the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs has the authority to suspend any student who fails to meet scholarship requirements or to abide by academic regulations.

Academic Standing

Academic Warning

Students who fall below the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards during a given semester are placed on Academic Warning for the following semester. To clear all academic actions, students must meet all three SAP requirements. Students on Academic Warning are eligible for financial aid. Students on Academic Warning must:

  • Enroll in no more than 13 credit hours
  • Repeat all failed courses 
  • Spend an average of two hours per week working with a tutor from the Academic Advisement/Tutorial Services Center on designated assignments.

Academic Probation

Students who do not meet Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards the semester after being placed on Academic Warning will be placed on Academic Probation. However, the student may appeal this placement and, if successful in the appeal, be granted Academic Warning. To clear all Academic actions, students must meet all three SAP requirements. Students on Academic Probation are eligible for financial aid.  Students who are granted Academic Probation must: 

  • Enroll in no more than 13 credit hours
  • Repeat all failed courses 
  • Spend an average of two hours per week working with a tutor from the Academic Advisement/Tutorial Services Center on designated assignments.

Academic Suspension

Student who do not meet the minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress standards the semester after being placed on Academic Warning or students who do not adhere to the “Academic Plan” set for them by their academic advisor the semester after being placed on Academic Probation are automatically placed on Academic Suspension. A student who attends Summer School at Saint Augustine’s University may improve his/her academic standing. However, readmission still requires an appeal and review by the Academic/Financial Aid Appeals Committee. 

Academic Dismissal

Dismissal occurs automatically at the end of the semester when a student fails to remove Academic Suspension or after having been placed on Academic Probation for a semester, he/she still fails to meet SAP. A student who is dismissed will be required to leave the college for up to one year.   

Letter of Appeal

Students who are academically suspended must submit a letter of appeal to the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs. Such appeals shall be in writing and must be submitted no later than thirty days prior to the start of the term in which the student is requesting readmission. Students who are readmitted after academic suspension are place on academic probation and must meet the requirements for students on probation.

 

Standards of Minimum Progress

In order to avoid being academically suspended from the University, a student must meet the following minimum standards of progress:

  • A student’s cumulative grade point average must meet the criteria specified in the table below:

Cumulative Credit Hours Attempted

Minimum Cumulative GPA

0-29

1.75

30-59

1.85

60 and above

2.0

 

 

Grading

The grading system is based upon semester hours. The faculty may award the following grades:

Letter Grade

Description

Numeric Grade

Quality Points Per Semester Hour of Credit

A

Excellent

90 and above

Four

B

Good

80 to 89

Three

C

Fair

70 to 79

Two

D

Passing but poor

60 to 69

One

F

Failure

Below 60

None

I

Incomplete

Quality points will not be used to compute the student’s term GPA.

Please note:

  • Students must pass all courses in their major including supporting courses from other disciplines, with a grade of “C” or better. Thus, students who receive a grade of “D” or “F” in any course in their major are required to repeat that course at Saint Augustine’s University.
  • “W” Withdrawal is Non-Punitive (not used to compute the student’s cumulative GPA)

Grade Change Policy

It is the University’s policy that once a final grade is recorded, no changes are allowed. The only exceptions to this policy are as follows:

An “I” (incomplete) grade may be given in exceptional cases to a student whose work in a course has been satisfactory, and, due to documented illness or other documented emergencies beyond the student’s control, he/she has been unable to fulfill specific course requirements such as the final examination, a notebook, an experiment, or a research or term paper. The student must complete the work by the end of the second week from the beginning of class in the next semester following the granting of an incomplete (“I”) grade; otherwise, the “I” grade is automatically converted to the Guaranteed Grade. Although a petition for the “I” grade may be initiated by the student or by a faculty member, the recording of the “I” grade must be approved by the Department Chair and by the School Dean. The Office of the Registrar provides faculty with a special form for the removal of an “I” grade.

The grade must be removed by the end of the second week following the beginning of class (in the semester following the one in which the “I” was granted) as stated on the academic calendar or the Incomplete (“I”) will automatically convert to the Guaranteed Grade. An incomplete grade (I) shall not be recorded as a mid-term grade by a faculty member.

Recording error(s) and/or miscalculations of a grade must be changed no later than the end of the semester following the recording error or miscalculation. Grade changes must be approved by the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs and supported by the Department Chair and the School Dean. All grade changes requested because of recording error(s) and/or miscalculations of a grade must be supported by documentation from the faculty member who made the error; i.e., grade books, papers and examinations and calculation records.

Within the first 30 days of a degree being conferred by the President of Saint Augustine’s University, a graduate may challenge his/her grades. The graduating student has the right to challenge only the grades earned in the final semester. Grades from previous semesters shall not be changed. Once that time period has expired, the transcript is officially sealed and neither grades nor earned credits will be changed.

Academic Appeals

The Academic Appeal Process requires that a student first discuss the academic dispute with the faculty member who accused the student, or assigned the grade, or initiated the penalty, or with whom the dispute first surfaced. If the dispute is not resolved in conversation(s) with the faculty member, the student shall next address the matter with the Chair of the department in which the course is taught. If the matter is still in dispute following the investigation and determination by the Department Chair, the student has a right to appeal to the Dean of the School in which the dispute arose. In cases where the recommended penalty is that the student be suspended or expelled, or where the student’s degree or certification is revoked, students may appeal in writing to the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Specifically, in cases involving allegations of academic dishonesty students shall be provided with: (1) adequate notice of any offense with which they are charged; and, (2) an opportunity to be heard by the Dean of the School in which the offense is alleged to have occurred.

Credit for Repeating a Course

Students are permitted to repeat only courses in which a grade of “D”, “F” or “W” has been earned. The grade that is used is the highest according to the computer program. Students must repeat all courses in the major including supporting courses required in other disciplines, as well as selected GEP courses in which a grade of “D” (or “F”) was received (see GEP section for those courses). In order to receive credit for repeating a course, the new course must contain the identical (i.e., course, prefix and number) with regards to the department in which the two courses are located. The repeated courses must be taken at Saint Augustine’s University or at a CRC school during the fall or spring semesters with permission from the Office of Academic Affairs. The student’s transcript will reflect that the course has been repeated.

Grade Reports

Grade reports are not mailed. Student grades may be accessed online. After grades are submitted by the instructor, they are processed and issued by the Office of the Registrar. Students should examine their grade report carefully. If no grade report is received, the student should contact the Office of the Registrar immediately.

Any error in a grade report must be reported in writing by the student who received the grade or by the instructor who issued the grade to the Department Chair and the School Dean by the last day to withdraw from class (as reflected on the University’s current academic calendar) in the semester following the issuance of the grade. Any grading error not reported by such time shall become the permanent grade on the student’s transcript.

Dean’s List

The Dean’s List is achieved by having a semester grade point average of 3.00 and above for a minimum of 12 credit hours.

Dropping Classes

Students may drop classes without academic penalty according to the deadline published in the University’s current academic calendar. Students are advised that discontinued attendance does not constitute dropping a class. Failure to report for any class that appears on students’ schedules or discontinuation of attendance without officially dropping the class or withdrawing from the course or the college will result in a grade of “F,” which is computed in the semester and cumulative averages. Students should refer to the financial Information section of this catalog to determine the billing and financial impact, if any, of dropping classes.

Withdrawal from a Course

Withdrawing from a course is recognized as officially and permanently leaving that course after the drop/add period. Students may withdraw from a course according to the deadline published in the University’s current academic calendar or publicized widely on campus. Students who desire to withdraw from a course should secure a Course Withdrawal Form from the Office of the Registrar. Processing of the withdrawal form will begin after the student has returned it to the Office of the Registrar, with the signatures of their academic advisor and the School Dean in the student’s major. Students officially withdrawn from a course are assigned a permanent grade of “W” by the Registrar. Students should refer to the financial Information section of this catalog to determine the billing and financial impact (if any) of withdrawing from a course.

Withdrawal from the University

A student is not officially withdrawn from the University until an application has been signed by the appropriate university administrators and returned to the Office of the Registrar. Students are encouraged to notify their instructors when withdrawing from the University. University property (such as dorm keys and ID cards) must be returned to the Office of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at the time of withdrawal. Upon completion of the withdrawal procedure, the student’s transcript is annotated with a grade of “W” for all courses in which a student is enrolled at the time of withdrawal as well as the date of withdrawal. A student who stops attending class and/or leaves the University without processing a formal withdrawal application form shall receive an “F” grade in each course in which the student is registered.

A student may withdraw from the University at any point up to two weeks before the date for the start of final exams. Students should refer to the dates listed on the current academic calendar. Students who withdraw from the University and who do not re-enroll within one academic year must meet the requirements of the current catalog, including GEP, as well as requirements in the major. Students who have withdrawn from the University and more than an academic year has passed since they re-enrolled may appeal in writing to the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs for a review of circumstances that may warrant consideration of an exception to the application of this rule. Students should refer to the Financial Information section of this catalog to determine the billing and financial impact, if any, of withdrawing from the University.

Unofficial Withdrawals

Students who cease attending all the courses in which they are registered for a given term or session are considered to have unofficially withdrawn.  In these cases, students will be administratively withdrawn from the university by the Office of Academic Affairs.  A student who does not officially withdraw from the university is subject  to the following penalties/conditions:

  • Receive a grade of W for all courses attended; and
  • Obtain Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs approval prior to future registration

Financial Implications of Withdrawals

Withdrawing from the university has financial implications for students.  Failure to complete coursework in a given semester or session does not cancel a student’s obligation to pay tuition and all other charges in full.  Before initiating the withdrawal process, students are encouraged to consult with the Office of Financial Aid and the Business Office in order to make informed financial decisions.  For more information about refunds and adjustments, please refer to the Business and Finance Information:  Refund and Withdrawal Policy and the Financial Aid and Scholarships section of this catalog.

Leave of Absence

Saint Augustine’s University acknowledges that at times students may need to request a Leave of Absence due to unforeseen circumstances or events outside of their control that keep them from completing courses for which they are currently enrolled.  For example, students who are called into active military duty, specialized training or disaster relief efforts may request a Military Leave of Absence.  Similarly, students with emergency medical situations or other situations outside of their control that precludes class attendance or completion of course requirements can request a Special Circumstances Leave of Absence.

Leaves of Absence must be approved by the Provost and may be granted for a maximum of 180 days.  Students requesting a leave of absence can choose the following options regarding their coursework:

  • Seek an alternate method of completing courses (e.g., taking courses online)
  • Drop or withdraw from current course(s) that the student has started and future courses(s) he/she is registered tor; and/or
  • Request a grade of incomplete (I) for courses(s) the student has started and is passing with a grade of C.

Class Cancellation Policy

Classes can be cancelled based upon low enrollment. A department chair may recommend cancellation of a class for approval of the Dean and the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs. Class cancellations can also originate from the Office of Academic Affairs. The students are advised of the pending cancellation and the other options by either the instructor on record or the chair of the department. When a class is cancelled, the students are dropped without financial penalty or any record of the class on their transcripts. Additionally, the students are required to meet with their academic advisors and/or department chairs to obtain alternative classes.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), also known as the Buckley Amendment, gives students the right to: (1) inspect and review their educational records; (2) consent to release of educational records to a third party; (3) request amendment of information believed to be incorrect that is included in the educational records; and (4) be notified of their rights under FERPA. Also under FERPA, the student must authorize, in writing, the release of any part of his/her records including grades. It is the policy of Saint Augustine’s University to comply with the terms and conditions of FERPA.

Academic Forgiveness Policy

Academic Forgiveness permits students a one-time opportunity to have “D” and “F” grades earned prior to reenrollment deleted from the cumulative and curriculum grade point average (GPA). This policy will allow students to demonstrate that they are now prepared for academic success. In cases where a degree is completed and certified, academic forgiveness cannot be made unless there was a transcript error.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for Academic Forgiveness, applicants must:

* not have been enrolled at Saint Augustine’s University for a period of at least seven (7) years

* be formerly enrolled Saint Augustine’s University students

* be readmitted into the University

Protocol

All eligible students who are interested in seeking Academic Forgiveness must have been readmitted into the University using the catalog of record at the time of readmission.

In order to receive Academic Forgiveness, students must:

* complete a minimum of twenty-four (24) consecutive credit hours from the University after readmission

* earn a grade of “C” or better in all 24 credit hours

* complete an application for Academic Forgiveness

* submit the application to the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Committee members and the Provost

 

The application for Academic Forgiveness will require

1. the student to submit answers to the following questions:

* What life changes the student has made since his/her previous enrollment

* What plans/tools s/he has which will help him/her succeed going forward

2. A signed approval form from his/her advisor, and

3. A copy of the student’s transcript, which should include the grades earned in the 24 hours after readmission.  

Financial Aid

The Academic Forgiveness Policy is a University academic policy. As such, this policy is not recognized in the US Department of Education’s calculation of financial aid eligibility. Students who plan to apply for or receive financial aid should contact the University’s Financial Aid Office to discuss their federal aid eligibility.

Policy Parameters

Students who seek Academic Forgiveness should also understand the following guidelines:

* Successful Academic Forgiveness petitions will only apply to grades obtained at Saint Augustine’s University. They do not apply to coursework from other post-secondary institutions.

* Students may only receive Academic Forgiveness once.

* Students who receive a provisional admission but who do not meet the stipulations regarding grades or completed hours will be denied Academic Forgiveness. 

 

Majors and Minors

Declaring a Major

Students may declare their major discipline of study when they are admitted to Saint Augustine’s University. Students who do not declare a major at the point at which they are admitted to the University are regarded as “Undecided”. All freshman students, even if they declare a major will be assigned an academic advisor from the Academic Advisement Center. After their first year of study, students in good standing will be assigned academic advisors in the departments of their chosen majors.

Concentrations within a Major

A concentration is a series of defined courses, usually nine (9) to twelve (12) hours, required within the major course requirements. A concentration provides the student with an increased measure of proficiency in a specific area within the chosen major. These courses, selected in conjunction with the academic advisor, generally carry the course prefix of major courses offered by the School. A major concentration is not printed on the University transcript.

Change of Major

The Change of Major Form is required in order for students who were formerly “Undecided” to declare a major or for students to change their current major. A Change of Major Form is available from the Office of the Registrar and students must secure the appropriate signatures and return the form to the Registrar. When students change their major, however, they are required to satisfy the current requirements in effect at the time the Change of Major Form is completed.

Qualitative Performance in the Major

Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all courses in the major, including supporting courses required in other disciplines. Courses in the major in which a grade of “D” or “F” as received must be repeated at Saint Augustine’s University or at one of the CRC schools with permission.

Declaring a Minor

Students may declare a minor (in departments in which there are published requirements for a minor) in departments other than the one in which their major is located. The minor must be published in the current Catalog. A student who wishes to minor in a particular discipline must successfully complete eighteen (18) credit hours of required courses in the minor. Students who successfully complete the requirements for a minor shall have the minor indicated on their transcript. No required course (i.e., major, major elective or supporting course) at Saint Augustine’s University may be used to satisfy two or more requirements.  Thus, the 18 credit hours must be in elective courses that the student is not using to meet School, Departmental, or major requirements. In order to successfully complete a minor, the student must earn a grade of “C” or better in all courses required in the minor. Students who have earned a grade of “D” in a course required in the minor but who have otherwise completed all other requirements for graduation may graduate but will not have the minor recorded on their transcript. Students are advised to confer with the department chairs in which the minor is offered prior to declaring a minor.

Academic Honor Code

Academic Dishonesty

The primary mission of the faculty at Saint Augustine’s University is to teach students the major paradigms and the content of their respective discipline. The faculty encourages each student to achieve the highest academic ideals. The faculty also strives to make certain that their evaluation of students’ academic performance accurately reflects each student’s true merit. Because academic dishonesty interferes with the faculty’s mission of educating and evaluating students, academic dishonesty will not be tolerated at Saint Augustine’s University. The policy of the University is that any student found to have engaged in academic dishonesty shall fail the assignment and may fail the course. The student may also be referred to the School Dean in which the student’s major is located and to the Provost for additional disciplinary action. All instances of academic dishonesty are subject to the full range of penalties at the University’s disposal.

Penalties for Academic Dishonesty

Any student found to have engaged in academic dishonesty at the University shall fail the test or assignment for which the student cheated and may be subjected to one or more of the following penalties including: failure of the course in which the academic dishonesty occurred; written reprimands from the Department Chair, School Dean, and/or the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs; and suspension and/or expulsion from the University. Suspension is for a specified period, not to exceed two years. On the other hand, expulsion is the permanent separation from the University. Depending on the severity of the academic dishonesty, a student may be suspended or expelled although the accused student has never received a lesser penalty for previous academic misconduct. Finally, when an act of academic dishonesty is found to invalidate a major academic requirement for a degree, then the penalty may include a recommendation to the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs to revoke a certification or not grant a certification, and/or to revoke a degree. Students who have engaged in academic dishonesty may also be required to participate in counseling, take reduced credit loads, and/or be denied admittance to certain majors or programs. In addition to the aforementioned penalties, other sanctions may be imposed, such as, but not limited to, financial restitution, campus or community service, and additional educational requirements.

Types of Academic Dishonesty

Below is a list of common forms of academic dishonesty. The list is not intended to be an exhaustive representation of all the possible forms of academic dishonesty.

Cheating

Cheating is the use of or the attempted use of unauthorized information such as books, lecture notes, study aids, answers or other materials from students and/or other sources, for the purpose of submitting a part or all of the unauthorized information as one’s own individual effort in any class, clinic, assignment, or examination. Helping or attempting to help another student commit any act of academic dishonesty is also a form of cheating.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the submission, either orally or in writing, of words, ideas, drawings, or other works of another person as one’s own without providing the appropriate citation or otherwise referencing the source of such words, ideas, drawings, or other works of another person for the purpose of receiving credit for having completed an academic assignment.

Abuse of Academic Materials

Abuse of Academic Materials is destruction of the University’s property including defacing the University’s academic resource materials stored in the library, archives, faculty and administrative offices.

Stealing

Stealing is the unauthorized taking, or withholding the property of another and thereby permanently or temporarily depriving the owner of its use or possession.

Lying

Lying is making any oral or written statement, which the student knows, or should know, is not true or accurate.

Academic Dishonesty Appeal Process

The procedure for resolving disputes of academic dishonesty or for resolving any dispute concerning a student’s academic standing at Saint Augustine’s University is the Academic Dishonesty Appeal Process. The Academic Dishonesty Appeal Process requires that a student first discuss the academic dispute with the faculty member who accused the student, or assigned the grade, or initiated the penalty, or with whom the dispute first surfaced.

If the dispute is not resolved in conversation(s) with the faculty member, the student shall next address the matter with the Chair of the department in which the course is taught. The Department Chair shall: investigate the matter thoroughly; make a record of the relevant evidence; make a determination about the nature of the dispute or appropriateness of the accusation, the grade, or the penalty imposed on the student. If the matter is still in dispute following the investigation and determination by the Department Chair, the student has a right to appeal to the School Dean in which the dispute arose. In cases where the recommended penalty is that the student be suspended or expelled, or where the student’s degree or certification is revoked, students may appeal in writing to the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Specifically, in cases involving allegations of academic dishonesty students shall be provided with: (1) adequate notice of any offense with which they are charged; and, (2) an opportunity to be heard by the School Dean in which the offense is alleged to have occurred. The penalty imposed by (or approved by) the School Dean shall be based on evidence collected and recorded by the faculty member, the Department Chair, and/or the School Dean. The School Dean in which the student’s major is located shall also be notified of the academic dishonesty and of the penalty imposed by the School Dean in which the academic dishonesty occurred.