Academic Policies

Academic Calendar
Academic Consequences of Cheating or Plagiarism
Academic Honors
Academic Probation
Advanced Placement Program
Approval for Survey Research
Auditing of a Course
Calendars and Schedules
Change of Curriculum
Class Attendance
Class Meeting Schedule
Class Time
CLEP and DANTES
Cohort Policies
Completing Program Requirements
Co-requisite Courses
Curriculum Design
Curriculum Selection
Directed Study
Directed Training
Dropping/Adding/Withdrawing from a Class
Evaluation of Directed Training may include:
Faculty Expectations of Students
Faculty Teaching Methods
Faculty-Student Dispute Resolution Procedures
Fresh Start
Grade Appeal Procedure
Grade Appeals
Grade Point Average
Grading Scale
Grading System
Graduation and Participation in Commencement
Graduation Requirements
High School Articulation
Honor Point Scale (effective Fall 2002 to present)
Incomplete Grade Policy
Institutional Withdrawal
Institutional Withdrawal
Military Training or Experience
No Credit Grades
Official Academic Records
Outcome of the Grade Appeal Process
Placement Testing
Pre-requisite Courses
Prior Learning Credit
Prior learning options include:
Proficiency Examinations
Proficiency Portfolio
Quality Measurements
Registration
Repeated Courses
Required or Elective Course Credit
Residency Policy
Right to Dismiss
Satisfactory Progress
Second Degree Policy
Second Major
Student Evaluation Feedback Surveys
Student Expectations of Faculty
Student Honor Code
Transfer Credit

Curriculum Design
The eCleary model class format, used in all classes, provides a complete set of instructional elements to effectively address learning.  Because of the standard features that include Introduction, Research, Discussion, and Assessment, the eCleary model assists in setting a consistent expectation for students.  Department chairs determine course learning outcomes and design and select instructional materials.  All faculty members are asked for input on the courses they teach.  Cleary also seeks input from students and employers regarding program goals.

Faculty Teaching Methods
Distance learning, on-campus, blended (combination of distance learning and on-campus delivery), and lab courses are expected to utilize a variety of active learning methods, minimize lecturing, and incorporate multiple instructional approaches including computer and Internet technology.  Faculty are expected to seek out and take part in professional development opportunities, both within and outside of the University, to improve teaching effectiveness.  It is expected that faculty members will revise and update their courses on an on-going basis to reflect current and emerging theory and practice.

Quality Measurements
University faculty members have identified specific intended outcomes for the degree and for each course.  The instructor teaching the course is expected to gather data that provides evidence that these outcomes are being met.  These data are used to evaluate and grade students and to make improvements in the curriculum and in instructional methods.  In addition to utilizing various assessment tools as a component of each course, BBA and MBA students are required to complete the Educational Testing Service Major Field Test in Business as a condition of graduation from the program.  This test measures degree outcomes within the core courses.  Outcomes, by major, will be measured using an objective test within the final course of each major sequence.

Academic Calendar
The University follows an academic year, September through August, divided into four academic quarters. Fall, winter, spring, and summer quarters are each 13 weeks in length.  Each 13-week term has two six-week sessions. Classes are six weeks in length scheduled in each of the two sessions of the term. Terms start seven times a year:  Fall (September and November), Winter (January and February), Spring (April and June), and Summer (July).  The calendar can be accessed from the Cleary Web site.

Calendars and Schedules
The Assistant Vice President, Academic Services' office provides academic calendars and class schedules.  Programs are normally scheduled in student cohorts that meet on a calendar unique to each group.  Individual student schedules may be obtained using the Cleary Student Portal.

Class Meeting Schedule
On-campus classes meet in a variety of schedules including one evening per week (4 hours/week) per session, two days per week (6 hours/week) per session or one day per week (3 hours/week) per term.  Blended classes, which utilize a combination on on-campus and online deliveries, are also offered for some classes.  Students and faculty are expected to meet and make effective use of the entire class period as scheduled. All undergraduate and graduate classes begin on Monday and end on Sunday.

Class Attendance
Students are expected to attend all regularly-scheduled class meetings.  To maximize learning, students should arrive on time and participate during the entire class meeting.  

A student who misses two or more meetings of a six-week evening class without the permission of the instructor will earn a grade of a NC (no credit) if the student is earning a passing grade for the class based on the criteria identified in the instructor's syllabus at the time of the second absence.  If the student is failing the class at the time of the second absence, the instructor may elect to give the student a failing grade based on the student's poor performance.  This step is designed to discourage a student from using the NC grade to leave a class due to a failing grade. In the case of a NC grade, the student must repeat the class. 

In special circumstances approved by the instructor, the student who misses two classes may be given the option to continue in the class and complete all missing assignments, resulting in a grade in the class.  However, the student must be passing the class at the time of the second absence.  

Class attendance records are kept by the instructor and may be included as a criterion for the course grade.  Instructors provide their individual policies on absence and grading in their class syllabus.

The same policy on attendance applies to students enrolled in the undergraduate daytime program.  However, the policy covers students who miss four meetings for classes meeting twelve times per term.

Class Time
Class time in an accelerated program is at a premium.  Every effort should be made by the faculty and students to make use of that time effectively.  Students should expect faculty to use the entire time planned for each class period.  Many instructors use out-of-class papers for student evaluation while in other classes some in-class testing is used.

Official Academic Records
A permanent transcript contains identifying information, a complete record of all course work, academic status, and degree(s) granted.  Duplicate posting of the same or equivalent courses is not permitted.  Additional records are maintained if the student has used financial aid or veterans' services.  At the end of each quarter, final grades are available through the student portal and recorded on the student's permanent transcript.  Official transcripts and student copies may be obtained by contacting the Records Office.  Fees and restrictions may apply.

Placement Testing
Every entering student will be assessed relative to program requirements.  As appropriate, testing will be used to determine skill levels in the areas of computing, communications, and mathematics.  The testing will be Web-based and undertaken after an initial advisor meeting.

Curriculum Selection
All degree-seeking students are required to select one curriculum, the degree program they intend to complete.  Students not enrolled in a degree-seeking program will use "non-degree seeking" to fulfill this requirement.  A student applying for graduation must either complete the degree requirements from the current catalog (year of graduation), or complete the degree requirements in effect the year the student declared her/his program choice.  Students must complete the degree within a seven-year period from the date of degree program selection.

Change of Curriculum
With approval by an academic advisor, students may change their academic curriculum (major).  Curriculum changes should be planned a term in advance to coordinate class registration and delivery of textbooks.  A change of curriculum may require additional academic course work.  The student has the responsibility to gain the approval of his or her academic advisor to change to a different curriculum.  A student enrolled in a program that has been discontinued by the University is allowed two academic years to complete that curriculum. If he/she is unable to complete it in the time allowed, he/she must change to a current curriculum.

Cohort Policies
Key portions of the Cleary degree may be delivered using cohort instruction.  Cohort instruction means that individuals join a group who complete together a specific portion of their degree program.  The "cohesive group" nature of cohort instruction produces strong bonding between individual cohort members.  Preserving this characteristic of the cohort is critical to gain positive student learning, completion success, and high satisfaction.  The University's cohort policy allows individual students to join a cohort only at planned entry points and only when the expectation and plan is for that person to complete the cohort course sequence with the cohort group.  The only exception would be to allow a student who has stopped out to join a cohort to complete with that group.  Students will not be permitted to join a cohort for the purpose of making up a single course requirement.  Single course requirements must be met taking non-cohort classes.

Directed Study
Under special circumstances a course may be completed by a student under the direction of a faculty person. Academic Advisors are required to approve directed study enrollment in advance of the term in which the course is to be completed.  Students are expected to complete all normal requirements for the course and demonstrate competency through completion of an exam or an alternative evaluation method provided by the faculty. All other University policies apply.

Co-requisite Courses
Co-requisite courses are courses that have been designed to be completed at the same time.  Normally this means course learning activities, assignments, and assessments have been coordinated to attain the learning outcomes of both courses but at the same time reduce student work load.  Courses designated as co-requisites must be taken concurrently.

Pre-requisite Courses
A course designated as a pre-requisite for another course must be taken first.  This is done to provide needed preparation for a course before enrollment.  Course sequences that are designated as cohort delivery have assumed pre-requisites; these courses must be taken in the order specified by the curriculum outline.

Registration
Open registration for all students takes place before the start of each term.  Class registration changes are accepted only during the registration period for a given term, but not after the start date of that term.

Dropping/Adding/Withdrawing from a Class
Any changes in registration must be approved by an academic advisor who submits a drop/add form before the term start date.  Classes dropped during the registration period are removed from the student's transcript.

Once the term starts, a student may withdraw from classes through the final withdrawal date of each term by contacting his or her academic advisor. A withdrawal form can be processed after the first day of the term.  Financial penalties apply.  If a student withdraws from class after the beginning of the term, a grade of "W" (Withdrawal) will be recorded.  A student who leaves the University during a term or stops attending class without officially withdrawing will receive a no credit (NC) or failed grade (E) from the instructor of the course(s) in question. "W" grades may affect the student's future eligibility for financial aid.

Institutional Withdrawal
Students who register for classes and subsequently never attend any classes, do not file the proper forms to drop or withdraw, and have not communicated their intentions regarding continuation of classes, may be dropped from all classes by the institution. Though the "IW" appears on the transcript, it will not affect the student's overall grade point average.  IW grades may affect the student's future eligibility for financial aid.

Student Evaluation Feedback Surveys
Class evaluations are a standard component of each class.  Students complete them electronically.  Students respond to questions about the course design, instructional materials, the instructor, and support services.  Instructions for completing and submitting the survey are provided in each course syllabus.  Individual responses from these surveys are anonymous and strictly confidential.

Faculty Expectations of Students
Faculty members have the expectation that students will take responsible action to fulfill duties and responsibilities in their academic program and in each class.  Therefore, we believe it is reasonable for faculty to assume that students will:

• Treat the classroom as a professional environment and treat students and faculty with respect.
• Adhere to class start times and end times that are prescribed and regard them as not negotiable.
• Show courtesy as other students speak.
• Restrict side bar conversations when anyone is addressing the class.
• Never plagiarize or cheat.
• Hand in all work on time.
• Silence all pagers and cell phones in every class.
• Return to class on time after every break.
• Be accountable for their actions toward group members when working in groups.
• Take ownership of one's performance, both academic and behavioral.
• Keep e-mail addresses and phone numbers current on University records.
• Include one's first and last name (course name and number are also helpful) on every document the student submits to a faculty member.
• Notify the instructor in the event of an absence.

Student Expectations of Faculty
The faculty of Cleary University provide the highest level of service possible to all students.  To this end, it is reasonable for students to assume that faculty will:

• Provide a current, complete, and accurate class syllabus posted one week prior to the term start.
• Use the textbooks and instructional materials described in the syllabus as an integral part of the course work.
• Provide office hour information and other means of communication to students, using phone and e-mail.
• Plan and conduct meaningful learning activities for the full time allotted for all classes.
• Provide such other reasonable assistance on an individual basis as may be necessary and appropriate.
• Electronically acknowledge all student questions and assignments within 24 - 48 hours.
Engage in appropriate electronic discussions on a regular basis for each course module.
• Provide regular and informative feedback on assignments in order to insure that students understand their strengths and deficiencies on any given lesson.
• Notify students in the event of an absence and arrange a plan with the class to make up the missed class session using distance format.
• Keep course-related materials for at least twelve weeks from the end of the class.  This includes student work, e-mails, grade books, etc.  After grades become permanent, faculty members are free to discard course-related materials.

Faculty-Student Dispute Resolution Procedures
In the event that either the student or the faculty member believes that a legitimate dispute or difference of opinion exists regarding a classroom issue other than grading, the following procedures are established for use by either party.   Student grade appeals are handled under a different policy that can be found elsewhere within this handbook.

1. In the event that a student or faculty member disagrees over the other's actions, comments, conduct, or decision (other than a final course grade*), the student or faculty member should first address his or her concern directly with the other party.  Both parties are encouraged to discuss any classroom-related or academic disputes with each other in person, by phone, or by e-mail.  All parties are expected to treat each other with respect.
2. If, after discussion, the student or the faculty member still disagrees and the issue remains unresolved, he/she may consult with the student's academic advisor.  The academic advisor will take reasonable steps to assist in the resolution of the matter.
3. If, after consultation with the academic advisor, the student or faculty member believes the issue or dispute has not been resolved satisfactorily, the student or faculty member may submit a written and signed statement to the Dean of Instruction.  The statement should present a brief description of the specific problem and the desired outcome.  The Dean will attempt to arrange a satisfactory resolution.
4. All disputes must comply with these procedural requirements.  Anonymous complaints will not be acted upon.

*The Grade Appeal Procedure is the process students use when they want to appeal the final course grade.  Grade Appeal Procedure instructions and forms are available in each campus center or electronically on the Cleary University Web site.  The contact person for grade appeals is the student's academic advisor.

Residency Policy
In order to earn a degree from Cleary University, students must complete the residency requirement.  For students enrolled in the MBA program, the residency requirement consists of thirteen courses, or 52 credits.  The Cleary University BBA and BS residency requirement consists of the core and major course sequence comprising the last four to five terms (assuming full-time enrollment) of the degree program.  All BBA and BS students, without substitution or exception, must complete a minimum of 72 credits.  ABA and AAS students must complete a minimum of two terms (32 credits) of their programs.

Completing Program Requirements
Program credit requirements are met by completion of required or elective course credit, application of transfer credit, and/or application of prior learning, non-traditional credit.

Required or Elective Course Credit
Required Course Credit
Following a prescribed curriculum track for a major or program, students take classes on campus and via the Internet to complete required courses.  The minimum number of required credits for the BBA and BS degrees, the residency requirement, 72-96 credits and the minimum number for the ABA or AAS is 32 credits.  Courses in this category result in a letter grade and are computed in the student's grade point average.

Elective Course Credit
Elective courses may be completed through taking classes on campus or via the Internet.  Students follow an academic plan worked out with an academic advisor and usually complete electives before joining a cohort to complete required courses prescribed for a curriculum.  Courses in this category result in a letter grade and are computed in the student's grade point average.

Transfer Credit
In the transfer credit category, students may fill degree requirements using transfer credits earned for courses taken at another college or university.  The maximum number of quarter credits in this category that may be applied toward the MBA is 12 credits, the maximum number that may applied toward the BBA or BS ranges up to 108 (depending on the program selected); and the maximum number toward the ABA or AAS is 58.  Credit in this category does not include a grade and does not count in the student's grade point average or toward the Cleary University residency requirement.

Students who have received college credit with a grade of "D" or better from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting body such as the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association may transfer these credits to Cleary. Credit for courses from a non-accredited postsecondary institution will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and credit may be given if the course content and academic standards of the institution meet the requirements of Cleary University.

Prior Learning Credit
Cleary University recognizes that students gain knowledge and skills in a variety of ways.  Examples include work settings, professional organizations, travel, avocations, leadership positions, volunteering, etc.  When learning takes place in a non-traditional learning environment (not documented on a college transcript), and is equivalent to college-level learning, Cleary University offers several options for documentation of academic credit up to a maximum of 36 credits.  It is important to note that the emphasis for granting credit is on what is learned, rather than on what is experienced.

Prior learning options include:

• Directed Training
• Proficiency Portfolio
• Proficiency Exams
• CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) Exams
• DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support) Exams
• Military Experience and Training
• Advanced Placement Program
• High School Articulation

University policy requires that undergraduate students who elect to earn credit by utilizing the prior learning option submit documentation prior to the first day of the final term of the student's program.  Assessment fees for prior learning are included in tuition through the first day of the final term of each student's program.  Late submissions are accepted for evaluation; however, fees and restrictions apply.

Directed Training
Cleary University evaluates professional training for college credit.  Directed Training includes professional workplace or vendor-supplied training that has a standardized structure, is verifiable, and is available to others in the same format.  Examples include workshops, seminars, licenses, and apprenticeships.  Credit petitions should include confirmation of training completion such as a certificate, transcript, or training record.  Submissions should also include a verifiable record of contact hours.  Finally, a curriculum outline, syllabus, or other subject-matter documentation should be attached.

Evaluation of Directed Training may include:

• validation of hours
• credentials of the instructor
• organization-sponsored training
• type and format of instruction (lab, lecture, clinical)
• course outline or syllabus
• course requirements
• text and other related course materials
• assigned homework
• assessment experiences (exams, exit assessment, research papers)
• rigor of the course (at least college level)
• review of the selection process of students 
• review of duplicated credit

Proficiency Portfolio
A Proficiency Portfolio is a documentation-based option whereby students provide evidence that they have mastered the course objectives of a Cleary University course as outlined in a course syllabus.  Most lower-division courses are eligible for this option.  Please note that the residency requirement courses are not eligible for this option.  Students should take care to present the portfolio in an organized, professional, and thorough manner.  Examples of supporting evidence to be included in a portfolio include:  certificates of training, samples of work, a resume, a copy of a performance review, and/or a letter of verification of skills from an employer or supervisor.  The documentation should provide clear and convincing evidence that the student has achieved the learning outcomes for the course as specified in the credit petition.  Generally, multiple types of documentation increase the likelihood that credit will be awarded.

Proficiency Examinations
Proficiency Examinations, or Cleary Exams, are objective, computer-based tests focusing on the course outcomes listed on the course syllabus for many lower-division Cleary University courses.  They are similar to a final examination for a course.  Cleary Exam Preview Guides, which provide topics covered, study resources, credit value, number and type of test questions, as well as other relevant test information, are available for each of the Cleary exams.  The Campus Center staff at each campus administers exams by appointment.  Again, residency requirement courses are excluded from this option.

CLEP and DANTES
CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) is a widely accepted, credit-by-examination program that allows students to demonstrate mastery of a subject matter by earning the appropriate score on a CLEP examination.  Cleary University is an approved testing site, and students may choose from 34 subject tests on common, introductory college topics.  Tests are administered by appointment in the Campus Center at the Ann Arbor campus.  There is a nominal testing fee for each exam.  Students who have previously completed a CLEP exam should request that an official copy of the score report be sent to the Cleary University Records Office.

Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) sponsors a wide range of examination programs to assist service members in meeting their educational goals. The DANTES Test Control Officer (TCO), who is normally the Education Services Officer or Navy College Education Specialist for the military installation, administers the examinations on more than 560 military installations.

The DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) program is an extensive series of examinations in college subjects including business, humanities, science, social science, mathematics, and education that is comparable to the final or end-of-course examinations in undergraduate courses.  Each exam is equivalent to 4.5 quarter-hours of credit at Cleary University.  DANTES funds DSST testing for eligible service members and personnel at DANTES military test centers.

Military Training or Experience
Cleary University recognizes college credit for military training and experience.  Four and one-half credits are awarded for each year of active military service (Reserve and National Guard service is excluded) up to a maximum of twenty hours. To receive credit for military service, students should submit a copy of the discharge form (DD214). Should a review of a student's military training records indicate there is potential for greater credit award, then copies of the military training records and/or a copy of the transfer or discharge form (DD214) will be submitted to the American Council on Education, Department of Military Evaluations, for a credit recommendation.

Advanced Placement Program
Advanced Placement Program allows individuals, usually high school students, to demonstrate academic ability by taking an Advanced Placement Exam.  Credit may be granted based on satisfactory scores (three or higher on a five-point scale) for the 29 Advanced Placement Exams sponsored by The College Board.  Students may request a copy of the exam results from The College Board, 45 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY  10023.

High School Articulation
High School Articulation credit will be granted to students for competencies achieved as part of a formal articulation agreement with a secondary, proprietary, or charter school.  Cleary University  has articulation agreements with the following high schools: