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Student Rights and Responsibilities

Students and student learning are central to the mission of Amridge University; therefore, appropriate policies delineating students’ rights and responsibilities have been established.  To be effective, we want you to be aware of University policies and procedures as well as your rights and responsibilities as a student of Amridge University.  Below, the University has identified key policies that are important to your academic career at Amridge.  Please take some time to make yourself aware of these important policies summarized below.  As a student of Amridge University, you are responsible for reading and following all policies within the Amridge University Academic Catalog.  You can access the online Academic Catalog from the Amridge University website from the Academics tab.

Academic Progress Standards for Financial Aid—

A student must make satisfactory academic progress to qualify for federal (Title IV) financial aid. Amridge University complies with the satisfactory academic progress requirements established by the federal government for students who receive federal financial aid.

Satisfactory academic progress standards at Amridge University include:

•  A qualitative measure (cumulative grade point average)
• A quantitative measure/Pace of Progression (maintaining measurable progress toward the completion of program)
• A reasonable time frame for degree completion.

For financial aid purposes, satisfactory progress is determined by the following guidelines:

  • To satisfy the qualitative measure, students receiving federal financial aid must maintain the required cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of their degree program as listed in this policy. Financial Aid’s required CGPA is the same as the institution’s academic CGPA. Neither transferred course credit hours nor withdrawn course credit hours are used in the calculation. The only courses considered in the CGPA calculation are the courses which are non-transferred and taken while enrolled in the current degree program. Transferred courses include all courses taken externally to the current degree program, whether taken at Amridge University or other institutions.
  • To satisfy the quantitative measure/pace of progression, students must successfully complete over 66 percent of all credit hours attempted. Repeated courses and transferred courses which are applied to the current degree program and courses from which the student withdrew on or after the first day of the semester (cumulative attempted hours) are included in the hour’s attempted calculation. This measure becomes effective for undergraduates when a student has completed three semesters. For graduate students, this measurement begins with their first semester. Students who repeat courses, withdraw from courses to an excessive degree or take courses which are not related to their degree requirements jeopardize their satisfactory progress and may be subject to loss of eligibility for financial aid.
  • The maximum time-frame for a student to complete a degree program must not be longer than 150 percent of the published length of the program in credit hours as listed in the Amridge University Academic Catalog. Cumulative attempted semester hours are included in this calculation. Any student who exceeds this limit will no longer be eligible for state or federal financial aid. The Financial Aid Office will notify the student who exceeds the 150 percent requirement. Students who repeat or withdraw from courses to an excessive degree or who take courses not related to their degree requirements jeopardize their satisfactory academic progress and may be subject to loss of eligibility for financial aid.

Academic progress is reviewed by the University’s Financial Aid Office at the end of each semester. The measurement is cumulative, not just over the preceding semester. Failure to meet the qualitative or quantitative measure of satisfactory academic progress requirements will result in the student being placed on financial aid warning for one academic semester. A student’s financial aid eligibility continues during the time of financial aid warning. Failure to reach the qualitative or quantitative standards of satisfactory academic progress during the period of warning will place the student on financial aid suspension. The student will remain on financial aid suspension until the student’s CGPA and course completion measurements both meet the stated requirements. A student placed on such suspension will not be eligible to receive federal or state financial aid. A student placed on financial aid suspension may appeal the suspension in accordance with the University’s Standard Appeals/Grievance Process specified in Section 7 – Student Rights and Responsibilities of the Amridge University Academic Catalog. The Financial Aid Office will notify all students who are failing to meet satisfactory academic progress.

Financial Aid Probation

Students who can demonstrate through their written appeal that they will be able to make satisfactory academic progress by the end of the next payment period or who have an approved financial aid academic plan will be placed on financial aid probation. Students who are making satisfactory academic progress during the probationary period and who are complying with the conditions of their approved financial aid academic plan will retain federal fund eligibility. A financial aid academic plan cannot continue for more than three semesters.

Financial Aid Suspension

Failure to meet the qualitative or quantitative standards of satisfactory academic progress during the probationary period will place the student on financial aid suspension, and the student will be ineligible for federal aid. The student will remain on financial aid suspension and will be ineligible for federal aid until the student’s CGPA and course completion measurements both meet the stated requirements. The Financial Aid Office will notify all students who are failing to meet satisfactory academic progress.

Note on repeated courses: Students who repeat courses may lose federal financial aid eligibility for the repeated courses. Students should make every effort to avoid a situation which would result in needing to repeat a course. Please refer to the policy on a repeat of courses or consult with your financial aid advisor.

Required CGPA’s by Degree

Associate Degree                                   2.0
Bachelor Degrees                                  2.0
Marriage & Family Therapy                3.0
Master of Science Degrees                 2.0
Master of Divinity                                  2.0
Ministerial Leadership                          2.0
Master of Arts Degrees                         3.0*
Professional Counseling                       3.0
Doctoral Degrees                                    3.0
* A grade of 3.0 is required for each course taken in specified MA degree programs.

 Return to Title IV—

Students receiving Title IV funds at Amridge University must maintain certain academic requirements for the continuation of their aid as well as the retaining of their aid.

ADJUSTMENT OF TITLE IV FUNDS DUE TO DISCONTINUANCE OF STUDY

Federal regulations require that schools use a “Return of Title IV Funds” calculation for cases in which a student receiving Title IV funds discontinues study during a given semester. When a student discontinues study (drops or withdraws from all courses in the semester) and has previously been awarded these funds, the University must determine if these funds are required to be returned to the appropriate Title IV programs. The University is required to perform the calculation within thirty (30) days of the determination of the discontinuance of study. The “withdrawal date” is the date the student withdraws, as determined by the school. If by the 50% point of the semester the student has not participated in their course/courses the University may unofficially withdraw the student and perform a return of Title IV funds. “Return of Title IV Funds” is the federally mandated process by which a school calculates the amount of Title IV funds to be returned for a Title IV recipient who begins attendance and subsequently withdraws, who ceases attendance during a semester, or who never begins class participation. The calculations may result in a reduction of the student’s Title IV funds to reflect the percentage of the semester that the student attended if he or she attended 60 percent or less of the semester. Based on these calculations, the school, and the student may be required to return any “unearned” Title IV funds.

FAILURE TO PASS

Title IV funding regulations require that any student who began attendance but failed to earn a passing grade in at least one course in the semester and who did not officially withdraw shall be considered as having unofficially withdrawn unless the institution can document that the student completed the period of enrollment and earned the grade F.

Within 30 days of the end of the payment period or period of enrollment (official end of each semester), the Amridge University Financial Aid Department will, after review of academic grade reports or academic transcripts, identify Title IV recipients who have no passing grades, and will determine the students who will be unofficially withdrawn during the payment period or period of enrollment, with a withdrawal date at the midpoint (50% of the semester indicated on the academic calendar) or the latter date of the semester. Students are identified based on having received all grades of F for the semester. Based on those grades, the semester’s Title IV funds will be recalculated to determine what portion of the Title IV funds were “earned” by the student. The Return of Title IV Funds calculation will be performed for students determined to have been unofficially withdrawn, using the midpoint (50% of the semester indicated on the academic calendar) or a later date of the semester as the withdrawal date. Based on these calculations, the school will be required to return any “unearned” Title IV funds within 30 days after determining the student earned no passing grades, resulting in a charge to the student’s account. Students will receive notification of this action via an email, a certified letter and an updated billing statement.  All accounts must be paid in full before a student can register for another semester or receive an official transcript.  Accounts that are not paid in full are subject to collection procedures.

 Amridge University Refund Policy—

A withdrawal occurs when a student totally withdraws from all registered courses at the University during a semester. Withdrawal beginning on the first day of the semester will result in charge of a $75 per course Drop Fee and a percentage of the tuition calculated at 10% of the total tuition cost per working day of the semester, regardless of either the date the student registers or the first day the course meets.  Fees are not refundable.  The University utilizes the federal statutory pro-rata refund method for students whose last date of attendance occurs before sixty percent (60%) of the period of enrollment.

Distance Learning Complaint Process for Amridge’s Out-of-State Students

Amridge University students residing outside the State of Alabama who desire to resolve a grievance are encouraged to follow the University’s Student Grievance Process.  If an issue cannot be resolved internally, a complaint may be filed with Amridge University’s accrediting agency or the appropriate state agency for handling complaints in a student’s state.

Complaint Resolution Contacts by State
Contact the appropriate agency in the state where you reside, click on your state for the contact form.
Alabama http://www.ache.edu
Additional State Complaint Listing

Admissions Policy—

In keeping with its mission, Amridge University is open to all academically qualified persons.  The University has developed a streamlined admissions process to help prospective students complete the process expeditiously so they can begin their studies. Students are strongly encouraged to work closely with University staff members to complete all steps to attain official (non-provisional) admission status for their respective degree program. Upon acceptance to the University, each student is assigned an Academic Advisor whose primary responsibility is to oversee the academic progress of each student and motivate them to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

COMPUTER PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENT
All students admitted to Amridge University must possess sufficient computer skills to use the basic typing, editing, and printing functions of a word-processing package.  Amridge University students are required to use Microsoft Word.  Students must:
1.             Possess the skills necessary to download and install software;
2.             Have access to a computer with Internet link and browser;
3.             Possess the ability to access Internet online materials and information; and
4.             Have the ability to engage in email correspondence.

APPLICATION PROCESS
The Amridge University Admission Application is available to prospective applicants through the University MY AMRIDGE PORTAL. Upon receiving a prospective student application, the Admissions Office will formally acknowledge, by mail, the applicant’s academic status with Amridge University. This letter will include a list of all outstanding documents or other requirements necessary to complete the admissions process. The Admissions Office will inform the student periodically as to the receipt of necessary transcripts and documents.  For a transcript to be official, the transcript must be sent directly from the institution to Amridge University.   It is the responsibility of the student to complete all admissions requirements promptly. After the applicant completes the requirements for admission, he or she will be notified of his or her status. When the applicant has been accepted for admission to the University, the University will prepare an evaluation of all official transcripts.  This evaluation will give the student direction as to what course requirements must be completed. The University reserves the right to deny enrollment upon any basis at the University’s sole discretion. This policy is instituted to prevent fraud against the University. Potential violations may be referred to the University’s Institutional Integrity Committee.

PROVISIONAL ENROLLMENT
There will be instances when a student is unable to have submitted all official documentation to complete the admissions process before the start of the semester.  In such instances, the student intending to enroll at the bachelor’s or master’s level may take advantage of the University’s provisional admission alternative which expedites a student’s enrollment.  Provisional admission is intended by the University as a temporary (one semester) admission status granted to students seeking associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degrees while they are in the process of submitting to the Admissions Office all official and required items for unconditional admission to Amridge University. Until all items are received by the Admissions Office, the student is considered to be provisionally admitted.

  • First-time freshmen are not eligible for provisional admission.
  • Military service members may be granted provisional admission for a period not to exceed one semester.

Students may not register for subsequent Amridge University semesters, and no transcripts will be released by the University.   Additionally,  the University reserves the right to deny provisional admission to any undergraduate or graduate (other than doctoral) applicant who has either the same physical or mailing address, telephone number or email address as another student currently enrolled or currently in the admission process at the University. Also, the University reserves the right to deny provisional admission to any applicant whose application fee is paid by a person other than the respective applicant.

Amridge University takes steps to Safeguard Student Records. All Amridge University employees are required to protect the privacy of student records and abide by the following principles:

  • University Student Information System shall contain only that student data necessary to fulfill the University’s mission.
  • Safeguarding of student data shall be the responsibility of each university employee; therefore employees are trained on the latest data security best practices, as well as phishing and social engineering awareness protocols.
  • Due care shall be exercised to protect and encrypt sensitive Personally Identifiable Information (PII) student data requests through internal and external identification of authorized and unauthorized use, adherence to steps for proper disclosure, and exercised care in the destruction of student records and PII data.
  • Applicable federal and state laws and University policies and procedures shall be followed to govern the integrity of student data.
  • Amridge University’s Network Operations Center, in coordination with the university employees, will secure physical records and electronic records using cloud services storage while also safeguarding internal use, release, transportation, retention, destruction and sanitation of student data.
  • University procedures shall be followed in reporting any breach of security or compromise of safeguards.
  • This statement of principles applies to all areas of the University and must be followed by all persons dealing with such information.
  • Faculty and staff requiring the use of sensitive computerized student data for official University business will be provided access. The term “access” means to read or view student data. It does not include the ability to create or modify data.
  • Certain areas of the University that store and maintain student data, whether computerized or not, may have additional individual procedures which will supplement, but not supplant, this statement of principles.
  • Any Amridge University employee engaging in unauthorized use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction of student data in violation of this statement of principles shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including dismissal.

Notification to Students of Rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)—this policy provides information to students regarding their rights related to their “educational records.”

Amridge University Academic Catalog—Section 4: Academic Records and Policies—Notification to Students of Rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Academic Misconduct—this policy informs the students of the consequences of academic misconduct including cheating, plagiarism, or furnishing false or misleading information to the University, as well as assigning or colluding with another person in committing such dishonesty, suppressing such dishonesty, or failing to report known dishonesty of another person.

Amridge University Academic Catalog—Section 4: Academic Records and Policies—Academic Misconduct

Procedures for Withdrawal—this policy provides the procedures a student must follow to properly withdraw from the University. This policy is also delineated on the University’s online registration page.

Amridge University Academic Catalog—Section 4: Academic Records and Policies—Procedures for Withdrawal

Procedures for Dropping a Course—this policy provides the procedures a student must follow to properly drop a course at the University. This policy is also delineated on the University’s online registration page.   

– Amridge University Academic Catalog—Section 4: Academic Records and Policies—Procedures and Ramifications of Dropping a Course

Solomon Amendment Directory Information—this policy informs students that under federal law, the University is required to provide the U. S. Department of Defense directory information upon request.  Additionally, the policy informs students how they may request withholding of directory information under this requirement.  

– Amridge University Academic Catalog—Section 4: Academic Records and Policies—Solomon Amendment Directory Information

Student Rights and Responsibilities Associated with Financial Aid—this policy provides a listing of the rights that students have associated primarily with Federal Financial Aid.  Also, this policy provides a listing of the responsibilities that students have to be in full compliance with the respective Financial Aid programs. 

– Amridge University Academic Catalog—Section 5: Financial Aid, Tuition and Fees—Student Rights and Responsibilities Associated with Financial Aid

Appeals/Grievance Process—this policy includes a description of the policy and procedures for students to file an appeal or grievance to the University.  This policy incorporates a two-stage process starting with the University’s Appeals Committee.  If the appellant is not satisfied with the outcome of the respective appeal or grievance, the appellant may submit an appeal of the decision to the University’s Executive Leadership Team. 

Amridge University Academic Catalog—Section 6: Student Affairs and Support Services—Standard Appeals/Grievance Process

Code of Conduct – Academic Integrity—this policy includes any form of dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, or furnishing false or misleading information to the University (or persons acting in concert with the University academic program such as practicum or clinical experience supervisors, or other persons involved in the educational process) as well as assigning or colluding with another person in committing such dishonesty, suppressing such dishonesty, or failing to report known dishonesty of another person.

Amridge University Academic Catalog—Section 6: Student Affairs and Support Services—Code of Conduct – Academic Integrity

Non-Academic Code of Conduct—this policy includes a description of the expected actions of all students.  The actions should exhibit the values and behaviors that evidence civility and respect toward faculty, staff, and fellow students. These misbehaviors are Non-Academic misconducts that are disruptive to the educational process.
Amridge University Academic Catalog—Section 6: Student Affairs and Support Services—Code of Conduct

Sexual Harassment Policy—this policy explains sexual harassment as well as a specification of the procedures for filing a sexual harassment complaint. 

– Amridge University Academic Catalog—Section 6: Student Affairs and Support Services—Sexual Harassment Policy

Update My Profile/Contact Information – students must notify Amridge University when their email address, mailing address or contact number has been changed. Visit the online form at http://www.amridgeuniversity.edu/myamridge
Amridge University Academic Catalog—Section 7: Student Rights and Responsibilities—Update My Profile

Campus Crime Report and Safety—this report includes information on the University’s Drug Prevention Program, Criminal Activity Report, accidents, and sickness and safety procedures.