Academic Policies and Procedures

Academic Freedom

Academic freedom is a cherished principle in higher education. At the University, academic freedom is the right of faculty members to express their professional opinions regarding the content of the courses they are teaching, as long as they are measured against the intellectual standards of relevant professional disciplines. It should be remembered that the content of courses often builds upon itself and this course content is coordinated to achieve the desired goal of meeting professional accreditation and national licensure subject matter. Faculty have the freedom in the classroom to discuss academic subjects, selecting instructional materials, and determining grades. Likewise, students should have the opportunity to study a wide spectrum of ideas so they may acquire critical thinking skills. We must never lose sight that our students are seeking guidance, not confusion. While they wish to know what to do in every single circumstance, we know they are better prepared if we teach them the skills and give them the content that will enable them to personally find answers. In the development of knowledge and creative activities, the faculty and student body are free to cultivate a spirit of inquiry and scholarly criticism and to examine ideas in an atmosphere of freedom and confidence.

However, there are limits to academic freedom. The courts have decided that free speech does not extend to shouting “fire” in a crowded theater. Likewise, academic freedom, the right to express one’s personal views, has its limits and carries with it a measure of responsibility. By all means, faculty may express a different viewpoint about a professional topic, but it should be clearly expressed as a personal viewpoint. Faculty may not subject students to personal views and opinions concerning matters not related to the course of instruction itself. It is necessary that faculty conduct themselves accordingly, with due respect to the welfare of this University and the professions we represent. It is also necessary to ensure consistency within an integrated curriculum and when teaching various sections of the same course/seminar. The philosophy, programs, faculty, and administration of the University are not perfect, and helpful suggestions and constructive criticism can assist all; but public displeasure of University philosophies or practices has no place in our organization.

If a faculty member, staff, or student perceives an infringement on his or her academic freedom, the individual should follow the complaint policy and refer the issue to the appropriate Program Director, supervisor, and/or Dean. If the issue is not resolved in a satisfactory manner, the individual may submit a written grievance to the University’s Grievance Committee at 1 University Blvd., St. Augustine, FL 32086, where the issue will be handled according to established time lines and processes.

Attendance

Class Attendance

Students are expected to be (1) in the classroom or lab on time, (2) prepared to begin class/lab, and (3) wearing the appropriate attire by the designated starting time for that instructional period.

Students who are going to be late or absent from class/lab due to an unexpected situation should call their course instructor; see course syllabus for contact information.

Occasionally, students may be required as part of a course to attend an evening lecture by a distinguished person in the field. Such an event will be considered mandatory as if it were a regularly scheduled class.

Absences

In the event of a planned absence, the student must speak to each faculty member whose course will be missed and request that the absence be excused.

• Excused Absences
  Excused absences include (but may not be limited to) the following:
  • Illness (after 3 days must be supported by physician’s note)
  • Attendance at a professional conference approved by the Program Director
  • Attendance at special services for a member of the immediate family (spouse, parent, child, sibling; spouse’s parent, child, or sibling; child’s spouse, grandparents, or grandchildren).
• Unexcused Absences
  Unexcused absences are considered to be unprofessional behavior. With any unexcused absence, students forfeit the right to review with the instructor all or any part of the material, including test reviews, covered during that class or lab session. A first offense will result in a warning letter issued to the student with a copy of that letter placed in the student’s file. A second offense and each subsequent offense will result in a 5% reduction per offense from a final course grade. This represents the University’s minimal standard; individual faculty may outline additional consequences in their course syllabi.
• Tardiness
  Tardiness is considered to be unprofessional behavior. It is expected that if a student is tardy for any class, the student will apologize to the instructor immediately after that class. If a student is tardy twice (two times), the student will receive a warning letter with a copy of that letter placed in his or her file. After the second time, each subsequent event will result in a 5% reduction per tardiness from a final course grade. This represents the University’s minimal standard; individual faculty may outline additional consequences in their course syllabi.
• Clinical fieldwork/internship students should refer to the Clinical Education Handbook.

Online Education Attendance

If enrolled in a course that is purely online (no face-to-face lab associated with it) then a student may be moving through his or her coursework with a cohort group. This means the student will have weekly attendance and assignments due along with fellow classmates. Check the syllabus for a schedule of due dates or refer to the course map within the course platform for specific information on each assignment.

In the online environment, attendance equates to signing into the course and interacting in some meaningful way, either via an assignment, bulletin board discussion, or test. No other student/course facilitator contact (e.g., telephone calls, faxes, email) satisfies the attendance requirement.

Course faculty are required to report student absences (lack of online course interaction) in an online course. However, it is the prerogative of the faculty member to determine if work submitted after the day of deadline will or will not receive any points or credit. Be advised that course facilitators are discouraged from awarding points for late student work that is designed to contribute to the overall class community (e.g., bulletin board threads, group work).

Flex Program Additional Information

• Laboratory Attendance
  • Because of the amount of material covered in each lab session, absences from even 2 hours of any lab session can be very detrimental to the understanding and application of the course material and the course grade. Students are strongly encouraged not to miss any portion of any lab. If a student misses more than 20% of the total lab hours in a course, the student must repeat the course. If the accumulated absence occurs before the time to withdraw, the student may withdraw from the course.
• Excused Absences
  • Planned absences must be approved in advance by the Program Administrator.
  • In the event of an occurrence or emergency that necessitates missing any part of a Flex weekend lab, the procedure is as follows:
    • First contact should be the Program Director, coordinator, or manager. If the director, coordinator, or manager gives approval to proceed, the student next contacts the course online instructor to seek permission for an excused absence. If the course online instructor approves, the student must then contact the lab instructor to request approval for the absence. If all three (program coordinator/manager, online instructor, and lab instructor) agree, the student will be granted an excused absence. Failure to follow this sequence will result in an unexcused absence, which results in forfeiture of the right to review with the instructor all or any part of the material. This also includes taking written or practical exams. Unexcused absences are considered to be unprofessional behavior which could result in the final course grade being reduced by 5% to 10% and/or a referral to the Professional Misconduct Committee.
• Unexcused Absences
  • Students are expected to make travel arrangements that permit them to attend the full lab sessions on each scheduled lab weekend. Arriving late or leaving early for travel is considered an unexcused absence except in cases of unavoidable conflicts or when approved in advance by the program coordinator.

Audit of a Course

Auditing of a class is permitted, with approval of the Program Director. Auditing of a class requires payment of full tuition for that course. The student who is auditing may not take practical exams and may not sit for written exams or quizzes.

Clinical Education

Please refer to the Clinical Education Handbook on myUSA under Clinical Education.

Complaints

The University of St. Augustine is committed to providing a learning and working environment in which complaints are addressed fairly and resolved promptly. All complaints are taken seriously. The procedure for handling complaints encourages informal conciliation, facilitates early resolution, and maintains individual privacy and confidentiality.

This policy covers general types of complaints.

This policy does not cover complaints about incidents related to harassment. Complaints of this nature should be directed to the Director of Human Resources. Students with complaints regarding Sexual Misconduct should refer to the Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Grievance Reporting Policy and Procedures in this handbook.

Student Complaints

• Types of Student Complaints
  Students should utilize the following procedure for complaints about service, support, or assistance provided by academic, administrative, or support departments of the University. Student complaints include academic issues such as instruction methodology, grading, testing, assignments, or nonacademic matters such as IT support, University services, facilities, policies, financial matters, etc. The following procedure is not for complaints regarding academic or nonacademic appeals policies and procedures. Please refer to the Academic Evaluation and Right of Appeal section of this Handbook for information on the appeals processes.
• Confidentiality
  All information submitted as part of a student complaint will be treated as confidential and will only be available to the appropriate/involved parties. The student should also respect the need for confidentiality throughout the complaint process. A student who submits a complaint should be aware that complete confidentiality cannot always be guaranteed if effective action is to be taken. Where a complaint is in reference to a specific individual, the complaint cannot be investigated if the student does not wish the allegation to be made known to that individual. Anonymous complaints will not be considered.
• Student Complaints Procedures
  A student should discuss his or her concerns with the person(s) who is directly responsible (course instructor, staff member, etc.) in order to resolve the issue. Depending on the severity of the issue, a written record may or may not be drafted and placed in the student’s permanent record.
  1. If the complaint cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student, the student should discuss the issue with his or her Program Director. The Program Director will consider the complaint and attempt to bring the issue to a satisfactory resolution.
     1. In certain situations, the Program Director may refer the complaint to an appropriate University committee. The respective committee will consider the complaint and provide a written recommendation to the Program Director.
     2. The Program Director will consider the committee recommendation and notify the student in writing of the decision.
     3. Written documentation regarding the resolution will be placed in the student’s file and maintained for 6 years past the student’s last date of attendance.
  2. After following the steps above, the student may submit a formal written complaint to the Grievance Committee.
     1. The complaint will be investigated by the Grievance Committee and a written response will be provided to the student.
     2. The original written complaint, a copy of the response, and a description of any actions taken as a result of the complaint will be maintained on file for 6 years past the student’s last date of attendance.

Unresolved Complaints

If a complaint cannot be resolved after following the procedures above, the following agencies can be contacted directly. This information will be posted and kept current on the University website.

• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
  • Complaints may be filed with the University’s institutional accrediting body by contacting the WSCUC at www.wscuc.org by reviewing the Policy on Complaints and Third-Party Comments to ascertain the appropriate means to communicate comments and complaints.
• Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
  • Complaints about the Physical Therapy program can be submitted to CAPTE by requesting the Procedures for Handling Complaints about an Accredited or Developing Physical Therapy Program.
• This document can be obtained by writing to CAPTE at 1111 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, by telephone 703-706-3245, or visit http://www.capteonline.org/Complaints/.
• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
  • Complaints about the Occupational Therapy program are handled as part of the Code of Conduct and Ethics Guidelines for AOTA.
    • For more information on this process please visit http://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Ethics.aspx.
• In California
  • A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education by calling 888-370-7589 or by completing a complaint form at http://www.bppe.ca.gov/enforcement/complaint.shtml.
• In Florida
  • For information on the Commission for Independent Education’s complaint process go to http://www.fldoe.org/cie/complaint.asp.
• In Texas
  • For more information on making a complaint to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board go to http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/index.cfm?objectid=051F93F5-03D4-9CCE-40FA9F46F2CD3C9D
• Additional States
  • The University of St. Augustine has taken the necessary steps to apply and/or receive authorization to deliver education, to market, and to affiliate with clinical education sites in all fifty (50) states. For information on a specific state, or to file a complaint go to: http://www.usa.edu/p54-226-Complaints.aspx 

Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology: In addition to opportunities for providing public comment regarding a program’s accreditation status, the CAA has separate procedures for filing a formal complaint about a CAA-accredited program or one seeking a CAA accreditation status. Individuals who wish to file a formal complaint should contact the Accreditation Office to obtain a copy of the complaint procedures, or refer to the Procedures for Complaints Against Graduate Education Programs on the CAA website.

Course Withdrawal

First Professional

Students wishing to withdraw from a course should submit the Course Withdrawal Form available on myUSA, Student Services tab, under Forms. The withdrawal period is 1 week after classes begin until 3 weeks before the last day of class. A student may not have more than one W in any course. After two program Ws the student will be notified by the Registrar. A third program W must be approved by the instructor and the Faculty Advisor. A student requesting a fourth W will only be approved under extenuating circumstances by the Academic Progression and Retention Committee (APRC) and the Program Director. Students need to be in contact with the Financial Aid Office when withdrawing from a course. All appeals throughout the course withdrawal process will be heard by the Academic Appeals Committee (AAC).

Transitional and Post-Professional

Students wishing to withdraw from a course should submit the Course Withdrawal Form available on myUSA, Student Services tab, under Forms. A student may drop a course up until the first complete week. The withdrawal date is 1 week after the course has started. A student cannot have more than one W in any course, after three program W’s a student will be referred to the Academic Progression and Retention Committee.

Degree Completion/Graduation

• Each student must satisfactorily complete all courses and be in academic good standing;
• All fiscal obligations to the University or its subsidiaries must be paid in full;
• The student must submit an application for graduation by the deadline for the term in which he/she wishes to graduate; 
• The student must attend at least one approved professional conference (first professional programs only). 

Should a student be unable to successfully complete one of the final courses but has successfully met all other degree requirements, the student may be allowed to walk at commencement with the respective cohort class. The candidate will sign an ackknowledgement regarding participation in the ceremony. The candidate will be “hooded” during the ceremony, but will not receive a diploma. If the coursework is completed within the first 7 days of the subsequent term, the diploma and transcript notation will reflect the cohort’s conferral date. Shoule the coursework be completed after the first 7 days of the subsequent term, the diplomas will be issued and the transcript notation will be dated to reflect the subsequent conferral date upon degree completion.

All degree requirements must be completed before approval to graduate is given by the respective Program Director. Formal commencement ceremonies take place three times per year at the conclusion of each trimester on each campus.

Confirmation of a degree is posted to the official academic record on the last day of the term. Degrees will not be conferred until all academic and financial obligations have been successfully met. The graduation fee is paid at the time the student submits the Application to Graduate Form as noted on the Academic Calendar.

Honors designation is given to students who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.50–3.64. High Honors designation is given to students who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.65–4.0. The cumulative GPA is calculated through the final trimester of coursework and is not rounded.

Distance/Online Education

Purpose of Distance/Online Education

It is the intention of this University to offer online coursework that will parallel the mission and philosophies of the University’s programs. USAHS aims to provide a program that is unique to the health care education while at the same time maintaining uniformity in content and presentation.

Philosophy of Distance/Online Education

The University intends to provide a delivery method of education that not only excels in quality, but is unique in performance. USAHS aims to provide an education that facilitates rich learning environments and that includes opportunities for acquiring basic and advanced skills, knowledge, conceptual understanding, and relevance to the health and clinical sciences. The education provided should not function as an isolated dimension of intellectual activity but as a contribution to learners’ development of strong identities as individual learners and participants in meaningful social and educational practice.

Methods for Delivery of Online Education Courses

The University will offer a variety of formats in educational delivery. Below is a summary of such offerings:

• Pure Online Course - This course format offers content that is delivered purely online. Most often the student will have scheduled interaction with an experienced faculty member as well as other classmates. Occasionally a pure online course may offer the opportunity to work self-paced and interact only with the assigned faculty member.
• Combination Laboratory/Online Course - This course format offers lecture-type materials in an online format with weekend laboratory sessions in a face-to-face (traditional) format. In many cases the online course materials will be reviewed prior to attending the weekend laboratory sessions.
• Traditional Lecture/Laboratory - A course may be delivered in an exclusively live format (not online).
• Seminar/Online - The student will need to first attend a seminar. The most up-to-date seminar calendar is available under Continuing Education on the University’s website, www.usa.edu. Students will be able to see when and where seminars are being provided. After attending the seminar, students will need to complete the online course that corresponds with the seminar attended. These courses are 10 weeks long.
• Residency - These courses require the student to be on site.
• Blended Learning - This format offers materials in both online and face to face (traditional) format.

Extra Credit

As a graduate-level institution preparing health care professionals, the University is opposed to faculty offering extra credit or bonus points in courses. Student grades should accurately reflect their performance on the criteria determined by faculty as demonstrating student achievement of the course learning outcomes. Awarding extra credit / bonus points may imply that points/grades are more important than learning and can create inequities between students and courses across campuses and delivery methods.

Grading System

Academic degree programs use a 4.0 scale to calculate grade point averages (GPAs).

The First Professional curriculum is divided into Foundational Sciences Courses (anatomy, neuroscience, and pharmacology), and Professional Courses (all other courses).

The written portion of all courses (both Foundational and Professional) in the First Professional programs use the same scale for grading.

The laboratory portions of the First Professional courses are graded on the same scale from a minimum of 80% to a maximum of 100%.

A First Professional student must earn at least an 80% on the laboratory practical and 100% on all safety issues to pass the practical examination in professional courses. Refer to each course syllabus for additional information on grading criteria.

The actual weighting of the percent of the final course grade based upon the written and practical portions is at the discretion of the instructor in the First Professional programs. The weighting of the written and practical portions will be printed in the course syllabus.

Some courses in the First Professional programs (for example, internships, practicum, and seminars) are given Pass/Fail designations as determined by the instructor.

The quality of work done by students is indicated on the transcript by the letter of the alphabet as follows:

The grade of I (Incomplete) is used if, for reasons acceptable to the instructor(s), a student has not completed required work within a course by the end of a term. The length of time granted for the completion of the requirements of the course is one additional trimester (15 weeks) after which the I grade will be changed to an F if the coursework has not been completed. Upon successful completion of the requirements, the student will be assigned a letter grade by the instructor. If the I is assigned a grade of D or F the appropriate action will be taken per present written policy on academic standing.

The grade of W (Withdraw) is used only to denote that a student withdrew (or was withdrawn) from a course. Refer to the Repetition of a Course Policy in this handbook for more information.

The grade of NG (No Grade) is used only in the case of internship/fieldwork/rotation not completed. If a student is removed from internship/fieldwork/rotation after the final withdraw date, the grade of NG may be applied at the discretion of the Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education (ACCE) / Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC), in place of a grade of F.

Rounding of Grades

No grades are to be rounded until the final grade.

If the final percentage is less than a whole number, the following rules are applied to determine the score by a whole number:

• When a number is .50 or greater, the score is rounded to the next highest whole number (e.g., 79.50 = 80%)
• When the number is .49 or less, the score is rounded to the next lowest whole number (e.g., 84.49 = 84%)

Grade Changes

A student has the right to appeal a final grade received for a course within the first week of the subsequent term. The request must be made in writing to the course instructor. If the course instructor approves a grade correction, a Grade Change Form must be completed by the instructor and submitted to the respective Program Director. Upon the Program Director’s approval, the Registrar will record the corrected grade in the student’s academic record and a revised copy can be viewed by the student on the myUSA portal, My Info tab.

If the instructor denies an appeal for a grade change, the student may make an appeal to the Program Director within 2 business days of the instructor’s decision. The Program Director will research and render a decision within 5 business days. 

If the student is not satisfied with the Program Director’s response, he or she may appeal to the President or designee within 2 business days of the Program Director’s decision. After investigating the issue, the President (or designee) has 10 business days to either render a verdict on the issue or redirect the issue to the Academic Appeals Committee (AAC). (See Academic Evaluation and Right of Appeal).

If a grade change is initiated due to an administrative error in posting of the grade, a Grade Change Form must be completed with documentation as to the nature of the error and submitted to the respective Program Director. Upon the Program Director’s approval, the Registrar will record the corrected grade in the student’s academic record and a revised copy can be viewed by the student on the myUSA portal, My Info tab.

Grade Posting

Campus

The public posting of grades by the student’s institutional identification number without the student’s written permission is a violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Accordingly, each student must have on file with the Registrar’s Office a signed consent form permitting posting of his or her grades. This form will be provided to each new student as part of the orientation process. Students who withhold consent to grade posting will need to make arrangements with each of their course instructors to receive their grades. It is at the instructor’s discretion to ask the student to await receipt of any grade until they have received official notification by the University. Grades cannot be given out via email or telephone.

The student is free at any time to withhold consent to posting of his or her grades or revoke a prior consent given by written notification to the Student Services Office.

Final exam grades will be posted after students are through with all final exams. Final course grades are not posted. Final grades can be viewed on the myUSA portal, My Info tab.

Online Courses

All grades for the online course assignments will appear in the online grade book located in the course platform. At the time of course completion, the final grade will be transferred to the University record system and become a permanent part of the student’s transcript. Grades cannot be given out via email or telephone. This posting of grades follows the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Students are responsible for monitoring their final grades through the myUSA portal, My Info tab.

Accessing Grades

Through the myUSA portal, My Info tab, students may access grades, print unofficial transcripts of grades, access/change personal student information, and keep track of all of their current course information. It is very important that students keep this information safe and secure and personal information up to date.

Coursework Due Dates

All coursework should be submitted based on the dates provided in the course syllabus.

Institutional Review Board

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a University committee that reviews all research proposals involving the use of human subjects. The purpose of the IRB is to protect the human rights of those subjects and keep them from harmful procedures. All students participating in research projects that involve human subjects (including Case Reports) are required to submit the appropriate IRB documentation. The IRB committee meets once each month. Dates are posted on the USAHS website for each campus. For IRB policies, procedures, and forms see the Student Services tab on myUSA.

Privacy Policy

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is committed to respecting students’ privacy. The Privacy Policy located at http://www.usa.edu/privacy.aspx describes what information we collect from students and how USAHS uses this information. The University reserves the right to change this privacy policy at any time and without notice by posting such changes to the university website. Any such change will be effective immediately upon posting.

Questions regarding this policy, or comments concerning the website, should be directed to the University by sending an email to info@usa.edu.

Professional Conference Attendance

All First Professional program students are required to attend a minimum of 2 full days of one professional conference or 1 full day of two professional conferences during their program enrollment. The value of this required attendance is greater if full-time students wait until they are in the third trimester or later, and if Flex students wait until they are in the fifth trimester or later. Dual-degree seeking students are required to attend one physical therapy (PT) and one occupational therapy (OT) professional conference during their curriculum: an OT conference while in the MOT or OTD program and a PT conference while in the DPT program. Full-time DPT students should complete the conference requirement before the seventh trimester due to full time attendance required while on internships. Flex students should attend conferences that do not conflict with weekend lab schedules. Program Directors may modify the conference attendance requirements as necessary.

Students will notify their Program Director or an assigned Faculty Advisor of their intent to attend a particular conference. The student will then be granted an excused absence for the date(s) missed. This will not exceed 2 days (usually a Friday or a Thursday and Friday excused absence). It is at the discretion of each faculty member on how to disseminate the information from the missed class session(s). The student is responsible for all missed class material and assignments. Students are also responsible for conference costs, including registration, hotel, and transportation expenses. Upon their return, students are required to provide proof of attendance at the conference to the Program Director or the assigned Faculty Advisor.

Students attending a conference located more than 400 miles one way from campus may speak with their Program Director to request an excused absence for travel time. Program Directors will make the decision about additional excused time for conference attendance on a case-by-case basis and inform faculty of the decision. The student is responsible for all missed class material and assignments.

Professional conferences may include state or national meetings or others as approved by the Program Director.

Professional Misconduct

Disciplinary Action

A student, faculty member, or any other member of the community of interest may initiate complaints against a student possibly warranting disciplinary action for professional misconduct. Referrals for student misconduct are sent to the Professional Misconduct Committee (PMC). The PMC makes a recommendation to the student’s Program Director regarding action to be taken.

Professional behavior is expected at all times. At the faculty’s discretion an incidence of professional misconduct may result in a final grade course reduction of 10%. Repeated or egregious incidences of professional misconduct should be referred to the Professional Misconduct Committee (PMC).

Although not inclusive, the following list of misconduct behaviors provides examples of acts that may be subject to disciplinary action:

• Cheating, plagiarism, falsification of records, unauthorized possession of examinations or parts of examinations, intimidation, and any other actions that may affect the evaluation of a student’s academic performance or achievement. This includes attempting to engage in such acts, assisting others in any such acts, and failure to report such acts.
• Level III academic dishonesty
• Repeated Level I or II academic dishonesty
• Intentional or unintentional disruption of teaching, research, administration, and disciplinary proceedings or other institutional activities.
• Physical and/or mental abuse of any person or any form of harassment as defined under the Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy
• Failure to follow directives of authorized University personnel acting in the performance of their duties
• Destruction, misuse, damage, or defacement of any University property, or property leased or controlled by the University
• Violation of the Internet Acceptable Use Policy
• Violence, hazing, or the threat of violence including possession or use of firearms, fireworks, explosives, incendiary devices, or other weapons of any description, including air rifles and pistols, on the University campus
• Unauthorized participation in, agitation of, or instigation of any activity that interferes with ingress or egress from University facilities and/or that interrupts any activities of the University community in its normal functioning
• The use, possession, sale, or distribution of nonprescription controlled substances and sale or distribution of prescription medications
• Permitting or engaging in unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of keys, passwords or access cards to any University premises, hardware, software, or services
• Any action without authorization from the University that modifies, destroys, discloses, or takes data, programs, or supporting documents residing in or relating in any way to a University computer, computer system, or computer network, or causes the denial of computer system service to an authorized user of such a system
• Repetitive violation of any University policy
• Commission of an act that would constitute a crime under federal, state, or local law
• Unprofessional behaviour while on internship, fieldwork, clinical rotation, or practicum, or any off-campus activity when representing the University

Professional Misconduct Committee Procedures

The University has established a Professional Misconduct Committee (PMC) to hear each complaint. A student may be required to appear before the PMC or in certain circumstances be allowed to speak to the committee via telephone or webinar conference.

At least 5 business days in advance of the hearing, a student shall be given written notice of the allegations against him or her and of the opportunity to respond. Hearings before the PMC shall be informal. The allegations and evidence against a student shall be presented by the chair of the PMC. The student then will be given an opportunity to present his or her version of events, facts, and evidence in his or her defense. Formal rules of evidence do not apply. Documentary evidence and hearsay shall be admissible, but the PMC shall determine the proper weight to be accorded to hearsay evidence.

1. If the PMC finds that the facts do not support the allegation(s), a recommendation to dismiss charges will be made. The chair of the PMC will transmit the committee’s recommendation that charges be dismissed and as applicable, any preventative recommendation(s) in writing to the student’s Program Director within 4 business days following the conclusion of the hearing. The Program Director will review the PMC recommendations and provide a written response to the student within 2 business days outlining his or her decision on the matter.
2. If the PMC finds that the facts support the allegation(s) against the student, the student shall be found guilty, and the PMC will recommend disciplinary action(s), which can range from a written warning to dismissal from the program. 
3. A student referred to the PMC may not withdraw from the University until the findings of the PMC have been made and the student has been informed of the decision.
4. The PMC record of the case shall be maintained by the Program Director’s Administrative Assistant apart from the student’s academic record for 5 years following the student’s last date of attendance.

Student’s Right of Appeal

Each student has the right to appeal the decisions of the Program Director. The student may continue to participate in academic and co-curricular activities until a final determination is made, including any appeal, except where immediate suspension is reasonably required for the safety and welfare of students, faculty, staff, or University property. If the decision the student is appealing includes program dismissal, the student may continue to attend classes (excluding internship or fieldwork courses) during the appeal process, but he or she is not considered an enrolled student and is therefore not eligible for financial aid.

To request an appeal, the student must provide to the Registrar a completed PMC Appeal Request Form (available with procedures on myUSA, Students tab) along with a written statement of the basis for his or her appeal within 10 business days from the date the decision letter is emailed or mailed to the student’s last known address.

An appeal may be based only on the grounds that

1. the PMC failed to comply with the procedural requirements outlined herein and/or elsewhere in this handbook;
2. there is relevant and material evidence which, in the exercise of reasonable diligence, could not have been produced or which was improperly excluded at the hearing before the PMC; or
3. the evidence presented at the PMC hearing was not sufficiently substantial to justify the final decision.

If the Registrar has not received the completed form and written statement (email or letter is acceptable) within the specified time frame, the decision of the Program Director will be final and no further appeals are available to the student.

If an appeal is filed, the Registrar will, within 10 business days, forward to the Dean of the division in which the student is enrolled, or the Dean’s designee, the student’s completed PMC Appeal Request Form and written statement, along with copies of all materials provided to the PMC, and the written decisions of the Program Director.

The Dean has 10 business days* to consider the appeal request. The Dean may deny the appeal for failure to allege facts that, if true, would be sufficient to constitute grounds for appeal. The Dean may also modify the decision or approve the appeal request. Should the Dean deny the appeal, the decision of the PMC and Program Director will stand affirmed. The student will be notified in writing of the Dean’s decision regarding the appeal.

The student can appeal the decision of the Dean to the University President. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the President within 5 business days from the date of mailing of the Dean’s decision letter. If the decision of the President includes suspension or dismissal, the student will no longer be permitted to remain in any course. The decision of the President shall be final.

Refer to the Forms list on the Student Services tab of myUSA for procedures associated with the nonacademic appeal process.

The Program Director’s Administrative Assistant will maintain all records included in an appeal apart from the student’s academic record for 5 years following the student’s last date of attendance.

^{*Should the Dean, or the Dean’s designee, receive an appeal request during the last 15 days of the term or during the trimester break, as indicated on the Academic Calendar, it will be considered during the first 10 business days following the first day of class of the subsequent term.}

Permanent Record

Records of the following will be maintained.

1. Records of the sanctions of the Academic Appeals Committee and the Professional Misconduct Committee will be maintained permanently.
2. Records of all other sanctions will be maintained for 5 years from the last day of the academic year in which the incident occurred.
3. A copy of any warning or disciplinary action that is placed on a student’s record will be given to the student.

Religious Accommodation

It is the policy of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences that an instructor will make a reasonable attempt to accommodate student needs in the case of serious incompatibility between a student’s religious creed and a scheduled test or examination. This requirement will not apply in the event that administering the test or examination at an alternate time would impose an undue hardship which could not reasonably have been avoided. Undue hardship occurs when granting a requested accommodation would require significant expense or difficulty for the University or other students in the class, or would result in the inability of the student to perform the essential functions of his or her course/program of study. The determination of undue hardship is dependent on the facts of each individual situation.

Accommodation for alternative examination dates will be worked out directly and on an individual basis between the student and the instructor involved.

Students must provide reasonable notice of their need for an accommodation by making such requests of the instructor during the first 2 weeks of an academic term, or as soon as possible after a particular examination date is announced by the instructor. The timing of the request may be considered in determining whether the accommodation would create an undue hardship.

For all degree programs, there will be times when students will be required to attend weekend and/or evening activities. A student should contact the instructor to request a religious accommodation if testing will occur during these times.

If the student and instructor are unable to come to a resolution, the student should bring the matter to the Program Director, who will make a final determination.

Repetition of a Course

On occasion, a student may be required to repeat a course. Under such circumstances, the highest grade achieved is counted toward the cumulative GPA.

A student who receives a D in any course (or an F and has been readmitted), must repeat that course in its entirety. The student will be permitted to take additional courses as long as there are no schedule conflicts and all prerequisite conditions are met, up to a maximum of 12 credit hours (full-time) and 8 credit hours (Flex Program).

A student who takes a leave of absence incurring grades of W, will be registered in the same courses upon return from leave (providing courses are offered).

Students who must repeat a course should not expect to graduate with their entering cohort.

Please note, course schedules that are considered less than half time in the program may affect a student’s eligibility for federal student loans. Students should contact the Financial Aid Office with any questions.

Student Code of Conduct

Admittance to the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences carries with it an obligation and responsibility to abide by federal, state, and local law, respective county and city ordinances, as well as all University rules, regulations, and procedures. Admission to the University is a privilege, not a right, and is extended to those individuals who meet all admission criteria. All students, faculty, guests, patients, and staff of the University have a responsibility to report violations of the Student Code of Conduct to the appropriate officials. As a student you will be asked to read and acknowledge this as part of the enrollment process.

The following behaviors are to be adhered to at all times while on University facilities or when associated with the University in any manner:

• The University is a tobacco and e-cigarette free, drug free, and alcohol free environment, therefore no smoking or being under the influence of banned substances or intoxicants is permitted.
• Use of profane language is not acceptable.
• Weapons are not permitted.
• Violence, or the threat of violence in any form, is not tolerated.
• Sexual or other forms of harassment will not be tolerated.
• The Internet Acceptable Use Policy must be adhered to at all times.
• It is expected that students will:
  • conduct themselves with professionalism, courtesy, and respect for others in all dealings with institution staff, faculty, and other students;
  • present qualifications and background truthfully and accurately for admission and other academic-related documentation to the institution;
  • observe the institutional policies and rules on submitting work, taking examinations, participating in online discussions, and conducting research;
  • never turn in work or present another person’s ideas or scholarship as one’s own;
  • never ask for, receive, or give unauthorized help on graded assignments, quizzes, or examinations;
  • never divulge the content of or answers to quizzes or examinations to fellow students;
  • never improperly use, destroy, forge, or alter the institution’s documents, transcripts, or other records; and
  • never divulge one’s online username and password.

The following interpersonal behaviors are expected at all times:

Of paramount concern is that students and graduates of the University display and present a positive and respectful attitude to their patients/clients, colleagues, supervisors, faculty, staff, community, and to the University. This attitude is a key ingredient to successful completion of studies at the University and to excel as health care professionals. Students will endeavor at all times to

• Utilize titles and surnames when addressing authorized University personnel
• respect the worth and individuality of every person (e.g., listen/pay attention while others are speaking and promote constructive feedback);
• refrain from disruptive behavior;
• refrain from proselytization (proselytization is defined as aggressively and/or harassingly trying to convert, recruit, or induce someone to join one’s own political cause or to espouse one’s own doctrine); and
• respect confidentiality.

Always report any violations of the Code of Conduct to the appropriate institution official, and report any evidence of cheating, plagiarism, or improper conduct on the part of any student of the institution when there is direct knowledge of these activities. Failure to observe the Student Code of Conduct is professionally unacceptable and could negatively impact academic progression.

Student Conduct Policies (Specific)

Classroom and Laboratory Conduct and Standards

Students are expected to arrive to lecture and lab sessions on time and with the appropriate clothing and equipment. The following behaviors are also expected in all lecture and lab session:

• No food or drinks (except in spill-proof containers) are permitted in the lecture or lab areas. Gum chewing is only allowed during written examinations. No bubbles may be blown.
• Students are expected to assist the instructors in the pre- and post-lab organization of equipment.
• Students will operate lab equipment in a safe and respectful manner.
• Shoes must be removed while on the lab tables or mats.

Flex courses may include labs for learning hands-on skills. Lab sessions are typically scheduled for Saturday and Sunday; however, some PT coursework requires weekday attendance. Students are notified of the next term’s lab schedule approximately 2 months before the start of the term.

Professional Dress and Appearance Code

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences students are highly visible to the public and should be sensitive to this fact. The following guidelines will be interpreted and enforced in a manner determined by the faculty and administration to be in the best interest of both the University and the professions of physical therapy and occupational therapy. Further, the University is free to change these guidelines without prior notice to students, although every effort will be made to provide such notice.

It is intended that daily appearance on campus be analogous to daily appearance in the future as a health professional and as an ambassador for our University and profession. A high level of professionalism comes naturally when practiced at a high level daily.

Students must abide by the following policies regarding professional dress and appearance while on the University campus. The University’s campus consists of the entire physical plant, which includes the student parking lot, faculty and staff parking lots, all classrooms, laboratories, lounges, hallways, lobby, and library. The University is a 7-day-a-week campus and a professional environment. This dress code is in effect during scheduled classroom and lab hours.

• University ID: The University ID must be properly exposed above the waist on your front collar or on a lanyard at all times.
• Grooming: Students will portray the well-groomed appearance of a responsible health professional. Hair will be clean, neat, of natural color, and, in the case of both men and women, will not be excessively long. Nails must be groomed to ¼″ or less with neutral polish only (no artificial nails). Men must be cleanly shaven or well groomed; beards or mustaches are acceptable. No heavy makeup, perfume, cologne, or aftershave.
• Accessories, Jewelry, Body Piercing, and Tattoos: All accessories and jewelry shall be free of writing, pictures, symbols, or any other insignia that are crude, vulgar, profane, obscene, libelous, slanderous, or sexually suggestive. Any accessory or jewelry that creates a safety or health concern, or causes or threatens to cause a disruption to the educational process, is prohibited. Dark glasses, sunglasses, hats, caps, visors, and other head coverings shall not be worn indoors. No tattoos may be visible.
  • Unacceptable for men: Earrings or other body piercing jewelry are prohibited on campus.
  • Unacceptable for women: Body piercing jewelry other than lobe earrings (maximum of two earrings per lobe) is prohibited on campus.
• Swimsuit: Recreational and instructional swimsuit attire must not be disruptive or distracting. For women, one-piece swimsuits are preferred. Suits must fully cover the chest and buttocks. For men, mid-thigh swimsuits are preferred. All swimsuits must remain nontransparent when wet. Any swimsuit not appropriate will require shorts and shirt.

All students must maintain high standards as individuals in order to uphold the reputation of our University and professions. Being neatly dressed, well-groomed, and avoiding faddish modes of dress is required. It is University policy that students maintain University dress code while on the University’s campus or while participating in any coursework outside the University’s campus. The following outlines the required Professional Dress and Appearance Code for scheduled events.

Lecture Attire

• Acceptable attire for men: Collared shirts only (button-down oxford or polo-type) are permitted. Shirts must be of a length that can be tucked into and remain in the pants. If you can do three full-extension jumping jacks without your shirt becoming untucked, your shirt is acceptable. Dress or walking shorts (just above the knee) or casual dress pants are preferred. Jeans are acceptable provided they are in good condition. Dress sandals (Teva or Birkenstocks), clean tennis or running shoes, or any other closed-toed shoe with socks are acceptable.
  
  Unacceptable attire for men: Shirts without collars, t-shirts, tank tops, sleeveless tops, low-cut shirts, “grunge look” pants, and bib overalls, are not acceptable; nor are thong-type, “beach casual,” or flip-flop sandals. Underwear is not permitted to show outside or through the clothing. No exposure of gluteal fold is permitted.
• Acceptable attire for women: Shirts should have sleeves; however, a “professional-looking” sleeveless blouse is acceptable. Shirts must be of a length that can be tucked into and remain in the pants. If you can do three full-extension jumping jacks without your shirt becoming untucked, your shirt is acceptable. Dress or walking shorts (just above the knee) or casual dress pants are preferred. Jeans are acceptable provided they are in good condition. Skirts and dresses may not be unreasonably short for a practicing health professional. Dress sandals, clean tennis or running shoes, or any other closed-toed shoe with socks/stockings are acceptable.
  
  Unacceptable attire for women: T-shirts, tank tops, low-cut shirts, yoga, “hip-hugger” pants, “grunge look” pants, bib overalls, and “beach casual” or flip-flop sandals are not acceptable. Underwear is not permitted to show outside or through the clothing. No exposure of midriffs, cleavage, or gluteal fold is permitted.

Guest Lecture Attire

On occasion, students are required to wear business attire on days when guest lecturers and/or others are visiting the University. Students may also be required to wear business attire when giving formal presentations or case presentations as a part of their coursework. Appropriate business attire for men is a business suit including jacket, dress shirt, and a tie, or a blazer and dress pants with a dress shirt and tie. Appropriate business attire for women is a business suit (skirt or pants) including jacket and blouse. Skirts may not be unreasonably short for this professional health care environment (skirt hems should be no higher than three inches from the top of the patella). Shoes are to be closed toe and closed heel. Course instructors reserve the right to modify or further specify required dress for guest lectures or presentations. Refer to individual course syllabi for further requirements.

Laboratory Attire

Certain labs require laboratory dress and some require special dress for physical assessment or manual techniques inducing perspiration or for the handling of special materials. Unless otherwise noted in the class syllabus, students may arrive on campus in laboratory attire if lab is their first scheduled class of the day. However, students must change from laboratory attire into lecture attire for the remainder of their scheduled classes. Students without lab as their first scheduled class must arrive on campus in lecture attire and change into laboratory attire immediately prior to a lab session.

• Solid color gym shorts that allow for modesty and free movement and a plain solid-colored T-shirt are acceptable. T-shirts should be devoid of any print or pictures with the exception of official University of St. Augustine logo which is permissible. T-shirts MUST be clean, properly sized, and be of a length that can be tucked into and remain in the pants.
• When t-shirts are approved for University sponsored activities, students will be notified if they are also approved as lab wear. Athletic shoes with socks are required. Nails must be groomed to ¼″ or less with neutral polish only (no artificial nails).
  • Scrubs, to include matching tops and bottoms, are acceptable for certain labs (Anatomy dissection and Neuroscience for example) as defined by class syllabi.
  • For many labs, women will need to wear a sports bra, halter-top, or a bathing suit top that exposes the scapulae and may be unfastened at the back.
• Unacceptable attire for both men and women: Jean shorts, cargo-style, cutoffs, or bright neon shorts are not acceptable. Underwear is not permitted to show outside or through the clothing. No exposure of midriffs, cleavage, or gluteal fold is permitted.

Students requiring medical or cultural allowances for certain policies, including dress and appearance code, must have the approval of their respective Program Director.

Clinical Affiliation Attire

Please refer the Clinical Education Handbook.

Student Information and Records

Notification of Rights under FERPA

Student educational records at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences are governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

FERPA affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their education records. (An “eligible student” under FERPA is a student who is 18 years of age or older or who attends a postsecondary institution.) These rights include the following:

• The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days after the day the University receives a request for access. A student should submit to the Registrar, Dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the school official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
• The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.
  A student who wishes to ask the school to amend a record should write the school official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed.
  If the school decides not to amend the record as requested, the school will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
• The right to provide written consent before the University discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
• The school discloses education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position; a person serving on the board of directors; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee. A school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of the University of St. Augustine who performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent, or a student volunteering to assist another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for the University.
  
  The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:
  
  Family Policy Compliance Office
  U.S. Department of Education
  400 Maryland Avenue, SW
  Washington, DC 20202

Student Rights

All students enrolled at the University are accorded the basic rights as set forth by the Board of Directors Student rights are as follows:

• The right of respect for personal feelings.
• The right of freedom from indignity of any type.
• The right to expect an education of the highest quality.
• The right to make the best use of one’s talents and time toward the objectives which brought him or her to the University.
• The right to inquire about and to recommend improvements in policies, regulations, and procedures affecting the welfare of students.
• The right for students and/or their representatives to meet with the appropriate Program Director, Chair, Dean, and the President.
• The right of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly as defined by the Constitution of the United States and laws of the States of Florida, California, and Texas.
• The right to participate in dialog during public discussions that provide a diversity of opinion.
• The right to join organizations for educational, political, social, religious, and cultural purposes within the limits imposed by their responsibilities to each other and to the student life of the University.
• The right of due process.
• The right of freedom of the press and media (newspaper, radio, television, etc.) to publish and distribute materials will be granted when identified by authorship and sponsorship.

Student Responsibilities

The University expects its students to be responsible for helping to maintain a healthy academic climate where students can grow and develop as mature individuals with a commitment to lifelong learning. Student responsibilities include the following:

• The responsibility of assuming the consequences of one’s own actions and of avoiding conduct detrimental to fellow students and University employees.
• The responsibility of taking the initiative to volunteer for service on committees.
• The responsibility for ensuring that the essential order of the University is maintained.
• The responsibility for academic work and clinical education requirements.
• The responsibility to be fully acquainted with and to adhere to the University’s Catalog, Student Handbook, and other published policies and procedures.

Transfer Credit Policy—All Programs

Transfer of graduate credits previously earned from another accredited, degree-granting institution is limited to 25% of the total number of academic credits for the degree. Transfer of credits within the University is determined on a case by case basis. Transfer credit will in most cases be approved for graduate coursework awarded by schools, colleges, or universities that have recognition from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and the U.S. Department of Education.

Transfer of Credits from Another Accredited Institution

Acceptance or rejection of transfer credits is subject to the following provisions:

• The course(s) should have been completed within 5 years* preceding admission to the program, but the applicant may petition to the Program Director for an exception to this time limit.

^{*Some programs may be more restrictive than others and will expect a maximum of 3 years preceding admission (see First Professional Division reenrollment timelines below).}

• The course should have been completed with a grade of B or better. Courses having a B- or below will not be transferred.
• The course must be listed on an official transcript sent directly to the Registrar by the issuing institution.
• Graduate-level courses taken at accredited institutions can be used for credit transfer provided that the course work meets the corresponding requirements of the program and the course being substituted by transfer.
• The course number and name of the course requested for transfer should reflect the content of the course it is replacing. Additionally, if the course requested for transfer will replace an elective, the content should be closely aligned with that of the curriculum and its potential electives.
• Undergraduate work is not accepted for transfer.
• In general, credit can be transferred if the requested substitute course is at the same course level or lower than the course being substituted (e.g., 7000 level courses would transfer for a 7000-level course or 5000 or 6000 level). In cases where a course from a master’s program is being requested for transfer into a doctoral program, consideration will be given to rigor and content and further documentation may be requested.
• Final approval for a transfer request is based upon review and authorization by the Program Director and will be based on assessment of whether a transfer of credit will allow the student to meet all program and course learning outcomes.
• If students are utilizing a variety of methods in transferring credits (from outside institutions, from another USAHS program, or from advanced standing), a maximum of 50% of the degree program total credits can be awarded. The remaining 50% of the total credits needs to be completed within the desired USAHS program.
• The Registrar is responsible for ensuring consistency of transfer credit practice and procedure between the different campus locations.

The process for requesting transfer credits is as follows:

• The student completes a Request for Acceptance of Transfer Credit Form found on the myUSA portal, Student Services tab and submits this to the Registrar. A course syllabus is required. It is the responsibility of the student to provide sufficient documentation to show equivalency to USAHS coursework.
• Requests for approval of transfer credits may be submitted within the first 4 months after acceptance into the program or at least 2 months before the start of classes for the trimester.
• The Program Director, in consultation with the appropriate course instructor(s), will review the transfer course syllabus to verify that its contents match those of the program’s course, considering the nature, content, quality, appropriateness, and applicability of the credit earned. The Program Director will then notify the Registrar of the decision.
• The Registrar will notify the student if the request for transfer credit is approved and will post any transferred credit to the permanent academic record at that time.
• Students have a right to appeal the Program Director’s decision to deny a course transfer. Such appeals will be forwarded to the Dean of the division who has final authority in the transfer determination.

Transfer of Credits from One USAHS Program to Another USAHS Program

Transfer of credits may take place from one USAHS program to another. Should a student wish to transfer credits from one program to another, the following guidelines will apply:

• Students may request transfer of credits from another program for up to 50% of the total credits in the program toward which the credits will be applied.
• If electives are to be transferred, the Program Director will determine if those credits meet the program learning outcomes for the intended degree.
• Courses taught in a master’s level program that include outcomes and assessment measures designed for the doctoral level may be considered for transfer into doctoral-level programs if they have been approved for such and according to Program Director approval.
• The Program Director, in conjunction with the Registrar, will give final approval to the transfer plan.

The process for requesting transfer credits is as follows:

• The student completes a Request for Acceptance of Transfer Credit Form found on the myUSA portal Student Services tab and submits this to the Registrar.
• Requests for approval of transfer credits should be submitted 2 months before the start of classes for the trimester.
• The Registrar will notify the student if the request for transfer credit is approved and will post any transferred credit to the permanent academic record at that time.

Trimesters/Terms

University coursework is posted in student records according to the term (usually a trimester) in which all requirements for the course are completed. Academic-credit coursework (cohort based) is generally scheduled on a trimester basis. Trimester periods consist of approximately 8–15 weeks (based on the course) and begin the first part of January, May, and September.