Academic Policies and Procedures

Academic Year

The FNU academic year is defined as two semesters. The length of an academic semester is four months. Each semester has two terms of two months each. The FNU rolling admission schedule makes it possible to have six different start dates and six different completion dates in one calendar year. There is a one-week break in April, a one-week break in August, and a two-week break at the Christmas/New Year season.

CLASS SCHEDULES

Most courses are scheduled as either three or four-hour sessions, held Monday through Friday, anytime from 8:30 am – 10:00 pm. Some courses are offered on Saturdays and clinical practices are offered 7 days a week, (scheduling based on program requirements and site availability). FNU also offers internet-based distance-learning courses.

In order to access your class schedule, you must set up an account on the FNU student portal. Instructions are available on the FNU website. A user name and password are required. You will also be able to use the FNU Portal to access other pertinent information.

Changes to your class schedule can be made during the ADD/DROP period (first week of the semester). Any changes to your schedule must be approved by your Department/Division Head and a Cancel/Add form must be filled out and turned in to the Registrar‘s Office. The Cancel/Add form is available at the Registrar‘s Office of each Campus and on the FNU website. Distance learning students must submit the completed form to the Registrar‘s Office via either e-mail (registrars@fnu.edu) or fax at (305) 362 0595, Attention to Registrar‘s Office. Additional questions to the Distance Learning Dept. can be emailed to distancelearning@fnu.edu.

Class schedule changes are subject to class load and availability. The student must check the FNU student portal to ensure that changes are accepted.

If a student is active beyond the midpoint of a semester, the institution will automatically assign classes for the following semester. It is the student=s responsibility to withdraw, cancel, or change any courses assigned to him/her during the ADD/DROP period. Changes made after the ADD/DROP period will usually incur additional fees.

No schedule changes will be accepted for the semester during Term B unless it is an emergency, and you will be charged for the change. For changes approved after the ADD/DROP period, the student will be charged $50.00 per change. If a student wants to change a class during Term B, it can only be done by substituting the class with another course carrying the same credit load and by paying the $50.00 fee. Please note that all charges carry a $50.00 fee even if it just a change of session.

CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS OR STATUS

STUDENTS ARE CLASSIFIED IN VARIOUS WAYS:

A. By class load:1. Full time (12 credit hours minimum per semester)*2. Three-Quarter time (9 credit hours minimum per semester)3. Half time (6 credit hours minimum per semester)4. Less than halftime (less than 5 credit hours per semester)B. By credits earned:1. Freshman (1 to 30 credits)2. Sophomore (31 and above)3. Junior (61 and above)4. Senior (91 and above)C. By the program of study:1. Baccalaureate or Associate Degree students2. Diploma students3. Certificate students4. Early Admission5. Transient students (courses for transference to other institutions)6. Non-degree seeking students* Students receiving full financial aid cannot carry less than six credit hours per semester. Students carrying less than the required minimum number of credits may receive financial aid proportionally.

TRANSIENT AND NON-DEGREE-SEEKING STUDENT ADMISSION

A student who is in good standing at another college or university may be admitted to
Florida National University as a transient student. Transient students should consult the appropriate Dean or Registrar at the university to which they wish their credits transferred to determine the acceptability of outside credits at their home institution.

Applicants who are taking a course, but without enrolling in a program, are classified as non-degree seeking students. At
Florida National University these students are limited to thirty credits in this classification, and they are not eligible for financial aid.

CLASS LOAD, CREDIT HOUR, AND CLOCK HOUR EQUIVALENCY

Class load refers to the number of credits a student carries in a semester. For degree and career programs, a student may carry a load of 16 credit hours maximum per semester. One credit hour equals 15 clock hours of lecture, 30 clock hours of Lab., 45 clock hours of externship, or 100 clock hours of the pre-clinical or clinical journal. One clock hour is equivalent to 50 minutes of lecture and a 10 – minute break.

Certificate Programs: Since courses within a certificate program are not acceptable for credit toward a degree program within the institution, the conversion formula for certificate programs is as follows: one credit hour equals 30 clock hours of lecture, 30 clock hours of Lab., or 30 clock hours of externship.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS

All students must meet certain minimum standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress while enrolled at Florida National University (FNU).

In order to achieve Satisfactory Academic Progress, a student must satisfy three criteria, each of which is evaluated, on a cumulative basis, at the end of each semester. The three criteria are:

1. Cumulative Grade Point Average (must meet minimum thresholds in the table below)
2. The pace of Progression (must successfully complete at least 66.7% of credits attempted)
3. Maximum Time Frame (must complete the program in no more than 150 percent of the normal time frame for completion)

GRADE POINT AVERAGE: The grade point average or GPA for a semester is calculated by dividing (a) a number equal to the sum of credit hours for each course attempted during the semester times the quality point value for each grade earned in the course by (b) a number equal to the number of credit hours attempted during the semester (i.e., hours from courses with grades A through F).

The cumulative grade point average, or CGPA, is obtained by calculating the GPA for all courses attempted at Florida National University with grades of A through F. Course grades of S, U, I, W, AU, and TC do not count in the overall CGPA since they carry no quality points, but they do count as credits attempted for purposes of determining the Pace of Progression. The minimum CGPA required to maintain SAP varies depending on the program the student is enrolled in and the number of credits the student has attempted, as set forth in the table below. See the Grading System section for more information.

PACE OF PROGRESSION: Pace of Progression is measured by calculating, at the end of each semester, the cumulative number of credits successfully completed (i.e., courses with a grade of A through D) as a percentage of the cumulative number of credits attempted.

MAXIMUM TIME FRAME: The maximum time frame for completing a program is equal to 150 percent of the normal time frame for completing the program as measured in credit hours. For example, a full-time student in a baccalaureate program normally would complete the program in four academic years with 120 semester hours. The maximum time frame for such a student to complete the program would be 180 semester hours. The Pace of Progression requirement is intended to ensure that the students are on pace to graduate within the Maximum Time Frame.

Maintenance of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a requirement for graduation; it is also necessary in order to maintain eligibility for Title IV financial assistance. FNU evaluates Satisfactory Academic Progress at the end of every semester.

Students must continue to meet the minimum SAP standards as measured at the end of each semester, in order to maintain eligibility for financial assistance. The CGPA and Pace of Progression are be based on all periods of enrollment even when the student did not receive Title IV funds. However, should a student change programs at FNU, SAP will be based on all coursework that is applicable to the student’s current degree, diploma, or certificate program of study. If the student does not meet the minimum SAP standards at the end of a semester, the student will be placed on Academic/Financial Aid Warning for the following semester. All students on Academic/Financial Aid Warning will be monitored for SAP again at the end of the semester on Academic Warning.

Students who are eligible for federal student aid funds continue to receive those funds while on Academic Warning. All students on Academic/Financial Aid Warning who meet the minimum SAP standards at the end of the semester will be removed from Academic/Financial Aid Warning.

Any student who fails to meet the minimum SAP standards at the end of the semester on Academic/Financial Aid Warning will be considered for dismissal and suspended for the coming semester. The student may appeal the suspension by submitting a written request explaining and documenting why the student failed to achieve SAP, such as the death of a relative, an injury or illness, or other special circumstances, and how circumstances have changed such that the student will be able to achieve SAP at the end of the next semester if permitted to re-enroll. A student requesting an appeal must submit a written request to the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Vice President/Director of Financial Aid. If the appeal is granted, the student may re-enroll and will be placed on Academic/Financial Aid Probation for the coming semester. If eligible for Federal student aid, those funds will continue during the semester on Academic/Financial Aid Probation.

All students on Academic/Financial Aid Probation are monitored again for SAP at the end of the semester on Academic/Financial Aid Probation. All such students who satisfy the minimum SAP standards at the end of the semester will be removed from Academic/Financial Aid Probation and will continue to remain subject to the SAP requirements. All students on Academic/Financial Aid Probation who do not satisfy the SAP requirements at the end of the semester will be dismissed.

All financial aid applicants in eligible degree/diploma/certificate programs are evaluated for SAP whether they received financial assistance in prior terms or not.

If the student attended FNU in the past and seeks to re-enroll, the student will be reviewed for SAP for financial aid purposes on all previously attempted courses that are applicable to the student’s current program of enrollment regardless of how long ago the student attended FNU or whether or not aid was received.

When a student transfers course credits to FNU, transfer credits count as credits attempted and credits earned.

The student may modify the initial course schedule up to the last day of the add/drop period with a refund. Classes that are dropped during this time period are not counted as part of the SAP evaluation process. If the student withdraws after the add/drop period, it will negatively affect the Pace of Progression and Maximum Time Frame requirements because the credits will count as credits attempted but not credits earned.

If a student repeats a course, the higher grade is used in the CGPA but credits for both courses count as credit hours attempted.

If the student changes degree or certificate programs, the SAP calculation will reset to only count those credits that are applicable to the student’s new program of study. Credits that do not count toward the new program of study will not be included in the pace calculation and the related grades will not be included in the CGPA.

Remedial credit hours completed are used in Grade Point Average calculations, but not in Pace of Progression, and Maximum Time Frame calculations.

Master Degree Programs

Bachelors and Associate Degree Programs

Diploma Programs

Certificate Programs

A student who has been dismissed for failure to satisfy SAP following a semester on Academic/Financial Aid Probation may reapply to Florida National University after being out of school for one semester. If re-admitted, the student will remain subject to all SAP requirements and, if otherwise eligible for Federal student aid, will not be eligible to receive such funds until and unless the students meet all SAP requirements.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

The policy on attendance for university classes will be the responsibility of the professor, and the professor will fully inform students of such policy at the beginning of the semester.

The faculty and staff at Florida National University want you to succeed. Since studies indicate a positive relationship between good attendance and better grades, you are strongly encouraged to attend all classes and arrive on time.

• * Individual instructors establish their own class attendance policies. Each instructor‘s policy is included in the course syllabus and distributed at the beginning of each semester.
• * It is your responsibility to understand and follow these policies and, if possible, to notify instructors in advance when it is necessary to miss a class.
• * Any anticipated prolonged absences should be reported to instructors as soon as possible.
• * If you stop attending the class(es) for any reason, you must consult with your instructor(s) and registrar about a possible withdrawal from the class(es).

ATTENDANCE POLICY FOR VA STUDENTS

Early departures, class cuts, tardies, etc., for any portion of a class period, will be counted as 1 absence.

Students exceeding 20 % of total absences in a calendar month will be terminated from their VA benefits for unsatisfactory attendance.

In order to show that the cause of unsatisfactory attendance has been removed, students must show good attendance (as defined) for one calendar month after being terminated for unsatisfactory attendance. After such time, the student may be recertified for VA education benefits.

The student’s attendance record will be retained in the veteran’s file for USDVA and SAA audit purposes.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Any student requesting a leave of absence (LOA) from the institution must submit a written request to the Registrar=s Office. The LOA request form is located at the Registrar‘s Office of every campus or can be downloaded from the FNU website. Distance learning students must submit the completed form to the Registrar‘s Office via either e-mail (registrars@fnu.edu) or fax at (305) 362 0595, Attention to Registrar‘s Office. Additional questions to the Distance Learning Dept. can be emailed to distancelearning@fnu.edu.

The Leave of Absence must be requested ONLY during the ADD/DROP period. The request needs to be signed and dated by the student and must include the date student expects to return to school. The request must be approved by the campus registrar and a financial aid officer.

Federal regulations allow an approved leave of absence of no more than 180 days. There are no exceptions. Multiple leaves of absences can be granted not exceeding 180 days. An LOA extends the graduation date. Students on LOA will normally not be able to maintain their course sequencing. A student on leave of absence will not incur additional charges by the school during this period, though monthly payments must continue during the LOA.

If the student does not report back to FNU by the add/drop period of the following semester, the student will be considered to have withdrawn from school as of the first day of the new semester.

The University has thirty days after the last day of an approved leave of absence to process financial assistance refunds to grantors. By official regulation, international students may use a leave of absence (LOA) only after completion of one academic year (8 months).

STANDARD PERIOD OF NON-ENROLLMENT

Students enrolled in Certificate Programs, and planning to be out of FNU for one term (two months), must submit a written request for a Standard Period of Non-Enrollment to the Registrar’s Office. The SPNE request form is located in the Registrar’s Office or can be downloaded from the FNU website.

SPNE’s are usually approved for one term (two months) per semester. However, during the summer semester, a student can request it for four months (one semester).

A Standard Period of Non-Enrollment must be requested prior to the start of the term or during the first week of classes of the term the student is planning to be away from FNU.

After the ADD/DROP period, no SPNE requests are granted. Students will receive a “W” for that term once that SPNE is approved. If the SPNE is only for one term (two months), the student’s remaining schedule of courses will remain the same.

The request must be authorized by the Campus Registrar and the Financial Aid officer.

Students must report to the Registrar’s Office by the date indicated on the Standard Period of Non-Enrollment form. Students who fail to return to the University by the expected date will be considered to have withdrawn from the school, and the student will therefore be responsible for any balance due.
An SPNE extends a student’s graduation date. Students on SPNE may not be able to maintain their course sequencing.​

RE-ENROLLMENT / READMISSION

Typically, a Re-Enrollment is a student who withdrew and requests enrollment in another program, and Readmission is for students who withdrew and desire to return to the same program within five years. In both cases students must satisfy the readmission procedures as follows:

1. The student who withdrew with a CGPA of 2.0 or better and a clear balance will resume his/her studies following regular admission procedures.
2. The student who was terminated because of academic probation or lack of attendance and has two consecutive semesters with a GPA under 2.0 can‘t be considered for Re-Enrollment or Readmission unless the student requests a waiver of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. The following process will apply:
   • A student who has been dropped or suspended because of the inability to maintain a CGPA of 2.0 may reapply to Florida National University after being out of school for a minimum of one term. At that time, the student‘s academic records will be evaluated to determine if it is possible for a 2.0 cumulative grade point average to be achieved and if the program can be completed within the maximum time frame of 1.5 times the normal time frame for completion. If it is not possible for the student to meet both standards, the student will no longer be eligible for Title IV funds.
   • Additionally, Florida National University may use its discretion in waiving its Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy in cases where students have mitigating circumstances. Students requesting an appeal must submit a written request, with appropriate documentation, to the Vice President of Academic Affairs and the Vice President/Director of Financial Aid. If the appeal is approved, the student will be allowed one additional semester to meet the required standards and will be eligible for Title IV funds.
3. The student who was terminated because of the inability to fulfill costs will have to pay the complete balance before classes start.
4. The student who was terminated because of serious violations of FNU rules may not reapply at FNU for admission.

Additionally,
Florida National University reserves the right to reject the application request of any student who comes from any other institution where the student has lost ‘Good Standing’ status.

Students that decide to continue onto a different program once a program has been completed, are not considered re-entry nor re-enrollments.

TUTORIALS

Free tutorials are offered in the various subjects offered at Florida National University. At the Hialeah Campus, tutorial information is provided by Program Division on each window case of each floor. The South Campus tutorials information is located in the hallway by the teachers‘ office. You may also contact your individual instructor for additional help with the subject area you are having difficulty with.

DISTANCE LEARNING

Online classes can help you make a balance between your busy life and personal goals. FNU’s Distance Learning Department offers exciting courses for your convenience. It doesn‘t need to be at a specific date or time. Online classes include exercises, interesting projects, and assignments. You do not need to travel to the campus. Courses can be accessed from home, the office, or while traveling. Learners will enjoy the simplicity, interaction, and flexibility to be offered online courses.

STUDENT USAGE OF UNIVERSITY COMPUTERS AT ALL

CAMPUSES

The use of university computers is available outside class hours in the computer Lab and the campus libraries. Hours of operation for the computer Lab. are visibly posted and a Lab. assistant will be on-site to assist students with basic information. Please be sure to bring your own removable memory device to save your projects. Open Computer Lab hours are from Monday-Thursday 1:00pm-5:00pm and Friday 9:00am-9:00pm. Any individual using FNU’s computers and/or FNU’s Computer Lab(s) must comply with FNU’s Computer Use Policy at all times.

If you have suggestions regarding the convenience of the hours or the equipment, contact the Office of Student Services.

BUS PASSES

Students who do not own a vehicle and use public transportation should consider purchasing a monthly metro Transit Bus Pass. This pass allows unlimited use for an entire month of the Metrorail and MetroDade Bus System. For prices and payment deadlines, contact the Office of Student Services.

ACADEMIC GRADING SYSTEM AND TRANSCRIPT CODE KEY

Official grades and their quality points equivalency at FNU are as shown on the next page. The final grade of a course shall be based on various criteria; however, the individual instructor establishes the weight of each assignment for determining the final grade, and this information is given in the course syllabus of which every student shall receive a copy.

ACADEMIC GRADING SYSTEM and TRANSCRIPT CODE KEY

FAILURE (F)
An F is a grade; it counts for the GPA. It alters the completion date of the program; it also increases the student‘s financial burden. An F may not be erased, but the course can be repeated to improve the GPA. The latest grade for the course prevails. A student may continue to receive federal financial aid for any course failed as long as the student is otherwise eligible.
In the Associate of Science in Nursing Program and the Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant, the lowest acceptable grade is an 80% (B). Anything below 80% is considered a failure.

INCOMPLETE (I)
The use of this grade is very restricted and only on the basis of extenuating circumstances in the judgment of the instructor. When a student is not able to complete the course requirements within the length of the course for reasons acceptable to the instructor, the instructor may assign an ‘Incomplete’ on terms specified by the instructor. An ‘I’ is valid for only one semester; after this, it becomes a ‘WF.’ During the waiting period, an ‘I’ is listed as credit hours attempted, but not completed.

The instructor will prepare a modified final exam or an appropriate assignment and leave it in a sealed envelope with the department head or division head. The department head or division head or an instructor designated by them will proctor and score the exam in accordance with the FNU policy. The same will apply to written papers waiting to be graded as part of a final grade.

The instructor may calculate the course average by using ‘0’ for each of the components of the final grade that has not been satisfied. (The course syllabus will list the components of the final grade for that course, or the instructor will otherwise stipulate these.)

WITHDRAWALS (W, WP, WF, WU)

Students desiring to withdraw formally from a class may do so within the add-drop period without penalty. A reduction in course load may keep the student from meeting minimum standards for satisfactory progress. Course withdrawals may also jeopardize the student‘s financial aid eligibility, VA benefits, and program completion date.

The ADD/DROP period is the first week of the semester (TERM A) ending Friday of that week.

During this time, you are able to add, change, or cancel classes, by following the procedure established. Classes withdrawn within this period will receive a ‘W’ on the transcript.

Requests to change, add, or cancel classes must be made in writing by means of the Cancel/Add form, found on the FNU website or at the Registrar‘s Office. Any changes to your schedule must be approved by your Department/Division Head and a Cancel/Add form must be completed, signed, and turned into the Registrar‘s Office. Online learning students must submit the completed form(s) to the Registrar‘s Office via either e-mail (registrars@fnu.edu) or fax at (305) 362-0595, Attention to Registrar‘s Office.

Additional questions to the Online Learning Dept. can be emailed to distancelearning@fnu.edu.

No schedule changes will be accepted for the semester during Term B unless it is an emergency, and you will be charged for the change. For changes approved after the ADD/DROP period, the student will be charged $50.00 per change. If a student wants to change a class during Term B, it can only be done by substituting the class with another course carrying the same credit load and by paying the $50.00 fee. Please note that all charges carry a $50.00 fee even if it just a change of session.
Students starting at the University in Term B of the semester will be able to ADD/CHANGE classes during the first week of this term.

Late Withdrawal

Any withdrawal after the Add-drop period incurs full financial obligation. The student will receive a “WP” if the withdrawal is made between the second week of classes up to the mid-term. “WP” does not affect GPA. “WF” is assigned after the midterm, when the student does not complete the course requirements. “WF affects GPA. “WU” is assigned after the midterm, when the student does not complete the course requirements for remedial courses. “WU” does not affect GPA.

WITHDRAWAL FROM THE UNIVERSITY

In order to officially withdraw from the University, the students must fill out a Withdrawal Form. This form is available at the Registrar‘s Office or can be downloaded from the FNU website. It must be completely filled out and submitted to the Registrar‘s Office. Distance learning students must submit the completed form to the Registrar‘s Office via either e-mail (registrars@fnu.edu) or fax at (305) 362 0595, Attention to Registrar‘s Office. Additional questions to the Distance Learning Dept. can be emailed to distancelearning@fnu.edu.

It is common practice for the student to meet with the Advising Office and his/her career advisor (Department or Division Head) before processing a withdrawal.No withdrawal will be official until the student receives an acknowledgment from the Registrar‘s Office. Any withdrawal after the ADD/DROP period is subject to financial implications.

AUDIT (AU)

The student who audits attends a course without expecting credit or formal recognition. The campus dean and the instructor must grant permission and regular tuition must be paid.

TRANSFERRED CREDIT (TC)

Credit for external or internal transferability is granted for grades of “C” or better. University courses completed more than five years prior to the date of enrollment at FNU will require validation. A student who wishes to change from one program to another should consult with (a) the Division Head, faculty advisor, or Campus Dean, (b) the registrar, (c) the financial aid advisor in order to become fully aware of the best possible use of credits earned, of allocated monies, of necessary changes in the contract, and of any other possible implication. All courses that can be transferred to the new program, as either part of the required block or as electives, will be reflected in the student‘s ledger, in the Student Progress Report, and in the Summary Sheet in the Academic File.

The grade of “D” shall transfer and count toward the baccalaureate in the same as D‘s obtained by students from FNU, provided that the student has earned and been awarded an A.A. or A.S. degree. Whether courses with ‘D’ grades in the major satisfy requirements in the major field may be decided by the department or division.

Transferring credits from another institution will be recorded as “credits earned” toward graduation, but not as “credits attempted” since they are not earned on the basis of regular attendance or regular tuition cost. All transfer of credit must be made effective at the time of registration or within the student‘s first semester of enrollment.

CREDIT BY EXAMINATION (CE)

Students may receive credit by examination. The Campus Dean will evaluate each case, and the appropriate academic department will proctor and score the exams. The student will be graded “S” if scoring 70% or better, otherwise “U”. The result of this exam cannot be challenged again. Application forms are available from the Registrar.

Institutional credit by examination will become a part of the student‘s permanent record at the conclusion of the semester in which it is awarded; grades will count toward graduation requirements and they will be entered with a CE on the student progress report.

A fee per credit hour will be charged for each examination administered. The maximum number of credits earned by examination will be nine (9). Please be advised that the Federal Pell Grant does not cover credit by examination, just credits earned on the basis of regular class attendance. This process will be documented in the Academic Summary Sheet inside the student‘s academic file.

Credit by examination may not be used to eliminate an “F” or “I” grade.

SPECIAL INDIVIDUALIZED STUDIES (SIS)

Degree-seeking students are allowed to take a maximum of six credits in special individualized studies, supported by a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 GPA. Please be advised that the Federal Pell Grant only covers credits earned on the basis of regular class attendance. The campus Dean will give approval for such studies. After this, SIS students are under the supervision of the Department Head or Division Head. The student will maintain weekly contact with this person from whom the student will receive guidelines, instruction, scoring and correction of assignments, and the final grade.

Students may register for no more than one special individualized study course each semester. Regular tuition charges are applied to special individualized studies.

ESL placement BY TESTING

Upon enrollment, the ESL program uses a placement test for new students, and they are placed in the corresponding level according to their performance (score) on this test. There is no fee for the placement test.

REPEATING COURSES

Students may repeat courses taken at Florida National University in order to improve the cumulative grade point average. The credit is given for the last grade earned when repeating a course. Repeated courses will appear on the student‘s transcript. The first attempt will also be shown, but the cumulative grade point average will be computed on the basis of the last attempt only. In the case of repeating a course to improve the GPA, tuition fees will be entirely the student‘s responsibility.

In the evaluation of satisfactory progress, in addition to the minimum credits earned and grade point average each time they are taken, repeated courses will be counted as credits attempted. When successfully completed, they will count as credits earned.

A student failing a course may still be eligible for financial aid upon repeating it. The student will seek advice at the Financial Aid office.

CHANGING A MAJOR OR PROGRAM

A student who wishes to change from one program to another will be thoroughly advised by (a) the registrar (b) the financial aid officer (c) the campus dean, and (d) the departmental faculties involved for the purpose of making the student fully aware of the best possible use of credits earned, of allocated monies, of necessary changes in the contract, and any other possible implication. All courses are taken that can be transferred to the new program, as either required courses or as electives, will be reflected in the student‘s ledger, in the Student Progress Report, and in the Summary Sheet in the student‘s academic file.

OFF-CAMPUS ENROLLMENT AND TRANSFER OF CREDITS

Florida National University students who wish to take courses at another University for the purpose of transferring the credits to FNU must obtain prior written approval from the division head. Students who have attained sophomore status (31 credit hours and up) may not transfer credits from any other institution. Students enrolled in one of the bachelor programs may transfer up to 60 credits.

Once a student is enrolled as a degree-seeking student at FNU, no more than six credits may be transferred.

STANDARDS OF PROGRESS FOR VA STUDENTS

Each student receiving VA educational benefits is expected to complete his program within the number of training hours (semester credit hours) approved by the Bureau of State Approving for Veterans Training, Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. The student also must attain and maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of not less than a 2.0 (“C”, 70-79%) each semester.

In addition, the student must meet any skill or technical requirements of his/her particular program. If at any point in time it is determined that a VA student cannot successfully complete the program within the approved number of hours, the student‘s VA educational benefits will be terminated for unsatisfactory progress.

A VA student who has not attained and maintained satisfactory progress (2.0 GPA or better) at the end of any semester will be placed on academic probation for the next semester. If the student does not attain and maintain satisfactory progress by the end of the probationary semester, the student‘s VA educational benefits will be terminated for unsatisfactory progress.

The VA student may petition FNU to be re-certified for VA educational benefits after one semester has elapsed since termination. FNU then may re-certify the student only if there is a reasonable likelihood the student will be able to attain and maintain satisfactory progress for the remainder of the program.

SYLLABUS

Instructors will write their own syllabi, modeled after the institutional syllabi. The syllabus will present information on class schedule, a number of sessions, holidays, course description (quoted from the FNU Catalog), textbook, course requirements, objectives, course outline, required assignments, class policies, grading system, and exit competencies. Instructors are encouraged to bring in guest lecturers, arrange for field trips, and promote library skills by means of library assignments. The instructor will distribute and discuss the syllabus on the first day of class. Students should make sure they understand all policies and provisions on the course syllabus.

ACADEMIC HONORS AND AWARDS

1. DEAN’S LIST FOR ALL HONOR STUDENTS: In recognition of academic excellence, selected students are named to the Dean‘s List each semester. Students from all baccalaureate and associate degree programs with a GPA of 3.50 to 4.00 in a semester, with a minimum of 9 GPA earning credit hours, are eligible for the Dean‘s List. A notation will be made in the Student Progress Report Chart and it will be a permanent part of the student‘s transcript. The Dean‘s List will be posted upon completion of each semester. Students can pick up their certificates at the Office of Student Services.
2. PRESIDENT’S LIST- FOR HONOR STUDENTS IN CAREER DIPLOMA AND CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS: Students who achieve a maximum GPA of 4.0 in all semesters in a Diploma or Certificate Program are eligible for the President‘s List. A notation will be made in the Student Progress Report Chart and it will be a permanent part of the student‘s transcript. The President‘s List will be read at the commencement ceremony.
3. GRADUATING WITH HONORS- FOR HONOR STUDENTS IN THE BACCALAUREATE OR ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMS: Graduating with Honors applies to degree students with outstanding academic achievement. The honors are based on a minimum of 60 credits (associate degrees) or 120 credits (for baccalaureate degrees) at Florida National University and a GPA of no less than 3.50. Students receiving honors will be acknowledged during the commencement ceremony. There will be a corresponding notation in their transcripts.

These honors are as follows:

HONOR REQUIRED CGPA

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

TRANSCRIPT

FNU maintains academic records permanently. A certified copy of the complete academic history of the student is available upon written request by the student at the Registrar‘s Office.

Requests for original transcripts have to be in writing, using a form that is located in the Registrar‘s Office or can be downloaded from the FNU website. The form must be completed and signed by the student and submitted to the Registrar‘s Office.

Distance learning students must submit the completed form to the Registrar‘s Office via either e-mail (registrars@fnu.edu) or fax at (305) 362 0595, Attention to Registrar‘s Office. Additional questions to the Distance Learning Dept. can be emailed to distancelearning@fnu.edu.

The Registrar‘s Office will furnish the transcript within fifteen days (15) after receipt of the written request.

There will be no charge for the first request; though any request thereafter will incur a charge of $6.00 per
request.

The student may request a transcript on an expedited basis, prepared within three (3) working days, for $15.00
per transcript.

For official transcripts to be released, students must be in good financial standing with the University. No official Records can be released until all financial obligations are satisfied.

TRANSFERABILITY OF FNU CREDITS

Florida National University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools / Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. However, students entering Florida National University and intending to continue their studies at a senior college or university shall note that the accepting institution has full discretion as to which credits it will accept for transfer.

FNU cannot assure full transferability of credits, nor anticipate which courses other institutions of higher learning will accept. Please discuss your plans with your advisor.

TRANSFERABILITY TO FNU

Transferability refers to the procedure that the University utilizes to accept credits from other post-secondary institutions.
Students who wish to continue their studies at FNU may transfer up to 65% of the total number of credits required for completion of a program. That is:

A maximum of 78 credits towards a 120-credit program.
A maximum of 52 credits towards an 80-credit program.
A maximum of 49 credits towards a 75-credit program.
A maximum of 39 credits towards a 60-credit program.
A maximum of 29 credits towards a 45-credit program.
A maximum of 20 credits towards a 30-credit program.
(Exception – Students transferring to the BSN Program with an ADN Degree/RN License)

For the Master programs, up to six (6) credits can be transferred into the program.

The procedure for transferability of credits to FNU is as follows:
1. The applicant submits an original transcript of his/her courses from the previous institution(s) at the time of registration or within the student’s first semester of enrollment.
2. The University Registrar and/or the vice-President of Academics will render an evaluation of submitted transcripts
3. This evaluation is filed in the student’s academic folder. A copy of this document is submitted to the Office of Financial Aid for computation.
Grade point averages are not transferred, but courses transferred will appear on the Student Progress Report with their respective/earned grades.

Transfer credits are granted only for those courses in which a grade of “C” or better was earned. For internal transferability from one program to another program, the student must satisfactorily pass at least 25% of the credits corresponding with the new career to graduate.

FNU will accept credits from regionally accredited institutions that are applicable/equivalent to the applicant’s program of study. FNU will accept credits from non-regionally accredited institutions for courses that are substantially equivalent in content to FNU’s courses and applicable to the applicant’s program and evaluated on a course-by-course basis. The acceptance of classes from non-regionally accredited institutions is contingent upon appropriate faculty credentials and applicable course content to the degree program. Additionally, FNU accepts transfer credits from nationally accredited institutions that participate in the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System.

Credits from international institutions will be evaluated and granted on a course equivalency basis. The transcript must be translated into English and evaluated by an authorized educational evaluations and translations agency.

Credit is not awarded for developmental, preparatory, or vocational coursework.

Credit will be awarded for CLEP and AP test scores in compliance with FNU’s policy on these tests. Credit will be awarded for DANTES test programs in accordance with the recommendations of the American Council on Education. A maximum of 15 credits will be accepted from test scores. The credits must be earned before the student is enrolled or within the first two semesters.

Credit will be accepted from U.S. military service schools in accordance with the recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE).
Credit for Experiential Learning (prior college-level learning attained outside a formal institution setting) will be evaluated and assessed according to the FNU procedures for acceptance and equivalency of Experiential Learning credits.

FNU reserves the right to choose the credentialing institutions it recognizes.

ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS

Florida National University has articulation agreements with several colleges and universities. Please direct your questions to the Campus Dean.

ACADEMIC COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS

Students who have academic complaints are to follow the procedures as established by Florida National University, which are:
1. The student should address his complaint to the faculty member, staff member, or administrator involved.
2. If the Student is not satisfied, he or she is to address the individual‘s superior: Faculty member > Department Head > Division HeadStaff member > Administrative Supervisor.
3. If the student follows through the chain of command and is not satisfied, he or she can file a written complaint with the Office of Student Services. The written complaint will be investigated by the Director of Student Services and pursued to conclusion.
4. If the complaint has not been resolved to the student‘s satisfaction, he or she is to address the Campus Dean.

Online learning students who have completed the complaint process and are still not satisfied with the outcome may appeal non-instructional complaints to FL-SARA PDRC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit FL-SARA PRDC complaint Process
(http://www.fldoe.org/sara/complaint-process.stml)

THE HONOR COURT

In cases of flagrant violation of FNU rules, the campus deans may refer the matter to the Honor Court. The Honor Court will be made up of three members of the student government of the Campus involved and two faculty members, one chosen by the student. The decision of the Court will be by the majority of the panel members. The decision of the Court may be appealed to the Campus Dean. The campus dean‘s decision is final.

STUDENT CODE OF ETHICS

Cheating or plagiarism is dishonest, undermines the necessary trust upon which relations between students and faculty are based, and is unacceptable conduct. Students who engage in cheating or plagiarism will be subject to academic sanctions, including a lowered or failing grade in a course; and the possibility of an additional administrative sanction, including probation, suspension, or expulsion.

Cheating is the act of obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for academic work by using dishonest means. Cheating at FNU includes but is not limited to: Copying, in part or whole from another’s examination, paper, mathematical analysis, research or creative project, or the like; Submitting as one’s own work an examination, paper, mathematical analysis, research or creative project, or the like which has been purchased, borrowed, or stolen; or fabricating data; Consulting notes, sources, or materials not specifically authorized by the instructor during an examination; Employing a surrogate to take an examination, write a paper, do mathematical analysis, or complete, in part or wholly, an evaluation instrument; Aiding or abetting any act that a reasonable person would conclude, when informed of the evidence, to be a dishonest means of obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for academic work; and committing any act that a reasonable person would conclude, when informed of the evidence, to be a dishonest means of obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for academic work.

Plagiarism is the act of obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for academic work by representing the work of another as one’s own without the necessary and appropriate acknowledgment. More specifically, plagiarism is: The act of incorporating the ideas, words of sentences, paragraphs, or parts thereof without appropriate acknowledgment and representing the product as one’s own work; and The act of representing another’s intellectual work such as musical composition, computer program, photographs, painting, drawing, sculpture, or research or the like as one’s own. If a student is in doubt about the nature of plagiarism, he/she should discuss the matter with the course instructor.

Theft – Copying computer programs owned, leased, or rented by the University for use by the student in his or her course of studies is considered theft and will be dealt with according to the laws covering such actions and to the University norms for disciplinary actions. In cases like these, the Campus Dean will convene a Hearing Committee which will hear, investigate, and render a report to the Campus Dean. This Committee will be composed of three members from the faculty or staff. According to the findings, the Campus Dean has the choice to make a decision. If this decision is not acceptable to those involved, a petition to the Dean to appoint an Honor Court must be signed by at least three people. The Honor Court procedure is explained in the Student Handbook.

ALCOHOL BEVERAGE AND DRUG POLICY

Florida National University, in accordance with state laws, has adopted the following policy on alcohol consumption. Possession, use, or distribution of alcohol or drugs of any kind while on University premises are strictly prohibited. Any student caught under the influence of any such substance will be subject to severe penalties up to and including dismissal from the University.

ANTI-HAZING POLICY

Florida National University strictly prohibits hazing of any kind. According to Florida Statute 240.36 hazing is defined as:

1. Any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or which willfully destroys or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation or admission into or in affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in any organization operating under the sanction of the University.
2. Such actions include but are not limited to: any physical brutality such as paddling, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements; forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or any other substance; creation of excessive fatigue; psychological stress; engaging in public stunts; morally degrading or humiliating games or activities; and any other activity that is not consistent with the University‘s rules and regulations.
3. Hazing is illegal and dangerous. Students who engage in hazing activities are subject to penalties up to dismissal from the University. Organizations that authorize hazing activities are subject to penalties that may include a recession of permission to operate at Florida National University.

DANGEROUS ITEMS POLICY (FIREARMS, FIREWORKS, BOMBS, AND WEAPONS)

Firearms, fireworks, bombs of any kind and other weapons are illegal and prohibited on University premises. Weapons include any item defined as a weapon under the city, state, or federal law and include but are not limited to: guns of any kind, slingshots, bows and arrows, spears, switchblades, knives, martial arts weapons, brass knuckles, or any instrument that ejects projectiles. The University reserves the right to determine whether an item could be classified as dangerous and confiscate the said item.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND EQUIPMENT POLICY

Students will have readily available information regarding fire safety and prevention, emergency procedures, and evacuation procedures outlined in the Safety Manual.

Designated fire equipment including fire doors, extinguishers, and fire alarms are to be used only in emergencies. Blocking, tampering, or any misuse of equipment is strictly prohibited and may result in criminal prosecution and/or disciplinary action by the University.

IDENTIFICATION CARDS POLICY

All persons entering the University premises must display an identification card issued by Florida National University. The identification card is needed for the use of University facilities and services and for voting in Student Government elections. University ID may be worn only by the person whose name appears on the ID. Intentional misuse or alteration of the ID is prohibited.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY

Florida National University is committed to providing an environment that is free of sexual harassment. Such behavior is illegal under both state and federal law and will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment includes but is not limited to written, verbal, or physical abuse including commentaries of sexual nature, degrading remarks used to describe an individual‘s body, unwelcome propositions, or any physical contact of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment also includes the threat that sexual compliance or lack thereof will be used as a basis for educational or employment decisions. Sexual harassment of or by any faculty member, administrator, employee, or student is expressly prohibited. Any person found to violate this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to suspension or discharge from the University.

This policy provides the following procedure for reporting complaints of sexual harassment. Any person that feels that they have been sexually harassed shall be directed to the Director of Student Services or any member of Administration in writing and in person. All complaints will be handled as confidentially as possible. Every harassment complaint will be promptly investigated and resolved and a recommendation made as to the appropriate sanctions to be imposed against violators.

ACCESSIBILITY TO STUDENT RECORDS AND THE PRIVACY ACT

Florida National University does not release student record information, except as permitted under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. The students ‘educational records are confidential.
A student who is eighteen years old or any student enrolled in a post-secondary program must provide one of the following: (a) written consent to release information to his/her parents, or (b) parental evidence that said student is a dependent of the parents as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code, 1954. The parents no longer have any rights under the Code unless these requirements are met. Other parties will not be able to receive information without the written consent of the student.
The student has a right to be informed of any request for information concerning his/her files, according to Statute 20, United States Code, section 123g, and regulations adopted pursuant thereto (and thereafter referred to as Code). A link to obtain a copy of the entire Code can be found at the FNU Webpage under Consumer Information, at the Office of the Student Services, or at any Campus Dean‘s office.

Directory Information
Florida National University may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent unless the student has advised Florida National University to the contrary in accordance with Florida National University’s procedures. Florida National University has designated the following information as directory information:

1. Student’s full name
2. Address (any on file, including any campus computer network (IP) address used)
3. Telephone listing (any on file)
4. Electronic mail address (any on file)
5. Photograph
6. Date and place of birth
7. Major field of study
8. Dates of attendance
9. Grade level
10. Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
11. Weight and height of members of athletic teams
12. Degrees, honors, and awards received
13. The most recent educational agency or institution attended
14. Student ID number, user ID, or other unique personal identifier used to communicate in electronic systems but only if the identifier cannot be used to gain access to education records except when used in conjunction with one or more factors that authenticate the user’s identity, such as a PIN, password, or other factor known or possessed only by the authorized user
15. A student ID number or another unique personal identifier that is displayed on a student ID badge, but only if the identifier cannot be used to gain access to education records except when used in conjunction with one or more factors that authenticate the user’s identity, such as a PIN, password, or other factor known or possessed only by the authorized user.

Other information will only be available to the student and certain staff members of FNU who need it for completing their work in regards to the student, and otherwise only to parents or guardian. Such data includes:

1. Health and medical records
2. Student or family financial income
3. Disciplinary records
4. Student placement records
5. Personal counseling records
6. Other personal, identifiable information

The Records Custodian of Florida National University may release information from these records only upon authorization in writing from the student or in case of a subpoena by the court or when needed by the President of FNU in completing his official responsibilities within the limits of the law when mandated by state board regulations, or board policies. The student has the right, upon informing the Registrar‘s Office in writing, to withhold personal directory information from publication or release.

Restricting Disclosure of Directory Information
If a student does not want Florida National University to disclose any or all of the types of information designated as directory information without the student’s prior written consent, the student must notify the Office of the Registrar of Florida National University in writing no later than seven (7) days after beginning a program of study as a new student, and once per year (August – July) no later than seven (7) days after beginning course.
The student ID number cannot be blocked because it is necessary for identifying information for the School
Directory Information Opt-Out Form is available at the Office of the Registrars at all Campuses and at the FNU website under Publications.

Note: Some of the documents are provided in Adobe Acrobat format. You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view or print PDF files.