Academic Honesty
Honesty is a fundamental necessity for the Christian student. All students who attend Franciscan University agree to pursue their studies, indeed all of life, with integrity. The University expects each student to adhere rigorously to Christian moral standards in the academic life, pursuing academic excellence with justice and honesty. Academic dishonesty, in all its forms, is antithetical to authentic Christian scholarship.
Appropriate Dress
Students are expected to dress in a manner that expresses Christian charity and respect for self, fellow students, faculty, staff, and the academic life. Some styles and types of clothing are immodest or inappropriate for class. Students must use sound judgment and avoid wearing such attire. Students are expected to be particularly conscientious regarding clothing worn in Christ the King Chapel. Reverence for God and respect for worship are to be exhibited through proper attire.
Auditing Classes
Students who wish to enroll in a course or courses on a non-credit basis are classified as auditor students. Enrolled students are permitted to audit courses, and it is recommended that these students consult their academic advisor before denoting an audit status on a course. In addition, individuals who would like to audit courses for personal enrichment and who are not enrolled in courses for credit should contact the Registrar to complete a brief application form. Designation as an auditor must be made by the beginning of the semester, and this classification is irrevocable following the conclusion of the drop/ add time period. Permission to audit is granted by the instructor. The professor reserves the right to require or restrict an auditor’s participation in class discussions, examinations, laboratory work and other evaluation procedures. Auditors must attend classes according to the professor’s attendance policy for auditors. Auditor students receive a grade of “AUS,” which confers no college credit. Withdrawal from an audited course will be indicated on a student’s transcript by the symbol “AUW.” Those who do not fulfill attendance obligations and have not formally withdrawn from the class will receive an “AUU” on their transcripts.
International students wishing to attend class as audit students must complete the regular admissions procedure for international students.
Authority of Instructors
No student will be permitted to enter upon the study of any subject if, in the opinion of the instructor and with the approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the preparation necessary to insure competent work is lacking. Every student is required to satisfy the instructor’s expectations in each course of study, in such a way as the instructor may determine that the work of the course is being performed in a satisfactory manner. Assignments are due when specified by the instructor. Instructors will periodically report to the Vice President for Academic Affairs the names of students whose attendance or work is unsatisfactory. With the approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and/or the Director of Advising and Academic Operations, instructors may at any time dismiss from a course any student who, in their judgment, has neglected the course work. A student thus excluded will be recorded as having failed in the course, unless the instructor determines otherwise.
Degrees
The degrees conferred upon completion of the approved programs of study within the University are: Master of Arts (Catechetics and Evangelization, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Philosophy, Theology and Christian Ministry), Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Education, Master of Science in Educational Administration, and Master of Science in Nursing.
Cheating/Plagiarism
Students who cheat on or plagiarize any test, paper, or other assignment shall be disciplined appropriately. Professors may further define what constitutes cheating in their various courses. If the professor, in his or her judgment, considers that the incident is minor and/ or inadvertent, he or she can deal with it as he or she sees fit up to and including failure on the assignment. If the professor considers that the infraction is a major violation, then it shall be reported to the Vice President for Academic Affairs or his or her representative, and the professor will impose a penalty on the student that can range from receiving a zero on the assignment to failing the course, according to the professor’s discretion, and have a memorandum of this action placed in the student’s file. If a student commits a second, documented offense against academic integrity, dismissal from Franciscan University of Steubenville will result, with the action so noted in the student’s permanent record. Absent a successful student appeal, a student accused of academic dishonesty may not withdraw from the course in which the alleged infraction has taken place.
Classroom Behavior
Students should arrive on time to class as a courtesy to the faculty and class members. Recording devices should be approved by faculty before being turned on. Cell phones and beepers should be turned off during class time. Student conduct in class should be respectful. Students who do not conduct themselves in a respectful manner will be cautioned by faculty. If inappropriate behavior continues, faculty may request to have a student withdrawn from the class.
Course Schedule
Franciscan University of Steubenville reserves the right to make changes in the schedule or to withdraw courses if enrollment does not meet the minimum required. Withdrawals and refunds are governed by the University guidelines.
Grade Challenge
Students may dispute a grade within a year of the grade being received. The student should arrange a meeting with the professor to discuss how the grade was determined. If a grade change is warranted, the professor will request a grade change with the Director of Advising and Academic Operations, giving a valid reason for the change. After the one year time limit, no changes will be made.
At the first level, any student with a complaint of this nature should consult directly and personally with the instructor in question. If no settlement is forthcoming at this stage, the student may then appeal to the department chair of the instructor in question, presenting his/her case to the department chair in the presence and only in the presence of the instructor. If no settlement is reached at this stage, a final appeal may be made to the Vice President for Academic Affairs by either the student or the instructor. It will be the direct and personal responsibility of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (not to be delegated) to make the final decision in the dispute after simultaneous consultation with the student, instructor, and department chair. Should the student refuse to follow the sequence herein outlined, his/her complaint shall be considered void.
Graduation
To initiate the process of applying for graduation, students MUST notify the Registrar’s Office when they register for the term preceding their final term of study. The necessary forms and information will be processed to confirm that graduation requirements are satisfied. Students will be notified of discrepancies and/or acceptance for graduation.
Refund Policy
A student withdrawing from classes or resident status at Franciscan University of Steubenville must complete an official withdrawal form. This form, available at the Enrollment Services Counter in Star- vaggi Hall, must be dated, and bear the signature of the student and all required officials. The official date of withdrawal will be the date the completed form is stamped “received” at the Enrollment Services Counter. Students who do not officially withdraw and those who are dismissed or suspended for disciplinary reasons are not entitled to a credit refund.
- When a student officially withdraws, the University will retain 1/15th per week (or portion of any week) of the total tuition, fees, room, and board for the period enrolled. There will be no credit or refund of any charges after the ninth week of the semester.
- When a student drops a course or changes from full-time to part-time status, the University will retain 1/15th per week (or any portion of any week) of the total charge for the course dropped, or 1/15th per week of the difference between the full-time and part-time charge for the period enrolled through the eighth week of the semester. No credit or refund of charges will be issued after the ninth week of the semester.
Housing contracts are applicable to the entire academic year and may not be canceled without the written consent of the Student Life Office. Please refer to the Housing Contract and the Residency Policy in the Student Life Handbook for additional details.
Refunds will normally be paid within thirty (30) days of registration, after all withdrawal credits are applied and affected financial aid has been adjusted according to the formula described in the University Catalog under Financial Aid. Deposits are not refundable.
Refunds from straight cash overpayments, where no financial aid is involved, will normally be paid approximately ten (10) days after scheduled day of registration.
Registration Procedures
A student must register during the days prescribed in the calendar.
All changes after registration must be approved by the student’s advisor and the instructors involved. Necessary forms must be filed with the Registrar’s Office. Otherwise, a grade of “F” will be given for courses not dropped appropriately.
No student is allowed to enter a course after the add/drop period at the beginning of the semester.
A student has complied with the registration requirements when he/she has had a schedule of registration approved by the faculty advisor, has completed the forms provided by the Registrar, and has paid the required charges.
No student can receive credit for any subject taken in a class for which he/ she has not been duly registered by the proper officials.
Withdrawal
A student may withdraw from a course until the withdrawal date published. No authorization will be given for withdrawal after this date. A withdrawal is not official until the withdrawal form is received in the Office of the Registrar. The withdrawal form must be signed by the Instructor and the Faculty Advisor or Program Director before it is accepted by the Registrar.
If a student officially withdraws from a course, a grade of “W” is submitted by the Instructor at the conclusion of the semester: There are no quality points associated with the “W” grade. A grade of “F” will be recorded for students who do not attend classes and who do not withdraw officially from a course.
Any withdrawal or change of course must be processed by an official Add/Drop or Withdrawal Form through the Registrar’s Office. Students may add or drop courses online through the last day to add/drop classes. Financial adjustments, if allowed, will be made only from the date of notification of withdrawal. Students who discontinue class attendance without officially completing the withdrawal procedures will be responsible for the full amount of the applicable tuition and fees.