Academic Policies and Procedures

Credit Hour Policy

This policy defines a credit hour in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations. This policy describes the relationship between instructional contact hours and credit awards, as well as defines engaged academic time.

Post University offers a variety of learning modalities including Main Campus semester-based courses and accelerated courses, accelerated online courses, hybrid site courses, blended courses, independent studies and internships, and experiential learning. Regardless of modality or type of course, students are responsible for engaging in 45 contact hours of academic learning time for each credit of a course during a semester or term.

16-Week Semester

In a 16-week semester, a credit hour is an academic unit earned for 55 minutes per week of classroom instruction coupled with two hours per week of outside study. Typically, for a three-credit-hour semester course, there is an expectation of three hours of in class learning and six hours of outside study for a total of nine hours of academic work per week. For a blended 16-week course, there is an expectation for in class and outside study to total nine hours per week. Over the course of 45 sessions, there are 136 hours of engaged academic time per three-credit-hour semester course.

8-Week Term

In an eight-week, 3 credit-hour course, there is an expectation of 17 hours of engaged academic work per week. In an eight-week 3 credit-hour site course, there is an expectation of three hours of in class learning and 14 hours of outside study for a total of 17 hours of academic work per week. For a blended 8-week course, there is an expectation for in class and outside study to total 17 hours per week. Over the course of 8 weeks, regardless of modality, there are 136 hours of engaged academic time per three-credit hour accelerated course.

Independent Study, Internship, or Prior Learning Assessment

In either an independent study or internship, there is an expectation that students will engage in academic work totaling 136 hours per 3-credit course, regardless of modality. At its discretion, Post University may award credit hours for learning acquired outside the institution, such as Prior Learning Assessment. When such credit is allowed, it may be used to satisfy degree requirements or to reduce the total number of remaining hours required for a degree.

Grade Point Average Computation

A student's term grade point average is calculated by dividing the total quality points by the total number of credit hours attempted with an earned grade of A-F. The cumulative grade point average is based on all course work completed to date.

Grading Policies

The following grades are used on academic records and carry the quality points indicated.  

Pass/Fail Option

Students have the opportunity to select pass/fail grading on a course-by-course basis by completing the pass/fail opt-in form available on the Student Portal.  The opt-in form must be submitted by the end of Week 2 of the Term or Semester. 

Students who have selected pass/fail grading and wish to opt out may do so by completing the pass/fail opt-out form available on the Student Portal.  The opt-out form must be submitted by the end of week 4 for an 8-week ADP course and the end of week 8 for a 16-week Main Campus course.  Students should contact their Instructor or Campus Advisor/Academic Success Counselor with any questions. 

Undergraduate Students: Undergraduate students who select pass/fail grading and earn a D- or higher in the course will be assigned a grade of Pass (P), which will not impact GPA.  Undergraduate students who select pass/fail grading and earn less than a D- in their course will earn a Fail (F^), which will impact GPA.  The grade of UF will remain unchanged and will be assigned to students in ADP courses who have not participated since Week 4.  Students enrolled in a Bachelors-level program may select pass/fail grading for a total 12 credits; only 6 of the 12 credits can be in the major courses*.   Students enrolled in Associate-level programs may select pass/fail grading for a total of 6 credits; only 3 of the 6 credits can be in the major courses*. Students must get permission from Program Chair to take a capstone course pass/fail.  Internships and practicum courses cannot be taken pass/fail.

Graduate Students: Graduate students who select pass/fail grading and earn a C- or higher in the course will be assigned a grade of Pass (P), which will not impact GPA.  Graduate students who select pass/fail grading and earn less than C- in their course will earn a Fail (F^), which will impact GPA.  The grade of UF will remain unchanged and will be assigned to students in ADP courses who have not participated since Week 4. Students enrolled in the Masters-level programs may select pass/fail grading for a total of 3 credits.  Students must get permission from Program Chair to take either of the first two courses in the degree program or a capstone course pass/fail.

Certificate Students: Courses that have been graded using the pass/fail option may not be counted towards undergraduate or graduate certificates.

Please note that courses that were completed using the COVID-19 Academic Relief Plan pass/fail grading option in the Spring semester 2020 and Terms 5 and 6 2020 do not count towards the credit limitations presented in this policy.

*Major courses include major core courses, major elective courses, major concentration courses, and major designated writing courses.

The chart below provides information on student populations for whom pass/fail grading may not be the recommended option:

Transfer Credit

A grade of "T" represents the transfer of credit from another institution. A grade of "T" does no calculate into a student's cumulative grade point average but does count toward pace of completion. Please see the Transfer of Credit Policy for further information.

Alternate Credit

A grade of "CR" represents credit awarded by optional methods such as CLEP and DANTES exams, portfolio, or prior work experience. A grade of "CR" does not calculate into a student's cumulative grade point average nor does it count toward the pace of completion. Please see the Optional Credit Policy for further information.

Unearned F

For Accelerated Degree Programs, faculty members will assign a grade of "UF" (Unearned F) to a student that does not complete graded academic activity after the midpoint of a course. When a student receives an "UF" grade, the faculty member will determine the date the student submitted his or her last graded academic activity and this will be considered the student's withdrawal date from the course.

As a result of receiving an "UF", a student's enrollment status may be modified to withdrawn and Post University may be required to perform a calculation to determine how much financial aid the student has earned for the term. This calculation may result in the return of unearned financial aid to the U.S. Department of Education or other third parties and the student may be obligated to pay for charges originally paid by the unearned financial aid and/or return any excess funds paid to the student. Receiving an "UF" may also impair future course registrations and financial aid availability. "UF" grades also count as failing grades in the student's cumulative grade point average and pace of completion. In addition, please see the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.

Audit

Undergraduate students who wish to enroll in a course, without receiving academic credit, may audit the course. Audit status must be declared at the time of registration and requires the permission of the instructor. Audit status, once declared, may not be changed. The cost to audit a course is half the current rate of tuition. Audited curses will appear as an "AU" on the student's transcript and not impact cumulative grade point average or pace of completion.

Incomplete

A grade of "IN" (incomplete) may be requested by a student if the student has completed at least 60% of the required coursework in a course, and has a compelling reason for not being able to complete the remainder of the coursework by the end of the term. The decision on granting an incomplete will be at the instructor's discretion if the student meets the criteria as stated above.

If an "IN" is granted, the student must complete the missing coursework in the timeframe indicated on the incomplete contract, not to exceed eight weeks from the end of the prior semester (for 16-week courses) or four weeks into the next term (for 8 week courses). Any extension to this timeframe is subject to Dean approval.  It is the student's responsibility to complete and submit the missing course work within the indicated time frame. Once completed, the course grade will be changed from an "IN" to the earned letter grade by the course instructor. An "IN" grade that is not rectified within the specified time frame will be automatically changed to the default grade entered by the instructor on the incomplete contract. The default grade is the grade originally earned by the student at the time that final grades for the term were due.

If a student who is on a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) status of Academic Warning or SAP Review requests and is assigned a grade of incomplete for a course, the terms of the incomplete must be resolved and an earned grade must be submitted to the Registrar's Office before the student may receive their next financial aid disbursement.  Students on a SAP status of Academic Warning or Academic Review are not eligible for an extension to the Incomplete timeframe described above.

The student should include his/her Academic Advisor or Academic Success Counselor on all communication to instructors when requesting an incomplete, so the Academic Advisor or Academic Success Counselor is aware of the approval or denial, and can assist the student if the approval is granted.

Withdrawal

A grade of "W" is assigned when a student withdraws, or is administratively withdrawn, from a class. The "W" grade is not included in the calculation of a student's cumulative grade point average, but is calculated in the student's pace of completion progress toward completing the program of study.

A grade of "M" is assigned when a military student withdraws in the second half of the term/semester from a class due to military deployment. If the student elects to take a "M" for the course, this may impact their satisfactory academic progress in the future and should be discussed with their Academic Success Counselor.

Grade Appeal Process

The following policy addresses final course grade appeals only. This grade appeal policy does not address complaints about specific class assignment grades. There is no separate process to address questions or complaints about individual grades. All emails must be sent from/to Post University email addresses, with a copy to the Office of the Assistant Provost for tracking purposes.

Informal Grade Appeal

If a student has a question or complaint about a final course grade, then the student should first attempt to resolve the issue with the instructor on an informal basis. This informal process should be pursued immediately following the posting of final course grades (the dates are identified in the Academic Calendar). Communication used should include only Post University email addresses and should be retained by both parties.

Formal Grade Appeal

Claims made at each step of the following process and the response to those claims must address the previous claims/response directly with documented evidence to support it as indicated and appropriate. All communications and documentation will be copied to the Office of the Assistant Provost for tracking purposes.

Step 1 of Appeal: If the issue is not resolved via the Informal Grade Appeal, then the student can formally appeal the final course grade by notifying the instructor of the question/grievance IN WRITING using the "Student Grade Appeal" form via the student's Post University email address within seven (7) business days from the date the semester and/or term final grades are due, as indicated on the Academic Calendar. Supporting documentation must be included at this time. A copy must be forwarded to the Office of the Assistant Provost by the student for tracking purposes. The Assistant Provost may forward a notification of the appeal to the appropriate Program Chair or Dean for their information; unless the instructor is not available for the review, this is for information purposes only.

Step 2 of Appeal: The Instructor must respond to the student in writing, via Post University email address, within seven (7) business days of receipt of the appeal with a grade change or an appropriate explanation of the original grade given. The instructor's response must directly address all claims made by the student. A copy should be sent to the Office of the Assistant Provost, for tracking purposes, who will forward a copy of the documents to the appropriate Dean or Chair for their information. If the appeal results in a change of grade, the instructor will complete the Change of Grade form, and forward it to the Registrar.

Step 3 of Appeal: If the matter is still not resolved, then the student should appeal in writing, via Post University email address, to the Office of the Assistant Provost, within seven (7) business days of receiving the results of the Step 2 appeal. The Assistant Provost will forward the appeal to the appropriate Program Chair or Dean. All supporting documentation, including any forms, etc., should be included. The Program Chair's response must directly address all claims made by the student. The Program Chair may also refer any medical issues to the Title IX and Disability Coordinator if absolutely required.

Step 4 of Appeal: Having reviewed all supporting material, including the justification by the instructor, the Program Chair will respond to the student's concerns within seven (7) business days via Post University email, with a copy to the Office of the Assistant Provost for tracking purposes. If the appeal results in a change of grade, the Program Chair will complete the Change of Grade form and forward it to the Registrar and the Office of the Assistant Provost (for tracking).

Step 5 of Appeal: If the student is still not satisfied, he/she should appeal in writing within seven (7) business days via Post University email of receiving the result of the Appeal in Steps 3 and 4 to the Office of the Assistant Provost, who will forward all materials accumulated during the appeal process to the appropriate Dean. The Dean should respond in writing, via Post University email address, to the student with his/her final decision within seven (7) business days of being notified by the Associate Provost. If the appeal results in a change of grade, the Dean will complete the Change of Grade form, and forward it to the Registrar and the Office of the Assistant Provost (for tracking). The decision of the dean is final.

Repeating a Course

Students may repeat courses already taken under the following circumstances:

1. A student seeks to repeat the class after passing the course previously. Most often this is requested so the student may improve a previously earned grade or to gain additional knowledge in the subject area. Students may repeat a course with a previously earned passing grade one time. Students who have passed a course and wish to retake the course may be eligible for federal financial aid through Title IV for retaking the course. Please check with a financial aid associate regarding qualifications.
2. A student repeats a class after receiving a failing grade. Students are limited to repeating a failed course taken at Post University an additional two times (for a total of 3 attempts at the course). Students who wish to retake a course a fourth time must obtain permission from an Academic School Dean. Students may be eligible for federal financial aid through Title IV for each course that is repeated. Please check with a financial aid associate regarding qualifications.
3. A student retakes a failed Post University course at another institution. Students must obtain prior permission from the Program Chair for their degree program, using the "Permission to Take an Outside Course" form to be permitted to retake a failed course at another accredited institution. The grade for a course taken at another institution will not appear on the student's Post University transcript or be calculated into his/her cumulative grade point average. If the course is successfully completed at another accredited institution, the failed Post University course will remain on the transcript but will not calculate into his/her cumulative grade point average.

When a course is repeated, the repetition appears on the transcript, but only the most recent grade is included in the cumulative grade point average. Students may only earn credit once for a course that is successfully repeated.

Graduate Students

All courses in the graduate program of study that result in the student receiving a grade of less than a "C-" must be retaken. Upon successful completion of the retaken course, original grade of less than" C-" will be dropped from the student's cumulative grade point average and replaced with the passing grade.

A record of all failed classes will remain on the student's transcript, even though the attempt is not counted in the cumulative grade point average. Students may retake a course after failure or withdrawal up to two (2) times (total of three attempts). Students wishing to attempt the course for a fourth time after failure or withdrawal must receive written permission from the School Dean. Students who fail their capstone courses will not be eligible to graduate. Students are allowed (2) attempts to pass their capstone with a grade of "C" or better. Students must petition the Dean or Director of the program to take the capstone course(s) for a third time.

Final Exam Policy

Main Campus students are required to attend all end-of-semester final exams and/or other required final grade activities (e.g., in class presentation) at their scheduled times during final exam week. Final exam week for the fall and spring semesters are identified on the academic calendar and is available to students at the beginning of the academic year (July). Students will not be granted early release and early access to final exams without presenting a compelling reason (e.g., a previously scheduled surgical procedure) with documented evidence to substantiate the reason (e.g., medical orders). The student's request, rationale, and documentation for early release and early access to final exams must be submitted to the Dean of the student's degree program no less than 14-days prior to the start of finals week. The Dean will review and rule on the student's request.

Pre-arranged travel plans (e.g., air flight booking) do not constitute a compelling reason by itself. Travel plans must accommodate final exam week. All students are required to be on campus during this final week of the semester.

Assessment and Surveys

Post University is committed to the development and delivery of the highest quality academic and instructional experiences. To achieve this and other quality-related educational objectives, Post University applies a variety of tools and studies to monitor and continuously assess the performance of its academic programs, faculty teaching, and student outcomes. The tools include an outcome-based assessment process to test the effectiveness of our program curriculum, and a variety of student surveys and performance indicator tools to evaluate our course performance and teaching practices.

As part of the assessment process, a random sample of student work may be anonymously collected and assessed by assigned faculty and outside professionals. The consolidated score of that assessment is reviewed by the Assessment Committee and other stakeholders and acted on by the Deans and Program Chairs as necessary for program improvement. The consolidated assessment data will also be used as part of informing the public about Post University and will not affect student grading. Students are expected to complete the course evaluation for every class in which they are enrolled.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards

To verify academic progress and to determine eligibility for federal financial aid funds as outlined in the Federal Student Aid Handbook, Post University has established minimum academic standards for measuring students' academic progresses.

A review of satisfactory academic progress is conducted for both Main Campus and Accelerated Degree Program students after each term/payment period. A term/payment period consists of one semester or two consecutive terms. Students who fall below the required academic standards shall be placed on Warning for the next eligible term/payment period. Students on Warning are required to retake two failed courses during the Warning period. For undergraduate-level students, this includes courses with a grade of F or UF. For graduate-level students, this includes courses with a grade of D+, D, D-, F, or UF. If satisfactory improvement is not achieved by the end of the Warning period, the students' aid eligibilities will be suspended, and they will be dismissed from Post University. Each case is reviewed and, whenever possible, students are given the opportunity to continue their education.

Qualitative Standards

Qualitative standards measure students' cumulative grade point averages.

Post University uses the following escalating scale that undergraduate students must satisfy in both the Main Campus and Accelerated Degree Program programs to remain in good academic standing:

New undergraduate students who have a cumulative grade point average of 0.00 in their first term/payment period, regardless of number of credits attempted, will have their federal financial aid eligibilities suspended and will be dismissed from Post University without first being placed on Warning.

Post University uses the following escalating scale that graduate students must satisfy in both the Main Campus and Accelerated Degree Program programs to remain in good academic standing:

In graduate programs, an earned course grade below a C- (i.e., D+, D, D- and F) is considered a failing grade. Students who receive grades lower than C- will be required to repeat the courses and obtain passing grades (i.e., C. - or better). Failure to do so will result in federal financial aid eligibility being suspended and being dismissed from Post University. In addition, graduate students must maintain the required 3.00 cumulative grade point average to register for programs' capstone courses. If they fall below the minimum requirement, they will need to repeat course(s) in the program(s) in which they earned lower grades to increase their cumulative grade point averages.

New graduate students who have a cumulative grade point average of 0.00 in their first term/payment period, regardless of number of credits attempted, will have their federal aid eligibilities suspended and will be dismissed from Post University without first being placed on Warning. 

The required cumulative grade point average will vary depending on whether the certificate being pursued is undergraduate or graduate:

Course incompletes, withdrawals, and transfers of credit from other institutions are not used as part of the calculation. Once course incompletes have been converted into earned grades, they will retroactively be used as part of the calculation.

Pace of Completion Standards

Pace of completion measures students' progresses towards completing their programs of study. Pace of completion is calculated by dividing the cumulative number of credit hours the students have successfully completed by the cumulative number of credit hours the students have attempted. The calculation is performed for both the coursework attempted at Post University as well as overall attempted coursework, including course incompletes, withdrawals, repetitions, and transfers of credit from other institutions. In making this calculation, the institution is not required to include remedial courses.

Post University uses the following escalating scale that undergraduate students must satisfy in both the Main Campus and Accelerated Degree Program programs to remain in good academic standing:

Post University uses the following escalating scale that graduate students must satisfy in both the Main Campus and Accelerated Degree Program programs to remain in good academic standing:

The required pace of completion for all certificate programs is 67%:

150% Maximum Timeframe

Students must complete their respective degree requirements by the maximum timeframe specified by Post University, which is set at no more than 150% of the published length of time of the programs as measured in credit hours.

For example:

Certificate in Paralegal Studies = 45-49.5 credits (30-33 x 1.5)
Associate of Science in Accounting = 90 credits (60 x 1.5)
Bachelor of Science degree = 180 credits (120 x 1.5)
Graduate Certificate in Project Management = 18 credits (12 x 1.5)
Master of Business Administration = 78 credits (52 x 1.5)

Warning

Students who do not meet satisfactory academic progress as outlined above are placed on Warning. Students on Warning are required to retake two failed courses during the Warning period. For undergraduate-level students, this includes courses with a grade of F or UF. For graduate-level students, this includes courses with a grade of D+, D, D-, F, or UF. Students on Warning are eligible to receive federal financial aid for the next eligible term/payment period in which they are enrolled.

Financial Aid Suspension/Academic Dismissal

For students who are placed on Warning, the University will conduct a review of academic progress at the end of the Warning period. Students who do not meet the minimum satisfactory academic progress standards by the end of the Warning period will have their federal financial aid eligibilities suspended, be removed from any current and future courses, and be dismissed from Post University. Students may appeal this decision by following the appeal process.

Appeal Process

Students whose federal financial aid eligibilities is suspended, are dismissed, and wish to appeal must submit their appeals in writing to their respective Dean. The Dean will review the appeal, which includes a letter of explanation of the mitigating circumstances that caused the decline in academic performance, supporting documentation of those circumstances, and a plan for improvement.

Students may begin submitting appeal letters one week before the end of the term/payment period when they expect to have their federal financial aid eligibility suspended and be dismissed from Post University. Students must submit their appeal letters one week before the start of a term/payment period to be considered for return that term/payment period. If the students' appeals are submitted and approved before the end of the add/drop period of the term/payment period after they were dismissed from Post University, the students will be re-enrolled in any current and future courses, and be placed on probation.

Probation

Students whose federal financial aid eligibilities are suspended, dismissed, and wish to appeal must submit their appeals in writing to their respective Dean. Students whose appeals are approved will be placed on probation. Students on probation have one term/payment period to raise their cumulative grade point averages and/or pace of completion above the minimum requirements outlined by the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy. Students who are placed on an academic plan will have additional time to improve their cumulative grade point averages and/or pace of completion according to the requirements of the plan. All probations are reviewed at the end of each grading period. Students who fail to meet the conditions of their probation period will have their federal financial aid eligibilities suspended, will be dismissed from Post University, and must wait two terms/payment periods before submitting subsequent appeals. The subsequent appeals' explanations of mitigating circumstances and supporting documentation cannot be the same as previously approved appeals.

Repeating Coursework

Students are permitted to repeat courses for which they have already attempted, and the the highest grade is calculated into the students' cumulative grade point average. When calculating pace of completion, attempted credits will include all courses even though prior grades are excluded when calculating the cumulative grade point average. Students may only repeat failed courses taken at Post University a total of two times. Students who wish to retake courses a third time must obtain permission from their respective Dean.

With respect to federal financial aid, the following conditions must be observed:

1. Undergraduate students may receive financial aid for one repetition of a previously passed course in which they have earned grades of D- or above, or for any failed course until it is passed.
2. Graduate students may receive financial aid for one repetition of a previously passed course in which they have earned grades C- or above, or for any failed course until it is passed.

Review

Post University will review satisfactory academic progress at the end of each grading period. At the time of review, if the satisfactory academic success criteria are not met, students are notified of their status for the following term/payment period. Post University notifies students by submitting information to the e-mail addresses maintained in the students' files. All periods of students' enrollments are counted in the cumulative grade point average and pace of completion calculations, except as noted above for students who change their programs of study.

Students are provided one term/payment period, hereafter referred to as the Warning period, to meet the required academic standards. If students are not able to meet satisfactory academic progress by the end of the warning period, their federal financial aid eligibilities will be suspended, and they will be dismissed from Post University. Students who fail to enroll for their warning period will remain on warning until enrollment in their next eligible term/payment period.

Reestablish Aid Eligibility

Students may reestablish their federal financial aid eligibilities by reaching or exceeding the applicable minimum satisfactory academic progress requirements. Students who regain eligibility may receive their Federal Pell Grant and their Direct Loan funds for the term/payment period in which they become eligible.

Course Loads

Course Loads for Undergraduate Students

Main Campus students enrolled for 12 or more credits each semester are considered full-time students. Main Campus students registered for 11 or fewer credits are considered part-time students. The maximum course load is 18 credits per semester. Main Campus students wishing to register for more than 18 credits per semester must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 and permission from the Provost. In no instance will a student be permitted to carry more than 21 credits.

Accelerated Degree Program students enrolled for 12 or more credits during two consecutive 8-week terms are considered full-time students.  Accelerated Degree Program students enrolled in 11 or fewer credits during two consecutive 8-week terms are considered part-time students.  Accelerated Degree Program students who want to register for nine credits per term must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 and permission from their Academic Success Counselor. A request to register for twelve credits or more must receive the Assistant Provost's approval. Students should contact their Financial Aid Advisor about any additional costs associated with taking more than six credits per term.

Course Loads for International Students

Undergraduate Students

An international student attending in F-1 status is required by immigration regulations to be "pursuing a full course of study" to maintain his/her immigration status. For undergraduate students, "a full course of study" is full-time, or 12 credit hours. If a student wishes to reduce his or her course load to fewer than 12 credits, the student must first consult with the International Student Advisor and then his or her Academic Advisor. The student must obtain the Academic Advisor's signature on the Add/Drop form and submit a copy of the form to the International Student Advisor before the Add/Drop date.

The following are limited, but important, exceptions to the "full course of study" requirement:

1. Annual vacation.
2. Illness or medical condition - this is a medical, emotional, or physical problem documented by a doctor or counselor.
3. Academic reasons - initial difficulties with the English language, initial difficulties with reading requirements, unfamiliarity with American teaching methods, or improper course level placement.  The student's instructor or Academic Advisor will these issues. 
4. International students in their final semester of study may take a reduced course load if fewer credits than the full-time status equivalent allows them to complete their degree. Any drop below a full course load will be reported to the Department of Homeland Security.

Graduate Students

International students pursuing a graduate degree with an F-1 Visa are required to maintain full-time status. Full-time status is defined as 6 credits in a period of enrollment (2 terms) in on-campus or hybrid classes. If a student is taking one on-campus course during a term, the student may take an additional course either on-campus or online, after consulting with their Academic Advisor. The student must maintain on-campus or hybrid courses equaling 6 credits in a period of enrollment and cannot substitute an online course to meet their full-time status. A student can only drop below full-time status temporarily, by filing a request with the assistance of the International Student Advisor and receiving approval from their Academic Advisor. There are limited exceptions to the "full course of study" requirement, as noted above.

Course loads for Graduate Students

For graduate students taking courses in 8-week term, 6 or more credits during two consecutive terms is considered full-time. Students attempting three credits during two consecutive terms is considered part time. Permission to take more than two courses per term may be granted, providing the student has maintained a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average and receives approval from the Provost. Approval to exceed two courses per term will require the student to demonstrate that he or she is not currently employed (i.e., retired, leave of absence, summer break, on medical leave, unemployed, etc.). Students who are seeking financial aid are advised to contact the Financial Aid Office, as there may be a minimum number of courses/credits required to receive such aid.

Academic Freedom Policy

Post University is committed to presenting an inclusive and diverse educational environment that promotes the ability of faculty, staff, and students to cultivate their ideas and exchange them in a safe and open atmosphere. The academic excellence of Post University depends upon the maintenance of such an atmosphere of academic freedom that promotes the ability to share one's ideas and viewpoints within the classroom, through publication of research, and by artistic expression, strengthened by civil discourse.

The University's environment includes classes that meet both in person and online, and our students, faculty, and staff must be encouraged to present their ideas without risk that those ideas will be censored or sanctioned because they are different than the ideas of someone else. Therefore, members of the Post University community are encouraged to engage in intellectual debate without worrying about being censored. Both students and faculty have the right to express their views across platforms that includes, but is not limited to, speech, writing, and electronic communication in the physical classroom setting, in the electronic classroom, and in settings where faculty, staff, and students congregate.

Academic freedom requires maintenance of academic standards and respect for other's thoughts and efforts in the pursuit of educational exchanges, including faculty having authority in grading assignments.  Post University faculty shall always maintain integrity in the grading process which shall never be impacted by biases, prejudices, or different points of view. Faculty have the right to teach as they deem appropriate within the framework of the courses and programs as designed by the respective Program Chairs. Within the classroom, both faculty and students are encouraged to share their opinions on subjects pertaining to the course. Differing opinions should be encouraged and respected as long as all parties present those opinions in a responsible and respectful manner as informed by Post University's expectations of civility.

Faculty, staff, and students have the right to express their viewpoints, opinions, and ideas as long as that expression is not done in a manner that substantially impairs, harms, or jeopardizes the rights of others. Freedom of expression should be upheld as long as it is not defamatory and is devoid of ad hominem attacks; further, such freedom of expression does protect against the use of racist and inflammatory language which perpetuates unfair expressions based on gender, race, and sexuality, and/or language and ideas which infringe on the rights of others. Faculty, staff, and students have the opportunity and obligation to challenge one another's views by engaging in intellectual debate and discussion without fear of ramification that those views will jeopardize their professional, academic, or student standing at the University.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity involves all members of Post University making a commitment to act ethically and honestly in academia. The essence of academic integrity is for students to do their own original work and credit any work which is not their own.  Post University's faculty, administration, and staff have the important responsibility to uphold and protect academic integrity, and therefore will not tolerate violations of it.  

Below are examples of what is considered a violation of academic integrity; however, violations of academic integrity are not solely limited to the below. 

Cheating 

Cheating can be defined as unauthorized use of digital, electronic or physical materials, study guides, answer sets, and copying any portion of another student's responses. 

Plagiarism  

Plagiarism occurs when a student presents someone else's words, ideas, data, images, videos, or other original materials as their own without giving proper credit, attribution, or citation to the original author. Any source or materials used needs to be properly cited and referenced when quoting, paraphrasing, and/or summarizing. Students must adhere to the University's expectations for properly citing sources. 

Self-Plagiarism 

Self-plagiarism occurs when previously submitted work is reused in whole or in part in a course, including courses that are being retaken for credit, without first checking with the instructor and substantially revising it. Students are expected to submit original work that has not previously been submitted in order to demonstrate their understanding of the current course they are taking. 

Unauthorized Collaboration  

Collaboration is a part of the educational process, but collaboration does not include submitting the same assignment as another student or obtaining another student's previously submitted work. Students may discuss, review, and give feedback on each other's assignments. However, students will refrain from sharing completed assignments, answers, and all academic work with other students in person and across social media as well as other sharing devices with the intent of using the provided work for submission and/or course credit. Intentionally assisting others in acts of unauthorized collaboration is also considered a violation of academic integrity for all parties involved. 

Unauthorized Use of Digital Materials  

Students will not purchase a paper online or copy materials from answer guides written by someone else or obtained through an online website with the intent of using this information for an assignment and/or academic credit. Students will refrain from using paraphrasing tools that alter or disguise an author's original work. 

Student Questions

Students are encouraged to contact their instructor or the Center for Academic Success (CAS) if they have any questions about Post University's Academic Integrity Policy. The University also utilizes Grammarly, Academic Writer, TutorMe, and tutorials on current APA format and documentation styles through the Library. These resources are available for students to view within their courses via Blackboard.

Process for Violations of Academic Integrity 

Instructors regularly monitor assignment submissions including, but not limited to, the use of plagiarism detection software. Any cases of suspected violations of Academic Integrity will be reported to the appropriate Program Chair and other personnel as the situation dictates. Confirmed violations of Academic Integrity may result in penalties up to, and including, dismissal from the University and denial of any financial reimbursement. Students have the right to appeal final grades or dismissals made through this policy in accordance with the final grade appeal and/or school dismissal policy. 

Students may receive an Integrity Warning, Infraction 1, Infraction 2, or Infraction 3 depending on the severity of the situation. Please note that violations of academic integrity are documented and carry from one course to the next throughout the University. For as long as a student is enrolled in Post University, regardless of program or degree, each violation of academic integrity will follow the student. If the student has a specific question about the academic integrity violation, they should contact the specific Program Chair in charge of the course where the violation occurred.

Typically, an Integrity Warning will be given with the initial occurrence and can be given more than once depending on the severity of the issue. It is at the discretion of the Program Chair to consider whether an offense constitutes a warning or an infraction. Integrity warnings may be issued between infractions if deemed appropriate:

• Integrity Warning: A zero on the assignment with the opportunity for a rewrite.

The University allows three infractions of Academic Integrity that include:

• Infraction 1: A zero on the assignment with no opportunity for a rewrite.  
• Infraction 2: Issued an F in the course and removed by the Registrar from the course in which the transgression occurred. 
• Infraction 3: Academic dismissal from Post University. 

Education on Academic Integrity Following a Violation

Any students receiving an Integrity Warning, Infraction 1 or Infraction 2 will be scheduled for an appointment at the Center for Academic Success (CAS) for a lesson associated with the specific violation. Any students receiving an Integrity Warning must attend a scheduled appointment in order to be able to revise and resubmit their assignment. Any students receiving Infraction 1 or Infraction 2 must attend a meeting with CAS in order to progress in their course and at the University.

Penalties for Academic Dishonesty

Penalties for other forms of academic dishonesty not addressed in Academic Integrity policy may include a strike one, two, or three as described above based on the severity of the occurrence as determined by the instructor, Program Chair, and Dean. Post University employs a three-strike process for students found guilty of acts of academic dishonesty; however, a flagrant violation of academic integrity may involve immediate dismissal and denial of any financial reimbursements. The student may appeal the final grade or disciplinary action as stated in the Grade Appeal or Dismissal policy.

Institutional Review Board

In accordance with federal guidelines, Post University has established an Institutional Review Board (IRB) process to decide on requests to conduct research using people as subjects. This review process is required of anyone who wants to conduct research on Post University property, in any virtual space managed by Post University (e.g., in a Blackboard classroom or online student lounge) or involving Post University students, staff, or faculty members as study participants or researchers themselves.

The IRB process requires the submission of a brief application that will be reviewed by the IRB Committee. Decisions of the IRB Committee are final.

Students who wish to submit an IRB application as part of a class assignment should follow up with their instructor and IRB Coordinator for guidance. All others who wish to submit an IRB application for review should contact the Post University IRB Lisa Chervenak at [email protected] for further instructions.

Academic Civility Code

The Post University community is committed to practicing civility among the students, faculty, staff, and administration. Civility is defined as conducting oneself with respect for others and behaving in a manner that promotes and encourages a positive social and academic environment. Post University embraces the following convictions:

1. Showing respect for faculty, staff, students, guests, and school property, policies, rules, and regulations.
2. Promoting the exchange of ideas and diverse opinions through tolerance, integrity, dignity, and respect while upholding academic integrity to the highest standard.
3. Taking personal responsibility for individual choices and actions and accepting the consequences thereof.
4. Communicating in a professional and courteous manner across all platforms (verbal, non-verbal, written, or electronic).
5. Abstaining from actions that are intimidating, bullying, demeaning, or hostile to another person.

Post University's goal is to achieve and maintain a high standard of civility to increase students' capacities to achieve success while in attendance and in their future careers.

Schedule Changes

A schedule change consists of adding or unscheduling a course or changing from one course section to another during the Add/Drop period or withdrawing from a course during the withdrawal period.

The Add/Drop period is the time from the start of the term through the Add/Drop deadline, as defined by the academic calendar. The Add/Drop deadline is typically 5 p.m. on the first Friday of the term. Beginning in the spring of 2018, Main Campus undergraduate courses have an atypical Add/Drop deadline, so students are advised to review the academic calendar for details.

The withdrawal period is the period between the Add/Drop deadline and the last day to withdraw, as defined by the Academic Calendar. The last day to withdraw represents the 60% mark in the term as follows:

Students will only be permitted to add courses during the Add/Drop period if prerequisites have been met and there are openings in the course(s) they wish to add. Any change to the student's schedule should be discussed with the Academic Advisor or Academic Success Counselor, to ensure students have met prerequisites for the course and that the schedule change will keep the student on track to graduate.

Students receiving financial aid should consult with the Office of Student Finance to determine how their award package may be affected by adding, dropping, or withdrawing from courses. The Office of Student Finance makes disbursements after the end of the Add/Drop period to determine a student's enrollment status and eligibility. Official notification occurs when the student informs the Office of the Registrar of his/her withdrawal.

Schedule Changes Main Campus Courses

Students taking Main Campus courses may make schedule changes through the Add/Drop deadline. Students may no longer add courses after the Add/Drop deadline. Students who wish to withdraw from a course after the Add/Drop deadline may do so during the withdrawal period. Students withdrawing from a course during the withdrawal period will have a "W" recorded for the course on their transcript. Students may not withdraw from a course after the last day to withdraw. Students wishing to withdraw from a course must submit a withdrawal form to the Office of the Registrar.

Schedule Changes Accelerated Degree Program Courses

Students taking Accelerated Degree Program courses may make schedule changes through the Add/Drop deadline. Students who change their schedule prior to 5 p.m. EST on the Friday before a Term starts will incur no additional fees and receive a full refund for tuition and fees charged. Students are responsible for confirming course drops with the Office of the Registrar prior to end of the Add/Drop period.

Students who wish to withdraw from an Accelerated Degree Program course after the Add/Drop deadline may do so during the withdrawal period. Students withdrawing from an online Accelerated Degree Program course during the withdrawal period will have a "W" recorded for the course on their transcript. Students may not withdraw from a course after the last day to withdraw. Students wishing to withdraw from an Accelerated Degree Program course must submit a withdrawal form to the Office of the Registrar.

Military students taking courses have an extended Add/Drop deadline (as defined above) and incur no drop fees if courses are dropped prior to the Add/Drop deadline. Military students who withdraw from a course in the first 7-13 days of the course are refunded 50% of tuition.

Course Substitutions

Course substitutions can be made with approval from the appropriate Main Campus advisor and Academic Success Counselor for Advanced Degree program students, and Program Chair as documented on the course substitution form.

Auditing a Course

Undergraduate students who wish to enroll in a course, without receiving academic credit, may audit the course. Audit status must be declared at the time of registration and requires the permission of the instructor. Audit status, once declared, may not be changed. The cost to audit a course is half the current rate of tuition.

Academic Participation and Unearned F

Main Campus Course Participation

Regular class participation is essential to the educational process. Failure to participate in class or complete assignments may result in a failing grade. Even students who have an excused absence (either due to athletic games or absences approved via prior communication with the instructor) are responsible for all course materials missed or due on the date(s) class was missed. For additional details on the Main Campus Attendance Policy please see Main Campus Attendance Policy.

Online Academic Course Participation

Post University considers a student to have participated in a course if the student engages in an academic activity. Academic activity is defined as posting to a discussion board, submitting an assignment, taking a quiz or a test, or other measurable academic activity. Students that have not engaged in an academic activity by 11:59 p.m. on the 2^nd Monday following the beginning of a term will be dropped from the course and will be charged a drop fee. After this date, student participation is subject to ongoing review. Students may be dismissed from their course(s) if they do not participate for two consecutive weeks. The first such review will take place on the Monday of Week 4 each term. The student's financial aid may also be impacted by not engaging in each enrolled course. If the student is enrolled in more than one course in the term, Post University will evaluate whether the student began each course and the student will be dropped only from those courses in which the student has not begun.

Unearned F

Faculty members will assign an Unearned F grade to a student that does not complete any graded academic activity after the midpoint of a course. When a student receives an unearned F grade, the faculty member will determine the date the student submitted his or her last graded academic activity and this will be considered the student's withdrawal date from the course.

As a result of receiving an Unearned F, a student's enrollment status may be modified to withdrawn and a calculation may be required to be performed to determine how much financial aid the student has earned for the term. This calculation may result in the return of unearned financial aid to the U.S. Department of Education or other third parties. The student may be obligated to pay for charges originally paid by the unearned financial aid and/or return any excess funds paid to the student. Receiving an Unearned F may also impair future course registrations and financial aid availability. Unearned F grades also count as failing grades in the student's cumulative grade point average and pace of completion and may impact satisfactory academic progress.

Course Materials and the Online Bookstore

Course materials are available for purchase from the Post Online Bookstore at www.postbookstore.com. Students should plan to check for course materials two to four weeks prior to the start date of the course to ensure that textbooks will be available in time for class. Students can arrange for materials to be shipped to their homes or (for main-campus and local students) to Post University for pickup in the Mail Room in East Hall during normal business hours.

Electronic Course Materials

Electronic Course Materials (ECMs) are course materials that are available in a completely electronic format. ECMs are used exclusively in many courses. Materials may include electronic versions of textbooks, articles, case studies, YouTube videos, and electronic access codes that allow students to access customized publisher materials. A special fee covers the costs of these materials which are available to students on the first day of the term. Post University has worked with book publishers to negotiate the lowest possible prices. Students are strongly advised to take advantage of the automatic, day-one access to ECMs.

Students enrolled in these courses will automatically be provided access to the eBook and charged the fee, but they may choose to opt-out of some eBooks through a link on the Post Online Bookstore home page (www.postbookstore.com). The link can be accessed by clicking the "eBook Choice" button. Opt-out becomes available one week prior to the start of the term and must be completed by the Add/Drop date for the term. Not all courses use materials that can be opted out of.

Students who opt out of their eBooks will have the fee removed from their bill. Students who choose to opt-out, as described above, are responsible for purchasing the required course materials elsewhere, and they will not be eligible for an extension on course assignments while they wait for their course materials to arrive.

Textbook Refund Policy

Textbooks purchased from the online bookstore may be returned, provided the following stipulations are met. 

• Print book returns are within 21 days of the start of the semester.
• Books are in original condition.
• Items are wrapped or sealed CD's are NOT opened.
• Books are accompanied by valid sales receipts.

Non-Shippable Course Materials Refund Policy

Electronic items purchased from the online bookstore may be returned, provided the following stipulations are met. 

• eBook returns are within14 days from redemption date.
• Access codes and eResources: Please contact the Bookstore (click Contact at top right of the Online Bookstore) and request the return. Include the order number and any other relevant information in the request to expedite processing

Graduation

Degree Audit and Application for Graduation

Post University awards degrees at the end of every term/semester. Commencement exercises are held once a year in May. Undergraduate students may participate in the graduation ceremony provided they are within 6 credits of their degree into which they are enrolled and have a minimum 2.00 grade point average. Students anticipating a December graduation must complete their degree requirements by the end of the fall term or second term.

Potential graduates must meet with their advisors prior to their last 15 credits to make sure they have completed all required courses. While advisors may assist each student in the selection of courses, the responsibility for fulfilling the requirements of the program and all Post University academic requirements rests with the individual student.

Graduation Fees

Students are able to download the graduation application from their student portal once they are in a pending graduation status.  An email is sent to the student's Post email address notifying them that the application is now available.   

Commencement Fees

Students who wish to participate in the commencement ceremony are responsible for purchasing their caps and gowns. Caps and gowns will be made available on the vendor website in early spring. The fees include shipping and are as follows:

Graduation Requirements

To receive a degree from Post University, students must:

1. Be matriculated in a program.
2. Satisfactorily complete all degree program requirements of at least 60 credit hours for an associate degree, at least 120 credit hours for a bachelor's, or the required number of credits for a master's degree.
3. Achieve a cumulative grade point average of not less than 2.00 for undergraduate students and a 3.00 for graduate students.
4. Fulfill the residency requirement for the degree program they are pursuing.
5. Complete an Application for Graduation and pay a non-refundable graduation fee.

*Please note: Diplomas and official academic transcripts cannot be issued if the student has an outstanding account balance with Post University.

For graduate students, the Connecticut Office of Higher Education requires the completion of a culminating experience to exhibit adequate comprehension and acquisition of knowledge from pursuit of their masters' degrees. We have developed a series of capstone courses which meet this requirement. Students who fail their capstone courses cannot graduate. Students have a total of two attempts to pass the capstone course with a grade of "C" or better. If the course is not passed on the second attempt, a petition to the Dean or Program Director is necessary to take the class a third time.

Requirements to Walk in the Graduation Ceremony

Undergraduate Walking Candidates

To walk (participate) in the graduation ceremony a student must meet all the following requirements:

1. Have six credits or less to complete at the end of the spring semester and/or Term 5.
2. Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00.
3. Indicate an intent to participate in the ceremony on the graduation application.
4. Be registered for their final courses.

Graduate Walking Candidates

To walk (participate) in the graduation ceremony a student must meet all the following requirements:

1. Have three credits to complete at the end of Term 5.
2. Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00.
3. Indicate an intent to participate in the ceremony on the graduation application submitted by the deadline.
4. Be registered for their final course.

A diploma will not be awarded to undergraduate or graduate students until all credits are completed. Students with credits remaining may receive permission to walk in a ceremony, but are not graduates until all credit requirements are met. Diplomas will not be granted until all graduation requirements have been met.

Program Time Limit

Undergraduate students do not have a set program time limit. After two (2) years of non-attendance, students are readmitted under the new curriculum in the catalog at the time of readmission. If the original program of study is no longer offered, readmitted students are required to choose a new major. Coursework completed under the previous major may be transferred into the new major, based on course equivalencies and substitution policies.

Graduate students must complete a program of study within a five (5) year time limit from the date of admission to degree status. Should extenuating circumstances arise, students may petition for a one-time, one-year extension for completion of their programs of study. Such petitions must include the signed endorsement of the Program Chair and Dean. The Provost will rule on the petition and make the final decision.

Withdrawal from Post University

Active/Inactive Students

An active student is a student who is enrolled in a course in the current semester or term. An inactive student is a student who is not enrolled in the current semester or term. Upon enrolling in a course, an inactive student will be considered active.

Official Withdrawal (Withdrawal from Post University Initiated by Student)

A student requesting to officially withdraw from Post University must inform the Office of the Registrar. In turn, the Office of the Registrar will notify the student's Academic Advisor or Academic Success Counselor and Financial Aid Advisor.  The official date of withdrawal is the date the Registrar's Office was informed. 

Should a main campus student withdraw after the add/drop period and prior to the end of a semester, the student's official transcript will reflect a "W" (withdrawal) for courses attempted in that semester.  A grade of "F" will be assigned for any courses where the student has not participated for 14 consecutive days (per the Main Campus Attendance Policy).  Should an online student withdraw after the add/drop period and prior to the end of the term, the student's official transcript will reflect a "W" (withdrawal) for courses attempted in that term.  A grade of "UF" will be assigned for any courses where the student has not participated since the fourth week of the term (per the ADP UF Policy). 

A student who has officially withdrawn and would like to be readmitted within one year should contact his/her Academic Advisor or Academic Success Counselor. After a period of one year from the official withdrawal date, the student will need to go through the admissions process to be officially readmitted to Post University.

Administrative Withdrawal (Inactive Student Status)

Inactive students, those are not currently enrolled in a course, will be administratively withdrawn. Administratively withdrawn students in satisfactory academic and civic standing are welcome to enroll in courses for a one-year period without going through the admissions process. Post University's Student Account's Department reports inactive students as administratively withdrawn, for purposes of Title IV financial aid.

Withdrawal for Military Leave

Military students who can no longer begin or continue their education due to a Military service obligation must do the following:

Notify their Academic Advisor for Main Campus students or Academic Success Counselor for Accelerated Degree Program students, and the Office of the Registrar and/or Military Admissions that they have a Military service obligation that will prohibit them from  continuing as a student in the current academic term.

Provide the Office of the Registrar with a copy of their military orders or other documentation that demonstrates a need to withdraw from the current academic term to meet the military needs of their branch of the service.

Students who meet the criteria listed above are eligible for the following:

If the request for withdrawal is during the first half of the term/semester, students will receive no grade for the courses in which they are enrolled, no course credit shall be awarded, and the term shall not be counted toward in the pace of completion for satisfactory academic progress. A full refund of tuition and/or room and board will be granted.

If the request for withdrawal is after the first half of the term/semester, students can elect to:

1. Withdraw (W) from their classes and receive a full refund of tuition*, or,
2. Request to receive no credit or grade for the course, or,
3. Request an Incomplete (IN) from their instructors and arrange to complete all required course assignments within a specified timeframe. (See Incomplete policy in the University Catalog). The term shall count as a term in residence.

*If the students elect to take a W for the course, this may impact their satisfactory academic progress in the future and should be discussed with their Academic Success Coordinator.

If a military student's absence will extend into multiple terms, the student will be granted a Military Leave of Absence while they are performing their service obligation. The Military Leave of Absence will expire five (5) years after the end of the service obligation.  Students on a Military Leave of Absence will be able to resume their education without the need of reapplying to Post University by contacting the Office of Military Admissions or the Office of the Registrar.

Dismissal from Post University

Academic Dismissal

Post University maintains the right to dismiss students from an undergraduate or graduate program under the following circumstances:

1. Failing to meet the satisfactory academic progress requirements.
2. Behaving in a manner prejudicial to the interests of Post University or hostile to the welfare of students or faculty in breach of the Civility Code.
3. Violating of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Readmission to the Post University

Students who have unpaid balances must resolve any outstanding issues prior to requesting readmission. Resumption of enrollment or readmission is at the discretion of Post University and is subject to any imposed conditions.

Readmission after Withdrawal

Students seeking readmission who have been inactive (not been enrolled in a course) for greater than one (1) year and military students who have exceeded the 6-month grace period after an approved military leave must reapply through admission and satisfy all current admission criteria for their program.

If a graduate student's cumulative grade point is less than a 3.00 the student must agree to an academic improvement plan that is satisfactory to the Program Director or Dean. Appeals of the Program Director's decisions may be made to the appropriate Dean.

Readmission after Dismissal

Students who have been dismissed for failing to meet satisfactory academic progress may apply for readmission one year from the date of dismissal or after one parent term. Please refer to the Academic Progress Standards for the Dismissal Appeal Process. Students seeking readmission in an undergraduate program must meet the current application requirements, provide all current documentation, and deliver a letter requesting readmission providing details as to why the student will be successful if allowed to return to study. Students seeking readmission to a graduate program of study will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director of the program with an appeal to the Dean if necessary. For programs without a Program Director, the readmission decision rests with the Dean and may be appealed to the Provost.

Readmitted students may be asked to participate in an academic improvement plan as designed by the Program Director of the program or Dean as part of the readmission process. The academic improvement plan will provide for conditional admission for the student's next 2 terms or one semester. If the student violates the academic improvement plan, the student will be dismissed from the program of study with no appeal process. Students who have been dismissed for breach of the Civility Code or the Academic Integrity Policy are not eligible to apply for readmission.

Main Campus Attendance Policy during COVID19 Fall 2020 Virtual Campus

At Post University, we recognize that attendance represents a key to student academic success. Our courses are designed to engage students and include them in the learning process. Main Campus students completing a 16-week semester, or an 8- week term are expected to attend every virtual class meeting. Instructors will take attendance for every class meeting.  All students are expected to inform their instructor of an illness or other reason for missing class prior to the class session. Students who are unable to attend synchronously for an extended period of time (up to and including the full semester) due to limited internet access/wifi, differing time zones, or other approved reason will be offered an alternative means to demonstrate attendance by their instructor.

Missed classes are categorized as ether excused absences or unexcused absences.

 • Excused Absence: An excused absence is an absence that is pre-approved between the student and instructor to warrant missing class. In rare instances, an excused absence can also include an absence that is not pre-approved but has been defined as excused by the instructor. Students with excused absences will be granted extensions on in-class work missed during the absence. Unless specified in writing by the instructor, students with excused absences are still responsible for completing out-of-class assignments by the original due date.

• Unexcused Absence: An absence that is not an excused absence is consider an unexcused absence. As described below, unexcused absences may lead to course failure. Students with unexcused absences should consult the course syllabus and the instructor to determine if late work will be accepted. It is the practice of Post University that instructors strive to support students' observance of their religious traditions by allowing absence from classes for such purposes and providing ample opportunities for students to make up work without penalty for such occasions.

Students with an excused or unexcused absence from class are responsible for making up any missed work and learning missed class content. Course instructors are responsible for documenting accurate records of student attendance at each class meeting.

Main Campus attendance is assessed in two ways:

1. By Course: Students are expected to attend every class meeting. If a student exceeds four (4) unexcused absences in a single semester course or two (2) unexcused absences in a single 8-week term course, the student may be immediately assigned an F for the course grade.  The decision to assign an F is at the discretion of the instructor. 

2. By Semester: If a student does not attend any of their regularly-scheduled classes in a 14-day calendar period and the student has not communicated a date of return in the current semester, the student will be administratively withdrawn from the University as of their 14th consecutive calendar day of absence. Excused absences (see above) do not restart the 14-day attendance clock. If a student requires extended medical leave beyond 14-days, the student should contact his instructors and Main Campus Advisor. Financial Aid recipients who are administratively withdrawn from all courses may be responsible to repay their financial aid to the federal government. Students are encouraged to consult their financial aid advisors before withdrawing from the University.

High School Academy Students Attendance Policy  

At Post University, we recognize that attendance represents a key to student academic success. High school students enrolled in the High School Academy will follow the attendance policy and its requirements of their high school and not the attendance policy of Post University.  Students are advised to review their high school's current attendance policy to ensure understanding and to seek clarifications from their teachers as needed.  Students violating their high school's attendance policy will be subject to any consequences stated within it. 

Intellectual Property Policies

Copyright Protection

Post University's courses contain copyrighted resources created by the University, licensed from various third parties, or unless otherwise noted. In compliance with U.S. Copyright Law, these resources may not be reproduced, revised, or distributed without the written permission of Post University.  Students found to be in violation of this polcy are subject to civil and criminal liabilities associated with the Federal Copyright Act, and risk dismissal from the University under the Academic Dishonesty policy.  Unless otherwise noted, access to these materials are limited to the duration of the course. Students should contact the library ([email protected]) for information on which resources can be printed.

Intellectual Property Protection

Post University requires all contracted Course Developers to sign an Intellectual Property Agreement which governs the rights to both arising and background intellectual property as well as copyright notice requirements. All developed course materials are the property of Post University.