2012–2013 Undergraduate Catalog

Academic Regulations and Policies 

Academic Calendar 

Regardless of delivery methods, the academic year is divided into two semesters, each 15 weeks in length plus a final exam week. The summer session typically runs 14 weeks.
 

Academic Integrity 

Maintaining a standard of academic honesty is a responsibility shared by the students, faculty and administration at Viterbo University. The faculty has the responsibility to create an atmosphere in which students may display their knowledge. This atmosphere includes sufficient safeguards to control dishonesty including an orderly testing room, restrictions on text messages, etc. Students have the responsibility to understand academic misconduct and to refrain from it. 

1. Academic misconduct is any activity that may compromise the academic integrity of the university, or subvert the educational process. Examples of academic misconduct include, but are not limited to:
   • Violation of course rules as contained in the course syllabus or other information provided to the student; violation of program regulations as established by departmental committees and made available to students;
   • Knowingly providing or receiving information during examinations such as course examinations and candidacy examinations; or the possession and/or use of unauthorized materials during those examinations;
   • Knowingly providing or using assistance in the laboratory, on field work, in scholarship or on a course assignment;
   • Submitting plagiarized work for an academic requirement. Plagiarism is the representation of another's work or ideas as one's own; it includes the unacknowledged word-for-word use and/or paraphrasing of another person's work, and/or the inappropriate unacknowledged use of another person's ideas;
   • Submitting substantially the same work to satisfy requirements for one course or academic requirement that has been submitted in satisfaction of requirements for another course or academic requirement, without permission of the instructor of the course for which the work is being submitted or supervising authority for the academic requirement;
   • Falsification, fabrication, or dishonesty in creating or reporting laboratory results, research results, and/or any other assignments;
   • Serving as, or enlisting the assistance of a substitute for a student in the taking of examinations;
   • Alteration of grades or marks by the student in an effort to change the earned grade or credit;
   • Alteration of academically-related university forms or records, or unauthorized use of those forms or records; and
   • Engaging in activities that unfairly place other students at a disadvantage, such as taking, hiding or altering resource material, or manipulating a grading system.
    
2. The faculty member who suspects a student of academic misconduct will notify the student in writing of the allegation. A copy of the notification will also be sent to the vice president for academic affairs.
3. If the student admits the academic misconduct, then one or more or the following sanctions may be imposed by the faculty member:
   • Award a failing grade on the test or paper; or
   • Require the student to take another test or resubmit the paper;
   • Award a failing grade for the class. (This action must have the approval of the school dean of the discipline of the misconduct.)
    
4. In the event that the student disputes the allegation of academic misconduct or has previously been found in violation of the academic misconduct policy, the incident will be referred to the school dean of the discipline of the misconduct. Imposing sanctions will be deferred pending the dean’s finding on the allegation. If the student is found to be in violation of the academic misconduct policy, the dean forwards her or his recommendation to the vice president for academic affairs, or designee, who may impose sanction(s) listed in the Code of Student Conduct.
5. The student will be notified in writing of the findings by the vice president for academic affairs. A copy of the decision letter will also be sent to the vice president for student development, or designee. This action is required for maintenance of complete disciplinary records. 
6. Students may appeal any final decision for breach of academic honesty to the University Board of Review in accordance with procedures set forth in the Viterbo University Student Handbook.
    

If the faculty member or school dean meets with a student, the student may have a consultant present. The consultant may provide notes to the student during the meeting, but is not permitted to respond to questions for the student during the meeting.
 

All records and correspondence in such cases will be kept in the office files of the chief academic officer until graduation or until the student leaves Viterbo University. Such information will not be part of a student’s permanent Viterbo University record.
 

Academic Policy Exception 

Students seeking an exception to any university academic policy listed in this academic policy section may petition the vice president for academic affairs for an exception. The Academic Policy Exception form is found on the Registrar’s office Web page. You must have the approval of your advisor, department chair, and school dean prior to the submission of the form to the vice president for academic affairs.
 

Academic Standing 

At the close of each semester, students who have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher are considered in good standing. Students with cumulative grade point averages of below 2.0 are placed on academic probation. Students may be dismissed from Viterbo University if they do not achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 after one semester on academic probation.
 

Alternative Credit 

Exam or alternative credit work taken within the last 10 years ago will be accepted. Individual schools or departments may also require that exam equivalent coursework in the major be current with academic and professional standards. Viterbo University will accept a maximum of 45 credits from American Council on Education (ACE) recommended work, Defense Activity for Non-traditional Education Support (DANTES), College Level Examination Program, Advanced Placement Examination, International Baccalaureate, or Credit for Prior Learning.
 

Advanced Placement
Viterbo University participates in the Advanced Placement (AP) Program whereby high school students may enroll in advanced high school courses, take the AP exam and receive college credit (with the appropriate score). The student must enroll as a degree seeking student at Viterbo University. Contact the Office of the Registrar or see the office’s Web page for further information.
 

American Council on Education
Viterbo University will grant credit for educational experiences evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE). See military training and CCRS. Viterbo University will accept a maximum of 45 credits from American Council on Education (ACE) recommended work, DANTES, or College Level Examination Program.
 

Credit by Examination
The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a national program administered through the College Board. Viterbo follows The American Council on Education (ACE) guidelines and recommendations for minimum scores for awarding credit in subject examinations.  There is a fee for each examination. Currently enrolled students or incoming students who enroll the subsequent semester may register for exams. Students should visit the Academic Resource Center web site for information about CLEP test dates.
 

Credit for Prior Learning
The credit for prior learning (portfolio) program is for students in a bachelor degree completion program who feel they have significant college-relevant learning from lifetime / work experience applicable toward college credit. The portfolio process must be completed during a student’s first calendar year of enrollment. A limit of 15 credits may be earned by portfolio. To participate in the credit for prior learning program a student must: 

• Be currently enrolled. 
• Complete the Application for Tutorial for Prior Learning found in the Center for Adult Learning.
• Complete the Credit for Prior Learning Tutorial.
• Construct a portfolio containing lifetime/work learning applicable to the student learning outcomes of a course in the Viterbo University catalog.
• Pay portfolio fees (See Tuition and Fees section.)
• Submit the portfolio to relevant academic departments.
   

Academic departments will review the portfolio and notify the student and the registrar if credit is to be awarded.
 

Students who would like to know more about credit for prior learning are encouraged to contact the Center for Adult Learning.
 

International Baccalaureate Program
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is recognized by Viterbo University for purposes of admission and course credit. The university awards credit for higher-level IBP examinations (with the appropriate score) according to the respective academic department. The student must enroll as a degree-seeking student at Viterbo University. For details on actual credit awarded contact the Office of the Registrar or see the office’s Web page.
 

National College Credit Recommendation Service
Viterbo University will grant credit for education experiences based on evaluation by the National College Credit Recommendation Service (CCRS), formally, the National Program on Noncollegiate Sponsored Instruction (PONSI). National CCRS administers a system that evaluates courses and educational programs conducted by non-collegiate organizations nationwide and recommends to colleges and universities that they grant credit when learning experiences are found comparable to college-level instruction. Viterbo University will accept a maximum of 45 credits from American Council on Education (ACE) recommended work, DANTES, or College Level Examination Program.
 

Retroactive Spanish Credit
Refer to the School of Letters and Sciences—World Languages section for further information regarding retroactive Spanish credit.
 

Attendance 

Viterbo University challenges students to be learners who assume responsibility for being a part of a community of scholars. Student presence and participation in the classroom is an important component of this challenge. Furthermore, as part of its mission, Viterbo University offers an education that prepares students for professional employment. Each student is encouraged to develop a professional work ethic that reflects responsibility, initiative, and teamwork.

In light of the above, students are expected to attend all classes. Students who are absent from class miss opportunities to contribute to the learning environment of the classroom and are developing patterns that will not be tolerated in the professional workplace. Absences from class may result in a loss of college financial aid. Federal regulation requires that students make satisfactory progress toward a degree in order to retain federal financial aid. 
 

Guidelines 

• Viterbo University expects students to attend all classes.
• Students who do not attend the first two 50-minute class periods or the equivalent of a course and who do not inform the instructor prior to the class meetings may be asked by the instructor to drop the course using the official drop form thereby avoiding a grade of “F.” Faculty will notify the director of student success of these absences no later than Friday of the first week of classes.
• Each faculty member will establish a reasonable attendance policy, which will be stated in the course syllabus and shared at the first class meeting. Certain courses may have more stringent attendance policies.
• Faculty will keep a weekly record of attendance for each student to comply with federal financial aid guidelines.
• Faculty will continually inform the director of student success using the academic concern form to report students who have excessive absences.
• A student should not be considered absent from a class when she/he is attending a required extracurricular activity such as a field trip, or when a student is officially representing Viterbo University at a scheduled activity, such as a fine arts production, a conference, or an intercollegiate athletic event. Students participating in such events are responsible for the class work missed.
• Students not able to attend classes due to military obligations should refer to the Military Deployment policy.
• When an absence is unavoidable, a student should contact his/her instructor or the director of student success. Documentation may be required. Absences do not remove the responsibility for the student to complete the work missed. Instructors are not required to make special arrangements for students who have missed a class.
• When the number of absences exceeds 15 percent of the scheduled classes, the faculty may issue a failing grade for the student.
• Excessive absenteeism will be reported to the financial aid office by the director of student success and may result in a loss of eligibility for financial aid.
• Excessive absenteeism may also result in the administrative withdrawal of the student from the course and/or Viterbo University.
   

Audit 

Students pursuing a degree at Viterbo University may wish to audit a course for personal or professional knowledge. Students who are auditing are not required to complete assignments or take examinations, but auditors are expected to attend classes. If their attendance is unsatisfactory, auditing students will be administratively withdrawn from the course. Students receive no credit for courses that they audit; a grade of “AU” is entered on their records. Audited courses do not count toward students’ degree requirements. To audit a course, students must complete an audit form obtained from the Office of the Registrar. The completed form includes the instructor’s signature, which signifies consent for the student to audit the course. Students must return the completed form to the registrar’s office no later than Friday of the first week of class. After the first week of classes, students may not change their course status from audit to credit. In exceptional circumstances a student may change the status of the course from credit to audit. In that case, students must file the paperwork no later than the midpoint of the class. Students may also repeat audited courses for credit in subsequent semesters. The tuition and fees for audit courses are the same as for credit courses.
 

Community members (non-degree seeking students) may also audit a course. The same policies and deadlines apply to non-degree auditors. Interested students should submit a non-degree student application obtained from the Office of Admission, for initial entrance to Viterbo University. Non-degree students should check the current fee schedule, published in the class schedule, for rate.
 

Classification of Students 

• Freshmen—Students whose academic record contains 30 or fewer credits.
• Sophomores—Students who have earned between 31 and 60 credits.
• Juniors—Students who have earned between 61 and 90 credits.
• Seniors—Students who have earned 91 or more credits.
• Non-degree—Students who are not actively pursuing a degree at Viterbo University.
• Graduate—Students pursuing a graduate degree.
   

Contact Hours 

Viterbo defines one credit hour as 750 minutes over 15 weeks. In addition, each credit of a course requires that students spend two hours of work outside of class per week.
 

Regardless of format, all sections are required to meet the required credit hour standards by any combination of seat time and outside work. Outside work could include additional outside reading, group work, service projects, field work, clinical rotations, among other learning activities.
 

Laboratory periods, clinical, internships, and practicums vary in length depending upon the requirements of the course. Normally one credit hour equals no less than 30 actual clock hours.
 

Minimum class and outside work time are calculated according to the formula below.
 

[750 + 1800]  X  the number of credits of a course = 

the minimum number of minutes of seat time and outside work required
 

For example: a three credit course requires a minimum of 7,650 total minutes.

Credit/No Credit Courses 

The opportunity to elect some courses on the credit/no credit basis is possible for students. This option must be exercised during the first 11 class days of the semester. The policy for credit/no

credit follows:

• Each participating department shall have the privilege of articulating its degree of participation in the credit/no credit system.
• Students are eligible if they have at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average. (First semester freshmen electing credit/no credit courses need permission of the director of student success.)
• Instructors will turn in a letter grade to the registrar for all students; the registrar will make the necessary conversion:
  • a grade of C or above shall be converted to CR which shall stand for credit granted.
  • CD, D, or F grades shall be converted to NC which shall stand for no credit granted.
   
• A course in which a grade of CR has been earned will be counted towards graduation requirements. Neither CR nor NC will be included in computing grade point average.
• Courses on a CR/NC option (including those courses graded only CR/NC) ordinarily may not exceed 18 credits toward degree requirements. If a student has reached the maximum of 18 credits, an exception may be made for those courses required of the major and graded only on a credit/no credit basis. Exceptions must be cleared by the vice president for academic affairs.
• Courses on a credit/no credit option may not be taken in one’s major or minor field, area of concentration, or professional education courses unless so specified in the respective department.
• If students later wish to major in a field in which a credit/no credit course was taken, a respective department may decide to accept or reject the credit grade (but not to convert the credit grade to a letter grade).
• Since certain courses lend themselves more readily to a credit/no credit system of grading, departments shall have the option of specifying such a grading system for a particular course. All students enrolled in the course would be graded credit or no credit.
   

Dean’s List 

Viterbo University will release the dean’s list for publication in mid-February for the preceding fall semester and in late June following the spring semester. There is no dean’s list for the summer session. A grade point average of 3.5 is the requirement for meriting a place on the dean’s list of honor students.
 

To merit a place on the dean’s list, a student must be registered as a full-time student at the beginning of the semester and complete a minimum of 12 letter graded credits (that is, not on the credit/no credit basis), achieve a semester grade point average of 3.5, and have no incompletes. To merit a place on the dean’s list of honor students, a part-time student must complete a minimum of six letter graded credits, achieve a semester grade point average of at least 3.5, and have no incompletes. Furthermore, the student must begin the semester as a part-time student and must have completed a total of 15 letter graded credits at Viterbo University with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. The dean’s list is published in the hometown newspaper for those students who have supplied that information to Viterbo University. Any change in that information may be made in the Office of the Registrar. Because of internships and student teaching positions, some students do not complete the fall or spring semester until mid-January or late June. Consequently, the dean’s list from the fall semester is published in mid-February and for the spring semester in late June.
 

Examinations 

Each instructor, in the course syllabus, will inform the class of the methods of evaluation to be used. Examinations are one method of evaluation; however, the instructor may decide upon other means of determining how well the student has met the course objectives. Evaluation of the student’s progress is made in each course at mid-semester. It is the responsibility of the instructor to inform the student of her or his progress. Final examinations are held at the conclusion of the semester and final grades are submitted to the registrar. If the instructor wishes to use some form other than the written examination, the final meeting of the class must be held during the time scheduled for the final examination.

Grades 

A student’s scholarship rating in each subject is determined by the results of examinations, the general character of the student’s daily class work, and other methods of assessment of learning. Students view final grades via the online student information system, VitNet. The grading system follows:

Incompletes
A grade of incomplete is given infrequently and only under unusual circumstances that are beyond the student’s control such as a serious illness or death in the family or unanticipated complications in an original research project. To be considered for an incomplete, the student must have at least 50% of the course work complete and have a passing grade in the course. Students will find the form to request a grade of incomplete on the registrar’s office Web page. The student must seek the approval of the instructor, department chair, and dean or vice president for academic affairs. The completed form with approving signatures needs to be submitted to the registrar’s office by the last class period (not the final exam day).
 

The student is responsible for completing the required course work by the agreed upon deadline. The instructor is responsible for submitting a replacement grade to the registrar’s office. If the incomplete grade is not removed and the replacement grade from the instructor is not on file in the registrar’s office by mid-semester of the subsequent semester or summer session, the incomplete grade converts to an F.
 

Mid-term Grade
Viterbo University feels it is the responsibility of the instructor to inform the student of his/her progress shortly before the mid-semester point in the course. The Office of the Registrar collects, using the online grading feature of its student information system, a grade of MS, MD, or MF, for each student in traditional program courses. The MS, MD, or MF signify mid-term progress of satisfactory, a grade of D or a grade of F, respectively. The mid-term grade should aid the student in assessing his or her progress in the course and, if necessary, allow for a drop from the course with a notation on the course record (see specific dates in class schedule.) The grade is for use by the student, faculty, and advisor only. No notation of the mid-term grades is made on any official document, including the transcript. Students view the mid-term grades via the online student information system, VitNet.
 

Grade Appeal (Academic Review Process)

When grievances arise in regard to a course grade, the student should first discuss the matter with the individual faculty member. If a satisfactory conclusion is not achieved, the matter may be brought, in turn, to the respective department chairperson, school dean, and then to the vice president for academic affairs. Matters still in dispute may finally be taken to the Board of Review. Formal, written grade appeals must be filed within the fourth week of the subsequent semester (fall, spring, and summer) following the finalization of grades in the Registrar’s Office and in accordance with procedures available in the student handbook.
 

Grade Point Average 

The grade point average of a student’s work is the ratio of the grade points to the number of credits attempted. Courses taken under the credit/no credit option as well as courses completed at another institution are not included in the grade point average.
 

Grade Forgiveness Policy for Reentry Students 

Students who reenter Viterbo University after a minimum of two year’s absence from Viterbo may apply for grade forgiveness of previous coursework at Viterbo University under the following guidelines:

• The student must have been readmitted to Viterbo University and must have completed at least 16 but no more than 45 credits of graded coursework with an overall grade point average of 2.0 or higher from time of reentry. Continuous attendance is required to achieve 16 credits.
• The student must apply in writing to the director of student success for grade forgiveness by completing the form which is obtained from that office.
• The student who is granted grade forgiveness will have, on the transcript, all previous grades earned from Viterbo University prior to reentering the university identified by the statement “grade forgiveness policy applied to the above.” These grades will not be calculated in the new grade point average.
• Once grade forgiveness is granted a new cumulative grade point average will begin from the semester of reentry into Viterbo University.
• Once grade forgiveness is granted, all grades initially received will remain on the student’s permanent record (transcript) along with a notation of the grade forgiveness action.
• The student may request grade forgiveness only once.
•  All credits in semesters in which grade forgiveness is granted are treated as credit earned or not earned, similar to grades of CR or NC, not as letter grade credits, since they are not calculated in the new grade point average. Courses with a grade of “C” or better are counted as earned credits while grades of “CD” or lower are counted as not earned. Since all credits earned with a grade lower than “C” are lost when academic forgiveness is granted, students should carefully consider whether it is in their best interest to apply for grade forgiveness. Once grade forgiveness is granted, the decision is final.
• The criteria for entry into specific programs are independent of this policy.
   

Independent Study 

Independent study is one way Viterbo University students can enjoy individualized learning. Independent study allows students to proceed at their own pace and take more responsibility for their own learning. Since independent study requires initiative and allows for considerable freedom, students should plan the proposed study carefully with help from the directing faculty. Students should outline the proposed plan of study on the next page. The same number of student/faculty contact hours as a regular course must be maintained. The plan must be approved by the academic advisor, department chair, and dean of the discipline of the independent study. Students must complete this form and file it with the Office of the Registrar upon registration, but no later than the end of the first week of classes for the term of the independent study. Students must complete the work of the independent study within the semester they register for the course. Over the course of their Viterbo University career, students may take a maximum of six credits of independent study.
 

Independent study courses may be of three types:

1. Directed study, research and/or readings in an area that is not included in the regular course offerings. (The course appears on a student’s transcript with the title Independent Study.)
   For undergraduate independent study, the directing faculty member and student will decide if the course should be for lower- or upper-division credit. The student will register for the agreed upon 288 (undergraduate lower division), 488 (undergraduate upper division), or 588/788 (graduate) credit.
2. Departure from the regular credit value of a course, such as independent work on one portion of an existing course. (The course appears on a student’s transcript with the title Independent Study.)
   For undergraduate independent study, the directing faculty member and student will decide if the course should be for lower- or upper-division credit. The student will register for the agreed upon 288 (undergraduate lower division), 488 (undergraduate upper division), or 588/788 (graduate) credit.
3. The independent study of a course listed in the current university catalog.
    

Students may ordinarily undertake this option only under special circumstances. (The course appears on a student’s transcript by its catalog title prefaced with IS.) Students may not take a course as an independent study if it is listed in the current class schedule. The level of the course will determine what level of independent study the student will register for: 288 (undergraduate lower division), 488 (undergraduate upper division).
 

Leave of Absence 

Students may apply for up to a continuous one-year leave of absence with the director of student success prior to withdrawing from Viterbo University or prior to the end of the term before they wish the leave to begin. Students who receive such a leave will not be responsible for the reentry fee and can remain in the same catalog for curriculum requirements, provided they return to Viterbo University according to the guidelines specified above. Conditions of a leave of absence are as follows:

• A leave of absence begins the day of application and may remain in force for no more than two full, consecutive semesters.
• The student is not considered an officially enrolled student while on leave.
• The student is responsible for completing an “Application for Reentry” upon reentry from a leave of absence to initiate the registration process.
• The student is responsible for notifying the Office of the Registrar of changes in name, address, telephone number, or email address while on leave of absence.
• The student is responsible for completing a request to take a course at another institution form available in the Office of the Registrar if he/she decides to complete coursework at another institution during the leave of absence.
• If the leave of absence expires prior to the student’s return to Viterbo University, the student will follow the usual reentry procedures. 
   

Military Deployment 

Viterbo University has set forth the following policy for students serving in a branch of the armed forces and called to active duty, including state activation of a member of the National Guard.  This policy also applies to a student who is a spouse of an activated service member (who has a dependent child).
 

The director of student success will serve as the main contact for the student. In all cases (deployment during the term and between terms), the director of student success will work with the student to determine if any online or other course enrollment for subsequent terms is possible while being deployed.
 

• The student must provide a copy of his/her orders.
• If the deployment occurs after a term begins and will be for the duration of the term or longer:
  • If a student decides he/she cannot continue his/her studies, a student may request a full refund of tuition charges and mandatory fees for courses that cannot be completed.  All or a portion of tuition charges and mandatory fees may be waived by the business office. No refund of non-mandatory fees will occur. Any room and board charges will be prorated based on the dates of attendance. Financial aid adjustments will be made in accordance with federal and state financial aid regulations. If a balance remains on a student’s account after all adjustments have been made, the account will be flagged as “no interest” until the student returns or it is determined the student is not continuing studies at Viterbo University.
  •  At the discretion of the faculty member, a student may continue a course using communication means available (Blackboard, email, etc.). All charges and financial aid pertaining to the courses in which the student continues enrollment will remain.
  • If a student has completed a short term course but is enrolled in other courses that have not been completed, the charges and financial aid related to the completed course will remain and the rest of the charges and financial aid will be adjusted appropriately.
   
• If the deployment is short term or mandatory training (begins and ends during the term):
  • In consultation with the faculty members and dean or department chair, every effort will be made to accommodate the short term absence.
   
• If the deployment occurs between terms, it is recommended that the student contact the director of student success to complete a leave of absence form.
   

Registration 

Registration for subsequent semesters is completed via VitNet, the online student information system. Registration for spring typically occurs in early November and for fall in early April. Students are expected to see their advisor prior to registration to discuss their course selection and obtain their registration time. All coursework must be registered for the term in which the work is done. Students must confirm their enrollment in the business office prior to the beginning of classes or according to schedule during the first three days of classes. Students who have pre-registered for classes but decide not to attend Viterbo University must contact the director of student success of the change in plans prior to the beginning of the semester. Students are liable for all charges until this official notification is made. The registration deadline is Aug. 15 for the fall semester, Jan. 1 for the spring semester, and May 1 for the summer session.
 

Add/Drop
Schedule changes may be made via the VitNet online system any time after a student’s initial registration time through the first week of the semester. After the first week of the semester, courses may no longer be added, and any drops must be made via the drop form in the Office of the Registrar. When students wish to change a section or credit value for a class, they must drop and then add the class. These changes must also be completed by the end of the first week of the semester. Compressed courses may not be added after the first class meeting of the compressed class.
 

Courses dropped during the first eight weeks will result in the deletion of the course from the permanent record. Drops completed from Monday of the ninth week through Monday of the 11th week will result in a grade of W. No drops are allowed after the deadline to receive a grade of W. Courses other than 15 weeks in length are prorated accordingly. The official drop date is considered to be the date the form is submitted to the Office of the Registrar. At the request of the advisor, and only with the consent of the instructor, a course may be added after the fifth day but before the 10th class day of the semester.
 

Maximum Credit Load
Full-time credit load is a minimum of 12 for undergraduate students during a traditional fall or spring term.
 

To provide student success in the classroom, a student in a traditional program may not take more than 20 credits in any term (fall, spring or summer). A traditional program student enrolling in a Center for Adult Learning compressed or online course will have those credits count towards the maximum of 20 total credits and cannot have more than seven credits of compressed courses in either seven week session.
 

Students in Center for Adult Learning programs may not take more than seven credits in a seven week session. Students in Center for Adult Learning bachelor degree completion programs may register for a combination of seven week and full semester course section offerings. The maximum total credits may not exceed 20 total with no more than seven credits in any given seven weeks. In other words, the maximum enrollment for a Center for Adult Learning student is seven credits in the first seven weeks and seven credits in the second seven weeks and six credits of full semester course section offerings.  
 

Repeating Courses 

Except where program/departmental requirements prevent it, students may repeat a course. Each grade is listed on the permanent record; only the last grade is used in computing the grade point average. Repeating courses may affect financial aid, academic progress, and for athletics, eligibility. Grades from courses repeated at other institutions to replace grades earned at Viterbo University will not be used in computing the grade point average. Students must seek prior approval before taking a course at another institution.
 

Sexual Harassment Policy 

Viterbo University is committed to maintaining a learning and working environment which respects the dignity of all individuals, and is free from sexual harassment. Accordingly, Viterbo University will not tolerate the sexual harassment of one member of the university community by another, or by external parties/individuals providing services to Viterbo University. The university community subject to this prohibition includes faculty, administrators, staff, and students. 
 

Definition 
Sexual harassment takes two forms under the law: (1) Quid pro quo or (2) hostile atmosphere. 
 

Quid pro quo harassment occurs where an individual retaliates against another for submitting to, or refusing to submit to, sexual harassment. This refusal may include refusing sexual advances, rejecting physical contact, or denying requests for sexual favors. The retaliatory action may include the denial of a promotion, the levying of discipline, lowering of a student grade, or termination of employment. 
 

Quid pro quo harassment also occurs where submission to sexual harassment is proffered as a condition for favorable treatment. This favorable treatment may include promotion, wage advance, or academic advancement.
 

Hostile atmosphere is the other form of sexual harassment. An individual‘s conduct, whether intentional or unintentional, may create a hostile, intimidating, or offensive learning and working environment for others. This hostile environment may be created by repeated and unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors. Also, unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature may create a hostile atmosphere. Such conduct includes, for example, unsolicited gestures or comments of a sexual nature, display of offensive, sexually graphic materials, or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
 

Sexual harassment may originate from faculty, administrators, staff or students. Also, sexual harassment may originate from external parties/individuals providing services to Viterbo University. Harassment can occur if the offending individual is the same gender as the individual being harassed. If an individual is offended by witnessing the harassment of another individual, a harassment complaint may still be filed even though the harassment is not directly aimed at the individual witnessing the harassment.
 

As defined above, sexual harassment is a specific form of discrimination in which the power differential inherent in the relationship between a student and teacher or supervisor and subordinate is exploited. However, this policy also recognizes that sexual harassment may occur between individuals who have similar status at Viterbo University, such as student-student or faculty-faculty.
 

Consenting sexual relationships between faculty and student or supervisor and subordinate often present the most difficult cases of sexual harassment. The power differential between these two groups can cast serious doubt on whether the relationship is consensual. Also, the relationship can easily turn the learning or working environment into a hostile one for the complainant. Since the purpose behind this policy is to free the working and learning environment from such damaging interference, Viterbo University strongly discourages such relationships. If the University learns of such a relationship between a supervisor and subordinate, steps will be taken to alter the reporting structure. If the relationship occurs between a faculty member and student, the matter will be discussed with the faculty member and student and steps taken to avoid harm. 
 

Complaint Resolution 
The primary goal of the sexual harassment policy is to prevent objectionable behavior or stop it whenever it occurs. No member of the community will be retaliated against for making a sexual harassment complaint.
 

Any member of the community who believes he or she has been sexually harassed by another should, if possible, tell the individual harassing him/her that the behavior is offensive and must stop, and should also report the harassment to the vice president for academic affairs, human resource director, or the vice president of finance and administration as soon as possible. Any member of the community who becomes aware of a sexual harassment incident should report the incident to the vice president for academic affairs, human resource director, or the vice president of finance and administration as soon as possible. Timely reporting of incidents will ensure efficient resolution.
 

The Vice president for academic affairs, human resource director or the vice president of finance and administration will conduct an investigation of the harassment complaint. The complainant will prepare a written complaint describing the incident as completely as possible, and provide the written complaint to the vice president for academic affairs, human resource director, or the vice president of finance and administration. To the extent possible, the investigation will remain confidential, considering the complainant‘s right of privacy, the need to be fair to the respondent by notifying the respondent of the complaint, and the need to gather information regarding the incident. Investigation of the complaint may require the interviewing of members of the university community who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have information regarding the incident, as well as review of relevant data or documents. The investigation will be conducted expeditiously, but in a manner consistent with the complexity and severity of the matter. The vice president for academic affairs, human resource director or the vice president of finance and administration will maintain a written record of the complaint and resolution process.
 

If there is a finding that sexual harassment has occurred, the offending individual will be subject to an appropriate penalty. The penalty will depend on the severity, frequency, or repetition of the harassment. If the matter involves an employee, discipline, ranging from reprimand to discharge, may be given. If the matter involves a student, discipline, ranging from reprimand to administrative withdrawal, may be given. The complainant will be notified of the results of the investigation and the resolution of the complaint.
 

If the investigation of the complaint shows that the complainant made a false complaint, Viterbo University may discipline the complainant for making such a false complaint. If the matter involves an employee, discipline, ranging from reprimand to discharge, may be given. If the matter involves a student, discipline, ranging from reprimand to administrative withdrawal, may be given. A false complaint is one where there is absolutely no basis for the complaint or the complaint was motivated by malice toward the respondent.
 

In addition to the complaint resolution procedures described above, the complainant may also file a charge with an appropriate external agency (e.g. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Wisconsin Equal Rights Division).
 

Student Records 

Right to Privacy
Viterbo University annually informs students of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended.
 

This act, with which the institution intends to comply fully, was designated to protect the privacy of education records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their education records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings. Students also have the right to file complaints with The Family Educational Policy Compliance Office concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with the act.
 

Local policy explains in detail the procedures to be used by the institution for compliance with the provisions of the act. A copy of the policy may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar. This office also maintains a directory of records which lists all education records maintained on students by this institution.
 

Viterbo University hereby designates the following student information as public or “directory information.” Such information may be disclosed by the institution for any purpose, at its discretion—name; address (home, local/campus, and email); telephone listings; date of birth/age; major/minor field of study; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; weight and height of athletic team members; dates of attendance; full-time/part-time status; photograph; registration course schedule; class level; academic level; degrees/academic recognitions/awards received; name/address/occupation of parent/guardian/spouse; and educational institutions or agencies attended. Currently enrolled students may withhold disclosure of directory information under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. To withhold disclosure, written notification must be received in the Office of the Registrar by the end of the second week of each semester and the first week of summer school. Forms requesting the withholding of “directory information” are available through the Office of the Registrar.
 

Viterbo University assumes that failure on the part of any student to request specifically the withholding of “directory information” indicates individual approval for disclosure. 

As of January 3, 2012, the U.S. Department of Education's FERPA regulations expand the circumstances under which your education records and personally identifiable information (PII) contained in such records — including your Social Security Number, grades, or other private information — may be accessed without your consent. First, the U.S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or state and local education authorities ("Federal and State Authorities") may allow access to your records and PII without your consent to any third party designated by a Federal or State Authority to evaluate a federal- or state-supported education program. The evaluation may relate to any program that is "principally engaged in the provision of education," such as early childhood education and job training, as well as any program that is administered by an education agency or institution. Second, Federal and State Authorities may allow access to your education records and PII without your consent to researchers performing certain types of studies, in certain cases even when we object to or do not request such research. Federal and State Authorities must obtain certain use-restriction and data security promises from the entities that they authorize to receive your PII, but the Authorities need not maintain direct control over such entities. In addition, in connection with Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems, State Authorities may collect, compile, permanently retain, and share without your consent PII from your education records, and they may track your participation in education and other programs by linking such PII to other personal information about you that they obtain from other Federal or State data sources, including workforce development, unemployment insurance, child welfare, juvenile justice, military service, and migrant student records systems.
 

Student Right to Know 

In compliance with the Student Right to Know Act, the graduation/completion rates of full-time, degree-seeking, first-time undergraduate students entering Viterbo University with a completion rate of 150 percent of normal time to complete an educational program must be published. Of the 292 full-time freshmen that entered first semester in 2005 and fall into this category, 47 percent of them completed their studies within a six-year period.
 

Transcripts 

A transcript is a complete and unabridged copy of all academic work attempted at Viterbo University and work accepted in transfer to Viterbo. Course and grade information contained on the transcript are released only upon written consent from the student as required by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. A transcript will not be mailed as a result of a telephone call, email, or Fax request. Records from other schools will not be photocopied or sent elsewhere. No transcript will be issued until all financial accounts have been cleared with the university. The fee for a transcript is $5.00 per copy.
 

The Viterbo University transcript does not include any academic standing notations. The transcript will, however, include a notation if the student has been expelled from the institution.
 

Undergraduate Student Enrollment in Graduate Courses 

Undergraduate students, in bachelor degree seeking programs, may enroll in a maximum of nine graduate credits. Students must be approved by the graduate program to enroll in the graduate course(s). The credit is designated as graduate credit on a graduate transcript.  The credits will not appear on an undergraduate transcript and will not be included in the undergraduate credit totals.
 

Maximum student credit load for dual enrollment (graduate/undergraduate) is 16 credit hours for a semester or summer term. Students can enroll in no more than six graduate credits in the semester and no more than a total of 10 credits in an accelerated format (not full semester courses).
 

To be registered for the graduate course(s), undergraduate students must submit an add form with the graduate program director’s approval to the registrar’s office, by published registration deadlines for the semester. The student’s undergraduate tuition and fees are charged. 
 

Withdrawal from Viterbo University 

A student who wishes to withdraw completely from the university during a semester must secure an official withdrawal form from the office of the director of student success and meet with his/her academic advisor. The student then meets with the director of student success to complete the withdrawal process and obtain signatures from the financial aid office and director of residence life when applicable. The official date of withdrawal is the day the form is received in the Office of the Registrar. This process must be completed prior to final examination week. Any applicable refunds for courses less than 15 weeks in length are prorated according to the deadline dates printed in the class schedules for the fall, spring, and summer terms. A student who wishes to reenter for any subsequent term must complete a reentry application form for re-acceptance. Failing grades are recorded for students who do not officially withdraw from the university.