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Undergraduate Catalog 2004-2006

Academic Regulations and Procedures

Undergraduate Degree Requirements and Residency | General Education Program
Simultaneous Undergraduate Multiple Degrees and Multiple Majors
Registration Policy and Procedures | Billing/Registration Policy | Adding and Dropping Courses
Miscellaneous Petitions | Special Education Experiences and Credit | Attendance Policy
Transfer Credit | Declaration of Major | Grade Point Average | Academic Honors | Appeals | Transcripts
Graduation Policies and Procedures | Financial Aid Policies and Procedures
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 As Amended


Undergraduate Degree Requirements and Residency

  1. Completion of University General Education Degree Requirements:
    1. Written Communication (ENG1000 or 1010 and 1020) 6 semester hours minimum
    2. Ways of Knowing 24 semester hours minimum
    3. Observation of Ourselves and Others 8 semester hours
      To fulfill the requirements of the General Education program, students will select at least one course that achieves outcome 2a and at least one course that achieves outcome 2b. (See Approved General Education Course Listings.)
    4. Observation of the Natural World 8 semester hours
    5. Aesthetic and Philosophical Expression 8 semester hours
      To fulfill the requirements of the General Education program, students will select at least one course that achieves outcome 2a and at least one course that achieves outcome 2b. (See Approved General Education Course Listings.)
    6. Mathematical and Technological Application
      (Achieved through entry-level proficiency examinations in Mathematics and Technology.)
    7. Reflection upon Experience
      (Achieved through Senior Capstone in the major or equivalent cumulative senior year experience.)
    8. Ways of Living 8 semester hours minimum
    9. Understanding Diversity (IDS1600-linked to ENG1020 for those required to complete ENG1000) 4 semester hours
    10. Understanding Wellness (IDS2000) 4 semester hours
    11. Serving Others
      (Achieved through participation within and critical reflection upon a University-endorsed service activity.)
      Total 38 semester hours minimum
  2. Completion of the major requirements (with no grades lower than C) for an approved major including the Senior Capstone course.
  3. Completion of writing intensive courses which include IDS1600, IDS2000 and the Writing for Success/Junior Assessment with no grades lower than C.
  4. Completion of at least 120 semester hours of work with a GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, including at least 52 semester hours at a senior college.
  5. Completion of at least 30 semester hours, including the last 24 semester hours in the degree, at Aurora University, and including at least 18 semester hours in the major.
  6. Every Aurora University baccalaureate degree requires the completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours numbered 300 or above. Of these 30 semester hours, 15 semester hours must lie within the major, and 15 semester hours must be completed at Aurora University.
  7. General Education Requirements for Transfer Students:
    1. Requirements for students who have completed the IAI core or who hold an associate's (AA/AS) degree from a regionally accredited college:
      1. Successful completion of a 3-4 semester hour approved 3000 level general education course at Aurora University with a grade of "C" or better.
      2. Successful completion of the Writing for Success requirement
      3. Successful completion of the Senior Capstone course.
    2. Requirements for transfer students with less than 30 earned credit hours who have not met the articulation requirements noted in (A) above: Students will be required to complete all AU General Education requirements, either through General Education coursework and activities at AU, or through application of previously earned credits to the AU General Education requirements as deemed appropriate by the Registrar and the General Education Committee.
    3. Requirements for transfer students who have earned more than 30 but less than 90 credit hours and who have not met the articulations requirements noted in (A) above: Students will be required to complete all general education requirements with the exception of IDS1600 and IDS2000. Students will participate in the Writing for Success program and complete an appropriate 3000 level General Education Writing for Success course earning a grade of "C" or higher in order to complete the Senior Capstone course in the major.
    4. Requirements for students who hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited college: All lower- and upper-division general education requirements will be accepted, with the exception of the senior capstone course or other cumulative experience required in the student's major for the AU degree.

NOTE: IDS1600, IDS2000 and the 3000-level approved general education course requirement are defined as "Writing Intensive" courses. Students must achieve a grade of "C" or higher in order to receive credit for the course as part of General Education requirements. Students who do not earn a grade of "C" or higher in IDS1600 may not enroll in IDS2000; students who do not earn a grade of "C" or higher in IDS2000 may not enroll in a 3000-level general education course. The 3000-level courses listed on the Approved General Education course listing are considered to meet the Writing for Success/Junior Assessment requirement. Students may use the 3000-level course to meet one of the Ways of Knowing requirements or a requirement in their major. Students must achieve a minimum grade of "C" in the 3000-level Writing for Success program in order to enroll in their senior capstone course in the major.


General Education Program:

The successful completion of the General Education program will require the following additional elements:

Writing and Critical Thinking Proficiency
Achievement of proficiency in writing and critical thinking is a developmental process that will be assessed at specific points as the student progresses through the General Education program. The placement of students into Freshman English will continue in accordance with the current policy which measures the critical thinking and writing abilities of admitted students whose ACT sub-scores indicate they may need remediation in English. Placement into ENG1000 will be determined by the performance on the English placement examination by students whose ACT English subscore is below 22. Critical thinking and writing proficiency will again be assessed midway through the students' college career in the Writing for Success/Junior Assessment courses and finally during the senior year in the Senior Capstone or its equivalent.

Information Technology Requirement
A student graduating from Aurora University is expected to be able to use a computer to do fundamental word processing, browse and do searches on the World Wide Web, be able to send and receive email, and be familiar with a window operating system.

The University requires students to demonstrate this knowledge through a competency examination. Students are encouraged to take this examination by the end of their first term of enrollment at Aurora University. Students may avail themselves of coursework to prepare for this requirement.

Mathematical Competency Requirement
Students will demonstrate mathematical competency by passing a competency examination in algebra (elementary education majors take an examination in elementary education mathematics). Students who do not pass the algebra competency test must take either MTH1100 College Algebra or MTH1110 Contemporary Mathematics. Successful completion of either course will be considered a demonstration of mathematical competency. Elementary education majors who do not pass the elementary education mathematics test will take either MTH1210 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I or MTH1220 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II or both as indicated by their score on the competency examination. Successful course completion will be considered a demonstration of the appropriate mathematical competency.

Only elementary education majors may use competency in elementary education mathematics to meet the mathematical competency requirement. Elementary education majors may not use the algebra competency exclusively to meet the mathematical competency requirement.

Writing for Success/Junior Assessment
Students who have earned between 45 and 75 hours will participate in the Writing for Success/Junior Assessment process. Writing assessment activities will be a 3-stage process, aligned with the stages of the students' general education program. Stages 1 and 2 of the process will be monitored through the IDS1600 and IDS2000 classes. Stage 3 will be monitored through the 3000-level general education courses. Students will successfully complete at least 3-4 credit hours in General Education courses at the 3000-level. This requirement is designed to meet the Writing for Success program and be fulfilled during the student's junior year. It is possible for students who have earned more than 30 semester hours, who have demonstrated proficiency by successful completion of IDS1600 and IDS2000, and are enrolled in 3000-level general education courses to complete the Writing for Success requirements by the end of their second year. Students must complete a minimum of 3-4 semester hours in an approved Ways of Knowing 3000-level course. Students who continue to struggle in a 3000-level general education course will be referred to writing workshops to address these shortcomings. Students must achieve a minimum grade of "C" in the 3000-level Writing for Success program in order to enroll in their senior capstone course in the major.

Service Learning
To fulfill the General Education requirements, students will participate within a non-credit-bearing planned, university-endorsed activity. Students will reflect critically in writing upon this experience in order to demonstrate achievement of the "Serving Others" outcome stated under the "Ways of Living" category. Through Service Learning, students experience the University's Core Values of Integrity and Citizenship.

Senior Capstone
The Senior Capstone, a culminating academic experience, should synthesize the goals of the General Education program and desired outcomes for students in their major area of study. Credits earned will be applied to the student's major, rather than to the total of General Education credit hours. Students should have opportunities to reflect upon their education at Aurora University and to discuss and/or explain their attitude toward continued lifelong learning. The Capstone course should allow students the opportunity to demonstrate the transformative power of their learning at Aurora University.

NOTE: Approved general education courses are maintained by the Academic Advisement Office and Registrar's Office, listing courses approved for each Ways of Knowing general education area by the University's General Education Committee. The official term bulletins also indicate the courses that are approved for each general education area.

*All undergraduate students entering the University beginning with Fall 2004 and after will be required to meet Aurora University's new general education requirements for graduation.


Approved General Education Ways of Knowing Courses:

Knowing ourselves and others A (Select at least one course from Group A)

Knowing ourselves and others B (Select at least one course from Group B)

Observation of the Natural World (Select at least two courses)

Aesthetic & Philosophical Expression A (Select at least one course from Group A)

Aesthetic & Philosophical Expression B (Select at least one course from Group B)


Ways of Knowing Distribution Regulations: Bachelor's Degree
  1. General Regulations
    1. Courses credited to a student's primary major will not count toward Ways of Knowing requirements in the General Education program except as specifically provided in the catalog regulations.
    2. The BS Science Core in Biology, Environmental Science and Health Science are approved to apply 8-9 semester hours to meet the Ways of Knowing: Observation of the Natural World that are also required in the BS Science Core.
  2. A new Freshman student is expected to begin the ENG1000 or ENG1010/ENG1020 sequence (Composition I: Introduction to Academic Writing and Composition II: Introduction to Research Writing) during the first term he/she enters Aurora University and continue every term thereafter until such time as the requirement is met. Exceptions to this policy will require the approval of the Registrar and the granting of such an exception will be accompanied by an agreement to take the sequence at the earliest possible time. Freshmen wishing to meet the ENG101 Composition I: Introduction to Academic Writing requirement via CLEP or AP must have official score results submitted to the Registrar's Office prior to the beginning of their first term of attendance or registration in ENG1000 or ENG1010 will be required. Transfer students entering without a completed sequence in Freshman English Composition must complete the requirement as early in their Aurora University career as possible. Under no circumstances should a student earn more than 9 semester hours at Aurora University or accumulate a total of 84 semester hours toward graduation without enrolling in the English Composition sequence. Transfer students wishing to meet the ENG1010 requirement via CLEP are required to take the examination during their first term of attendance. Once a student has enrolled at Aurora University the English Composition portion of the General Education Requirement must be met via CLEP and/or appropriate Aurora University coursework. Transfer of Freshman English courses taken after a student enrolls at Aurora University will not be authorized.
  3. Transfer students who meet the following criteria may be exempted from ENG1020 Composition II: Introduction to Research Writing when the following requirements are fulfilled:
    1. The student shall have transferred in a minimum of 60 semester hours.
    2. The student shall have successfully completed the equivalent of ENG1010 Introduction to Academic Writing at one of the institutions he or she previously attended.
    3. The student shall present to the English Department Chairperson by the end of the fifth week of his or her second term in residence, a portfolio of at least three papers submitted in completion of the requirements of courses taken at one of the institutions previously attended; all three papers should bear title pages identifying the courses for which they were submitted; all three papers should bear signs of having been evaluated by those courses' instructors; at least one of these papers should be a fully documented research paper of at least 10 pages.
    4. The student will also include in the portfolio a letter briefly explaining the choice of the papers being submitted as the basis for the exemption.
    5. Upon receiving the student's portfolio, the English Department Chairperson shall ask two members of the department (one of whom may be the chairperson) to read and independently evaluate the papers contained therein. Should the two readers not concur in their evaluations of the papers, a third member will be asked to read them and break the tie. This process should be completed within two weeks of the submission of the portfolio. A student whose work is judged not satisfactory shall be required to register for ENG1020 Composition II: Introduction to Research Writing as soon as that course is offered.
  4. Portfolio assessment credit, life and vocational experience credit, off-campus experience credit, examination credit, participation credit, and block credit, shall not count toward the residency requirement.
  5. A course may be utilized only once in application toward a degree requirement; specific exemptions are noted in the academic regulations.


Simultaneous Undergraduate Multiple Degrees and Multiple Majors

  1. "Multiple degrees" are defined as two or more degrees bearing different general titles as printed on the diploma. Four undergraduate degrees are currently offered by Aurora University: B.A., B.S., B.S.N., and B.S.W.
  2. "Multiple majors" are defined as two or more major disciplinary areas within the same general degree title (e.g., B.A. in English vs. B.A. in History).
  3. In the event that a B.A. is earned in conjunction with a B.S., B.S.N., B.S.W., any regulations pertaining to the application of major or required support courses to general education requirements are deemed to apply.
  4. Multiple degrees may be awarded upon completion of all requirements relevant to both degrees provided that at least 24 semester hours in each degree are not present in the other. Separate diplomas are provided for each degree; the student chooses one to be presented at graduation.
  5. Multiple majors may be earned by completion of all requirements for both majors, provided that at least 18 semester hours included in each major are not present in the other. A single diploma is issued showing the general degree title. Multiple majors are shown on the transcript.
  6. When seeking more than one major, students must declare a primary and secondary major. Courses in the secondary major but not in the primary major may be applied toward meeting general education requirements.
  7. A B.A. and B.S. degree in the same major may not be awarded simultaneously. In those disciplines where both degrees are offered, a graduate holding one degree may earn the second degree for award at a later graduation date by completing all additional requirements for the second degree. The restrictions regarding completion of all requirements relevant to the second degree or major will be required and the minimum number of semester hours stipulated above.


Second Baccalaureate Degrees and Majors -
Graduates of other Schools and Alumni of Aurora University

  1. Holders of an Aurora University baccalaureate degree may complete a second degree or major by completion of the balance of the coursework required for the second credential within the provisions of above. All general education requirements are deemed to have been met by virtue of completion of the first degree.
  2. Holders of baccalaureate degrees from other regionally-accredited schools may earn a second degree from Aurora University in a field considered by Aurora University to be distinct from that of the first degree by completing the major requirements for the new field and fulfilling the Aurora University residency requirement as specified above.
  3. In all cases, coursework from the students' first degree or major may only be applied toward the new major or the major of the new degree upon approval of the major department or program faculty.


Academic Integrity Policy

Integrity is one of the Core Values of Aurora University. Aurora University students share with the faculty the responsibility for academic honesty and integrity. The University expects its students to do their own academic work. In addition, it expects active participation and equitable contributions of students involved in group assignments. The following acts of academic dishonesty are not acceptable:

NOTE: The above is adapted form "Issues and Perspectives on Academic Integrity," a pamphlet distributed by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. Academic departments may have additional guidelines regarding academic dishonesty.

Violation of the Academic Integrity Policy shall result in sanctions commensurate with the nature of the violation. Cases will be adjudicated by the Provost or designee.


Academic Standards

All undergraduate students must achieve a minimum term GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale to remain in good standing. Those achieving a term GPA of less than 2.0 are placed on Academic Warning. Following a second term (not necessarily consecutive) below 2.0, a student may be dismissed from the University by action of the Academic Standards and Conduct Committee. The Committee may also impose conditions on a student's continued enrollment. If dismissed for poor scholarship, a student may not be readmitted to the University until at least one calendar year later, and must file for re-admission directly to the Academic Standards and Conduct Committee.
Individual majors and programs may have additional or more stringent academic standards for retention of students in the major or program. These standards are available to students through the office of each respective program.

Application for Admission
Students are encouraged to apply for admission well in advance of the term they wish to begin attending Aurora University. This is especially important if a student will be attending full-time as a residential student since residence hall space is limited. In the case of transfer students, all academic transcripts must be received by the University before an application can be processed.

Application files must be completed no later than ten working days prior to the first day of the term. Otherwise, admission to the University may be delayed until the next term. Admission to specific professional programs may be limited; therefore, early application is recommended.

Application of Academic Regulations
Aurora University has traditionally allowed students to graduate under the degree requirements in effect when they entered the University if course offerings allow and if enrollment is continuous from point of entry to graduation. The University does retain the right, however, to modify the academic policies, procedures and regulations for all students. Modifications in policies, procedures and regulations normally become effective at the beginning of the term following their enactment or as specified in the approved form of the regulation.

Academic policies, procedures and regulations encompass such things as grading systems, transfer of credit policies, academic fees and guidelines for applying courses toward the degree requirements.

No exceptions to academic regulations or waivers of academic requirements are recognized by the University except in those cases where a student has followed the University's procedures for obtaining such waiver or exception as published in the University's Academic Regulations. Only those persons specified in an academic regulation may authorize exceptions or waivers pertaining to that policy. Individual advisors or faculty members are not authorized to grant exceptions or waivers except in a capacity specified in the academic regulation. All exceptions and waivers must be made in writing, with copies provided to the student, and to all University offices and units having an interest or responsibility related to the regulation in question. All waivers and exceptions granted by authorized University officials must be provided in writing.


Term of Entry:

The official terms of entry shall be fall and spring.

A degree seeking student whose first enrollment at Aurora University is in a summer session is considered a fall term applicant and is governed by the catalog and regulations in effect for the fall term immediately following the summer term in which the student was first enrolled.

Students-at-large are not considered matriculated until the first term (excluding summer) in which they are enrolled as a regular or conditionally accepted student.

Provisionally or conditionally accepted students are considered to have entered in their first term of enrollment, regardless of provisional or conditional status.


Registration Policy and Procedures

Advisement:
As soon as an application for admission has been approved, students are notified and asked to contact the Office of Academic Advisement to make an initial appointment with an advisor. Registration and orientation days are provided in June as a convenience to new students planning to enter in the fall term. However, new students may complete the advisement process and register at any time during the regular advisement periods for any term.

General program advising with a faculty member or professional advisor is available by appointment to all students through the Academic Advisement Office or departmental program office. Academic advising with an assigned advisor must be arranged each term by all students before they may register for classes. (This does not constitute registration. It only indicates the outcome of the advisement session.)

All registration forms must bear the signature of an academic advisor to indicate that the student's proposed registration has been reviewed. Forms must also bear the signature of the student to indicate that the student accepts responsibility for the consequences of the registration and agrees to be bound by all relevant University regulations.

The advisement period begins the tenth week of each term for the following term. Advisement appointments are taken in order of class rank, with seniors advising and registering first in order to help them get into classes required for graduation. All degree-seeking undergraduates are required to consult with an academic advisor before registering for classes.

Registration:
As soon as the advisement appointment is completed, a student may register at the Office of the Registrar. All accounts with the Student Accounts Office must be up to date. Students must be in compliance with the State of Illinois immunization requirements.

Students may register for and be admitted to classes in any term only during the first week of the term for courses that meet more than once a week. Courses that meet only once a week may be added to a student's schedule prior to the second class meeting. The Registrar will calculate the late registration deadline for each regular term and publish this information in the University Term Bulletin. For classes scheduled outside of regular terms, the Registrar will calculate late registration deadlines and include this information with registration materials for such classes.

Registration procedures and deadlines for learning experiences cosponsored with other educational institutions or organizations are governed by the contractual agreements for cosponsorship when duly approved by Aurora University.

Only those students who appear on the class list provided by the Registrar or who present a late registration admission slip provided by the Registrar may be admitted to class by faculty. Faculty who knowingly admit unregistered students to class are subject to disciplinary action by the University.

Students are responsible for making up or completing all class work and assignments missed due to late registration for a class and late registering students enter any class with the understanding that missed work may affect their grade in the class. Faculty members are expected to make reasonable accommodation for students entering class after the first session (e.g., making available to the student copies of syllabi or other written materials previously provided to other students), but are under no obligation to provide late-registering students with access to learning experiences included in the missed classes that cannot reasonably and conveniently be repeated (e.g., group exercises, in-class quizzes or writing exercises).

Registration forms and information are supplied in the Aurora University Course Bulletin, published each semester by the Office of the Registrar.


Billing/Registration Policy

Students who have unpaid balances from prior terms that are not covered by duly approved and current installment payment plans with the University, by duly approved and current deferred payment plans, or by duly approved corporate billing agreements, or who have failed to meet any other statutory or University requirement for registration will be designated as being on hold status.

No student on hold status will be registered by the Registrar for any class until the hold status is removed by the appropriate University authority. Students who have resolved their hold status will be registered and admitted to classes only during the time period permitted under the University regulations concerning LATE REGISTRATION.

No grades will be recorded for students who are not duly registered. In the event that a student duly registered for a class is subsequently placed on hold status, no grade(s) will be recorded and no credit for the class(es) will be transcripted until the student's hold status is removed by the appropriate University authority.

Payment of Tuition and Fees:
Tuition and fees are assessed in accordance with approved policies. Please refer to the Billing Information Form signed at the time of registration for specific payment information. Students who have been approved to participate in a University-approved installment or deferred payment plan must adhere to the terms of these plans in order to remain eligible for participation. Details of these plans are available in the Student Accounts Office. Grades and transcripts are issued to students in good financial standing.

Refunds:
During the regular semester, a 100% refund of tuition is provided through the first week of the semester, 90% during the second week, and 50% during the third week; no refund thereafter. Refunds for summer-session classes and for classes that do not meet in accordance with regular semester calendar are provided in accordance with refund schedules provided by the Controller. Specific information is provided on the Billing Information Form signed at the time of registration. Refunds are, in all cases, governed by the actual date of filing a written drop notice (signed letter or signed Change of Course Petition) in the Office of the Registrar.

Late Registration:
The normal registration period ends with the closing of the Registrar's Office on the last University business day preceding the first day of the term or the first day of a class that officially begins at some point other than the beginning of a term. Students may late register for courses that meet more than once a week only during the first week of the semester. Courses that meet only once a week may be added prior to the second class meeting. Specific deadlines are published in the Course Bulletin or may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar. It is the responsibility of a late-registering student to make up missed class work, and students are permitted to late register only with the understanding that their grades may be affected by work that cannot be made up.


Adding and Dropping Courses

Changing Courses:
Once a student has registered for courses, he/she must file a Change of Course Petition at the Office of the Registrar to either add or drop a course. Courses may be added only during the official late registration period. No course may be dropped after the end of the tenth week of classes in a sixteen-week semester or the sixth week in an eight-week semester. For courses scheduled outside of the regular semesters, the Registrar will calculate late registration and withdrawal deadlines and include this information with registration materials for such classes.

Any student who has officially registered, and who wishes to change some part of his/her registration must file a change of course petition with the Registrar. This includes dropping and adding courses, changing grading systems from letter grade to Credit/No Credit or vice-versa, or changing sections of a course. The change of course petitions are available from the Academic Advisement Office and Registrar's Office.

Change of course petitions for changes requested by the student must be initiated by the student and require the signature of an academic advisor. It is the responsibility of the student to make certain that change of course petititons are submitted to the Registrar's Office by the specific deadlines for late registration, change of grading system, or withdrawal from courses. Changes initiated by the University are handled administratively by the academic dean or the Registrar as appropriate.

Grades for Dropped Courses:
Courses dropped with 100% refund do not appear on the student's permanent academic record. A grade of "W" (withdrawal) will be recorded on the student's permanent academic record between the 2nd and 10th weeks of a sixteen-week semester. No withdrawals will be processed after the 10th week of the semester. For courses scheduled outside of the regular semesters, the Registrar will calculate late registration and withdrawal deadlines and include this information with registration materials for such classes.

Overload:
Students desiring to register for an accelerated load of more than 17 semester hours in any term must have the approval of the Academic Advisement Director or Registrar. General criteria to be applied are a cumulative GPA at Aurora University of 3.00 for returning and transfer students, and an SAT composite of 1100 or ACT composite of 26 for entering freshmen. Faculty advisors may approve an accelerated load of more than 17 semester hours in any term if the student has a cumulative GPA at Aurora University of at least 3.40. Each case will be considered individually against the general guidelines, taking into account other factors such as recent performance patterns. Students may not exceed more than 21 semester hours in a semester.

Waiting List:
Once a course has been closed, a student is encouraged to select and register for an alternative course. If a student wishes to be placed on the Waiting List for the original course, he/she should ask for a Waiting List Add/Drop Petition when registering. Students are admitted from the Waiting List on the basis of need as determined by the Registrar in consultation with program chairs and other academic officials when appropriate.

The Waiting List does not operate on a first-come, first- served basis, nor do instructors have influence on the decision. The Registrar makes determinations prior to the start of the term. Students authorized to add the class are contacted by telephone to confirm that they still wish to enter the class. If so, the previously-completed petition will be filed by the Registrar's Office and the change(s) will be made in the student's schedule. If a student wishes to make a statement to the Registrar in support of his/her need to take the course at this time, these arguments should be outlined on the Waiting List Petition. Students are also welcome to discuss the matter in person.

Auditor Status
Aurora University has an Auditor (AU) status for those individuals who do not wish to earn college credit for either an undergraduate or graduate course. Auditing privileges may include full participation in class sessions, with the exception that instructors are not required to evaluate and grade an Auditor's performance in a course. Instructors may determine the character of participation and requirements of auditors.

The tuition fee for auditing has been established at 25% of the regular tuition rate. Any additional class fees will be at the expense of the auditor.

Auditors must register for classes on a standby basis, with the understanding that students registering for credit have priority in the class. A decision as to whether Auditors may enter classes will be made prior to the beginning of the first class session.

Audited courses will be posted on a student's permanent academic record as an audit (AU). No academic credit will be granted for audited classes now or in the future.

Auditors may not participate in clinical experiences, field placements and practica courses.

Visitors
An individual who wishes to visit only a single class session need not register or pay the stated fee, but must secure the prior approval of the instructor for each session visited.

Council of West Suburban Colleges Consortium Cross-Registration Program: Courses taken at other schools in CWSC (North Central College and Benedictine University) may be applied to Aurora University programs without violating the AU residence requirement. Cross registration is permitted with permission of the other school and in accordance with terms of an agreement among all member schools. Prior approval of your AU faculty advisor and the Registrar is required on the cross-registration form before registering at one of the other institutions. Cross registration is available during the regular academic year (fall and spring terms). Tuition is paid to the home school and grades are recorded at the home school without the necessity of applying for a transcript.

Through this program, degree-seeking students at each of the member schools has access to an unusually broad selection of academic offerings and scheduling options. Contact the Registrar's Office for eligibility information and special registration forms.


Miscellaneous Petitions

Prior Approval Petition:
When a student wishes to register for college work at another institution, or to take a correspondence course or a CLEP examination, he/she must file a Petition for Prior Approval seeking approval from the Registrar to make sure that the work he/she plans to do will be transferable and applicable toward his/her degree. This petition must be submitted for review prior to registering for coursework at other institutions.

It is generally expected that, once enrolled at Aurora University, a student will complete all coursework at AU, particularly in the students' major. All Petitions for Prior Approval concerning major courses are reviewed in light of the policies of the academic department(s) involved.

After completing a previously-approved course for transfer, the student must have an official transcript sent to the Registrar of Aurora University. The transcript must arrive within 30 days of the completion of the course.

Contact the Academic Advisement Office or Registrar's Office for additional information.

General Petition:
When a student wishes to request an exemption from any part of the General Degree requirements he/she must fill out a General Petition stating his/her request and file it with the Registrar. The Registrar approves general petitions in accordance with guidelines issued by the General Education Committee and in consultation with the program chair and academic dean.

Petition for Acceptance of a "D" on a Major:
Students who wish to have a "D" applied to their major must complete a general petition and file it in the Registrar's Office. The Registrar will seek a recommendation and supporting statement from the academic dean or designate of the program in which the student is declared as a major, and supporting information from the unit in which the course was offered (if different from the major program). This information will be forwarded with the petition to the Academic Standards and Conduct Committee which shall rule on the petition. The decision of the Academic Standards and Conduct Committee shall be final.


Special Educational Experiences and Credit

Individual Study Petitions:
Special petitions must be completed for Directed Study, Independent Study, Honors Reading, Honors Research and Courses by Special Arrangement. These petitions must be completed with the instructor of record and approved by the program chair and academic dean prior to processing the registration for the individualized study course. Regular tuition applies and in the case of courses by special arrangement, an additional fee is assessed.

The purpose of an Independent Study, Honors Reading or Honors Research is to allow the competent and prepared student to pursue study of a topic of special interest or need in depth and to develop the student's ability to work on his/her own by pursuing a reading/research project to successful completion. Prior to registration, students must file the Independent Study/Honors Reading/Honors Research Petition. This petition requires the signature/approval of the instructor, program chair and academic dean. Regular tuition is charged.
In most cases Independent Study, Honors Reading or Honors Research should be within the field of the student's major and should be something which cannot be pursued through established courses. These are pursued on-campus under the direct supervision of an Aurora University faculty member.

While most Independent Studies last one full term, occasionally they will run over several terms or less than one term. Independent Studies should be registered for along with other classes. After the first week of classes, the Registrar must approve registration for Independent Studies on a case by case basis in consultation with the instructor and the academic dean.

Course by Special Arrangement:
This is a course that is part of the approved curriculum program but is being offered to a student during a term when it is not scheduled. It should be employed only in cases of extreme scheduling conflict when no substitution is appropriate. Prior to registration, students must file the Course By Special Arrangement Petition. This petition requires the signature/approval of the instructor, program chair and academic dean. An additional $100 per semester hour fee is assessed in addition to regular tuition.

Directed Study:
This is a course in which a student or students is/are studying on campus under the close supervision of an Aurora University faculty member. This is not "field experience," does not cover material in the regular curriculum, and is not as research- and/or independently-oriented in its instructional methodology as an independent study. A good example of a Directed Study is New Testament Greek. Students must file the Directed Study Petition prior to registration. This petition must be signed/approved by the instructor, program chair, and academic dean. Regular tuition is charged.

Participation Credit:
At the time of academic advisement and registration, eligible students may register for participation credit during their sports season; i.e., football, soccer, volleyball, cross-country, women's golf, women's tennis in the Fall Semester; basketball, baseball, softball, men's golf, men's tennis, track and field in the Spring Semester. Initial registration is subject to eligibility review per NCAA Division III regulations and membership on the athletic team. The regular tuition charge and refund policy will apply.

Eligible students must be registered for a minimum of twelve semester hours not including registration for participation credit.

A maximum of three semester hours of participation credit may be applied toward graduation. Participation credit is awarded in one semester hour units to members of athletic teams who meet the necessary NCAA eligibility requirements and are recommended for credit by the team's coach and are approved by the Registrar. Grading is on a credit/no credit basis.

Internships and Practica:
Students wishing to register for internships (CIFE or CAFE) must complete and file an Internship Contract and Registration Authorization prior to their registration for the experience. Forms are available from the Advisement Office or the Registrar's Office.

Aurora University recognizes the validity of field experiences and experiential learning conducted under the direction of the faculty and encourages the integration of such learning into the University's academic programs where appropriate. Students wishing to participate in an internship program should obtain a checklist and blank contract form from the Academic Advisement Office and arrange to meet with an academic advisor or, in cases where the credit is to be applied toward the major, with the chair of the student's major program.

Students pay normal tuition for internship and practicum placements. Students are responsible for other expenses associated with placements (travel, texts or reference materials, special clothing, insurance required by the site, etc.).

  1. Internships may be arranged in conjunction with any credit-bearing program of the University with the consent and sponsorship of the program faculty. They carry common course numbers throughout the University, together with the departmental prefix of the sponsoring program. With the approval of the academic dean, placements may carry a departmental prefix reflecting the discipline of the faculty sponsor and the content of the learning experience, even though the credit may not be applicable to a specific major.
    1. Internships may be offered in two forms:
      1. XXX294/394 Career Investigation Field Experience (CIFE) involves 1 to 4 semester hours per term and at least sophomore standing is required at start of placement
      2. XXX494 Career Application Field Experience (CAFE) involves 3 to 9 semester hours per term and at least junior standing is required at start of placement.
    2. Eligibility: Students placed in CIFEs must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0, and must not have been placed on academic warning at the end of the term preceding the term when the placement is to begin. Students placed in CAFEs must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00, must not have been placed on academic warning at the end of the term preceding the term when the placement is to begin, and must have completed at least 18 semester hours at AU by the time the internship is to begin. The program faculty of the approving/sponsoring unit may impose additional or more stringent requirements for eligibility.
    3. Site requirements: Students must meet all eligibility requirements imposed by the site at which the student seeks placement, including but not limited to GPA requirements or prior completion of specific coursework, background/security checks, citizenship/residency requirements, health and fitness, insurance coverage, prior work experience, and demonstrated competence in specific skills.
    4. Contact hour and duration requirements: In order for credit to be awarded for CIFE and CAFE placements, the student must be placed for a minimum of 145 clock hours per 3 semester hours credit. Placements for 1 semester hour to 4 semester hours must be arranged to cover a period of at least 8 weeks. Placements for more than 4 semester hours must be arranged to cover a period of at least 16 weeks.
    5. Other completion requirements (including but not limited to outside reading, journals and logs, written assignments, progress and exit interviews) may be imposed at the discretion of the faculty sponsor or the program faculty. In all cases, the completion requirements of the learning experience shall include documentation, readings, or other assignments adequate to support evaluation for credit by the faculty.
    6. A maximum of 18 semester hours of CIFE/CAFE credit may be presented for graduation as part of general degree requirements.
    7. Approval: Contracts for CIFE/CAFE for inclusion in a major must bear the signatures of the student, the site supervisor, the supervising faculty member, the program chair, and the Academic Advisement Director. No approvals required in this section may be granted retroactively.
    8. Faculty sponsors must secure the prior approval of the academic dean, unless sponsorship duties have been arranged in the faculty member's contractual load or otherwise delegated by the dean. Approval to serve as sponsor must be secured before internship arrangements are made with the site. Normally, a program faculty member or other academic advisor will determine the appropriateness of a particular site or placement and then either arrange the initial contact between the student and the site or provide contact information for the student to arrange an interview. Students who have learned of potential sites through other channels must review the site with the program chair or academic advisor before initiating contact with the site.
    9. Registration: An approved CIFE/CAFE contract must be presented together with the student's registration form or change of course petition, as an authorization to register for a CIFE or CAFE. The Registrar's Office will forward a copy of the internship contract to the academic dean who approved the faculty member's sponsorship. The dean will in turn prepare a supplemental contract to be forwarded to the Provost for approval.
    10. Timetable for internship registration: Students consult with potential faculty sponsors during the first five weeks of the term preceding the term in which an internship is to begin. Approval of the academic dean for a faculty member to sponsor an internship must be obtained no later than the end of the fifth week of the term preceding the internship term. All other approvals must be obtained by the student, and the student must complete registration for the internship no later than the ninth week of the term preceding the internship term. Earlier deadlines may be established by individual programs.
    11. Evaluation: CIFEs/CAFEs are graded on the CR/NCr system only. Assignment of CIFE/CAFE grades is the sole responsibility of the faculty sponsor as the faculty member of record for the learning experience, who will consult with and consider the evaluations of the student and the site supervisor in determining the final grade.
  2. Practica: Field practicum courses may be developed and offered by any credit-bearing program of the University as a required or selected course offering included in a major, certificate, or credential program.
    1. Practica bear the departmental prefix of the program and are assigned course numbers in accordance with the numbering scheme employed by the program. Titles and catalog descriptions of these courses shall include terms such as "practicum," or "field" to indicate clearly that the course is conducted through this type of experiential instructional model.
    2. Practicum credit is included in maximums established under the general academic regulations for total credit from given departments or divisions that may be presented for graduation. Within such limits, all requirements, minimums, and maximums for practicum credit within a program are established by the program faculty.
    3. Prerequisites for enrollment in practica including but not limited to GPA, prior coursework, declaration of major, and special skills or fitness are determined by the controlling program and summarized in the catalog description, which shall also reference the source of the full program regulations pertaining to the practicum offering.
    4. All practica are under the academic supervision of program faculty assigned by the program chair and approved through the normal mechanism for approval of faculty teaching assignments in the academic unit. The supervising faculty determine completion requirements and instructional design, monitor student progress, serve as the liaison between the University and the site, and are responsible for summary evaluation and grading of students enrolled in practica.
    5. Contact hours and duration shall be determined by the program faculty but shall not be less than 145 clock hours per 3 semester hours credit.
    6. Grading systems for practica are determined by the program faculty. Completion requirements and evaluation methods must support the grading system chosen for a practicum.
    7. Registration: Students register for practica as part of the normal registration process for other coursework. Controlling programs are responsible for handling pre-practicum application procedures, if any. The signature of a program advisor or designee on the student's registration form or change of course petition is required for registration.
    8. Monitoring and reporting requirements: Programs incorporating practica in their offerings are responsible for establishing faculty committees or other mechanisms that may be required to meet internal or external monitoring, screening, certification, or reporting requirements.


Attendance Policy

Regular class attendance is expected of all students. Aurora University has no permissible cut policy. Because of the wide diversity that exists among the various courses within the University and the manner in which they are conducted, it is the responsibility of each instructor to establish and maintain his/her own policy in each of his/her classes. Each instructor is required to maintain attendance records. Students must comply with attendance requirements established by financial aid sources such as the VA, regardless of the attendance policy established by the instructor.

Authorized Absences from Class Policy
A student representing the University at University-sponsored events may be granted authorized absences from class provided that the student has complied with approved procedures. Note that it is the responsibility of the student to attempt to schedule courses so as to minimize potential class absences. It is generally unacceptable for authorized absences to exceed 20% of the class meetings. In such cases, alternative arrangements, such as a Course by Special Arrangement, may be considered at the discretion of the instructor.

Regulations:

Definitions

  1. "A student representing the University": The student must be duly recognized by the manager or advisor of the event. A list of student participants should be forwarded to the Office of the Provost.
  2. "University-sponsored events": The manager or advisor of the event or activity shall submit to the Provost a list of events and have them approved as eligible for inclusion under this policy. This definition normally includes intercollegiate-athletic, student government, student development, and fine arts events, as well as events required for the completion of another academic course.
  3. "Event" means the actual event at which the student represents the University together with necessary travel time to and from the event site, where applicable. It does not apply to rehearsals, practices, or meetings preparatory to the event.

Academic and Procedural Considerations

  1. Students are required to make up all work missed due to an authorized absence and, except when conditions are prohibitive, are responsible for making arrangements with faculty at least 48 hours in advance of the anticipated absence.
  2. Faculty will make reasonable accommodations for completion of work by students who are granted authorized absences through established University procedures. It is expected that students would be able to complete makeup exams and assignments within 72 hours of the return to campus.

Procedures:
Requesting and Granting Authorized Absences from Class

  1. Registering University-Sponsored Events and Participants: At least one week prior to the start of each academic term, the managers or advisors of all University-sponsored events provide to the Office of the Provost a schedule of those events during that term for which a student may be granted an authorized absence. Rosters of those students duly registered to participate in each event should be forwarded to the Office of the Provost 48 hours before the scheduled event. The Office of the Provost in coordination with the Assistant Provost of Student Life will maintain a record of all approved events and registered participants. The manager or advisor will provide all participating students with a schedule of the days and times of all events during that term for which the student may need to request an authorized absence.
  2. Student Requests for Authorized Absence: At least 48 hours before the class from which an authorized absence is requested, the student must contact the faculty member privately, provide the schedule of approved events, and obtain from the faculty member a written confirmation of the request, together with a statement of the work to be made up by the student. At the discretion of the faculty member, the confirmation and statement of work may be in written format. In the case of events occurring in the first two days of the term, students will need to contact instructors in advance of the term to make arrangements for an authorized absence.
  3. Procedure for Faculty: When a student requests an authorized absence, the faculty member provides the student with any necessary information concerning assignments to be completed. If the authorized absence will cause the student to miss in-class assignments or learning experiences that are part of the grading of the course, the faculty member may require alternative assignments of the student, as required by the outcomes of the course. Faculty members may establish in the class syllabus reasonable rules and procedures for the manner in which they wish to have students make requests for authorized absences (e.g., during office hours, by phone, by written request, before or after class, etc.).
  4. Advisement Procedures: Whenever possible, managers or advisors of University-sponsored events will provide to participating students a tentative schedule of events for the following term prior to the beginning of the advisement period for that term. Participating students will submit, in writing, their planned participation to their academic advisors in order to anticipate, minimize, and plan for any potential conflicts with classes.

Leave of Absence and Readmission
If a student has been admitted to Aurora University and must interrupt their course of study for more than one term (excluding summer), they must file an approved Leave of Absence form with the Registrar in order to be able to resume studies under the catalog in effect when they first entered. There is a time limit of two consecutive terms, excluding summer, for this privilege. Filing a Leave of Absence form also means that the student does not need to reapply for admission if the return is within two calendar years, a maximum of four academic terms, excluding summers.

If a student has been absent from Aurora University for more than one term without filing a Leave of Absence, or a Leave of Absence has expired, the student should contact the Office of Admission and Financial Aid for information on applying for readmission. Official transcripts from any colleges or universities attended since the last enrollment at Aurora University must be complete before admittance. Contact the Registrar's Office for the complete policy.


Transfer Credit

  1. General Criteria and Process
    1. Official evaluation of acceptability for transfer: An official evaluation of all previously completed college credit is prepared by the Registrar as part of the process of approval of a transfer student for general admission to the University. Only the Registrar is authorized to speak for the University with respect to the transferability of credit.
    2. Acceptability for transfer: At the time of admission to the University, previously earned college credit is evaluated by the Registrar in accordance with regulations established by the faculty as to acceptability for transfer and a summary of all previous college work and all transferable work is prepared by the Registrar for use in advisement of the student. Such evaluation does not constitute an agreement to accept any specific credit in lieu of any specific requirement for graduation from Aurora University. The following general criteria are used by the Registrar in determining acceptability for transfer:
      1. Credit is accepted from regionally accredited post-secondary institutions and from institutions accredited by bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Credit from U.S. institutions not accredited by CHEA may only be accepted through the process for assessment of prior learning and is subject to the same limitations as other assessed prior learning.
      2. Foreign institutions: Guidelines presented in the AACRAO World Education Series are applied. Where credit and content determination cannot be made from foreign transcripts, the Registrar requires that the transcripts be reviewed by a recognized credential evaluation service, at student expense, before transfer of credit will be considered. The Registrar requires that transcripts in languages other than English be translated at student expense. The Registrar reserves the right to determine whether or not foreign transcripts meet the University's requirements for acceptance as official records.\
      3. Only courses bearing grades of C minus (C-) or higher may be transferred. Courses bearing grades such as "pass" or "credit" may be transferred provided the regulations of the sending institution indicate that such credit represents work at the level of C- or higher. The cutoff for numerical grades shall be determined by the University Registrar so that such grades are accepted on a basis consistent with the C- criterion. Coursework bearing "pass" or "credit" grades may only be accepted for inclusion in a specific program upon review and approval of the program faculty.
      4. In the case of credit that is to be included in a program, time limits on applicability to the program may be established by the program faculty. Time limits are determined with respect to the date of the student's first attendance at Aurora University.
      5. Credit is ordinarily considered acceptable for transfer if it is comparable to coursework offered by Aurora University or generally considered to be part of a liberal arts based curriculum.
      6. Postsecondary technical credit may be accepted in transfer for inclusion in an approved student-initiated major; as general elective credit if certified by a program faculty as relevant to the student's major area of study; or for inclusion in an established major upon approval of the program faculty.
      7. Credit deemed by the sending institution, or by Aurora University, to be remedial or pre-college in level may not be accepted in transfer. However, such credit may be considered by an academic unit as a basis for waiving course prerequisites, at the option of the program faculty.
    3. A.A. and A.S. general education transfer articulation: Students holding an A.A. or A.S. degree from a regionally- accredited college are deemed to have met all lower-division general education requirements for graduation from Aurora University, and are thus required only to complete two upper division general education requirements: 3-4 semester hour 3000-level Writing for Success course and the capstone course from the major.
    4. Transfer of credit by students matriculated at Aurora University: In general, it is expected that, once enrolled at Aurora University, a student will earn all subsequent credit toward the degree at the university.
      1. Credit earned by approved cross-registration at other schools that are members of the Council of West Suburban Colleges (North Central College, Benedictine University) is treated as though it were earned at Aurora University.
      2. No credit from other institutions earned while a student is matriculated at Aurora University may be accepted in transfer except upon prior, written approval of the Registrar.
      3. No credit may be transferred within the last 24 semester hours of the student's degree except upon the prior, written approval of the faculty (delegated to the Registrar). Credit to be transferred into a major under these circumstances also requires the prior, written approval of the academic dean of the program faculty.
    5. The applicability of transferred credits to the completion of major requirements is decided by the relevant program faculty acting through the advisement process determined by that program faculty.
    6. Aurora University does not accept credit for college-level GED examinations in transfer.
    7. Aurora University will accept credit from an accredited graduate school toward a bachelor's degree at Aurora University. The student is not required to have received a graduate degree prior to submitting a transcript for credit.
    8. The application of courses transferred toward meeting general degree requirements will be determined by the Registrar. (Professionally oriented courses, e.g., pastoral counseling or Sunday School administration, will not apply toward general degree requirements).
    9. The application of courses transferred toward meeting major requirements will be determined by the program chair and the Registrar.
  2. Credit Equivalency and Transfer of Credit for Registered Nurses
    1. B.S.N. Degree. R.N.s entering the B.S.N. program are subject to the transfer of credit practices outlined above and the additional policies outlined in this section. These policies are more specifically defined as they relate to the B.S.N. program and thus take precedence over the general statements made above.
    2. Professional nursing courses completed in connection with an Associate's Degree or Diploma Program can be transferred into the B.S.N. program under the guidelines of I.A.I. or through the ACT-PEP or NLN Mobility Examinations. These examinations can be taken only after one course of credit has been successfully completed at Aurora University. Up to 30 semester hours may be awarded through these examinations. A maximum of 81 semester hours of such examination credit and community college credit can be applied toward a B.S.N. Such examination credit is not considered as part of the minimum 30 semester hour residency requirement (including 18 semester hours in the major) established by the University.
    3. Some coursework for nursing majors earned at accredited post-secondary institutions and recorded on the transcripts of such institutions will not transfer.
      1. Courses that are designated "for nurses" (i.e., Sociology for Nurses) cannot be accepted in transfer.
      2. Nursing courses, to be considered for transfer credit, must have been completed within the last 4 years. Proficiency tests may be required to demonstrate equivalency to and currency with Aurora University nursing courses.
      3. Science courses must have been completed within the last ten years. Current licensed R.N.'s are exempt.

Nontraditional Sources of Credit
Aurora University recognizes the validity of college-level learning achieved in settings other than accredited institutions of higher education, provided that this nontraditional learning is validated in accordance with generally-recognized standards of good practice and awarded through the processes provided in the University's academic regulations.

Portfolio Process for Awarding Credit for Life and Vocational Experience.

  1. A portfolio assessment program is available to students who have significant prior learning through career achievements, individual study, or volunteer work.
  2. LVE portfolios may present documentation supporting the awarding of credit for the following categories of prior learning:
    1. Military training evaluated by ACE
    2. Noncollegiate training and education programs evaluated by ACE or under the PONSI program
    3. College-level learning achieved through organized training and education programs not included in (a) or (b) above
    4. Educational experiences achieved through non-CHEA-accredited institutions of higher education
    5. College-level learning achieved through on-the-job experience, individual study, or other life experiences
  3. Students seeking credit only for programs in categories 2(a) and/or (b) may petition directly to the Registrar for recording of such credit. It is the student's responsibility to provide all necessary background documentation to support the recording of ACE, military, and PONSI credit.
    1. ACE, military, and PONSI credit will only be recorded under this regulation by the Registrar when such credit is clearly applicable to the student's baccalaureate program at Aurora University.
    2. Students seeking the transfer of technical credit or other credit that is not evidently suitable for inclusion in AU baccalaureate programs must complete a general petition and submit a portfolio that includes appropriate rationales for the transfer of such credit.
    3. A maximum of three semester hours providing an experiential prerequisite to completion of a major program may be awarded upon submission of documentation specified by the program faculty accompanied by a petition evaluated by a designated program faculty member and approved by the academic dean. An evaluation and recording fee is charged, as established by the Vice-President for Finance. Such experiential prerequisite credit may only be presented for graduation in fulfillment of a specific major requirement.
  4. Life Experience Portfolio evaluation. In addition to awarding credit in response to specific student requests stated in terms of experiential prerequisites, the evaluation process may award to any student assessed at least three semester hours, an additional award of 9 semester hours of CIFE credit, based on submission of a satisfactory reflective essay (typically 10-15 pages in length) providing evidence of career-relevant learning achieved through the student's work experience. Appropriate documentation such as performance evaluation materials and supervisors' statements must be included.
    Following general evaluation of the student's credit, a copy of the portfolio and a summary of the evaluation shall be forwarded to the Registrar, who shall route the materials to major academic departments.
  5. Nontraditional credit assessed through portfolios is subject to the following limitations and conditions:
    1. A maximum total of 12 semester hours may be awarded through the portfolio process. If ACE/military credit and/or PONSI credit has previously been awarded by direct petition, such credit will count toward the 12 semester hour maximum for portfolio credit.
    2. Credit awarded through the portfolio process will be recorded on the student's permanent academic record in the form and amount determined by the program evaluator, with indications of applicability to the requirements of the major as approved by the major department.
    3. Credit not approved for application in the major may be applied as general elective credit toward graduation.
    4. Portfolio credit considered by the Registrar to duplicate prior or subsequent transferable coursework or test credit will be removed from the student's historical record in favor of such coursework or test credit.
    5. Portfolio credit is evaluated as either lower or upper division in nature and will be applied toward the limits for lower and upper division transfer credit and to meet other graduation requirements in the same manner as transferred credit.
    6. Portfolio and examination credit are not included in official audits of student progress or degree completion until recorded in the student's permanent academic record by the Registrar.
    7. Residency Requirement: Credit awarded through the portfolio process, by examination or as an experiential prerequisite for a major may not be counted toward either the general residency requirement for graduation nor toward the required number of semester hours included in either a major or a minor. However, such credit may be awarded within the final 30 semester hours of the student's undergraduate program, provided that the evaluated portfolio or official test results are submitted to the Registrar for recording no later than the last day of the term preceding the term in which the student will complete all requirements for graduation.

Credit by Examination

  1. Examination credit through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and the Advanced Placement Program (APP) is granted by Aurora University as outlined in this catalog, to provide a means of measuring the academic achievement of those students who, through extensive reading and experience, may be able to meet the standards set as a basis for granting college credit.
  2. Prior approval of the Registrar must be secured by filing a petition for prior approval before current students take examinations for credit.
  3. Limitations on Use
    1. No more than one-fourth of the courses presented for the major shall be by examination.
    2. No more than 3 semester hours of examination credit may be used to meet the General English Composition requirement.
  4. Acceptance in transfer. See Transfer of Credit section.
  5. Fees
    1. Students are expected to pay all fees required by testing agencies.
    2. A recording fee of $10 per 3 semester hours will be assessed.
    3. CLEP, APP, PEP or NLN test credit earned while attending another institution and prior to attendance at Aurora University will not be assessed a recording fee.
  6. College Level Examination Program (CLEP) General Examinations. The General Examinations are designed to be taken before college work is begun. Students who have any college credits must seek prior approval. If courses have been taken prior to the test date, appropriate reductions in the amount of credit usually awarded will be made by the Registrar.

    Students will be awarded 6 semester hours of credit in the following CLEP General examinations if they have achieved a minimum score of 50: English, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Humanities, Social Science-History.

    NOTE: A student who receives 6 semester hours for English must still complete ENG1020 at Aurora University. Of the 6 semester hours granted for English, two hours will be applied to ENG1010 and 4 hours toward general electives.

    A student who has received CLEP credit in English cannot also receive college credit for ENG1010 Composition I: Introduction to Academic Writing. A student who has received three semester hours of CLEP credit in Mathematics may not take MTH1100 College Algebra or MTH1110 Contemporary Mathematics for college credit. A student who has received six semester hours of CLEP credit in Mathematics may not take MTH1100 College Algebra, MTH1110 Contemporary Mathematics or MTH1310 Precalculus for college credit.*

    *NOTE TO CLEP RECIPIENTS WHO INTEND TO TAKE ADDITIONAL MATH COURSES: In some instances the results of the Aurora University Mathematics Competency Examination may suggest that you need to take one of the courses prohibited above. In that instance you should decide whether to take the course as an auditor, take the course for college credit and accept a reduction in CLEP credit or proceed to the next level of mathematics with the understanding that you may have some difficulty.
  7. CLEP Subject Examinations. Credit cannot be awarded if a student has had classroom credit in the subject area. Students who have any college credits must seek prior approval. The following options are available:
  8. DANTES test credit: Aurora University accepts appropriate credit from the DANTES testing program. Subject areas are accepted if they meet the general requirements for acceptance of other forms of credit.
  9. Advanced Placement Program (APP). Three semester hours of credit will be awarded for scores of 3 or above in the following APP Examinations:
  10. ACT/Proficiency Examination Program (PEP). Professional nursing courses completed in an Associate's Degree or diploma program cannot be transferred into the B.S.N. degree program. Validation of nursing knowledge gained in these programs is achieved through either the ACT/Proficiency Examination Program or the NLN Mobility Examination. A maximum of 30 semester hours may be awarded through these examinations. An additional 8 semester hours of credit may be awarded for the Anatomy and Physiology PEP Examination, which may be taken by any Aurora University student (i.e., not limited to Nursing students). This credit cannot be counted toward the residency requirement at Aurora University. Credit will be awarded only upon receipt of a satisfactory score in each of the three Nursing examinations. A recording fee of $10 per 3 semester hours will be charged upon recording of this credit.
    30 Semester Hours
  11. NLN Examination. Students also have the option of taking the NLN Mobility II examination series specific to Maternal-Child Nursing, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, and Adult Nursing in lieu of the ACT-PEP series. Credit for a maximum of 30 semester hours may be awarded upon receipt of a satisfactory score of 45, in each of the nursing examinations. A recording fee of $10 per 3 semester hours will be charged upon recording of this credit.
  12. Credit for Departmental Challenge Examinations: In those cases where no nationally-normed examination is available or appropriate to support the awarding of credit in a subject area required in a major, the program faculty may establish a departmental challenge examination for the awarding of a maximum of three semester hours to be used in lieu of a specific major course. Such examinations are subject to the same approval process as that prevailing for new courses. A testing fee for such examinations will be established by the Vice-President for Finance. Students may present for graduation a maximum of six semester hours by departmental challenge examinations; such credit may be applied only toward major requirements and does not meet other general degree requirements. Departmental challenge credit shall be designated as lower or upper division by the program faculty.


Declaration of Major

Students who have been accepted under the general admission standards of the University may apply for acceptance into a program of the University. Acceptance of any student into any program of the University is determined by the faculty of that program and is conditional upon the student's meeting any program requirements that have been approved by the program faculty and the University.

Students applying for admission to the University, or who have been admitted and are attending as undeclared students, may state their intent to major in a program of the University. This statement of intent is used for purposes of evaluating transfer credit and providing appropriate advising services, but does not constitute admission to the program.

Students seeking to enter a program must file a Declaration of Major form with the Academic Advisement Office. The Advisement Office will assemble any necessary records or documents required for review of the student's declaration. The program faculty will review the declaration and approve or deny it. A personal interview or the submission of supporting documents may be required at the option of the program. After review and action, program chairs will forward Declaration of Major forms to the Registrar and the student will be officially entered as a student of that program. The Registrar will then forward the form to the Academic Advisement Director for filing, assignment of an advisor and distribution of copies of the completed form to the student and the program chair. Requirements for admission to or retention in a program must be approved by the program faculty, the academic dean, and the Provost.

Students currently entered as students in one program may seek to declare another major by filing a Declaration of Major form showing both the old and new program. In the case of changes of program, the Academic Advisement Director will send notification to the chair of the old program.

A student denied admission to a program may appeal the denial to the academic dean or, in the case of a program directly headed by the dean, to the Provost.

A student may be dismissed from a program in accordance with duly approved requirements for retention in the program by action of the program faculty. Students so dismissed may appeal to the academic dean or to the Provost, in the case of a program directly headed by the academic dean. Copies of the action for dismissal from a program shall be forwarded to the Registrar and the Academic Advisement Director, and the student will then be removed from the program and entered as undeclared.

Regulations Governing Majors

  1. Established Majors
    1. Majors require a minimum of 30 semester hours.
    2. Each major must be developed and monitored by an approved program committee of the faculty. New or substantially revised majors require the approval of the Board of Trustees based on recommendations from the program committee, the appropriate school/college governance bodies, the academic dean, appropriate University governance bodies, the provost, and the president.
    3. Beyond the minimum coursework requirement; the content, structure, and extent of a major are prerogatives of the individual program committees within the schools and colleges of the University, except as otherwise defined or restricted by the academic regulations.
    4. No "D" grade may apply to an academic major, either on the required or selected list. Secondary Education certificate candidates must earn a "C" or better in all education courses (with an EDU prefix) required by the State of Illinois.
  2. Student-Initiated Major (e.g., Management of Psychological Services)
    1. Divisional Student-Initiated Major: An initial conference should be held between the student and the appropriate program chair at which time the general plan for the major will be reviewed. Subsequent conferences with the program chair or his/her designate(s) will be concerned with developing the specific program. When completed, the program chair will present the major to the academic dean for approval. Once approved, it will be filed in the student's permanent academic record.
    2. Interdivisional Student-Initiated Major: An initial conference between the student and the program chair should be held at which time the general plan for the major will be discussed. Subsequent conferences with the program chair, academic dean, and registrar will be concerned with developing the specific program. When completed, the program will be presented for approval by the program chair, academic dean, and registrar. Once approved, it will be filed in the student's permanent academic record as part of his/her degree contract.
    3. At least half the courses in a student-initiated major must remain to be earned at the time the major is presented for approval.
  3. Minors
    1. Minors at Aurora University are optional. They are not required for graduation.
    2. A minor shall comprise a minimum of 18 semester hours.
    3. At least 9 semester hours applied to a minor must be earned at AU.
    4. Each minor must be developed and monitored by an approved program committee of the faculty. New or substantially revised minors require the approval of the Board of Trustees based on recommendations from the program committee, the appropriate school/college governance bodies, the academic dean, appropriate University governance bodies, the provost, and the president.
    5. Beyond the minimum coursework requirement, the content, structure, and extent of a minor are prerogatives of the individual program committees within the schools and colleges of the University, except as otherwise defined or restricted by the academic regulations.
    6. No "D's" will apply toward minors.
    7. A maximum of 3 semester hours of Cr/NCr coursework will apply toward a minor.
    8. Courses used on a minor may also be used to meet general education distribution requirements or the B.S. core requirements.

Academic Measurement and Evaluation

  1. Grading System
    1. Types and Definitions
      1. Letter Evaluation: A B C D F.
        At the end of the course, letter grades are awarded as defined:
        • A (4 quality points per semester hour) Excellent. Denotes work that is consistently at the highest level of achievement in a college or university course.
        • B (3 quality points per semester hour) Very good. Denotes work that consistently exceeds the level of achievement that is expected in a college or university course.
        • C (2 quality points per semester hour) Satisfactory. Denotes work that meets college or university standards for academic performance in a course.
        • D (1 quality point per semester hour) The lowest passing grade. Denotes work that in some respects meets and in other respects falls short of college or university standards.
        • F (0 quality points per semester hour) Failure. Denotes work that fails to meet college or university standards for academic performance in a course.
      2. Credit/No Credit: Cr/NCr.
        • Cr (quality points not calculated in grade point average) Pass. Denotes pass with credit at least at the level of C work, in courses that are graded Cr/NCr.
        • NCr (0 quality points per semester hour) No credit. Denotes work that fails to meet college or university standards for academic performance at least at the level of C work.
          Students are reminded that, with the exception of courses that are offered only on a Cr/NCr basis, no courses in the major may be completed under this grading system. Only one selected course in a minor may be taken under this system. Students are also urged to consider any regulations concerning academic honors, scholarship eligibility, or tuition refund plans which may be affected by use of this grading system. Certain courses (for example, Participation Credit) are available only under the Cr/NCr grading system. Students may enroll for no more than one course per term, up to a total of eight courses, on a Cr/NCr basis. This is in addition to any courses that are offered only on a Cr/NCr basis.
    2. Change of Grading System.
      1. Students may change between the letter grade system and credit/no credit grading system by filing a change of grading petition in the Registrar's Office at any time up until the end of the first calendar week of the term. No changes will be authorized beyond that date.
    3. Incomplete Grades - Regulations and Procedures
      Aurora University permits the assignment of a grade of I (Incomplete) under limited circumstances upon petition by the student.
      1. A grade of Incomplete (I) may be assigned by the instructor only if the student has filed a Petition for Incomplete Grade. This petition form, which is available in the Registrar's Office, must be completed and signed by the student, the instructor, and academic dean.
      2. The petition must specify the reason the student has been unable to complete the work, the work to be completed, a timetable for completion, and the date by which all work must be turned in to the instructor.
      3. Petitions for Incomplete Grades must be filed by the deadline specified by the Registrar's Office for submission of final grades, or by the time the instructor files the final grade sheet for the course, whichever is earlier.
      4. Completion dates for I grades must be on or before the last day of the fourth week of classes of the term following the term in which the grade is assigned, excluding the summer term. In the event that a final grade is not reported to the Registrars' Office on or before the date one week after the deadline specified in the petition, the Registrar will contact the instructor requesting that a grade be submitted in writing. Instructors report grades to replace I grades in writing to the Registrar's Office, using the Change of Grade form.
      5. In extraordinary circumstances, the instructor may, upon receiving written documentation from the student, petition for an extension beyond the deadline established in section d. Such petitions must be filed with the academic dean on or before the deadline for completion originally specified in the petition for an I grade. Petitions approved by the academic dean must be received by the Registrar on or before the original deadline for filing of the grade.
      6. A grade of I may be assigned only in cases of illness, accident, or other catastrophic occurrence beyond the student's control. In order for an "I" grade to be considered, the student must be in satisfactory academic standing in the specific course. In cases of emergency, the petition may be filed on the student's behalf by the course instructor. At the earliest possible time, the course instructor will take responsibility for confirming the petition with the student and securing the student's signature. If the student does not accept the conditions of the petition, the instructor will assign a permanent grade to be entered by the Registrar.
      7. A student's Academic Warning status in a given term will be determined by the term GPA resulting from the work completed in that term. If a subsequently-completed I grade causes the student's GPA to rise above or fall below 2.0, the student's warning status, and the permanent record thereof, will be changed accordingly.
    4. Deferred Grade Policy - Regulations and Procedures
      A deferred grade (X) is for use in certain courses in which it is anticipated that the student's learning experience will continue beyond a regular academic term. The deferred grade is available for use in the cases of field experiences, practica, internships, independent study, application or research projects, and sequential courses for which a deferred grading situation has been contracted at the initiation of the experience.
      1. In the event that a course or other learning experience is planned to extend over more than one academic term, the student(s) enrolled will be given a deferred grade (X) at the end of the first term. The permanent grade will be posted when received from the instructor at the conclusion of the course or learning experience.
      2. Courses or other learning experiences for which deferred grades (X) are to be assigned must be so designated and indicated in the University catalog. After a review by the academic deans, the Registrar will publish an approved list of courses in the University catalog for which the X (Deferred) grade may be used. Any revisions in the approved list will need the approval of the academic dean and must be submitted to the Registrar prior to the beginning of the term.
      3. Tuition for multi-term courses or other learning experiences is billed and payable with respect to the first term of registration, and the course counts in the student's load only in the first term of registration. No additional registration process is required during subsequent terms while the course is being completed.
      4. A deferred grade (X) has no effect on the student's GPA and is not considered by the Academic Standards Committee or other University bodies in the review of student progress. When the permanent grade is posted, the effect of this grade will be assessed by University review bodies as though the grade were part of the work completed in the term when the grade is posted.
        LISTING OF COURSES FOR DEFERRED GRADE OPTION
        COURSE NUMBER - TITLE
        • 2880, 3880 Travel Study
        • 2940, 3940 Career Investigation Field Experience
        • 4940 Career Application Field Experience
        • 4970 Honors Research
        • 2830, 3830, 4830 Directed Study
        • 2890, 3980, 4980 Independent Study
        • ____ Course by Special Arrangement
        • CRJ4610 Research Monograph
        • EDU4750 Student Teaching
        • REC4790 Recreation Administration Internship
        • SWK4110, 4120 Generalist Social Work Practice I, II
        • SWK4210, 4220 Field Instruction I, II
          Revised: Fall 2003.
    5. The "D" Grade
      A "D" cannot be applied to a major without the approval of the Academic Standards and Conduct Committee. Aurora University reserves the right to require a student to repeat a course in which he/she has received a "D" grade if he/she proposes to apply that course toward a major or continue on in a truly sequential course of study.
    6. No fractional amount of credit is given for less than completion of any course or academic experience.
    7. Change of Permanent Grades
      1. Permanent grades (A, B, C, D, F) may be changed by the instructor who originally issued the grade to correct computational or clerical errors.
      2. Changes of permanent grades must be approved by the academic dean before they are forwarded to the Registrar, and must include an explanation for the change.
      3. Changes in permanent grades arising from clerical or computational errors must be received by the Registrar no later than 30 days following the date when the original permanent grade was filed with the Registrar.
      4. In cases where it is necessary to correct a grading error on the part of an instructor who has left the University or who cannot otherwise be contacted in a timely fashion, or in cases where an instructor fails to correct an evident error in a timely fashion, the academic dean may assign another faculty member to review the relevant materials and correct the error.
      5. Changes may be made in grades to reflect coursework completed after the deadline for grade submission only in instances in which the student received a grade of I or X for the course.
      6. All changes in permanent grades other than those arising from clerical or computational errors are addressed under the University regulations for appeal of alleged capricious grading.


Grade Point Average

Two Grade Point Averages (GPA) are calculated by the Registrar's Office:

  1. Type 1: TERM GPA A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0, NCr=0, Cr=Not Calculated into GPA. Based only on courses taken in a given term at Aurora University, the unit of credit is multiplied by the quality points assigned to the grade earned. The sums are then added and the total quality points divided by the calculable credit units producing the Term GPA. (If a course is repeated only the higher grade is calculated into the GPA and, of course, only academic credit from one can be counted toward graduation.)
  2. Type 2: CUMULATIVE GPA of courses AT AURORA UNIVERSITY Calculated in the same way as the TERM GPA but is based upon all work taken at Aurora University over all terms of attendance. Since Fall 1990, only work completed at Aurora University has been included in the cumulative GPA of Aurora University students. Calculations of GPA for work at previous colleges are carried out by the Office of Admission for purposes of determining admission and by the Registrar for purposes of student classification and to provide data for the financial aid process. No calculation of GPA including work at previous colleges is maintained as part of the student's official academic record.


Academic Honors

Academic Honors at Graduation

  1. To be eligible for Academic Honors at Graduation, students must have:
    1. A minimum of 90 semester hours of credit for a letter grade, of which 45 semester hours must have been earned at Aurora University.
    2. A cumulative GPA at Aurora University of:
      • 3.500-3.749 to receive the degree Cum Laude
      • 3.750-3.899 to receive the degree Magna Cum Laude
      • 3.900-4.00 to receive the degree Summa Cum Laude
    3. In addition a student who has a minimum of 90 semester hours for a letter grade at Aurora University and a cumulative GPA at Aurora University of 3.75 or above will receive the Gold Ivy Leaf Award (pin and certificate).
  2. Term Dean's List (Ivy Leaf Card)
    Students will be placed on the published Dean's List and receive an Ivy Leaf Card at the end of each term that these conditions are met:
    1. A minimum of 12.00 semester hours for a letter grade.
    2. A term GPA of 3.60 or higher.
    3. Students with a term GPA of 4.00 will be cited for High Honors on a special section of the Dean's List.

Academic Warning and Dismissal

  1. When a student's work falls below acceptable standards, the instructor should send a Warning Notice to the Academic Advisement Office. The student's academic advisor will be notified and will then contact the student to set up an appointment to discuss the problem. After meeting with the student, the advisor will report back to the instructor the results of the conference. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor regularly to discuss academic progress.
  2. A student is placed on Academic Warning when her/his TERM GPA is below 2.0. A student will be academically dismissed if their TERM GPA is 0.00 in any given term. Fully approved students placed on Academic Warning for a second time (not necessarily consecutive) may be dismissed for poor scholarship. Freshmen admitted conditionally under the guidelines of the Admissions Review Committee may be dismissed at the conclusion of their first year if their TERM GPA is below 2.0. Transfer students admitted on Academic Warning will be reviewed and may be dismissed for poor scholarship whenever their TERM GPA is below a 2.0.
  3. Last Term Warning Status: A student who encounters repeated academic difficulties may be placed on Last Term Warning. Once a student is placed on this status, he or she remains on Last Term Warning until the student has completed three consecutive terms (excluding summer) with a term GPA of at least 2.0 and Aurora GPA of at least 2.30, or upon graduation or until the term GPA drops below 2.0, in which case the student is dismissed from the University.
  4. Students dismissed for poor scholarship by the Academic Standards and Conduct Committee may appeal for a full hearing before the Committee. At such a hearing the student may appear in person to make a statement and answer questions. A letter requesting an appeal and briefly outlining the basis for the appeal should be sent to the Registrar by the required date.
  5. A student who is dismissed from Aurora University for poor scholarship may apply for readmission after one calendar year. The application is filed with the Academic Standards and Conduct Committee during the term preceding the term in which the student wishes to return to AU.


Appeals:

Procedures for Use in Appealing Allegedly Capricious Term Grades

  1. Introduction
    1. The following procedures are available only for review of alleged capricious grading, and not for review of the judgment of an instructor in assessing the quality of a student's work. Capricious grading, as that term is used herein, is limited to one or more of the following:
      1. the assignment of a grade to a particular student on some basis other than performance in the course;
      2. the assignment of a grade to a particular student by more exacting or demanding standards than were applied to other students in that course;
      3. the assignment of a grade by a substantial departure from the instructor's standards announced during the first fourth of the term.
    2. The assessment of the quality of a student's academic performance is one of the major professional responsibilities of university faculty members and is solely and properly their responsibility. It is essential for the standards of the academic programs at Aurora University and the integrity of the degrees conferred by this university that the professional judgments of faculty members not be subject to pressures or other interference from any source.
    3. It is necessary, however, that any term grade be based on evidence of the student's performance in a course, that the student have access to the evidence, that the instructor be willing to explain and interpret the evidence to the student, and that a grade be determined in accordance with announced guidelines. These guidelines should be announced in and put in writing for each class at the beginning of each term.
  2. Appeal Procedures
    1. A student who believes his/her term grade is capricious may seek clarification and, where appropriate, redress, as follows:
      1. The student shall confer with the instructor, informing the instructor of questions concerning the grade, and seeking to understand fully the grounds and procedures the instructor has used in determining the grade. The aim of such a conference is to reach mutual understanding about the grade, the process by which it was assigned, and to correct errors, if any, in the grade. The student should do this within two weeks of receiving his/her final grade.
      2. If after consultation with the instructor, the student believes that a grade is capricious, the student shall confer with the program chair, who shall consult and advise with both the instructor and student separately or together, in an effort to reach an understanding and resolution of the matter.
      3. If Steps One or Two do not resolve the problem, the student may submit a petition in writing to the Dean. This petition must be submitted to the Dean of the school or college not later than the end of the fourth week of the term following that for which the grade is being appealed, excluding the summer term.
    2. The petition shall request a meeting with the Dean and shall present evidence that the grade is capricious as defined above, and shall present the student's arguments which substantiate his/her conclusions. The Dean shall refer the petition to the instructor and secure from the instructor a response in writing, setting forth the instructor's position on the matter.
    3. On the basis of a consideration of the student's petition and the instructor's response, the Dean shall conduct an inquiry which shall include a meeting with the student and the instructor separately or together and ascertain and consider relevant facts. (The instructor and/or student may bring an advocate if he/she so chooses. If an advocate is to be present at a meeting, the Dean must be informed prior to the meeting.)
  3. Decision. The Dean shall make one of these decisions:
    1. That the grade was not assigned capriciously and shall stand as assigned.
    2. That the grade was assigned capriciously and should be changed. The Dean shall then, as a result of his/her consideration, assign a grade different from the grade decided to be capricious. The Dean shall authorize the Registrar to make the grade change and such a decision shall be final.


Transcripts:

Regulations Governing Issuance
  1. Official transcripts bearing the signature of the Registrar and seal of the university for purposes of transfer of credit, certification or employment reference are issued only by direct mail to educational institutions, certification agents and employers. Students may supply application forms or other supportive documents to be enclosed with official transcripts.
  2. All official transcripts which are placed into a student's hands, are stamped "Issued to Student."
  3. A student's academic record is considered confidential. Therefore, transcripts will be issued only at the written and signed request of an individual student, or appropriate institutions or officials.
  4. Each transcript is issued as a complete and accurate copy of the student's academic record as of the date of issue. It contains a record of all work attempted at Aurora University, together with a notation as to final grades earned, or drop status achieved, in each course. It shows total number of credits accepted in transfer from other colleges or universities. High school credits and test scores are not transmitted. Grade point averages are computed and reported with appropriate explanation as to the means of calculation.
  5. Aurora University has no authority to copy or release transcripts furnished to it from other institutions for admission or evaluation of credit. Transcripts from other institutions or testing agencies must always be obtained from the issuing institution or agency.
  6. Transcripts will be withheld until the student's financial record with the university is clear. Until such time as this occurs, transcripts will only be issued to potential employers.
  7. Academic dismissal is reported on all transcripts.
  8. Disciplinary dismissal is documented in the Registrar's Office for five years, but is NOT reported on transcripts.
  9. Transcript transmittal information is listed on the reverse side of each transcript.
    Student Classification and Definition
    Each student who registers for a course at Aurora University will be classified. Classification will be made at the time of entry to the university and reclassification will be made each successive fall term only, or if a student shifts from a non-degree classification to a degree or certificate classification.


Graduation Policies and Procedures

  1. Application for Graduation Status
    1. Each candidate must file an Application for Graduation Status with the Registrar's Office. This application is sent to students who have a total of 78 semester hours at the undergraduate level and 12 semester hours at the graduate level toward a degree at the end of the Fall Term. Receipt of this application does not in any way mean that we expect or guarantee your graduation that year. We are simply trying to notify "possible" graduates in the broadest sense of that word.
    2. Applications are issued on or about December 1 and must be returned by the deadline indicated on the application together with the filing fee attached. Applications not received or postmarked on or before the established deadline must be accompanied by a late filing fee. Filing fees and late fees are specified on the application.
    3. No applications will be accepted after March 1 for May and Summer graduation.
  2. Summer Graduates
    1. Those students who return the Application for Graduation Status indicating that they will complete all degree requirements by August 31 will be mailed the Supplemental Summer Graduation Petition by April 30. This petition must be completed and returned to the Registrar's Office no later than May 15.
    2. No Summer program encompassing more than 9 semester hours of credit will be approved. No Summer registration at Aurora University, elsewhere or in concurrent registration, that totals more than 6 semester hours will be approved without overload clearance from the Registrar.
  3. Fall Candidates for Graduation
    1. Those students who return the Application for Graduation Status indicting that they will complete all degree requirements on or before the last day of the Fall Term may elect to participate in the Commencement ceremony at the end of the following Spring Term or elect to have their diploma mailed to them approximately six weeks following the end of the term.
  4. Transcripts, Examination Credit, Life and Vocational Credit, Portfolio Assessment Credit, Incompletes, Deferred Grades
    All candidates for graduation must have all transcripts from other institutions; results of examination scores; Life and Vocational Experience credit; portfolio credit; removal of temporary grades (incompletes or deferred grades) submitted to the Registrar by the fifth week of the term prior to the end of the term in which you plan to graduate. The exception will be for Summer candidates for graduation. Official transcripts must be received by Aurora University on or before the last day of the term in which you plan to graduate. Failure to receive these transcripts by that date will mean that your graduation status will be cancelled, even though you may have already participated in the ceremony.
  5. Completion of Degree Requirements
    Whenever degree requirements are completed, the student's official transcript (which is the official document; the printed diploma is unofficial) is marked Degree Requirements Met, the date requirements were met, and the degree to be awarded. Not having the printed diploma does not prevent the student from entering graduate school, seeking certification or applying for a job.
  6. Participation in Commencement Ceremonies
    Students must comply with all of the above regulations in order to receive a printed diploma approximately six weeks following the last day of the term in which degree requirements are completed and to participate in the Spring Commencement ceremonies. Students planning to graduate in Spring should give special attention to their progress in Spring Term courses. About three weeks before the end of the Spring Term, instructors will be asked to turn in to the Registrar's Office a graduating student grades. While this may not be the final grade received in the course, it is the grade which will determine participation in the Commencement ceremony. It is the student's responsibility to have demonstrated to the instructor (by work completed and turned in and not simply by promises of good faith) by this date in the ninth week of the term that he/she can earn a "C" or above in the course. If this is not the case, the Registrar will be notified that the student is in danger of failing the course (or receiving a "D" if it is in the major) and the student will be asked to come to the Registrar's Office in person to discuss various graduation options. Students will be contacted at the address and telephone number listed in Section A of the Application for Graduation Status. It is the student's responsibility to notify the Registrar's Office if the information changes. Candidates for Spring graduation who face academic difficulty will be asked to file a contingency plan for making up the work during the Summer and if approved they will be moved to the Summer graduation list.

    Summer graduates in academic difficulty may be removed from the Summer graduation list. It is important to note that the University reserves the right to remove Spring and Summer graduates from participation in the ceremony even if a "C" or above was submitted as a graduating student grade, if academic performance in the last two weeks of the term so dictates.

    It should further be noted that it is the responsibility of the student to make satisfactory arrangements with the Student Accounts Office for all outstanding debts prior to the Commencement ceremony. Those students who have not completed such arrangements to the satisfaction of the Student Accounts Office will be allowed to participate in the ceremony, but will not be mailed a printed diploma. Official transcripts will also be held.
  7. Graduating in Absentia
    Participation in the Commencement Ceremony is voluntary (although we do need to know your decision beforehand for planning purposes). Those who choose not to participate in person will graduate in absentia.
  8. To Receive Diplomas
    Diplomas are mailed approximately six weeks following the last day of the term in which degree requirements are completed. Students must, in order to receive a diploma: (1) apply for graduation as noted above; (2) complete all degree requirements satisfactorily; and (3) be current in all financial obligations to the University.


Financial Aid Policies and Procedures

You have the right to know the criteria used to determine your financial need and the aid you have been awarded. You also have the right to decline any or all of the aid awarded.

No Federal or State aid will be awarded to a student who owes a refund or repayment on a Federal Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) or who is in DEFAULT on a Federal Stafford Student Loan or Perkins Loan.

All need based financial aid received in excess of your need MUST BE REPAID.

YOU MUST RE-APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID EVERY YEAR. Financial aid at AU is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The FAFSA MUST be filed by April 15, for students wishing to receive aid for Fall Semester.

The priority date established for students wishing to receive financial aid starting in the Spring Semester is December 1st. Students filing after these dates may receive Federal aid only and may experience some delays.
Financial aid recipients who have been selected for verification through the Federal process must submit certain documents to the Office of Admission and Financial Aid. Verification must be completed before any financial aid, including loans, is credited to their account.

You MUST be enrolled at least half-time and maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in order to receive Federal, State and institutional student aid. Please refer to the SAP information provided in the catalog and on AU's website.

Financial aid received in addition to that listed on your award offer, including tuition reimbursement, VA benefits, and outside scholarships must be reported to a financial aid counselor.

If you and/or your family experience unexpected circumstances throughout the year, consult a financial aid counselor regarding a special circumstance request.

If you accept either a Federal Perkins Loan or an AU Student Loan (AUSL), you must sign a promissory note after the refund period in the Financial Aid Office. If you are borrowing a Federal Stafford Student Loan for the first time, you must complete an ENTRANCE interview. You must contact your lending institution if you do not attend school on at least a half-time basis, or if you change schools during the year. You must complete an EXIT interview for any of these loans prior to graduation or upon leaving the university. Your diploma and/or academic transcripts could be withheld if this EXIT interview is not completed.

Gift assistance and AUSL loans cannot exceed the cost of tuition and room & board (if a resident student).
The student is responsible for reporting to a financial aid counselor any change in status, this includes enrollment, living arrangements, and academic level. Any change in these items may require an adjustment to your financial aid.

The student must complete an Authorization form. This form gives the Student Accounts Office permission to pay allowable charges with Federal financial aid as well as authorizing excess funds, if applicable, to remain or not remain on the student's account. If any aid is still PENDING, monies to cover the aid will be withheld. If a student authorizes a refund of excess funds, the credit balance will be available within 14 days of the date the balance occurs. If the student receives a refund of credit and then has a reduction in other financial aid, the student is responsible for paying all outstanding charges. This also applies if additional charges are incurred.

Federal Refund Policy
Refunds for students attending AU, who receive Federal financial assistance and totally withdraw before completion of 60% of an enrollment period for which the student was charged, will be calculated as federally mandated. Further details regarding the federal refund calculations are available in the Office of Admission and Financial Aid.

A.U. Tuition Refund Policy

Refer to the Billing Information form, the Withdrawal and Refund Policies Section for additional information. The board charge is refunded on a pro-rated basis. All board plans are paid a week in advance and run Friday-Thursday. Withdrawing from courses may reduce or eliminate financial aid based on your final enrollment.

Definitions of Undergraduate Enrollment

Summer Financial Aid is awarded separately. Applications will be available beginning in March in the Office of Admission and Financial Aid. If eligible, you will receive an award letter outlining your summer term financial aid. If you are not eligible, you will also receive written notification.

Falsification of information will result in cancellation of aid and referral to the appropriate judicial body.
These Policies and Procedures are subject to change without prior notice.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Procedures for Financial Aid Recipients
A student is required to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress in the course of study that he/she is pursuing, according to the standards and practices outlined by the Federal government for the institution. These practices outlined by the Federal government include the standard that students eligible for financial aid must complete their degree program within 150% of the time for degree completion prior to expiration of Federal financial aid.
Schools are required to monitor the SAP of students at least once each academic year. The following guidelines are now in effect. Aurora University reserves the right to review and revise this policy annually.

  1. Qualitative and Quantitative Regulations (Undergraduate)
    Undergraduate students must achieve a minimum total cumulative GPA of 2.0 by the end of the academic year to be eligible for financial aid the following year.

    To earn a bachelor's degree at Aurora University a student must complete a minimum of 120 semester hours. This can be achieved by averaging 30 semester hours per year. Some majors may require more than the minimum of 120 semester hours. A student must complete at least two-thirds (66.67%) of all courses attempted in an academic year to maintain quantitative eligibility for financial aid.
  2. Policy on Course Incompletes, Audits, Withdrawals, Repetitions
    Aurora University will not allow the following to be considered as credits successfully completed:
    * "NCR" - No Credit Courses "W" - Withdrawals
    * "I" - Incomplete Courses "AU" - Audits
    * "F" - Failure "X" - Deferred Grade
    Students who receive an Incomplete or Deferred Grade for a course while on SAP probation will be reviewed on an individual basis. Students are eligible to repeat courses but only the higher grade will be calculated in the GPA and credit towards graduation. Non-credit remedial courses are counted toward the minimum amount of courses required for financial aid eligibility.
  3. Early Warning
    The Financial Aid Staff will monitor the student's academic progress throughout the academic year. The student will receive a letter from the Dean of Student Financial Services notifying the student that he/she is in jeopardy of losing their financial aid eligibility for the following reasons:

    * the student's total cumulative GPA falls below a 2.0 for undergraduates
    * the student's cumulative GPA falls below the minimum GPA required for their scholarship
    * the student does not complete at least two-thirds (66.67%) of the courses attempted.

    During this jeopardy (warning) status, financial aid may be continued; however, a student who does not remove their warning status by the end of the academic year will lose their financial aid and/or scholarship. Unless the student successfully appeals this determination, the student shall be ineligible for financial aid until they regain eligibility.
  4. Appeal Process
    If a student does not meet the qualitative and/or quantitative requirements and loses financial aid, he/she may appeal in writing for the reinstatement of their funds. The appeal process takes into consideration special circumstances.

    The Dean of Student Financial Services and representatives from the University's faculty and staff will meet in an Appeals Committee to determine any mitigating circumstances and will be responsible for reinstating all, part, or if any of the financial aid funding for the next academic year. Students must appeal in writing by completing and submitting the provided form to the Committee within ten working days of their notification. The student will be notified in writing of the Committee's decision. All specifications for continued academic achievement will be included in the letter. THE DECISION OF THE COMMITTEE IS FINAL.

    If the student chooses to enroll in courses over the summer at Aurora University or at another school to improve their cumulative GPA or their completion percentage, he/she must notify the Dean of Student Financial Services in writing upon successful completion of the course work. To transfer course work from another institution, a Prior Approval Form must be completed, submitted and approved by the Registrar prior to enrolling in the course. The student must request a review of his/her financial aid before the Friday two weeks prior to the start of the next academic term.
  5. Conditions for Scholarships
    Students who have received an Aurora Univesity scholarship must obtain the required minimum cumulative GPA by the end of the spring term to renew their scholarship for the next academic year. If the student falls below the required GPA at the end of their spring term of attendance, they will automatically lose their scholarship for the next academic year. The student can appeal, in writing, to the Dean of Student Financial Services for the possible reinstatement of their scholarship. If the student's scholarship appeal is denied or they choose not to appeal, they will receive reduced Aurora University monies and may receive Federal and/or State aid provided they apply for financial aid within the required deadlines. Refer to the Appeal Process in item five for further explanation.


Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 As Amended

A federal statute, The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 took effect on November 19, 1974. Specifically, this statute governs (1) student access to records maintained by educational institutions, and (2) release of such records.

  1. Under the first heading, student access to records, the law requires all educational institutions to allow attending students and former students access to their personal records.
    1. At Aurora University the records of attending students include the general file in the Academic Advisement Office or graduate program office, the permanent academic record in the Registrar's Office, financial records in the Student Accounts Office, the financial aid files in the Financial Aid Office, and where appropriate, the files in the College of Education, and Career Resource Center.
    2. The files of former students are found in the Alumni Office, Registrar's Office, and, where appropriate, in the College of Education, and Career Resource Center.
    3. Specifically exempted from viewing by the student are the financial records of students' parents and the confidential recommendations and statements written for and placed in the file prior to January 1, 1975. A student may or may not sign a waiver of his/her right to access to recommendations and statements written for and about him/her after January 1, 1975.
    4. Copies of student records will be furnished upon written request of the student. Official transcripts of a student's college academic record are available. Student credentials maintained by the Education Program Placement Service are also available. The first set of five credentials is free of charge; all subsequent sets of five are issued at a rate of $2.00. Other student records for which copies are requested will be issued at a charge of $.25 per page with a minimum charge of $2.00.
  2. The law requires educational institutions to provide hearings for students to challenge any record that they consider inaccurate or misleading. Aurora University, in complying with this law, has established the following procedures for implementing it.
    1. A student must present a written request to see the contents of his/her files to the appropriate office. An appointment will then be made for him/her to read his/her file in the presence of a member of the University staff. Identification will be required at the time of the appointment. A student may read the contents of these files, but may not remove or destroy any of the contents.
    2. An University Judicial Board hearing may be requested by a student for the purpose of challenging any record he/she considers inaccurate or misleading, under the terms of General Campus Regulation Number 16. The decision of University Judicial Board will be appropriately implemented in all such cases. If the decision is not to amend the record, the student will be allowed to place a written comment or explanation in his/her file. If the contested portion of the file is disclosed to anybody, the student's statement will also be disclosed.
  3. Under the second heading, the release of student records, the law requires prior written consent of the student before releasing personally identifiable data about him/her from the records to other than a specified list of exceptions that includes school officials, officials of other schools in which a student seeks to enroll, parents of "income tax dependent" students, appropriate government officials, accrediting organizations, in response to a legal subpoena and to certain others if the knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons.
    1. Excepted from this requirement is "directory information," including the student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, current registration, degrees, honors, and awards received, and the most recent previous educational institution attended by the student.
    2. Such information may be made public once the institution gives notice of the categories of information that it has designated as such "directory information" and allows a reasonable period of time after such notice has been given for a student to inform the institution that some or all of the information designated should not be released without his/her prior written consent. This announcement constitutes such public notice.
    3. A chart showing which school personnel have access to various records may be found and inspected in any office containing student records.

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