Academic Policies and Procedures

URG Office of Academic Affairs, Bob Evans Farms Hall, PO Box 500, Rio Grande, OH 45674
740-245-7215 office; 740-245-7154 fax; email: academicaffairs@rio.edu

Mission Statement

The mission of the Office of Academic Affairs is to create and support an environment that advances the institutional mission of providing educational, personal growth, and economic development opportunities. Academic Affairs is committed to:

• Encouraging the development and enhancement of integrity, morally and ethically responsible behavior, respect for diversity, and service learning among students and employees.
• Nurturing basic professional values such as a hard work ethic, basic honesty, self-discipline, perseverance, interpersonal cooperation, and social responsibility among students and employees.
• Providing equal opportunity for students and employees, regardless of age, gender, religious background, ethnic or cultural heritage.
• Providing opportunities for any student with special needs to receive an education equal to that of any other student.
• Offering courses though distance learning at the certificate, and undergraduate levels.
• Providing opportunities for students, employees, and members of the communities served by the institutions to be engaged intellectually, aesthetically, socially, and physically outside the classroom setting.
• Maintaining a highly motivated and academically qualified faculty dedicated to excellence in teaching, advising, and personal attention.

Academic policies for the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College are formulated by the Academic Policy Committee and recommended by the Committee to the URG and/or RGCC Board of Trustees for approval. The Committee also serves as the appellate body for exceptions to academic policy.

Definitions

• Individualized Majors and Minors: Unique degree programs for those students whose plans and needs differ from all established degree programs. Programs are individually designed through existing coursework.
• Comprehensive: B.S. or B.A. major requiring no minor field of concentration.
• Minor: Second concentration required for most B.S. degrees.
• Licensure: Licensed teaching areas pre-school through grade 12.
• Certification: Academic and non-academic recognition for completing a prescribed group of courses in a specific discipline such as Information Technology.

Common Abbreviations:

A.A.: Associate of Arts
A.S.: Associate of Science
A.A.S.: Associate of Applied Science
A.A.B.: Associate of Applied Business
A.T.S.: Associate of Technical Study
B.A.: Bachelor of Arts
B.S.: Bachelor of Science
B.S.I.T.: Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology (2+2 Program)
B.S.N.: Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses (R.N. - B.S.N. Program, 2+2 program)
B.S.W.: Bachelor of Social Work
B.F.A.: Bachelor of Fine Arts
B.T.S.: Bachelor of Technical Studies
M.Ed.: Master of Education
M.S.N.: Master of Science in Nursing

The following letter-code abbreviations for division disciplines are used in the degree outlines, course descriptions, and throughout the Catalog:

NOTE: Associate degree candidates must complete a General Education Program and an area of concentration for the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science Degree or the prescribed program for an associate degree in a technical area (AAS, AAB, and ATS Degrees). Baccalaureate degree candidates must complete the General Education Program and at least one of the following: (1) a major and minor program, (2) a comprehensive major, or (3) one approved teacher licensure major.

Academic Policies

Statement of Academic Integrity

As educational institutions, the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College seek to nurture a high standard of academic honesty and integrity in students, faculty, and staff. Rio expects all persons to present and represent their own original work, and to fully and properly credit sources of information used in the preparation of their own original work.

Academic Integrity Policy

It is the responsibility of each student to familiarize themselves with Rio’s academic integrity standards, along with the course syllabus; as claims of ignorance, unintentional error, or the demands of academic work do not excuse violations.

Examples of some common violations include but are not limited to:

• Plagiarism: To take ideas, writings, sayings, etc. from another person or source and pass them off as one’s own.
• Cheating: To behave dishonestly on an assignment or examination. Rio considers using materials, study notes, information, etc., when completing academic work without permission to be cheating.
  Some examples include:
  • copying another student’s work, with or without the other person’s knowledge;
  • without permission, using a textbook, smart phone, tablet, or other means to access information during an assignment, test, quiz, exam, or project;
  • knowingly viewing a test, quiz, exam or other assessment before the test is administered, and communicating with others during a test, quiz, exam or other assessment to gain information to improve one’s grade;
  • having someone else complete an assignment or write a paper on your behalf.
• Academic Misconduct: Tampering with grades or obtaining and/or distributing any part of a test or examination.
  Some examples include:
  • Obtaining a copy of a test, examination or other assessment without authorization before the test, examination or other assessment is administered;
  • Distributing a copy of a test, examination or other assessment, either for money or for free, before the test, examination or other assessment is administered;
  • Changing a grade or grades in a grade book, on a computer, or on an assignment;
  • Continuing to complete a test, examination or other assessment without authorization after the allotted time.
• Duplicate submission: Submitting the same paper in two or more different classes without permission of the instructors.
• Facilitating Academic Dishonesty: Knowingly allowing another person to take work you have done and pass it off as his or her own.
• Fabrication: Inventing or misrepresenting information. For example, listing sources in works cited you did not use in your paper or, in the Sciences, creating or altering data.
• Impersonation: To represent oneself as someone else for the purpose of fraud. In an online or hybrid course, impersonation can occur if someone other than the student completes assigned work on behalf of the student. This could also occur in a face-to-face or hybrid setting.
• Collusion or unauthorized collaboration: When a student working on an assignment on which they should work alone enlists help from another student, students, or other persons to complete the assignment.

Any person committing an act of plagiarism, cheating, impersonation, unauthorized collaboration, or other form of academic dishonesty is subject to the fullest measure of consequences, up to and including course failure and suspension. Repeated violations will subject the student to failing grades for all courses in that term and immediate academic suspension for not less than twelve (12) months (see Repeated Violations Procedure below). Failing grades assigned because of academic dishonesty are not eligible for forgiveness under the Academic Forgiveness Policy. Students suspended for repeatedly violating the Academic Integrity policy will forfeit all tuition, room/board, and fees paid.

Academic Integrity Procedure

When a faculty member believes a student has committed a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy, he/she will initiate the Academic Integrity Procedure as outlined below. All parties must continue following the procedure timeline as described, even if the alleged violation occurs toward or at the end of a term. If a student or others necessary to complete the process are off campus during this time, the process may be completed using MS Teams or another program to facilitate discussion at a distance. If necessary, the faculty member may assign the student an “Incomplete,” but only if all the parties potentially necessary to complete the procedure are unavailable.

To begin the procedure, the faculty member will email the students’ name and ID number to the academic dean of their college, indicating that the student has allegedly violated the Academic Integrity policy. The dean will then review Rio’s Academic Integrity records to determine whether the student has a record of academic dishonesty (see Repeated Violations Procedure below). The faculty member must do so within three (3) academic days after becoming aware of the alleged violation.

Upon checking the Academic Integrity records and within three (3) academic days of receiving it, the dean will reply to the faculty member’s email to report whether the student has any past history of Academic Integrity issues.

After receiving and considering the dean’s response and within five (5) academic days, the faculty member will discuss both the evidence and the Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure with the student (making sure to inform her/him of their right to appeal if found he/she violated the policy), and allow the student a chance to respond. For online/hybrid courses, this discussion should occur via Rio Grande email.

• If, after discussing the issue with the student, the faculty member believes the student did NOT violate the Academic Integrity Policy, then the issue is closed and the faculty member will inform her/his dean via email.
• If the student admits to violating the Academic Integrity policy, the faculty member must contact his/her dean to discuss an appropriate sanction. Once a sanction or sanctions is/are determined, the faculty member will discuss it/them with the student, and the dean will update the Academic Integrity records.
• If the student denies the allegation and the faculty member believes the student did violate the Academic Integrity Policy, then the faculty member will immediately email all evidence and a brief summary of how he/she alleges the student violated the policy to the academic dean of her/his college.

Within five (5) academic days of receiving the faculty member’s email, the dean will attempt to meet separately with both the faculty member and the student to discuss the issue.

• If the academic dean determines the evidence does not adequately support the charges against the student, then she/he shall so notify both the faculty member and the student via email.
• If the academic dean determines the evidence adequately supports the charge against the student, then the dean must email the faculty member and discuss with him/her an appropriate sanction including one or more from those listed below.

Possible sanctions may include (but not be limited to):

1. Requiring the student to revise and resubmit the work;
2. Requiring the student to retake the quiz, test, or exam;
3. Requiring the student to write an additional paper or take an additional exam; and/or
4. Lowering the grade for the paper or exam (including to a failing grade) without opportunity to regain the lost credit.
5. Assigning the student a failing grade for the course designated as DF (academic dishonesty failure). There is no opportunity to remove a grade of DF from the academic record.
6. Other appropriate sanction agreed upon by the faculty member and dean.

Within the same five (5) academic days, the dean will email the student, instructor, and the Office of the Registrar of her/his decision and, if ruling against the student, include the agreed upon sanction.

If either the student or the faculty member is not satisfied with the dean’s decision, then within five (5) academic days of the dean’s decision, the student or the faculty member may appeal the dean’s decision to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and request him/her to convene an Academic Integrity Panel. This may be done via email.

Academic Integrity Panel:

1. The Academic Integrity Panel will consist of voting members as follows: one (1) faculty member from each School, elected to the current Academic Policy Committee, the Vice President of the Student Senate or an elected delegate, and a justice of the senate judiciary. The Vice President for Academic Affairs, or his/her designee, will inform both parties of the makeup of the panel no later than five (5) academic days before the hearing.
   • If either party feels that a particular School’s representative may be biased, then he/she may ask, by two (2) academic days before the hearing, that the School’s other representative be used instead.
   • If both parties contest both of a School’s representatives, then the Vice President for Academic Affairs shall choose another representative from the School. The chair will only vote in the event of a tie.
2. The Academic Integrity Panel must meet within ten (10) academic days of the request.
3. Both the student and the faculty member may submit evidence, records of previous meetings, and/or other documentation that supports their case to the Academic Integrity panel members for consideration. To do so, they must email all evidence to the dean of the college a minimum of two (2) academic days before the panel is scheduled to meet. The dean will immediately forward all submitted documentation and additional evidence to all panel members.
   • If either the student or faculty member chooses not to or fails to submit evidence, the Academic Integrity Panel will take that into consideration and has the right to decide in favor of the party who submitted evidence.
4. The student and faculty member may appear before the Panel to present their case.
5. The Academic Integrity Panel shall issue a written decision within ten (10) academic days of the meeting and send copies to the student, faculty member, the dean, and the Office of the Registrar.
6. The dean will update the Academic Integrity records, and the Office of the Registrar’s staff will place a copy of the panel’s decision in the student’s file.
7. The Academic Integrity Panel’s decision is final. There is no secondary level of appeal.

Throughout this process, the student may remain in the course as though the alleged violation did not occur until either he/she accepts the sanction from the faculty member and dean or, if the student appeals the dean’s decision, the case is decided by an Academic Integrity Panel.

Repeated Violations Procedure

Repeated Violation is defined as occurring two (2) or more times during a student’s tenure at Rio, regardless of whether the violations occurred over multiple semesters or multiple times during one semester.

If the Dean finds that the student has repeatedly violated the Academic Integrity Policy, they will notify the faculty member and the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) within three (3) academic days. After receiving notification from the Dean, the Provost/VPAA will contact the student to let them know they have been accused of violating the policy multiple times and allow the student to discuss the issue. The VPAA will then determine if the evidence for the most recent infraction warrants immediate suspension or if the student should be allowed to appeal the decision to the Academic Integrity Panel. The 12-month suspension period will begin on the date of the infraction.

Faculty Advisor

Academic advising is an educational process that facilitates students’ understanding of the meaning and purpose of higher education. It fosters intellectual and personal success development toward academic success and lifelong learning (NACADA, 2004). One of the biggest predictors of student success is the depth of connection a student maintains with their higher education institution (Astin,1984). Toward that goal, Rio Grande provides each student with a Student Success Coach and a Faculty Advisor.

Degree Audit

Students entering their planned year of graduation (with a minimum of 30 hours for associate programs, or with a minimum of 90 hours for baccalaureate programs) should seek an official degree audit from the Office of the Registrar to ensure all requirements will be completed in time to meet the student’s planned date of graduation. Interim evaluations should be developed by the student with the assistance of the faculty advisor. Completion of degree requirements is the responsibility of the student.

Academic Load

Students should progress toward program completion at a rate commensurate with ability. Entering students with exceptionally high credentials may petition to exceed the semester hour limit (18 hours).

An average semester course load of sixteen (16) completed credit hours generally will enable a student to complete a program as scheduled. Students who have changed programs or who are seeking additional certifications or programs may require longer than average time. Students who have completed twelve (12) hours the previous semester may enroll for a credit load based on their cumulative grade point average (GPA) in the following schedule:

1. Up to and including 24 semester hours with a cumulative GPA above 3.00.
2. Up to and including 21 semester hours with a cumulative GPA above 2.50.
3. Up to and including 18 semester hours with a cumulative GPA above 2.00.

NOTE: Exceptions to the above requirements must be approved by the student’s advisor and appropriate Academic Dean.

Academic Credit

Credit on Transfer

The student must transfer all coursework, not including failures, appearing on a transcript from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Transfer work in the area of the major or minor program or teacher education with a grade of “D” can be applied toward degree requirements only with the approval of the particular department chairperson. However, the grades, as recorded on those transcripts, are transferred and included in the student’s grade point average. The student must finalize transfer credit prior to the end of the first term of enrollment at the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College. For example, a student would be exempted from taking the LA 10001 Gateway to Success class with 20 earned semester hours and 2.0 GPA from another institution.

Credit from Degree Granting Institutions

Transfer Credit Practices, published by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, will be used as a guide in the evaluation of transfer credit from degree-granting institutions.

Credit from an Associate Degree

Persons holding an associate degree from a regionally accredited institution must transfer their total work. Such students would be required to complete all requirements of the program for which they register. In some instances, the time to complete a program may exceed normal time expectations depending upon the relationship of the selected program with the earned associate degree.

Credit from Military Service

Four semester hours of physical education credit will be recorded based on validation (DD214) of regular active duty military service of at least 181 consecutive days. For veterans having qualified at some time for VA educational benefits, such credit will constitute the minimum physical education requirements for activity courses. Also, credit may be awarded as a result of military training programs and will be awarded on the basis of the recommendations provided by the American Council on Education. For students qualified for VA educational benefits, all applicable military credit will be applied to the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College transcript. VA students must finalize credit during the first thirty (30) days of enrollment.

Credit from External Testing Programs

Credit is awarded for achievement of certain minimum scores on the College Level Examination Program. Licensed Practical Nurses applying for the Advanced Placement Track Program are required to take the HESI SP PN-ADN and for admission into the traditional ADN Program, the HESI A2 is required.

Life Experience Credit

Rio acknowledges the value of experiential learning in many areas. Learning from experience, whether from university-sponsored experiences or work experiences outside the classroom, can be a means of learning.

In order to provide the highest quality education, the Prior Learning Assessment Program is based on the CAEL (Council for Adult & Experiential Learning) Standards for Assessing Learning. Please contact the Admissions Office at 740-245-7208 for further information.

*NOTE: Social work accreditation standards does not allow social work course credit for life experience or previous work experience.

Proficiency Credit by Examination

A formally admitted student may request a test for proficiency credit for courses required in the student’s program but representing some duplication of the student’s previous experiences. Application forms are available in the Academic Affairs Office. The application must be presented for action to the dean of the appropriate college, outlining the student’s previous experiences that provide the student with competencies related to the course. Courses successfully completed by examination will receive a grade of “K.” An examination fee and a credit recording fee are required.

Vocational Articulation Credit

Credit may be awarded for certain foundation courses required in technology programs to students graduating from any Ohio high school. Some of the basic skills required in various technologies can be learned effectively in high school, and where the student can present proper evidence that such has occurred, the University may award recognition credit, waiving the repetition of similar coursework. Typical skill areas that may be considered are typing, machine shop, drafting, and welding. The credit awards are not automatic, but must be requested by the student. The student must also arrange for his/her high school to verify the skill proficiency, and it is recommended that this be done immediately upon graduation from high school. The student should request details of the requirements and proper procedure for obtaining credit from the University or the School of Engineering Technologies. Such credit will be recorded with a grade of “K.”

Foreign Language Transfer Credit

To receive credits in a foreign language from an institution other than the University of Rio Grande or Rio Grande Community College, a student may transfer credits at the appropriate level or validate his/her level of proficiency by passing a nationally recognized examination under the “Proficiency Credit” Policy, as outlined above. Under certain circumstances, students may be required to complete a course selected from SPA 23803/33803 or SPA 38801-03. Native speakers of other languages may receive credit for a foreign language by demonstrating the equivalent level of proficiency in English.

Individualized Degree Program

An Individualized Degree Program is available for students whose plans and needs appear to differ from all established degree programs. The student must be able to justify to the Office of the Provost that the need for such a program exists. Application forms are available in the Office of the Provost. The dean of the college where the major is housed appoints a faculty committee who submits it to the Academic Policy Committee for approval. After a program is approved, the student must complete at least fifteen (15) hours for the Associate Degree and thirty (30) hours for the Bachelor Degree, without exemption. Credit hours completed during the semester in which the application is approved will count toward the completion of the subsequent (15 or 30 credit hours) coursework. Upon completion of the approved program, the student is eligible for graduation. The designation of “Individualized Degree” will be noted on the student’s transcript. The title of this degree may not duplicate an existing major.

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend classes and are accountable for work missed as a result of absence from class for any reason. Failure to attend classes may result in a loss of financial aid funding. (See: Non-Attendance Policy)

A class attendance policy is the prerogative of each instructor in each class. The instructor should make known the class attendance policy and course expectations at the beginning of each course. Meeting expectations becomes the individual responsibility of each student.

Excused Absence Policy

The University considers certain class absences to be officially excused. Excused absences are given for official University-sponsored activities which may include: class field trips, athletic and academic competitions, concert performances, conference attendance, and guest presentations. It is the student’s responsibility to inform his/her instructor prior to the event that he/she is taking the excused absence.

Rehearsals, practices, intramural events, and other personal/ social activities are not included as excused absences.

Personal or family illness and emergencies must be presented separately to each instructor.

An excused absence does not excuse the student from learning course material, from submitting required assignments on time, or from fulfilling other course requirements.

Normally, students will not be penalized for excused absences and will be allowed to make up any missed quizzes or tests. However, the specific nature of some classes or labs may make attendance and active student participation an absolute requirement. Examples include:

• Classes for which a state or accrediting agency requires a minimum number of hours of supervised instruction.
• Seminars with frequent student discussions.
• Labs with specific procedures or experiments that cannot be made up.

A student with too many excused absences from this type of class may need to withdraw and retake the course at a later time.

A student who believes that his or her rights under this policy have been violated may appeal through the University Academic Grievance process.

Forgiveness Policy

Any student who has not been enrolled at Rio for at least two academic years may petition the Registrar to have certain courses and grades disregarded. To disregard means that the designated grades and credits earned will be omitted from the GPA calculation, but the courses will remain on the transcript. The student has the right to select the course(s) to be disregarded. If a course is required for a particular program and has been disregarded through this policy, the student must repeat the course.

The student will be permitted to use the Forgiveness Policy only once. The new GPA will be used for determining eligibility and/or probation for acceptance into a program, and for further calculations of the student’s GPA. Implementation of the policy includes the following prerequisites:

1. The student must be currently enrolled at the University of Rio Grande.
2. The student must have completed at least twelve (12) hours of coursework toward a declared major since returning to the University, and must be in good standing with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
3. This policy is applicable only for credit earned at the University of Rio Grande.
4. A course in which a student has received a failing grade due to an act of academic dishonestly is not eligible for forgiveness.
5. A notification of the application of this policy will be noted on the student’s transcript.

Grading Policy

The student assumes responsibility for the course syllabus within the term he or she is enrolled. It is the professional responsibility of the faculty to evaluate achievement and assign grades. No one other than the faculty member responsible for the course taught may assign or change a grade, unless they follow grievance policy.

Many courses are graded on an A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-,F, DF, NF basis. Some courses are also graded on an S, U basis. A temporary grade of I (incomplete) may be assigned, at the discretion of the instructor, when a student has not completed all requirements for a course at the end of the grade period.

A temporary grade of I (incomplete) assigned to a required course in the nursing program must be removed within the first week of the following semester in order for the nursing student to continue enrollment in the School of Nursing.

Incomplete (I) grades will only be granted for extenuating circumstances such as illness, accident, etc., which will prevent the student from completing the course. An incomplete grade cannot be given to avoid a failing grade in the course. Appropriate documentation (i.e. medical) must accompany the Incomplete Grade Request form. The student must have completed at least 75% of the course with a passing grade when requesting an incomplete. The student must request an incomplete from the instructor. It is the responsibility of the student to make up incomplete work. The instructor must complete the Incomplete Grade Request form and submit the form to the Registrar’s Office. Refer to the Incomplete Grade Request form for the complete policy.

Incomplete grades must be resolved within eight (8) weeks of the end of the term in which the incomplete was issued. A one term extension can be granted if the student files a request form ( obtained from the Registrar’s Office) with the faculty member, and the faculty member signs and submits it to the Registrar’s Office. Any additional extension must be approved by the Provost. Special requests and appeals pertaining to incomplete grades may be made to the Academic Policy Committee.

No grade may be changed by a faculty member after it has been submitted to the Registrar’s Office, unless he or she can demonstrate a grading error. The faculty member must file a form, available from the Registrar’s Office, giving the basis for the error and assign the new grade. The Registrar’s Office does not routinely notify students of grade changes.

A student wishing to take a credit course with the S or U option must make the decision with the professor in writing during the first five (5) business days of the term in which the course is taken. The grade of S or U is reserved for elective courses, HPE 10101 , and the activity courses. An application form, available from the Registrar’s Office, must be completed by the student and returned, and will be on file in the Registrar’s Office so that the S or U notation is identified on the 15th day roster.

All grades awarded are recorded on the student’s permanent academic record. Grades of S, I, IC, K, P, AU NG, W, and NW are not calculated in grade point averages (G.P.A.). The G.P.A. for each semester is computed on all other grades received during a semester.

Repeat Grade Policy

Letter grades followed by an “*” on a Rio transcript represent a repeated course. For courses that are repeated, the most recent grade will be used to compute the cumulative GPA. Courses that are duplicated during the repeat process can be applied toward graduation requirements only once. If there is a question concerning a repeated transferred course grade, the course must be an equivalent course that must meet the approval of the dean of the college from where the course originated.

Grading Scale

NOTE: With approval from the Dean of the College in which the program is taught, individual departments may utilize a grading scale that departs slightly from this Grading Scale. Students should check with their faculty or School Chair to determine the grading scale used in their program.

COVID-19 Grading Changes

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, URG switched to a Pass/Incomplete grading system for the Spring 2020 semester. A passing grade of “P” (credit) was assigned if you had an equivalence of at least a “D-” or higher on the regular grading scale. A grade of “IC” (no credit) was assigned if you received an “F” on the regular grading scale. Students were given the option to request traditional letter grades on a course-by-course basis.

Academic Probation and Suspension

Academic probation is determined by comparing the student’s cumulative grade point average with the total cumulative (graded) hours. Satisfactory progress is maintained by meeting or exceeding the levels indicated in the following table:

Students who fail to meet or exceed these standards will be placed on “Academic Probation.” Students placed on “Academic Probation” are subject to “Academic Suspension” at the end of their next term of attendance. A student may be removed from probation only by meeting or exceeding the appropriate cumulative grade point average indicated in the standards above. A student will be continued on probation by maintaining a semester grade point average of at least 2.25; the student will continue on probation until the cumulative grade point average reaches the appropriate level for the cumulative hours as shown in the table above.

Students on “Academic Probation” remove themselves from that category by meeting or exceeding the appropriate G.P.A. standards on the table above. Students on “Academic Probation” who are not demonstrating academic progress are subject to “Academic Suspension,” and upon suspension are not eligible for re-admission until the lapse of at least one 15-week semester, excluding summer semesters. If re-admission is granted, students are re-admitted on “Academic Probation” and must meet the appropriate standards above. “Academic Suspension” and “Academic Probation” are academic actions permanently recorded on the student’s record.

Students placed on “Academic Suspension” for the first time have the right of appeal. Students must complete the application form for student appeal of “Academic Suspension.” The completed form must be received by the dean of the college in which the student majors by 10:00 a.m. on the last day of registration prior to classes beginning following the term of suspension for fall semester, and by the end of the third week following the close of the spring semester. Suspensions rescinded are so noted on the student’s permanent record.

A student who has successfully appealed an academic suspension will automatically be suspended with no appeal if a semester G.P.A. of 2.25 is not achieved in the semester for which academic suspension was rescinded.

Whether or not a student appeals his/her first suspension, the second suspension cannot be appealed. Academic actions are not taken in summer sessions.

*Due to COVID-19, Academic Probation & Suspension were suspended for the Spring 2020 semester.

Course by Arrangement

A student may petition for a course by arrangement. The application form is available in the Academic Affairs Office. A course by arrangement may be approved only if the course requested is not included in the regular semester course offerings, and only for a sound and sufficient reason. A course by arrangement is not a substitute for attending the course at its regularly scheduled time or solely as a convenience to the student. An additional fee is charged.

Class Standing

Generally, a student will be classified on the following basis: (Some associate degrees require more than 64 semester hours, but the student shall still be classified as a sophomore while pursuing the associate degree.)

64-Hour Rule

Students are eligible for Community College rates for 100 or 200 level courses while pursuing Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Applied Business, Associate of Technical Study, or Associate of Arts degrees. Students pursuing Bachelor degrees are not eligible for Community College rates once 64 credit hours have been earned, or once they have enrolled in 300 or 400 level courses.

Dean’s List 

The Dean’s List is designed to recognize those students who achieve outstanding academic success. The students whose names appear on the Dean’s List have earned a 3.75 or higher grade point average for all work taken during the previous term (not including Summer). For consideration, a student must have been enrolled for a minimum of twelve (12) credit hours and must have completed all courses for which registered.

Merit List

The Merit List is designed to recognize those students who have earned a 3.5 - 3.74 grade point average for all work taken during the previous term (not including Summer). For consideration, a student must have been enrolled for a minimum of twelve (12) credit hours and must have completed all courses for which registered.

Graduation Honors

Students maintaining a high academic standard throughout their bachelor degree program are recognized at commencement exercises. Students with a cumulative grade point average between 3.50 and 3.74 are recognized as cum laude (with honor); between 3.75 and 3.89 are recognized as magna cum laude (with high honor); at 3.90 or higher are recognized as summa cum laude (with highest honor). Students graduating from associate programs with a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 and higher are recognized as With Distinction.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum credit hour requirements are 60 hours for an associate degree and 120 hours for a bachelor degree. Applied associate degrees generally exceed 64 hours, and may be as high as 73 hours. Most students exceed minimum requirements for graduation. In addition, for the bachelor degree, the student must take at least thirty-three (33) hours at the 30000-40000 level unless exception is made for the program by the Academic Policy Committee. Associate degree candidates must complete the General Education Program, and an area of concentration for the Associate of Arts Degree or the prescribed program for an associate degree in a technical area. For the bachelor degree, students must complete the General Education Program and at least one of the following: (1) a major and minor program, (2) a comprehensive major, or (3) an approved teacher licensure program. Students seeking a degree from the University and Community College must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Declare and complete the prescribed program of studies.
2. Achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 for all courses, for each major, and for each minor. Some programs or parts of programs may require higher grade point averages for graduation.
3. For an associate degree, a student must be enrolled in the University and the Community College for the last 20 hours and must take at least two courses in the area of concentration. Students seeking the Associate Degree in Nursing must complete all degree requirements within five years of their semester of initial enrollment in the Nursing Program. Students seeking the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree must complete all degree requirements within seven (7) years of their semester of initial enrollment in the R.N. - B.S.N. Program.
4. For a transfer student seeking a baccalaureate degree, a minimum of 30 hours must be taken at the University. At least 20 of these hours must be in upper level (30000 and 40000) courses. At least 10 of these 20 upper level course hours must be in the major.
5. Credit earned through experiential learning (i.e., Life Experience Credit) does not count toward the residency requirement for any degree or program.
6. Apply for awarding of degree and for participation in the Commencement upon senior standing.
7. Where any major/minor combination has certain identical course requirements for a baccalaureate degree, then said courses may apply to applicable areas, except the BSW. However, the school(s) involved reserve(s) the right to recommend to the Academic Policy Committee additional/special requirements.

Residence Requirements

The Residence Requirement for a degree is the minimum number of semester hours a student must take at the University of Rio Grande. The intent of this policy is to provide adequate contact with the University of Rio Grande and its faculty for each student who is awarded a degree. Rio Grande courses taken at off-campus sites or via distance learning meet the intent of this requirement.

1. A candidate for an associate degree must take a minimum of 15 of the last 18 hours and at least two courses in the area of concentration at the University of Rio Grande.
2. A candidate for a bachelor degree must take a minimum of 30 of the last 36 hours at the University of Rio Grande. This requirement also includes at least 18 hours in the major at Rio Grande and 6 hours in the minor, if applicable.
3. A candidate for the master’s degree must complete a minimum of 50% of the required coursework registered through the University of Rio Grande. This coursework can be a combination of Internet courses, classroom courses, and/or travel-related courses. The student’s assigned advisor will officially confirm that the student has accomplished the “adequate contact” as required by the Residence Requirements.

Graduation Requirements for Granting a Second BS or BA Degree

The following comprise all the requirements for students to obtain a second BS or BA degree:

1. Students must meet all the requirements for a second major.
2. Students may use the same credit from their General Education courses toward both degrees.
3. The second degree must be in a different area of knowledge. For example, students may earn a degree in business and a second degree in the sciences, etc. In addition, in the area of the liberal arts and social sciences, students may earn a degree in psychology and another in English, or a degree in history and a degree in political science. A second degree cannot be earned, however, in an area of knowledge which is too similar or closely related to the first degree major. What will count or will not count as a “different area of knowledge” suitable for earning a second degree will depend upon the approval of the deans in the relevant disciplinary area.
4. A license (e.g., in education) to an already earned degree (e.g. English) cannot count as a second degree.
5. For those who graduate with a BS or BA from the University of Rio Grande and subsequently return to pursue a second BS or BA, the number of years between graduation and returning to pursue a degree can be no more than seven (7) years.

Auditing of a Course

The University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College offer individuals the opportunity to take specific courses in an audit format. Courses taken in audit format are not for credit. The charge for RGCC students to audit a course will be the same as the amount of tuition assessed to the course plus course fees. The cost for URG students to audit a course is $65.00 per credit hour. Courses available for audit are based on availability.

Commencement

Students must apply for graduation with the Office of the Registrar by May 31 for fall and October 31 for spring and summer to ensure all requirements are met. Students are eligible to apply for graduation with 12 or less credit hours left to complete during the summer term. Exception: Students completing the BSN program may apply for graduation with 15 or less credit hours left to complete during the summer term. Students are required to participate in commencement exercises, unless prior written approval is obtained from the Registrar. The Commencement Ceremony is held annually in May. Individual programs may establish additional deadlines related to commencement. The appropriate program section of this Catalog should be consulted.

Registration Procedures

Time periods are set aside during each semester for students to register for the following semester (see Academic Calendar section of this Catalog). Deadlines for registration and for payment of fees are established each term. Students must meet registration and payment deadlines in order to be enrolled for those terms. Students not completing the registration process prior to these deadlines will be required to pay the “late registration fees.” Student financial accounts must be kept current for continued enrollment.

Schedule Changes (Drop/Add/Withdrawal)

Students may add classes through the first academic week of any fall or spring academic term, and through the first two days of any summer term. Students who drop any class through the first week of any fall or spring academic term (or the first two days of any summer term) will not be charged for the tuition of that class. Once classes have begun, a drop or add fee will be assessed. Any class dropped within the first week will not appear on the student’s transcript. Classes dropped after the first week will appear on students’ transcripts with a grade of W assigned. Last day to drop a class or withdraw from the university is as follows:

• 16 Week Class - through the end of 14th week
• 10 Week Class - through the end of 8th week
• 8 Week Class - through the 6th week
• 7 Week Class- through the 5th week
• 5 Week Class - through the 3rd week

Students may not withdraw from a course they are failing due to a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Dropping all classes does constitute an official withdrawal from the University.

It is the responsibility of the student to complete all schedule changes with the Registrar’s Office.

Schedule changes may not be completed by a faculty member, by phone, or by proxy.

Wait List

When students are registering, if a course section is filled, they are advised to put their name on the “Wait List” for that course section. Any person or workgroup with permissions to add courses to a student’s Education Plan has the ability to add students to the Wait List. The Wait List will prioritize students in the order they are added.

When a spot in the course becomes available, the first student on the Wait List will be contacted at both their Rio Grande email address and by telephone by the Registrar’s Office. The student then has 24 hours to respond to the Registrar for the available spot. If the student is notified on a Friday, s/he will have until the same time on Monday to respond. If the first student declines to be added to the class, the next student on the list will be notified.

The Wait List will be kept by the Registrar’s Office, and the student’s place on the List will be honored through Friday @ 5:00pm of the Drop-Add week.

Withdrawal Policy

To withdraw from the University or Community College, the student must obtain an official withdrawal form from the Registrar’s Office and fully complete the withdrawal process. The withdrawal process must be completed by every student wishing to terminate his/her total class schedule. Withdrawals may not be accomplished by proxy or telephone.

Withdrawing from the University or Community College after the first week for fall and spring semesters and the second day of the summer semester will be recorded on the permanent academic record as withdrawal in each course of the student’s schedule. Please refer to the Important Withdrawal Information section for financial responsibility details. The last day to officially withdraw from 16-week classes will be the last day of the fourteenth (14th) week of the semester, and the third (3rd) week of 5-week terms. Students enrolled in ten week terms may withdraw until the last day of the eighth (8th) week and eight week courses may withdraw through the last class day of the sixth (6th) week of the term.

Policy for Students called to Military Duty

Any University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College student called to military service will not be academically or financially penalized.

Rio Grande will work with currently enrolled students to allow them to take an “I” (Incomplete) if they need to complete course requirements after the end of the term. Students should work with their advisors, faculty members, and Academic Affairs staff in the event they are called away into military service.

If an “incomplete” grade is not an option for a student, Rio Grande will review the academic status of each affected student to gain an administrative withdrawal.

A withdrawal on a student’s record will be reviewed by the Financial Aid and Business Offices on a case by case basis to assure that no student called to military duty will be financially penalized as a result of military responsibilities.

Course Cancellation

The Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs reserves the right to cancel scheduled classes for which there is excessively low enrollment or other substantial reason.

Program Changes

The University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College reserve the right to make changes in programs, policies, and fees. Students enrolled in academic programs may expect to complete the courses as specified in the Catalog of the year of their first enrollment if the program is completed within five years, or they may choose to graduate under the Catalog in effect for the year in which they graduate. If the program is not completed within five years, students will meet requirements of the Catalog in effect. Every effort is made to minimize course and program changes. A student cannot combine the graduation requirements of two or more Catalogs.

Transferring from Rio

The University of Rio Grande is regionally accredited so in general credit should be accepted when transferred; however, receiving institutions make their own determinations regarding acceptance and applicability of credit. It is a student’s responsibility to check the transferability of their Rio credit to a new institution.

Transcript Requests

Unofficial transcripts are available at no charge; however, a completed request form must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. The request forms are available at the Registrar’s Office located in Rhodes Student Center. Students may also access an unofficial transcript through Student Space. Unofficial transcripts cannot be emailed.

Official transcripts: The University of Rio Grande has partnered with The National Student Clearinghouse to accept transcript orders online. The request for an official transcript can be completed via the following link: http://tsorder.studentclearinghouse.org/school/ficecode/00311600 Any questions regarding transcript requests should be directed to the Office of the Registrar via email at records@rio.edu or via phone - 740-245-7369.

University Assessment Plan

One principal question of major concern and focus helps guide the University Assessment Program in determining how well students meet the goals and objectives articulated in the University’s mission statement:

Are students at the University of Rio Grande acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to become educated citizens and successful professionals within their chosen course of study, in an increasing global society?

To answer this question, the University Assessment Program will continue to implement a variety of assessment activities in the General Education Program and major fields. All students are expected to participate in such activities in order to obtain information as a primary method for the University to further enhance student learning and improve educational programs and instruction.

Academic Services

Davis Library and Learning Commons (DLLC)

Davis Library and Learning Commons (DLLC) provides different academic support service by using a community or “commons” model to foster and promote a more unified and user-friendly teaching and learning experience for the Rio Grande campus community. Housed together within the Jeanette Albiez Davis Library, the Jenkins Academic Center with its tutoring and writing assistance services, the Office of Accessibility, the Print Shop, the Office of Publications, and the Campus Computing and Networking (CCN) IT Help Desk work in conjunction with traditional library resources and services to offer a one-stop center where a variety of educational activities can seamlessly transpire. Each of the building’s three floors offer engaging spaces for either quiet study or social gathering; individual reflection or group collaborations; and one-on-one assistance or classroom instruction. Computer workstations, printing, copying, scanning, and other technology equipment, resources and services allow for the exploration and creation of knowledge and information. Here are some additional details on some of the key academic support service providers that make up DLLC:

• The Michael V. and Flora Jenkins Center
  The Jenkins Academic Center focuses on providing tutoring services, writing assistance, and basic academic skill support to any student enrolled at the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College at no additional charge.
  
  Located on DLLC’s Ground Floor, the Jenkins Academic Center also houses the DLLC’s large open computer lab, which offers several computer workstations equipped with specialized software, printers, and Internet access. In addition to two full time learning support specialists on call to assist students with their academic studies, the Jenkins Academic Center’s tutoring program also employs student tutors, and is nationally certified by the College Reading and Learning Association at both Level I/ Regular and Level II/Advanced.
  
  The Jenkins Academic Center may be reached by email at: jenkinscenter@rio.edu
   
• The Office of Accessibility
  Any student with a qualifying disability who wishes to receive reasonable accommodations for classroom and/or resident life must register and complete the intake process with the Office of Accessibility in order to receive accommodation services.
  
  The Office of Accessibility offers the following types of accommodations:
  
  ADA Accommodations - In accordance with the standards set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be provided to a student who already has an established qualifying disability. This includes any student who was under an IEP and/or 504 plans while in the K12 system. This also includes any student who has recent documentation or verification of an existing qualifying disability and who wishes to receive reasonable accommodations under ADA.
  
  Conditional Accommodations - When a student has a suspected qualifying disability, conditional accommodations may be requested while the verification or documentation for the qualifying disability is being obtained. Conditional accommodations are valid only for a short time while the verification paperwork is being completed and are offered only at the discretion of the Office of Accessibility. Since conditional accommodations are contingent upon receipt of the verification documents these accommodations may be revoked if the verification is not completed or does not qualify the student for services.
  
  Temporary Accommodations - For a student experiencing a temporary disabling condition, temporary accommodations may be requested for the time during which the student will be disabled. Temporary accommodations require verification from a provider, are contingent upon the feasibility of applicable use, and are intended to be valid for only a limited time frame.
  
  ESL Accommodations - For a student who is not a native speaker of English, ESL accommodations may be requested that include accommodations such as additional test taking time, and, depending on the situation, use of a translating device. All ESL related accommodations must be requested and processed through the Office of Accessibility.
  
  Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Accommodations - Emotional Support Animals are allowed on campus as a courtesy, but with restrictions. All requests for ESAs must be approved by housing prior to being approved and processed by the Office of Accessibility. Additional paperwork is required and permission to have an ESA on campus may be revoked at any time in accordance with the ESA agreement that must be signed by the student.
  
  Located on DLLC’s Ground Floor in the Academic Support Services’ suite, the Office of Accessibility may be reached by phone at 740-245-7366, or through email at: accessibility@rio.edu.
   
• Jeanette Albiez Davis Library
  Davis Library supports Rio Grande’s mission and vision by providing access to high-quality resources and services designed to meet the information and research needs of both the campus and larger community.
  
  Centrally located on Rio Grande’s Main Campus, Davis Library maintains a substantial collection of print and nonprint items designed to support Rio Grande’s curriculum. This collection includes books, DVDs, magazines, newspapers, both print and electronic journals, full-text research databases, eBooks, and more. The collection is not limited to those individuals associated with the Main Campus and are also available to our students, faculty, and staff working online and/or at each of Rio Grande’s Regional Centers.
  
  As a participant in the United States Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP), Davis Library guarantees public access to its in-house Government Documents holdings as well as free assistance to those seeking government information online. Consequently, we are strongly committed to actively serving our community patron needs in addition to those of our more traditional library users.
  
  Membership in the Ohio Library and Information Network (OhioLINK), a statewide academic library consortium, gives Rio Grande students, faculty, and staff remote access to a variety of library materials from across the state. OhioLINK’s online request and courier delivery system helps to expand the Davis Library’s collection. Items found at other libraries are made available for our patrons to borrow, and items found on the Davis Library’s shelves are loaned out to patrons from other member institutions. OhioLINK participation also gives Rio Grande students, faculty, and staff 24/7 access to a wealth of electronic scholarly resources and other digital content both on and off-campus.
  
  Many of Davis Library services and resources are available online. Electronic research guides (LibGuides) are used to help organize and share access to much of the Library’s digital content. Research help is available in-person at the Reference Desk located on the building’s Main Floor, online via our instant messaging/chat services, or by email at: refdesk@rio.edu. Library assistance is also available by phone at 740- 245-7005 or text at 740-299-2ASK (740-299-2275).
  
  Several textbooks used for Rio Grande’s General Education Program classes are offered for two-hour on-site use loan periods at the Circulation Desk, which is also located on the building’s Main Floor. Other items found within the Davis Library’s in-house collection can be borrowed at the Circulation Desk as well for longer periods and take-home use. The Circulation Desk is where Course Reserve items and materials requested via OhioLINK, or our traditional Interlibrary Loan (ILL) services can be picked up and checked out too.
  
  Besides information resources, the Library makes Group Study Rooms available for checkout. These collaborative spaces are located on the building’s top floor and can be accessed for free on a first come, first served basis. A photo ID should be presented at the Circulation Desk when signing up to use these spaces. Patrons are expected to keep Group Study Rooms in good condition. Abuse of facilities, equipment, and/or any failure to uphold campus behavior or fire code rules will result in fines and/or disciplinary action.
  
  DLLC Open Lab computer workstations equipped with printer and Internet access and Microsoft Office® software are found on both the building’s main and ground Floors. This equipment is also made freely available to Rio Grande students and other DLLC guests.
  
  Each semester and for the entire summer, students actively enrolled in classes are provided with 400 free grayscale computer printouts, which are linked to their RioNet accounts. This printing allowance does not rollover from term-to-term. Each time a printout is made using campus equipment or personal devices using Rio Grande’s Mobile printing services (print.rio.edu), it is deducted from the student’s RioNet account no matter where the item is printed. (Please note that DLLC guests are only eligible for up to twenty free printouts per visit.)
  
  If additional printouts are needed, they can be purchased using cash from the Circulation Desk at five cents ($0.05) per printed page or with a credit card from the Business Office located in Rhodes Student Center. Purchased printouts will rollover to the next term and will be added to the 400 free grayscale computer printout allowance at the start of each semester or summer classes. (Please note that color prints, photocopies, and Print Shop services are not included in or applicable to the 400 free grayscale computer printout allowance.)
  
  Free Wi-Fi service is offered throughout the building for those wishing to connect with the Internet using their own devices. Technology assistance and troubleshooting is available from the Campus Computing and Networking (CCN) IT Help Desk, which shares space with the Davis Library’s Reference Desk on the building’s Main Floor.
  
  For complete details, visit the Davis Library’s Website at: library.rio.edu.
   
• IT Help Desk
  Sharing space with the Reference Desk on DLLC’s Main Floor, the Campus Computing and Networking (CCN) IT Help Desk provides Rio Grande students, faculty and staff with a centralized point of contact for technical support services.
  
  Whether the problem is email, your RioNet account, or another technical issue, the IT Help Desk is available to assist with support and troubleshooting, and expert consulting or referral for advanced questions.
  
  The IT Help Desk may be reached by phone at 740-245-7463, and is staffed Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for walk-up services. After hours assistance is also available by email at: support@rio.edu
   
• Print Shop
  Located on the DLLC’s Ground Floor, the Print Shop serves both the campus and wider community by providing a full range of printing and production services.
  
  If color prints, large orders of multiple copies, binding, lamination, or specialize publications such as posters, banners, fliers, brochures, etc. are needed, the Print Shop works with individuals or departments to complete those projects. Payment for Print Shop services can be set up to bill individuals, businesses, campus or local organizations, and/or campus departments.
  
  For more details, visit: https://www.rio.edu/print-shop/.
   
• Office of Publications
  Also located on the building’s ground floor is the Office of Publications, which is available to assist the members of the campus community with their graphic or publication design needs.
  
  The Office of Publications helps to ensure that any materials promoting Rio Grande related activities, logos, or brand adequately represent the institution.

Instructional Design and Media Services

Instructional Design and Media Services (IDMS), located in Wood Hall, 127, assists with projects requiring enhanced communication, alternative instructional methods, and other specialized media needs. Serving faculty, staff, students, and campus/community organizations, the IDMS provides access to instructional media equipment and materials, provides a center for the local production of audiovisual materials, conducts training in A-V production and utilization for teacher trainees, and maintains an inventory of all campus A-V equipment. The IDMS maintains a satellite reception and distribution system which is connected via closed circuit to the academic buildings on campus, including the Wood Hall auditorium, with its 160-seat capacity and projections television system. The IDMS is also the home of RGCA, the campus television/radio system wired into the village cable system. RGCA carries a bulletin board for all informational and non-profit messages on Channel 5, while simulcasting campus radio or local commercial stations. The IDMS also maintains the fiber-optic interactive television system, offering instruction to local schools. The IDMS maintains membership in the Adult Learning Satellite System and the Kent State film library. During the most recent evaluation by the Ohio Department of Education in 1992, the IDMS received a commendation that stated the IMC, “…exemplifies a state-of-the-art facility that offers media programs for the students, staff, and community which enhances the entire educational program.”