The Commitment Needed to Succeed at University of the Cumberlands
The length of programs at University of the Cumberlands is varied as each program is intentional in its specific preparation, and each requires varied hours ranging from thirty (30) hours to sixty-six (66) as well as varied Field/Clinical Experiences. Hence, each program requires dedication and commitment to learning. Successful University of the Cumberlands’ students are self-disciplined individuals with a strong commitment to earning a degree-not just taking courses. Handling a University of the Cumberlands’ course load requires dedication. Successful students typically spend an average of 15-20 or more hours per week on their studies, although they do have great flexibility in terms of when and where they study. Students should expect to put in substantial time and effort to realize their personal educational and career goals.
Along the way, students can expect support from their faculty advisor, the Graduate Student Success Office or the Department of International Graduate Studies, and other individuals who, together, support an innovative learning environment and learning resources. This level of support ensures interactions between students and faculty as well as between students and staff and among other students.
Students may take up to 12 credit hours each Fall, Spring, or Summer semester with no exceptions or over-rides. Students on academic warning and probation are restricted to a maximum of 3 hours per eight-week session.
Academic Advising
Upon acceptance into the Graduate Program, the student will be assigned a graduate advisor who has expertise in the chosen field. While the faculty advisor’s contact information is provided at the time of assignment, students can contact the Graduate Student Success (GSS) office or the Department of International Graduate Studies (DIGS) to obtain that information again. The faculty advisor’s role is to work in concert with the GSS office or the DIGS office to assist students in successful progression through their program. Hence, student contact with the advisor will elicit a response within a reasonable timeline.
Trained personnel in the GSS office for all programs other than Executive format and the Department of International Graduate Studies (DIGS) for Executive format programs work with students to develop an advising plan based on one of the following purposes:
To improve the professional competency for the position covered by the initial degree.
To extend the scope of professional competency to an area not covered by the initial degree.
To obtain preparation-certification required for professional advancement to a higher position.
The plan should also specify any deficiencies that must be corrected and the deadline for correcting those deficiencies.
Graduate Student Success (GSS)
The Graduate Student Success Office offers advisory assistance to graduate students, which includes providing an Orientation Packet and Program Handbooks. The Patriot Student Success, situated at 821 Walnut Street, is staffed with members dedicated to advising and enrolling graduate students in their courses.
Department of International Graduate Services Office (DIGS)
The Department of International Graduate Studies provides assistance to students participating in the Executive format programs (MSISS, MSDF, MSIT, MSGB, EMBA, MSSM, MSPM, Ph.D. Leadership, Ph.D. Business, and Ph.D.IT). The office, located in the Cumberland Inn building, includes staff members whose job it is to help admit, advise, and register graduate students participating in the Executive programs.
Grading Systems and Grade Reports
The following grading system is used:
A - Excellent
B - Good
C - Average
F - Failure
W - Withdrew
I - Incomplete
S - Satisfactory (pass)
U - Unsatisfactory (failure)
*A “C” is the lowest grade a graduate candidate can earn before failing the course. Grade of “D” are not given at the graduate level.
A grade of “IP” in a dissertation class demonstrates appropriate/successful academic progress.
A grade of “Incomplete” is assigned only in instances where a unit of work is not completed because of verifiable, extenuating circumstances, such as illness, accident, death in the immediate family, etc. This grade may be removed by the completion of the specific work missed. Under these conditions, an “I” may not be removed by retaking the course. The “I” will be entered on the records upon filing a contract between the instructor and the student in the Office for Academic Affairs, with copies of the contract given to each party.
All attempts and grades received are recorded by the registrar on the permanent record (transcript). For purposes of grade point average, only the most recent earned grade is used.
Quality Points and Grade Point Average (GPA)
Quality points are earned in the following manner. A grade of:
A-results in four quality credits per semester hour in any course;
B-results in three quality credits per semester hour in any course;
C-results in two quality credits per semester hour in any course;
Thus, a three-hour course taken for a semester, with a grade of A, would yield twelve quality points; with a grade of B, nine quality points; and with a grade of C, six quality points. The GPA for a given term results from the total number of quality points earned divided by the total number of GPA credits attempted.
Withdrawing from a Course
A student may withdraw from a course with a “W” up until the last day to withdraw listed upon the Academic Calendar as long as another grade has not been previously posted. A “W” has no impact on a student’s GPA. No student may drop a course after the deadline posted on the Academic Calendar for the appropriate semester or bi-term.
Withdrawing from the University
A student desiring to withdraw from University of the Cumberlands at any time must complete required paperwork and receive permission from the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The withdrawal process normally begins in the Office of Academic Affairs. The following policies and procedures govern withdrawal from the University for the current term.
The permanent record of a student who withdraws from University of the Cumberlands up until the last day to drop a class published on the Academic Calendar for that semester or bi-term will list a mark of “W” for all courses for which another grade has not been previously posted. A “W” carries no grade point penalty.
Students withdrawing after the last day to drop a course for the semester or bi-term will receive a grade as determined by the professor. In many cases, this may be an “F.”
An administrative withdrawal will be posted when non-participation in classes results in an active schedule of less than 1 credit hour, with W’s or F’s posted on all other courses.
No student who withdraws from University of the Cumberlands is entitled to a grade report or transcript of credits until the student’s account is cleared by the Office of Student Accounts.
The final date of active enrollment (more information below) will be used by Office of Student Accounts and the Office of Financial Aid to determine any adjustments involving financial aid and financial charges.
Medical/Emergency Withdrawal
Students who must withdraw from classes for medical reasons or because of dire personal circumstances may submit a written request to the Academic Affairs Office as soon as the student intends to stop participating in classes. This request must be supported by a letter from a medical professional or other source supporting the student’s request with specific information on the student’s diagnosis, current condition, and continuing treatment requirements, or on the student’s personal emergency that necessitates the withdrawal request. If the medical/emergency withdrawal is granted, the student will receive a grade of “W” in all current classes. NOTE: Normally, partial medical/ emergency withdrawals are not permitted (that is, withdrawal from one or two courses while the student continues in others).
Administrative Withdrawal
A student may be withdrawn from all classes by administrative action based upon
- Disciplinary action against a student confirmed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Vice President for Student Affairs, or other university officer;
- Failure of the student to confirm enrollment during the enrollment confirmation period at the beginning of a term.
- Non-Participation in classes resulting in an active schedule of less than 1 credit hour and the posting of an F, W in other classes.
Final Date of Active Enrollment
Whatever the circumstances, at the time of student withdrawal from the current term, the Registrar determines the final date of active enrollment (normally the last date of class attendance for in-seat classes or the withdrawal date for online courses). The final date of active enrollment is used by the Office of Student Accounts and the Financial Aid Office to determine any eligibility for tuition refund and any requirement for return of financial aid.
Verification of Enrollment
A student must confirm enrollment at the beginning of each term during the Confirmation of Enrollment period established by the Registrar and published on the Academic Calendar. For in-seat courses, Confirmation of Enrollment normally occurs by attendance in all courses on a student’s schedule at least once during the confirmation period. For online courses, Confirmation of Enrollment normally occurs via active participation in a learning activity in all courses during the confirmation period. With the assistance of other offices and all faculty, the Registrar’s Office administers the procedures by which enrollment is confirmed. Failure to confirm enrollment may lead to courses being dropped.
NOTE: Student Aid is not disbursed by the Financial Aid Office until enrollment is verified. A student’s receipt of aid confirms the student’s intent to complete all courses on the schedule for the semester. Once enrollment is confirmed, and aid is disbursed, all policies and procedures described elsewhere are followed regarding tuition refund, and aid remission should a student choose to drop individual classes or withdraw from all classes.
Repeating a Course
Students may repeat any course. The highest grade from any attempt will be the grade of record and is the one used in calculating the GPA. In such a case, the previous grade remains on the transcript but is taken out of the cumulative GPA calculation and replaced with the most recent grade earned.
Any resulting change to GPA is not retroactive. Changes to the GPA as a result of a repeated course will impact the subsequent semester’s determination of academic standing.
If the student receives a passing grade in a course, they can only receive financial aid for one repeated attempt of that course. Repeated courses may be treated differently for students who are under Financial Aid SAP status.
Certain coursework- such as UC Engage, INTR, and other courses- can be taken multiple times and are considered unique from previous attempts. Therefore, courses that are designated accordingly in the course descriptions will be exempt from this repeat policy, and each grade earned in the courses will factor in the determination of the GPA.
Academic Appeals
Both undergraduate and graduate students have the right to challenge a grade. Before filing a formal appeal, the student must discuss the grade with the course instructor and department chair. If discussions with the course instructor and department chair do not lead to a satisfactory conclusion, students may file a formal written appeal with the Vice President for Academic Affairs, who will forward the appeal to the chair of the Academic Appeals Committee.
This formal written appeal to challenge a grade must be filed four weeks after the last day of class for the semester in which the course being appealed occurred. The Academic Appeals Committee then reviews the student’s written appeal and gathers information from the instructor and any other relevant parties. The Committee will deliver its recommendation on the complaint to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. After reviewing this recommendation and concurring or amending it, the Vice President for Academic Affairs will inform the student and instructor of the disposition of the complaint no later than the last day of classes of the term in which the complaint was filed.
Records of all actions regarding academic grade appeals, including their final disposition, are maintained by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Academic Appeals Committee.
Classification of Students
Full-Time Students: Registration for six or more credit hours during any semester entitles a graduate student to full-time status.
Conditional Admittance: Candidates who do not have all paperwork in the Graduate Admissions Office by the third week of the term will be provisionally admitted to the University. Individuals who are admitted into the University without meeting all admissions requirements may take up to 12 hours of coursework, but are not officially a part of the Graduate Program.
Full Admittance: Once a student completes all admission requirements, the student is fully admitted into the program of choice.
Non- Degree Students: Non-degree students are those who are visiting students or students seeking certification only. Students not seeking a graduate degree must follow the applicable Admissions procedures in the Graduate Admissions Office. If the non-degree student later applies for and is granted admission into the Graduate Program for a degree, no more than twelve (12) hours taken while in the non-degree category may be used to fulfill degree requirements. No more than twelve (12) graduate hours may be applied to a Rank I or Rank II change or a degree program without the visiting student and their advisor developing a Planned Program.
Outlined below are the requirements and procedures for non-degree students wishing to enroll in a graduate course at University of the Cumberlands.
Visiting Student
- Be in good standing in an accredited graduate school.
- Submit all applicable admissions documents to the Admission’s Office.
- Request a letter from the Registrar’s Office and forward it Graduate Admissions Office.
- Meet the foundational prerequisite requirement of the course.
- A visiting student who elects further graduate study at University of the Cumberlands must fulfill all requirements for admission to the Graduate Program.
Special Student
- Present a copy of the transcript from an accredited undergraduate college or university indicating the date of graduation.
- Complete a Graduate Application obtained from the Graduate Office.
- Non-degree-seeking persons who elect further graduate study at University of the Cumberlands must fulfill all requirements for admissions to the Graduate Program.
The process is outlined in sections Admission to the Graduate Program and The Application Process.
Undergraduate Students
Academic Standing: All students are expected to make satisfactory progress in their program by maintaining a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Good Academic Standing: Students who conform to the following guidelines are considered in good academic standing: For degree students, a GPA of 3.0 or higher overall in all courses listed on the approved program of study and in all courses taken as a graduate student.
For non-degree students, a GPA of 3.0 or higher overall in all courses listed on the approved program of study and in all courses taken as a graduate student.
Satisfactory Academic Progress is related to financial aid and, as such, is discussed in Financial Aid below.
Military Admission Recruitment Tactics Policy
Purpose: This policy is set forth to eliminate and prevent any possible fraudulent and/or aggressive recruitment of students, including but not limited to veterans, Military Service members, and their dependents or spouse.
Policy:
University of the Cumberlands will ensure compliance with regulations set forth by the Department of Education (34 C.F.R 668.71-668.75 and 668.14) related to restrictions on misrepresentation of the nature of the educational program, financial charges, employability of graduates, relationship with the Department of Education and compliance with the student financial assistance program authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (Title IV, HEA program) as they are related to the recruitment of Service members and prospective students.
No university employee(s), third parties or agents may offer any inducement (including any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, transportation, lodging, meals, or any other item) to any individual for the purpose of securing enrollment of students or gaining access to federal Title IV funds, federal Tuition Assistance (TA), and/or Veteran Affair (VA) benefits.
No university employee(s), third parties, or agents will be provided any commission, bonus, or other incentives for the sole purpose of securing enrollments, Title IV funds, TA funds, or VA benefits as it relates to the recruitment, admission, and enrollment of the veteran, Service member, and their dependents or spouse.
No university employee(s), third parties, or agents will engage in high pressure sales or recruitment tactics such as unsolicited contacts (3 or more) by phone, email, or in person, and will refrain from same day recruitment and registration for the purpose of securing Service member enrollments.
Readmission Following a Period of Active Military Duty
Policy Statement University of the Cumberlands recognizes the importance of contributions and the sacrifices made by our service members. In support of these students, the University has developed the following procedures to ensure maximum flexibility is afforded to assist these students. Students seeking readmission following a period of deployment/active duty for more than thirty (30) days will be promptly readmitted into the next class or classes in the student’s program beginning after the student provides intent to reenroll.
Purpose The purpose of this policy is to inform students receiving military tuition assistance of the required actions the University must take to comply with the Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding (DOD MOU) when students are called to active duty.
Scope This policy only applies to students in the National Guard Reserves and to some prior active duty personnel who may be called/recalled to active duty.
Regulatory and Document Reference 34 CFR 388.18; Chapter 3, Volume 2 IFAP
Procedure A student must give notification of intent to return to school. This notification should be given to the Department of Admissions. This notification may be oral or written and must be given within three (3) years of completion of the period of service.
Academic Standing Policy and Procedures
Maintaining good academic standing is crucial to demonstrating progress and fulfilling the degree requirements of your academic program. Academic standing is evaluated at the end of each term. Graduate students must pay special attention to their cumulative grade point average (GPA). Students enrolled in programmatically accredited degrees may have different class progression and/ or more strict academic standing policies than the institutional policies.
Academic Good Standing
Good standing indicates that a student is meeting the minimum academic standard for retention by the University. A student is in academic good standing as long as the student’s GPA is 2.0 for their first 6 credit hours, and 3.0 or greater thereafter. To meet graduation requirements, the student must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Academic Probation
A student who has attempted more than 6 credit hours and has a cumulative grade point average (GPA) below a 3.0 will be placed on academic probation for the next semester. A letter will be sent to the student to inform them that their grades have fallen below the required standard. If the student improves their grades to a 3.0 cumulative GPA, they will be restored to academic good standing.
Second Academic Probation
If a student fails to earn a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 a second time a letter will be sent to the student to inform them that their grades have fallen below the required standard and that they are now placed on a second academic probation. The occurrence for the second probationary semester does not have to be consecutive from the first occurrence.
Subject to Suspension
Subject to Suspension is posted to a student’s record if a student currently on Second Academic Probation fails to earn a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. A letter will be sent to the student to inform them that their grades have fallen below the required standard. Students with a status of Subject to Suspension are not permitted to participate in CPT (Curricular Practical Training).
Academic Suspension
Academic Suspension is posted to a student’s official record if a student currently on Subject to Suspension fails to earn a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. The suspension from the university begins immediately following the determination of Academic Suspension. The length of the academic Suspension is three full semesters (i.e., one academic year). The student is eligible to reapply at the end of the suspension period. In the event that a student is enrolled in courses at the time of suspension notification, the courses of the upcoming enrollment will be dropped without a course fee.
Appeal
Students who have been suspended from their educational program for the aforementioned academic regulations may appeal in writing using the Appeals Form to the Office of Academic Affairs. The written appeal must be filed by the fifth (5th) business day following the end of the academic semester that resulted in the academic standing notice. The Academic Appeals Committee will review the appeal and gather information from any relevant parties. The Committee will deliver its recommendation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. After reviewing this recommendation and concurring or amending it, the Vice President for Academic Affairs will inform the student of the disposition of the appeal no later than the second (2nd) week of next semester. Should a student appeal denied, students course registration will be dropped, without fee.
Readmission
Students must be in good standing in order to be admitted into any program.
Required Documentation and Procedures
Degree Time Limit All graduate degrees must be completed within six (6) years of initial enrollment.
School of Education
Any student enrolled in an alternative certification program within the School of Education, in which a Temporary Provisional Certificate is issued by the state, must complete the program within three (3) calendar years from the time of initial enrollment. This time limit is to include a one-year internship (K.T.I.P.). Accordingly, all students who are issued a Temporary Provisional Certificate dependent upon enrollment in an approved program at University of the Cumberlands must be enrolled in a minimum of six graduate hours per semester.
Course Restrictions Courses numbered 500 or above may be counted as credit toward a master’s degree, provided they are approved as part of the student’s program director.
Required Courses
A minimum of eighteen (18) hours of 600 or above courses must be taken to meet the requirements for the completion of the Rank I program.
Advanced Enrollment Program
The Advanced Enrollment Program allows students to take graduate coursework while completing their undergraduate studies. Students admitted into the advanced enrollment program can take no more than one graduate class per bi-term in conjunction with their undergraduate classes during each term of enrollment. Students can complete up to 18 graduate hours in the advanced enrollment program before graduating with their bachelor’s degree.
On-campus students enrolled full-time (a minimum of 12 credit hours) can enroll at no additional cost up to 18.5 credit hours for a given semester. The graduate coursework cannot be used to satisfy undergraduate degree requirements. Students in the Advanced Enrollment Program are not eligible to take more than 18.5 credit hours. Students must be conditionally admitted to their desired masters program to participate in the Advanced Enrollment Program.
Eligibility:
- Earned senior status (90 credit hours)
- A 3.0 cumulative GPA
- A 3.0 GPA in the major and 70% of the major completed
- Other admissions criteria as provided on page 15.
Graduate programs eligible for the advanced enrollment program include:
- Master of Arts, Addiction Studies
- Master of Arts, Christian Studies
- Master of Arts, Teaching
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science, Artificial Intelligence
- Master of Science, Coaching and Fitness Leadership
- Master of Science, Cyber Engineering
- Master of Science, Data Science
- Master of Science, Digital Forensics
- Master of Science, Finance
- Master of Science, Health & Human Performance
- Master of Science, Information Technology
- Master of Science, Justice Administration
- Master of Science, Project Management
- Master of Science, Strategic Management
- Master of Science, Systems Security
Policies/Procedures Specific to the Executive Format Programs
Programs Offered in Executive Format Option
- Master of Science, Artificial Intelligence
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science, Cyber Engineering
- Master of Science, Data Science
- Master of Science, Digital Forensics
- Master of Science, Finance
- Master of Science, Global Business with Blockchain Technology
- Master of Science, Information Systems Security
- Master of Science, Information Technology
- Master of Science, Organizational Leadership
- Master of Science, Project Management
- Master of Science, Strategic Management
- Doctor of Philosophy, Business
- Doctor of Philosophy, Information Technology
- Doctor of Philosophy, Leadership
Residency Requirement
Residency weekend sessions are mandatory. A student must attend all three-days (3) of the residency session to receive credit and fulfill the immigration in-seat class component to retain F-1 Status. As such, requests to arrive late or leave early will not be approved. Absolutely no exceptions allowed. For details, visit http://www.ucumberlands.edu/residency
Residency Attendance Policy
Attendance at each Executive Residency class session is mandatory. Students may make up no more than one (1) residency session throughout the duration of their academic program. Missing a second residency will result in the student being dismissed from the University.
Each student must be in attendance for the entire duration of the required residency weekend. Late arrivals and/or early departures are not permitted. Punctuality is important as each student is required to have the documented in-seat time per course requirements.
A missed session will result in the student attending a make-up session and paying a $300 Residency Make-Up fee. In addition, the student may be asked for documentation from the program department
providing an explanation as to why the scheduled residency session was missed. Make-Up sessions must be completed prior to the end of the term. Noncompliance with this policy will result in dismissal from the executive program.
Physical Attendance Records
As referenced in prior policy statements, any student enrolled in the Executive Format program must attend their assigned Residency Session as a component of their course enrollment. Due to the course structure in the Executive Format program, a student cannot be successful in their residency courses without full physical attendance at the entire assigned residence each term. Please use the catalog attendance statements, course syllabus, and personal travel receipts for any documentation needed regarding physical attendance at assigned residencies.
To access your residency attendance report for Summer 2020 and beyond, please log into your myUC Portal. From there, you will choose “Attendance” in the top right corner. If your attendance is missing or does not appear to be correct, please contact your academic department. For a tutorial on checking attendance in myUC, please watch the following video: Student Attendance Access Tutorial.
For attendance reports from Summer 2020 to Spring 2021 please click “Attendance Reports for Summer 2020 - Spring 2021” under “myUC Links” on your UC Portal.
For attendance prior to Summer 2018, please refer to our general statement regarding the attendance policy in the executive format programs: Executive Programs Attendance Policy.
For international students gathering “Request for Evidence” (RFE) documentation regarding Physical Attendance Records, please use the policy statements above, university transcripts demonstrating successful course completion, course syllabi, and personal travel receipts to verify physical course attendance. The aforementioned university specific documentation represents what the university can provide related to physical attendance records.
Application of Learning
The Computer and Information Sciences Department, the School of Business, and the Leadership graduate (Masters and Doctorate) executive format programs have an applied learning component (internship/practicum) that is an integral (essential) part of the established curriculum. These programs all require the student to take part in an internship that is offered by the sponsoring employer through a cooperative agreement with the school.
Additionally, due to the advanced nature of these programs, students are required to participate immediately in an internship/practicum.
Regulation Related to International Students
“An F-1 student may be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) to participate in a curricular practical training program that is an integral part of an established curriculum. Curricular practical training is defined to be alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.”
Source: 2002 Final SEVIS Rule: 67 Fed. Reg. 76256 (December 11, 2002), amending 8 CFR 214.2(f) (10) (i)
Students who have received one year or more of fulltime practical training are ineligible for post-completion academic training. Exceptions to the one academic year requirement are provided for students enrolled in graduate studies that require immediate participation in practical training. A request for authorization for practical training must be made to the DSO. A student may begin practical training only after receiving his or her Form I-20 with the DSO endorsement.
INTR 599/799 - Applied Learning Practicum (1 credit hour)*
In this Applied Learning Practicum course, students will apply what they are learning in their other two courses to the real world via work or internship experiences.
The Applied Learning Practicum can be either (1) an alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, (2) employment in an area directly related to the student’s course of study, or (3) a project conducted in collaboration with program faculty applying coursework to a professional setting. Through this course, the University will have a Collaborative/Cooperative Agreement with all practicum or internship sites before the student is permitted to begin the field placement work. Department approval is required to determine if the placement aligns with the program of study. The course will be repeated in each semester of student enrollment. As an integral part of the executive formatted programs, this course is required every semester in which a student is taking courses.
INTR 899 - Applied Learning Practicum, Dissertation Phase (3 credit hours)
INTR 899 is designed to enhance the educational experience of the dissertation phase for doctoral students. Students will utilize the course to maintain dissertation progress and ensure alignment of the research topic with a professional setting within the student’s academic discipline and professional experience/interests.
Through this course, the University will have a Collaborative/Cooperative Agreement with all practicum or internship sites before the student is permitted to begin the field placement work. Department approval is required to determine if the placement aligns with the program of study. As an integral part of the executive formatted programs, this course must be taken every semester during the dissertation phase for executive-format students.
Advanced Standing/Academic Credit through Experiential Learning
Prior Learning Program
It is possible for a student to receive academic credit for certain types of innovative and meaningful work experiences related to the student’s academic program and objectives. The proposal for such academic credit must be approved in advance by the appropriate departmental chair and the Registrar, under the oversight of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. A determination of the credit awarded is made only after a thorough evaluation has been completed. (Policies and Procedures Addendum for Faculty, p. 41).
Guidelines for Academic Credit through Prior Learning
University of the Cumberlands is committed to quality education and recognizes that learners in higher education come with many experiences from varied backgrounds. Therefore, University of the Cumberlands has developed a process through which learners may earn college credit for prior learning experiences that do not fit into another category of recognized credit (e.g., external standardized credit by-exam, articulated licensure, or certification). Extra-institutional learning is defined as learning that is attained outside the sponsorship of legally authorized and accredited postsecondary educational institutions. The term applies to learning acquired from work and life experiences, independent reading and study, mass media, and participation in formal courses sponsored by associations, business, government, industry, the military, and unions. University of the Cumberlands recognizes extra institutional learning through experiential credit and certification credit for graduate students. The descriptions and guidelines presented below are intended to provide a foundation for the prior learning process, with an emphasis on learning outcomes and competencies that the learner will be expected to demonstrate through each opportunity. Credit proposed by the learner and granted by the evaluator will be course specific. Students may earn a maximum of 25% of the credit in the academic program for which they are enrolled through Prior Learning, and at least thirty-three percent of the total semester hours in any degree requirements must be completed at University of the Cumberlands. Prior Learning credit will not meet this requirement.
Students must apply for Prior Learning prior to their last term at University of the Cumberlands. Students interested in Prior Learning should review the Prior Learning application on the university website.
Experiential Credit
Experiential Credit allows qualified students to earn credit for college-level learning outside of the classroom through providing documentation and a narrative that aligns with course objectives.
Experiential Credit - Rating and Credit When credit is approved, the evaluator makes a recommendation to grant credit for the course requested, and the student will receive a copy of the Evaluator Response/Rubric form from the Registrar’s office after credit has been posted to the student record.
Alternatively, the evaluator may request minor explanation and/or documentation revisions. Large revisions will not be allowed. The determination regarding the option to revise is based on the evaluator’s assessment via the Rating Rubric. If a request for minor revisions is made, date of return will be listed on the Evaluator Response/Rubric form.
The student must return the updated documentation and narrative by the date listed or forfeit the credit with an automatic denial.
If credit is denied, the evaluator will provide feedback along with the Evaluator Response/Rubric.
The student may appeal in writing to the Prior Learning Program Director(s), who may determine whether to resubmit to another evaluator or make other recommendations to the student. All appeals must be requested within 30 days of the notification of the grade to the student.
Certification Credit
Certification Credit allows qualified students to earn credit for college-level learning outside of the classroom through industry certifications. Upon review of the student’s industry certification that aligns with course content, the student would receive full credit for the course.
Prior Learning Processes
Students interested in the Prior Learning program should review the Prior Learning application on the University website at https://www.ucumberlands.edu/priorlearningprogram to gain an overview of the process and to selfassess eligibility for Prior Learning.
- The School of Computer and Information Sciences may consider accepting the following certifications as replacement for the corresponding courses for as Credit for Prior Learning. Validation and approval are required from the program director.
Course Number and Title
ISOL 633 Legal Regulations, Compliance, and Investigation
ISOL 699 Information Security Project
Or
MSDF 633 Computer Crimes and Digital Forensics
MSDF 699 Digital Forensics Project
- Certification (ISC)2 CISSP
ISOL 633 Legal Regulations, Compliance, and Investigation ISOL 699 Information Security Project
ISOL 633 Legal Regulations, Compliance, and Investigation GIAC Information Security
ISOL 699 Information Security Project
MSDF 531 Windows Digital Forensics
- GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner or GIAC
MSDF 633 Computer Crimes and Digital Forensics
MSDF 630 Digital Forensics Evidence
MSDF 699 Digital Forensics Project
Conferred Juris Doctorate Degree
- The Department of Justice Administration may consider accepting the following certifications as replacement for the corresponding courses for as Credit for Prior Learning for the Master’s in Criminal Justice Administration or for the Criminal Justice Specialization as part of the Leadership doctorate degree. Validation and approval are required from the Criminal Justice Director of Graduate Studies.
Course Number and Title
CROL 663 Criminal Justice Training & Education
ISOL 633 Legal Regulations, Compliance, and Investigation
CROL 664 Criminal Justice Training & Education I
CROL538 Legal Issues in Justice Administration
- Certified Law Enforcement Executive (CLEE)
CROL 663 Criminal Justice Training & Education I
CROL 664 Criminal Justice Training & Education II
- Certified Public Manager (CPM)
CROL 550 Additions and the Offender Populations
CROL 651 Relapse Prevention
OR
CROL 663 Criminal Justice Training & Education I
CROL 664 Criminal Justice Training & Education II
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADC)
CROL 550 Additions and the Offender Populations
CROL 651 Relapse Prevention
OR
CROL 663 Criminal Justice Training & Education I
CROL 664 Criminal Justice Training & Education II
- Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LADC)
CROL 550 Additions and the Offender Populations
CROL 651 Relapse Prevention
OR
CROL 663 Criminal Justice Training & Education I
CROL 664 Criminal Justice Training & Education I
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
Privacy Rights of Students
The University is subject to the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This federal law affords students certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. These rights are:
- The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access. Students should submit to the Office of the Registrar written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place the records may be inspected.
- The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. Students may ask the University to amend a record. They should write to the Registrar, clearly identify the part of the record they want to be changed, and specify why it is inaccurate, misleading, or a violation of their privacy rights. If the Registrar decides not to amend as requested, the Registrar will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request and will provide the student with additional information regarding the request and will provide the student with additional information regarding the hearing procedures.
- The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorized disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent) to perform a university function which would otherwise be accomplished by a university employee; a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the University discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. The University may also disclose, without the student’s consent, “directory information” unless the student has advised the Registrar in writing at least five days following registration that the student does not wish part or all of the directory information to be made public. Once filed, this instruction becomes a permanent part of the student’s record until the student instructs the University, in writing, to have the request removed. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the University to include this type of information in certain University publications, the media, and outside organizations. The University has designated the following as examples of directory information: the student’s name, addresses including electronic mail address, telephone numbers, date, and place of birth, major field of study, degree sought, attained class level, expected date of completion of degree requirements and graduation, degrees and awards received, picture, dates of attendance, full or part-time enrollment status, the previous educational agency or institution attended, class rosters, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of athletic team members. The University may disclose education records without the student’s consent in certain other circumstances as allowed by law. Students may contact the Registrar with questions or complaints about the content or release of their education records.
- The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements FERPA. The name and address of the office which administers FERPA and to which complaints are to be sent is Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC, 20202-4605.
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