Office of the Registrar
Registrar and Bursar Complex
Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd.
P: 386-481-2525
E: registrar@cookman.edu
University Degree Policies
All students at Bethune-Cookman University are responsible for learning and observing all regulations and procedures required by the University and by the college and program or status in which they are enrolled. Each graduate degree-seeking student will be assigned an advisor from the graduate faculty who will maintain the student’s advisement file, supervise course selection, and review in conference the student’s academic progress with appropriate regularity. The student, however, is responsible for meeting the requirements stated in the Graduate Catalog. In no case will a regulation be waived or an exception granted because a student pleads ignorance of the regulation or asserts that he or she was not informed of a specific requirement by an advisor or other university authority. This section contains the academic regulations of the University. See the other parts of this catalog for information on the academic regulations of the various colleges and departments.
All students must become especially familiar with (1) these policies, (2) their college’s area of this catalog, (3) the offerings and requirements of their major, and (4) the enrollment processes found on the University’s website cookman.edu, particularly under the Offices of the Registrar, Student Accounts and Financial Aid, which contain more detailed information on the registration process.
While the provisions of this catalog will ordinarily be applied as stated, Bethune-Cookman University reserves the right to change any provision listed in this catalog, including, but not limited to, academic requirements for graduation, without actual notice to individual students. The University will make every effort to keep students advised of any such changes. Students must note their responsibility to keep apprised of current graduation requirements for their particular degree programs.
Time Limit for Completion of Degree/Graduate Certificates
Before deciding to enroll in a graduate program at this University, students must seriously and realistically examine their abilities to adjust their personal and professional schedules to accommodate the challenge of graduate study. The maximum time limits set by the faculty for completing a graduate degree program are: five years from the first semester of reaching degree-seeking status for the master’s programs and three years from the first semester of reaching degree-seeking status for the certificate. Students are responsible for meeting the academic and policy requirements in effect at the time they are admitted into degree-seeking status. Students or applicants with questions about the commitment needed to complete the graduate programs should schedule an appointment with their academic advisor.
Academic Calendar
Bethune-Cookman University is on a semester system, and academic credit is awarded in semester hours. The University also offers courses in sub-term formats, which are accelerated terms that may occur during a semester, in the summer, or during an intercession. A sub-term may range from six to twelve weeks in length.
The fall and spring semesters are approximately 14 weeks each, with mandatory final exams held during the 15th week. The fall semester begins in August and ends in December; the spring semester begins in January and ends in April or May. The summer semester may be composed of multiple sub-terms.
Credit System and Course Scheduling Format
The standard course is defined as three semester hours. Bethune-Cookman faculty expect students to spend considerable time outside of class each week working on course-related activities. It is appropriate for faculty to assign such work as part of the course requirements. The work that occurs outside of and in preparation for class is essential for the learning that occurs in class. Students should expect to spend at least three to four hours out of class for every hour in class.
A class typically meets once or twice per week in the fall and spring semesters and more frequently in the summer semester. Hours vary for the weekend, intensive, hybrid, online, and summer classes.
Some classes involve laboratories and are offered for more semester hours. Other classes that normally meet for fewer hours during a semester are offered for fewer semester hours.
Clinical hours are defined as the hours students spend in hands-on experiences in patient care settings to build their clinical diagnostic skills and decision-making acumen. During clinical hours, students will spend time learning new skills, applying new techniques, and working directly with licensed healthcare professionals. In clinical settings, the student must log a minimum of 100 clinical hours for every academic credit hour.
Class Attendance
Students are expected to take advantage of the educational opportunities available to them by attending classes and laboratory periods. Class attendance and participation are part of the requirements for passing the course (see individual course syllabi for information regarding class attendance and participation). Excessive absences may result in lower grades.
Students who are absent are responsible for completing and submitting all assignments. If students miss a scheduled assignment, quiz, midterm, or final exam, they must obtain the instructor’s approval to make up work.
Excused Absences
Students who are absent are responsible for completing and submitting all assignments. If students miss a scheduled assignment, quiz, midterm, or final exam, they must obtain the instructor’s approval to make up work.
Requests for Excused Absences Process
Students are required to submit an excused absence request in writing (email is acceptable) to the instructor(s) of the course(s) in which absences occur. Students should contact their instructor(s) by phone if written or email communication is not possible.
Each instructor will review the documentation and decide to approve or deny the request for an excused absence. Per academic regulations, “If students miss a scheduled assignment, quiz, midterm, or final exam, students must obtain the instructor’s approval to make up work.”
Documentation to support requests for excused absences may include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Death notice, obituary, or death certificate for a student’s immediate family member.
- Copy of appropriate documentation related to legal or medical issues.
- Confirmation of mandatory interviews from employers or appropriate officials at institutions of higher education.
- Conference program, including documentation confirming that the student will be a presenter of scholarly work.
- Confirmation of participation in a University-sponsored activity from an appropriate administrator.
- Many reasons for absence are not documentable, and instructors are encouraged to use their best judgment in evaluating student requests.
Student Health Services reviews all requests for medical withdrawal only. Students should communicate requests for excused absences due to medical reasons directly to the instructor(s) of the course(s) in which absences occur. Once contact has been made with the instructor(s), the student should upload the medical documents to the student health portal. Requests for an excused absence over thirty (30) days should be referred to Student Health Services along with the supporting documents.
Appeal of Decision
A student may appeal an instructor’s decision regarding an excused absence request within three (3) business days of receiving the decision. The appeal should be submitted in writing (email is acceptable) to the Dean or designee, who must provide a written decision to the student within three (3) business days of receiving the appeal.
A student may appeal the decision of a Dean or designee within three (3) business days of receiving the decision. The appeal should be submitted in writing (email is acceptable) to the appropriate administrator in the Office of the Provost, who must provide a decision in writing to the student within three (3) business days of receiving the appeal.
The decision of the Office of the Provost is final, and further appeal is not permitted.
Expected Absences
Students are responsible for informing their instructors of any anticipated absence(s) from class.
Verification of Attendance
At the beginning of each Semester, faculty members are required to verify class attendance per federal Financial Aid regulations. The second purpose is to ensure that students sitting in their classes are listed on the official class rosters. Students will receive credit only for those courses for which they are officially registered and for which they pay the necessary tuition at the time of registration.
Registration Information
Student Course Load
The course load of a graduate student may vary with the circumstances of the program and the individual student each semester. Students are required to enroll in nine (9) hours for full-time status or at least 4.5 semesters for half-time status. Students are considered less than half if enrolled in fewer than 4.5 semester hours. In determining each semester’s course load, a student must balance other time constraints (work, family, civic, and other responsibilities) with the need to make reasonable and timely progress toward completion of the program.
Academic Overload
The maximum load for graduate students is 15 hours during the semester or any combination of fall or spring semesters. On approval of the Dean, students may enroll in an academic overload for any session except for the intersession. To be eligible for an overload, a student must be in good academic standing. The maximum student course overload is 19 credit hours in a single semester. Students can review the cost of tuition and fees associated with overload credit hours, and must make payment arrangements for the overload before registering for it.
Academic Probation Course Load
Graduate students on academic probation may not take more than 9 credit hours in any single semester or any combination of fall, spring, or summer sessions. Students on academic probation are ineligible to take courses in sessions shorter than 8 weeks.
Transfer Credits
It is a requirement that the majority of credits necessary to complete a graduate degree are completed via coursework within the institution. Students may, with the approval of their program faculty, Dean, and the Provost, transfer graduate-level credits from regionally accredited colleges and universities or other B-CU programs. Graduate courses with a grade of “B” or better may be acceptable if they are congruent with that graduate program’s curriculum and have not been used toward another degree. See the Transfer Applicants section for the specific criteria of each degree program.
Registration
Registration begins in March for summer and fall semesters and in October for the spring semester. Students are expected to complete their registration online during their assigned registration period and will have the opportunity to make schedule changes through the subsequent semester’s late registration, add, and drop deadlines.
Registration for current students will be online through Wildcat Web. Specific days and times are published in the academic calendar. To be eligible for registration, students must clear all registration holds. These holds may include: past-due account balances, outstanding transcripts, and judicial and/or academic standing holds.
If a section is canceled for any reason, students who have registered for that section will be allowed to register for another one.
Each semester, registration procedures are available on the Wildcat Web. The official registration dates are found on the Bethune-Cookman University Academic Calendar. Students are encouraged to pre-register for courses each semester before the Summer and Winter Breaks.
Registering/Adding/Dropping/Withdrawing from Classes
Continuing students are responsible for formally adding, dropping, or withdrawing from courses using the online registration system, Wildcat Web. New students may be registered by their advisor. Students may not attend a course unless they have registered for that course, nor should students simply stop attending a course unless they have formally dropped or withdrawn from that course. Students should be aware of the financial obligations and academic impact of adding, dropping, or withdrawing from courses. Students should contact the Office of Student Accounts, Office of Financial Aid, and their academic advisor for more information.
Schedule revisions are defined as any changes to a student’s schedule and include adding, dropping, and/or withdrawing from courses. Students who wish to revise their schedules must follow the appropriate procedure for the time period in the semester (see Adding / Dropping / Withdrawing from Courses (Student Initiated) below).
All schedule adjustments must be completed by the official deadline as published in the Academic Calendars at cookman.edu/registrar.
Add-Drop Policy
Adding a Class through the Add/Drop Period
Students who are eligible to register and desire to add a course may do so only during the registration and drop/add periods as noted in the academic calendar for the specific semester or session. Conferring with and approval of the student’s academic advisor is recommended before any course changes are made. This should be completed in Wildcat Web.
Dropping a Class through the Add/Drop Period
Students desiring to drop a course should do so only during the registration and drop/add periods as noted in the academic calendar for the specific semester or session. Conferring with and approval of the student’s academic advisor is recommended before any course changes are made. This should be completed in Wildcat Web.
A reduction in course load may jeopardize a student’s eligibility to receive a full \Financial Aid package, scholarship, financial, and/or VA benefits. A reduction may also jeopardize a student’s ability to live on campus and participate in athletics and other campus and intercollegiate organizations and activities.
Withdrawing from a Class or the University
After the add/drop period and through the last day to withdraw with W or WD grades, as noted in the academic calendar for the specific semester or session, students may withdraw from a class with a WD grade or from the semester with W grades. Withdrawn courses will incur charges and appear on the student’s academic record and transcript. Withdrawing from class(es) may jeopardize a student’s eligibility to receive a full financial aid package, scholarship, financial, and/or VA benefits. A reduction may also jeopardize a student’s ability to live on campus and participate in intercollegiate athletics, campus organizations, and activities.
Students who choose to withdraw from the fall or spring semesters after the published last day to withdraw with W or WD grades but at least ten days before final examinations begin, as stated in the academic calendar, will receive grade(s) of “WF” on their permanent academic record. Students who choose to withdraw from subterms after the published last day to withdraw with W or WD grades but at least five days before the end of the term, as stated in the academic calendar, will receive a grade(s) of “WF” on their permanent academic record. “WF” grades are calculated the same as “F” grades for GPA calculation purposes. Courses that are not officially withdrawn by the published dates in the academic calendar will be awarded grades based on academic performance.
A student conduct violation that results in a decision of suspension or expulsion from the University will result in a student receiving a WF for each course in which he or she is enrolled, regardless of when the infraction occurs during that semester, sub-term, or session. “WF” grades are calculated the same as “F” grades for GPA calculation purposes.
After the drop/add period, students may no longer initiate a withdrawal from a course or the University on Wildcat Web. Withdrawals are not official until the appropriate forms are completed and submitted to the Office of the Registrar. Students should initiate withdrawal procedures with the classroom instructor. Approval of the student’s academic advisor is recommended and may also be required. Graduate students must carry at least 9 credit hours per semester in the graduate degree programs to be full-time.
Withdrawing from the University
Students must secure clearance from and complete the Student Withdrawal Form with their academic advisor, Financial Aid, and Student Accounts counselors, Dean of Students, and Registrar. Students must meet all other stipulations required by the University, including, if living on campus, turning in all residence hall keys to their Residence Hall counselor. The student is required to return the completed Student Withdrawal Form to the Office of the Registrar to complete the process and ensure courses are dropped appropriately. If the student does not return the form, courses that are not officially withdrawn will be awarded grades based on academic performance.
If a student changes their mind about withdrawing from the University after the withdrawal has been processed, the student must notify the Dean of Students and Office of the Registrar in writing within two business days, requesting to be reinstated.
Grading
Grades on Permanent Record
All grades, courses, and hours attempted and earned remain a part of the student’s permanent record.
Grading System
The standard grading scale adopted by the Graduate Council, used in all courses and comprehensive examinations, includes the grades defined as follows:
Grade
|
Interpretation
|
Percentages
|
Grade Point
|
|
A
|
Excellent
|
90 - 100
|
4.00
|
|
B
|
Good
|
80 - 89
|
3.00
|
|
C
|
Average
|
70 - 79
|
2.00
|
|
F
|
Fail
|
0 - 69
|
0.00
|
|
WF
|
Withdrawn Failing
|
|
0.00
|
The following are not used in GPA Computation
|
|
AU
|
Audit
|
indicates the course was audited and no grade or credit earned
|
|
I
|
Incomplete
|
indicates that work is incomplete
|
|
IP
|
In Progress
|
indicates credit has not been given in courses that require a continuation of work beyond the term
|
|
NG
|
No Grade Assigned
|
indicates grade was not reported to the Office of the Registrar by the grade submission deadline
|
|
P
|
Pass
|
indicates mastery of the required competencies for course credit
|
|
W
|
Withdrawal
|
indicates an official withdrawal from the University
|
|
WD
|
Withdrawal
|
Indicates withdrawal from a course
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Incomplete Work - I: Incomplete Grades
A mark of “I” indicating that coursework is incomplete may be assigned only when students who, for legitimate reasons, have not completed coursework at the time final grades must be submitted. At the time the request is made, the student must be passing the course with the required minimum grade for the course.
Students are responsible for requesting an “I” prior to the conclusion of the course. The instructor assigns a deadline for the completion of the work, which in no case will exceed the sixth week of the following Spring or Fall semester.
Students have the responsibility to make arrangements with the instructors to complete the work within the allotted time. A student’s failure to complete the academic work in the designated time results in a grade of “F.”
At the end of the specified time, the faculty member will complete the necessary change of grade form and submit the appropriate final letter grade to the Office of the Registrar.
At the discretion of the instructor, an “I” grade may be assigned to a student who is experiencing extraordinary personal challenges but who has not formally requested an Incomplete grade.
Course and Grade Repeat Policy
No course in which a grade of “B” or higher has been earned may be repeated for degree credit, and credit may only be earned once for a course. When a course is repeated, all courses and grades will remain on the official academic transcript, but only the best grade will be used in the calculation of the student’s grade point average (GPA), unless the student makes the same grade in the repeated course, then only one grade is calculated in the GPA.
Student Complaints and Grievances
Bethune-Cookman University is committed to supporting the student matriculation process. It is our intent to positively resolve issues, complaints, and concerns that may impact the success of students in meeting student learning outcomes. Please refer to the Student Handbook for more information and resources.
Grade Appeals
The grade appeal process provides students with an opportunity to have awarded grades reviewed by an impartial body. Questions regarding grades should first be discussed with the instructor and/or department chair. If questions regarding a course grade cannot be resolved between a student and the instructor and/or department chair, the student has the option of filing a grade appeal.
All grade appeals must be submitted in writing to their academic dean by the end of the drop/add period of the next semester, whether the next semester is Fall, Spring, or Summer. The appeal should contain the reasons why a student is contesting the grade. A student should supply supporting evidence and documentation to substantiate the grade appeal.
Based on a student’s letter of appeal and the reasons contained therein, the dean determines whether or not to convene a faculty committee to hear the appeal. Students are informed in writing of the dean’s decision. Should the instructor be the dean of the department, a tenured member of the department will be selected by the department to serve as mediator. If this is not possible, then the Holt School Dean will serve in this capacity.
If an appeal hearing is granted, the committee reviews the case and makes a recommendation to the director/mediator. The director or mediator’s decision is final. A student is informed in writing of the decision.
Before initiating a petition for appeal, the student should attempt to resolve the problem directly with the professor and/or department chair. Should efforts to resolve the problem with the professor and/or department chair be unsuccessful, the student has the right to file a formal appeal. Students must consult their respective academic college or school guidelines, which may differ.
Right to Appeal a Final Grade
Every student has the right to appeal final grades given by an instructor. Steps in the grade appeal process are outlined under “Student Grade Appeal.”
Student Grade Appeal Procedure:
Students have the right to appeal the grades awarded in courses.
- Students will have ten business days from the day that grades are posted to initiate the appeal. The student should submit a written statement to the academic dean within ten days, setting forth the complaint, efforts to resolve it, and supporting evidence or justification for the complaint. The academic dean, on receipt of this petition, should provide a copy of the complaint to the faculty.
- The Dean will convene the committee charged with reviewing matters of concern. The Committee will review the written statement from the student, secure additional information that the student may have, and hear and examine evidence and information that the professor may have in support of her/his decision. Both the student and the faculty shall each receive reasonable notice of the hearing before the faculty committee and be permitted to be present at the hearing. In addition, the parties shall have the right to present evidence and to examine any witnesses who should testify. Students enrolled in online degree programs will be granted the option of attending the hearing via Skype or Zoom. The committee then makes a recommendation to the dean, along with all of the supporting data, and the dean renders a decision in the case, which is immediately communicated in writing to the student, the faculty concerned, and the committee.
- If the student or the faculty concerned is dissatisfied with the decision of the academic dean, either may appeal to the Office of the Provost. If this is done, the Provost will review all of the information, and the Provost may convene a committee to investigate the situation further and recommend action. The Provost will render a decision in the case, which is to be communicated to the student, the faculty concerned, the academic dean, and the members of the committee participating in the case. The decision of the Provost is final.
Satisfactory Academic Progress/Academic Probation and Dismissal
The following policies apply to graduate students:
All graduate students must consistently maintain a “B” or better in their coursework and maintain a cumulative 3.00 GPA. The University requires a final cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 (“B”) for receiving the master’s degree. Grades of “C” are considered less than satisfactory. Failing grades are considered unsatisfactory.
Good Academic Standing - Students in good academic standing are academically eligible for all of the rights and privileges of a graduate student at Bethune-Cookman University. A student is in good academic standing if s/he has a cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher.
Academic Warning - Students on academic warning are able to continue enrollment; however, they are not generally eligible for extra-curricular activities and are required to develop an academic plan with their Graduate Faculty Advisor. Students who do not meet the criteria for good academic standing in a given semester (including summer) will have the status of “academic warning” for the following fall or spring semester; this status will be indicated on the student’s transcript.
Academic Probation - Students on academic probation are able to continue enrollment; however, they are not eligible for extra-curricular activities. These students must continue to follow the academic plan developed while on academic warning and must take and pass a minimum of 9 credit hours in the following semester. A student who is on academic warning and fails to meet the criteria for good academic standing in a given semester will have the status of “academic probation” for the following fall and spring semester; this status will be indicated on the student’s transcript.
Academic Dismissal - A graduate student who is on academic probation and fails to meet the criteria for good academic standing in that semester will be academically dismissed for a minimum of one year.
Readmission After Dismissal
In order to reenter the University following at least a year of academic dismissal, a student must complete a readmission application available on Wildcat Web.
Privacy of Student Records and Information
The Buckley Amendment to the General Education Provisions Act stipulates that students may have access to their official files and that no transcripts may be issued to any party without a written request from the student. The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 gives the University the right to make public, at its discretion and without prior authorization from the student, the following information: name, class, home or college address, telephone number, major field, date and place of birth, dates of attendance at Bethune-Cookman University, degrees, honors and awards received, and previous school most recently attended. FERPA also gives students the right to place limitations on the release of this particular information. A student who wishes to place limits on the release of this information must file a restriction form with the Office of the Registrar.[HB1] The University does not indiscriminately release information about individual students. All persons with access to student records are required by the University to sign a statement of confidentiality.
Official transcripts of student academic records, for transfer to another institution or for any other purpose, may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar upon written authorization by the student. Transcripts are official only if the embossed seal of the University appears on them. Unofficial copies of transcripts are available only to the student. As a safeguard against improper disclosure of academic information, no transcript request will be accepted over the telephone.
A transcript of a student’s record, received from another university or college, becomes a permanent part of the student’s file at Bethune-Cookman. The transcript cannot be forwarded to another institution. Should a student need a copy of the transcript, he or she must make an original request from the institution.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974
Notice to Students
With limited exceptions, including “directory information,” no personally identifiable information from the education records of any current or former student will be disclosed to any third party, except authorized companies providing official services to the University by any official or employee of the University without written consent of the student or as required by law.
“Directory information” includes:
- the student’s name, address, telephone listing, date, and place of birth
- major field of study,
- participation in officially recognized activities and sports,
- weight and height of members of athletic teams,
- dates of attendance,
- degrees and awards received,
- and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student.
A student has the right to prohibit the release of his or her own “directory information” by advising the Office of the Registrar in writing.
Notification of Rights under FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:
1. 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 a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The University Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the Office of the Registrar, he/she shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education record(s) that the student believes are inaccurate.
Students may ask the University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write to the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want to be changed, and specify why they believe it to be inaccurate.
If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment in writing. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes 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 or 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); 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.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Bethune-Cookman University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901
Educational records include (but are not limited to): grades, class schedule, test scores, academic standing, and academic transcripts. These records may not be released to anyone but the student, and only then with the proper identification.
The following is a non-comprehensive list of information items that FERPA does not consider as educational records and therefore are not subject to a student’s request for review:
- Law enforcement records
- Records maintained exclusively for individuals in their capacity as employees. Records of those who are employed as a result of their status as students (e.g., work-study, student workers, etc.), however, are considered educational records
- Medical treatment records
- Doctor-patient privileged records
- Alumni records
- Sole source notes
Annual Notification
- A school must annually notify students in attendance that they may:
- Inspect and review their education records;
- Seek amendment of inaccurate or misleading information in their education records;
- Consent to most disclosures of personally identifiable information from education records.
The annual notice must also include:
- Information for a student to file a complaint of an alleged violation with the FPCO;
- A description of who is considered to be a school official and what is considered to be a legitimate educational interest, so that information may be shared with that individual; and
- Information about who to contact to seek access to or amendment of education records.
Academic Honesty
Bethune-Cookman University students are expected to abide by the B-CU Student Honor Code in all academic activities. As members of an academic community, which places a high value on truth and the pursuit of knowledge, students are expected to be honest in every phase of their academic life and to present, as their own work, only that which is genuinely theirs. Students have the responsibility to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity and to refrain from any form of academic dishonesty.
Academic dishonesty, such as cheating, plagiarism, or other actions to create an unfair academic advantage for oneself or a disadvantage for another member or members of the academic community, is antithetical to learning and inconsistent with the Institutional Core Values. Students who are academically dishonest undermine the integrity of the University. If students receive recognition, the value of the recognition is diminished if the student is accused of academic dishonesty. In such cases, the reputation of the University and its graduates is jeopardized. Academic dishonesty hurts the University and is unfair to other students. A complete definition of academic dishonesty and disciplinary procedures is found in the B-CU Student Honor Code.
Suspected violation of either a University policy on academic honesty or the instructor’s specific codes, as found in the course syllabus, will be handled in accordance with the B-CU Honor Code.
Other Academic Regulations
The course syllabus/outline is an agreement between the teacher and the student. Students should receive a syllabus/outline at the beginning of the term for each course in which they are enrolled.
Students will be assigned a major advisor by the Department Chair. The advisor will advise the student on his/her academic program and will monitor his/her progress through it.
Academic advisors will also serve as the major thesis advisor for the student. The student, however, is responsible for meeting the requirements stated in the Graduate Catalog.
Conferences with Advisor
Students are expected to arrange regular conferences with their academic advisor according to the advisor’s posted schedule. Conferences may also be scheduled with advisors through individual appointments. Mandatory conference(s) are required before registering for courses each semester and before completing the Graduation Application.
The Office of the Registrar will schedule final examination dates, times, and locations.
Enrollment for Graduate Teaching/Research Assistants
Graduate Teaching and Research Assistants should be full‐time students.
Student Code of Conduct: Graduate Student Professionalism and Ethics Policy
This policy serves to define standards of professionalism and ethical behavior at the graduate level in the Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) Graduate Programs. This policy outlines demonstrated professional expectations as an academic and graduation requirement for all B-CU graduate degrees. The policy serves as a graduate complement to B-CU Academic Integrity and Student Conduct policies.
Bethune-Cookman University is a historic, revered institution of higher learning with alumni who excel in their professions all over the globe. As such, B-CU graduate students are expected to continue that tradition of excellence by demonstrating clear standards of professional and ethical behavior during their enrollment. These standards are applicable in University settings (face-to-face and online), including classrooms, laboratories, events, etc. as well as external educational settings such as internships, field placements, service activities, and experiential learning.
As a graduate student, you are in the process of crafting a solid professional reputation. Doing so requires determination, civility, and consistency in professional actions and relationships. Bethune-Cookman University Graduate Programs expects students to engage in professional behavior that aligns with their chosen careers. Failure to meet the policy standards will result in disciplinary action and dismissal.
Professional and Ethical Behavior Standards
These standards include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Professionalism:
- Exhibit professional behavior in relationships with faculty, staff, fellow students, and external educational contacts (i.e., site supervisors, site representatives)
- Demonstrate an understanding of authority, including proper utilization of the chain of command in the University setting and in external placement sites. Engage in appropriate behavior
- Represent Bethune-Cookman University positively in all external placements, including internships, field placements, rotation, and experiential learning. This also includes extracurricular activities and professional meetings/events.
2. Ethical behavior:
- Demonstrate honesty, reliability, and integrity in academic and professional interactions/responsibilities
- Remain attentive to, and vigilant in regard to, the ethics of one’s vocation, acting in good conscience to uphold the ethical standards of one’s vocation
3. Communication expectations:
- Communicate in a mature and effective manner with faculty, staff, fellow students, and external site representatives.
- Engage in communications (email, phone, meetings, etc.) in a professional manner.
- Respond to requests (written, verbal, e-mail, telephone) in a timely fashion.
4. Cultural humility and diversity:
- Engage those with differing abilities, values, beliefs, and opinions with respect within the University setting and external placements.
- Demonstrate respect and appropriate interaction regardless of culture, ethnicity/race, religion, disability, gender, and sexual orientation.
5. Lifelong Learning:
- Demonstrate motivation for and appreciation of the benefit of lifelong learning in the student’s respective field.
Students must comply with the standards of professional and ethical behavior (see above). When a student’s behavior/actions demonstrate a violation of the standards or if there is an allegation of misconduct in any of the previously described educational settings, this will result in referral to the Graduate Academic and Policy Council. The Council will then investigate the alleged violations of conduct standards, interview pertinent parties (site supervisors/representatives, student, faculty), and recommend corrective/remedial action, including probation or dismissal, as appropriate. Findings and actions from Council decisions will be recorded in the student’s permanent academic file.
