Academic Information

Grading Policies

Herzing University uses the grading system outlined below. Each grade has an associated quality point which is used to determine the program grade point average (PGPA). The academic designators outlined below the letter grade table indicate an academic action and are not used in computing the grade point average. Herzing University offers courses in a four, eight- or sixteen-week session and grades are posted at the conclusion of each session, however the PGPA, academic honors and satisfactory academic progress (SAP) are calculated at the end of the sixteen-week semester. Certain programs, such as nursing, that have special academic requirements in addition to SAP are evaluated at the end of each session and may result in academic actions prior to the conclusion of the 16-week semester.

Grade Scale

When the minimum passing grade is not achieved, a grade of F is assigned.

Academic Designators

Minimum Passing Grade

Except for the Healthcare core courses discussed below, the minimum passing grade in most courses at Herzing University is a D (60.00%). Some courses may require a higher minimum grade to pass, in which case the minimum passing grade will be outlined in the course syllabus. When the minimum passing grade is not achieved, a grade of F is assigned.

Healthcare core courses with the following prefixes have a minimum passing grade of 76%:

• Dental Hygiene (DH)
• Dental Science (DS)
• Emergency Medical Technician (EM)
• Nursing (NA, NF, NM, NO, NP, NSG, NU, and PN)
• Occupational Therapy Assistant (OT)
• Physical Therapist Assistant (PT)
• Radiologic Technology (RT)
• Surgical Technology (ST)

For courses that require a minimum passing grade of 76.00% or better to pass, the following grading scale applies.

Other courses may have other specific minimum passing grades, in which case they will be outlined in the course syllabus. When the minimum passing grade is not achieved, a grade of F is assigned.

Nursing Programs-Special Grading Requirements

Minimum Passing Grade for Anatomy and Physiology and Nursing Pathophysiology:

Students enrolled in an Associate of Science in General Studies - Pre-Nursing, Associate or Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing program are required to earn a B (80%) or higher in SC 154 Anatomy and Physiology I for Nurses  and SC 254 Anatomy and Physiology II for Nurses . Students enrolled in a Diploma in Practical Nursing Program are required to earn a B (80%) or higher in SC 144 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology  or SC 146 Anatomy and Physiology I  or SC 143 Body Structure and Function /SC 143L Body Structure and Function Lab  (Orlando and Tampa Locations).

Minimum Passing Grade for Nursing Program Support Courses:

Certain general education and science courses have higher minimum grade requirements. See the program outline in the Undergraduate Programs of Study  section of this catalog.

Developmental Requirements for Nursing Programs:

Certain nursing programs include developmental coursework to confirm academic readiness, including RE 090 TEAS Readiness  and RE 099 Prep Course for Nursing Success . Developmental courses require a passing grade of 76% or higher and may be attempted twice. A student who fails to achieve at least a 76% after the second attempt is subject to dismissal from the nursing program.

Exam Average Policy for BSN tracks:

A minimum exam average of 76% is required in the following courses. This exam average is determined by the average scores of all exams in the course. This does not apply to quizzes, Dosage Calculation exams, PassPoint exams, ShadowHealth exams, or HESI Exit Exams.

After achieving the 76% exam average, the exam scores are applied to the weighted grading scale to calculate the final course grade. The final course grade is inclusive of all course requirements in the weighted grading scale to determine the final course grade. A final course grade of 76% or higher is required to pass this course.

Final grades will be posted after the exam average has been calculated and applied at the end of the term.

• NSG 120 – Pathophysiology (excludes quizzes)
• NSG 121 – Health Assessment
• NSG 122 – Nursing Fundamental Concepts
• NSG 123 – Medical-Surgical Nursing I
• NSG 124 – Pharmacology
• NSG 125 – Transitions
• NSG 221 – Mental Health Nursing
• NSG 222 – Family Nursing
• NSG 223 – Medical-Surgical Nursing II
• NSG 233 – Medical-Surgical Nursing III

Exam Average Policy for ASN tracks in Orlando and Tampa in the NSG curriculum. Note: this policy is NOT applicable in Akron and Birmingham.

A minimum exam average of 76% is required in the following courses. This exam average is determined by the average scores of all exams in the course. This does not apply to quizzes, Dosage Calculation exams, PassPoint exams, ShadowHealth exams, or HESI Exit Exams.

After achieving the 76% exam average, the exam scores are applied to the weighted grading scale to calculate the final course grade. The final course grade is inclusive of all course requirements in the weighted grading scale to determine the final course grade. A final course grade of 76% or higher is required to pass this course.

Final grades will be posted after the exam average has been calculated and applied at the end of the term.

• NSG 121 – Health Assessment
• NSG 122 – Nursing Fundamental Concepts
• NSG 123 – Medical-Surgical Nursing I
• NSG 124 – Pharmacology
• NSG 125 – Transitions
• NSG 221 – Mental Health Nursing
• NSG 222 – Family Nursing
• NSG 223 – Medical-Surgical Nursing II
• NSG 233 – Medical-Surgical Nursing III

Incomplete Grade

A grade of Incomplete (I) will be given to a student only in cases where the student is not able to complete the work for a course due to extenuating circumstances. The request must be submitted to the instructor and approved by the Academic Dean and/or Department Chair. If the Incomplete is denied, the student will be informed by the Academic Dean and/or Department Chair. The deadline to request an incomplete is the last day of the grading period. If a grade of incomplete “I” is issued and the “I” is not resolved within two class weeks after the start of the next academic period, the” I” will be converted to an “F”.  The student will need to repeat the failed course if it is required for graduation.

Transfer Grades

A grade of Transfer (TR) will be given to a student denoting credit allowed toward completion of a program based on completion of transferable work at another post-secondary institution. (See “Transfer of Credits”) No more than 75% of a student’s credits or clock hours toward a degree/diploma may be transferred to the University. A grade of (TR) is not calculated into the grade point average but is included in the pace requirement.

Proficiency Credit

A grade of Exempt (EX) will be awarded to a student denoting credit earned by achieving a score of at least 85% on a comprehensive examination in a course which is a requirement for the student’s program. Students who wish to attempt to test out any course or courses in their education program may attempt the proficiency examination at any time prior to enrolling in the applicable course. Proficiency credit may result in a change of status from full-time to part-time and may impact a student’s financial aid award. A fee will be charged per course proficiency exam attempted. For additional information on proficiency exams, see the “Award of Credit through Proficiency Examinations” section of this catalog.

Withdrawals

A grade of Withdrawal (W) will be issued to a student withdrawing prior to the 75% point of any course, based on the student’s last date of attendance in the course. A “W” will not be calculated into the grade point average but will be counted as a course attempted. As such, it can affect a student’s satisfactory academic progress. Refer to the “Satisfactory Academic Progress” section of this catalog for more information. Following the 75% point of the course, a letter grade will be assigned, which will generally calculate as an “F” grade. Students enrolled in nursing programs have additional standards that apply for withdrawing from courses (see the Program Outline for additional information.)

Pass/No Pass

Pass/No Pass grades are awarded for specific courses as indicated on the course syllabus. A grade of Pass (P) will be awarded to a student who successfully completes the course with a grade of 70% or better. A final grade below 70% will be issued a No Pass (NP) grade. Pass/No Pass grades are included in the pace calculation of academic progress (see section on “Standards of Academic Progress”) however, the Pass (P) grade is excluded from the Grade Point Average (GPA).

Auditing Courses

A course may be audited with the permission of the Academic Dean. All standard fees and tuition will apply unless the student has already received a bachelor’s degree from Herzing University. An audit grade (AU) will be assigned, and no semester credit hours will be included in credits attempted or earned towards program requirements. Financial aid or veterans’ benefits may not be used for an audited course. Previous Bachelor of Science degree graduates may audit one course per calendar year at a reduced fee. The deadline to change a course grading option to an Audit is Friday of the first week of the semester.

Grade Appeal Procedures

A student who has a dispute with an instructor’s grading on a test, assignment, or the final grade in a course must follow the steps outlined below.

1. The student must first try to resolve the difference with the instructor involved. If the instructor agrees to the student’s request, the instructor will make the appropriate change in the grade book or submit a grade change through the Academic Dean. If the student agrees with the instructor’s decision, the appeal is considered resolved.
2. If a satisfactory solution cannot be reached between the student and the instructor, the student may submit a written grade appeal to the Program or Department Chair. A grade appeal must be made within two weeks for an exam and within 30 days of grade issuance for a course. The Program or Department Chair will investigate the facts of the case and decide in writing regarding the grade within seven days of receiving the appeal. In the event that there is not a program or department chair at the location, the appeal may be submitted to the Academic Dean.
3. The decision of the Program or Department Chair or Academic Dean regarding a grade appeal is final. 

Program Grade Point Average

Each grade is assigned a numerical value on a 4.00 system as shown under quality points in the chart below. In order to determine a student’s program grade point average (PGPA), the credit or clock hours for each course are multiplied by the quality points for the grade earned in the course. The total number of points, as calculated, is then divides the total number of credits or clock hours attempted to obtain the PGPA. In instance when a student transfers programs, only courses applicable to the current program of study are included in the PGPA. A sample calculation is shown:

The sum of 43.00 total points divided by 14.00 credits gives a grade point average of 3.07. In the case of a course being repeated, the highest grade earned is used to determine the program grade point average. Any courses below the 100 level (i.e., RE 090, RE 099) are not included in the grade point average calculation.

Make-Up Policy for Missed Coursework

The faculty at Herzing University recognize that there are circumstances and events which may delay students from completing coursework on time. This may include events that require students to miss class and delay the submission of coursework which may have been due on the day of the absence. Under approved circumstances, students may be allowed to submit make-up work.  Permissible reasons for requesting make-up include sickness, death of a relative, court appearance, family emergency, military duty, or other special circumstances. The following procedure should be followed:

1. The student must request approval from the instructor to submit make-up work. Except in the case of an emergency, the student will request approval from the instructor to submit late work prior to the due date. The instructor may deny the request if there is not a valid reason. In certain circumstances, the instructor may require documentation of the reason for lateness.
2. A student leaving on military duty may be eligible for additional relief and should contact the Financial Aid Department.
3. Exams, quizzes, papers and other assignments must be retaken or submitted no later than seven calendar days from the original due date. Coursework due during the last week of the course must be completed and submitted by the last day of the grading period.  Students requiring additional time beyond the end of the grading period must petition for an Incomplete (see section on Incomplete Grade).****
4. All students are required to give advanced noticed of absences and/or missed assessments. This includes healthcare programs with a clinical component.
5. A student who has a valid reason for making up missed coursework and is denied the opportunity to do so by the instructor may appeal to the Academic Dean.  The decision of the Academic Dean is final.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Herzing University has established standards for measuring satisfactory academic progress (SAP) that are used for establishing eligibility for federal financial aid. Because these standards are a valid indicator of successful progress towards graduation, they apply to all undergraduate students at Herzing University (part-time and full-time students) and not just to those receiving financial assistance. SAP is a cumulative measurement which includes a qualitative and quantitative component. The qualitative component is determined by calculating the student’s program grade point average (PGPA) and the quantitative component is determined by calculating the student’s rate of progression toward completion of the academic program (pace). All periods of a student’s enrollment at Herzing University are used in determining SAP where an enrollment is defined as the current program of study. A student must meet both the qualitative and quantitative SAP standard to be considered in good standing. For students in credit hour degree programs, the evaluation of SAP will occur at the end of each semester. Students in a clock hour program will have SAP evaluated at the end of each payment period. Certificate programs that are not eligible for Title IV Federal Financial Aid will not be evaluated for SAP, however academic progress will be monitored by the Program Chair or designee.

Program Transfers

Any courses taken by the student applied from one program to another (whether the courses were successfully completed) will be counted toward program completion and the PGPA calculations. If a student chooses to transfer to a new program, Herzing University will apply all applicable credits into the new undergraduate program. If a student graduates from one program and chooses to earn another degree, Herzing University will apply all applicable credits from the program in which the student graduated into the new program. Any credits applied from one program to another will be counted toward pace for program completion and in PGPA calculations. A student not meeting satisfactory academic progress will be required to appeal in order to change programs and may be limited on the number of allowable program changes.

Qualitative Satisfactory Academic Progress Standard

An undergraduate student who has achieved a 2.0 PGPA is meeting the quantitative component of SAP, which is a “C” average and is the equivalent academic standing consistent with Herzing University’s graduation requirements. The PGPA is calculated by dividing the total quality points by the credit or clock hours attempted. In the case of repeated courses, only the highest grade is included in the PGPA. Prior learning credit such as transfer credit and proficiency exam credit, withdrawals and incompletes are excluded from the PGPA calculation.

Quantitative Satisfactory Academic Progress Standard

An undergraduate student who reaches the pace threshold indicated in the table below is meeting SAP. The pace percentage is calculated by dividing the total credit or clock hours earned by the total credit or clock hours attempted. All credits attempted, including repeats, withdrawals and incompletes are included in credits attempted for the pace calculation except for Audited coursework. Transfer credits or clock hours from other institutions that are applied to a student’s program at Herzing University will display on a student’s transcript as a “TR” grade and will be counted as both credit or clock hours attempted and credit or clock hours completed in the pace calculation. Proficiency credits or clock hours earned by a student for successfully completing a course test out at Herzing University will display on a student’s transcript as an “EX” grade and will be counted as both hours attempted and hours completed in the pace calculation.

Maximum Timeframe

A student must be able to complete the current program without attempting more than 150% of the required credits or clock hours. Once it has been deemed impossible to complete the program of study within 150% of the published length in the educational program, as measured in credit or clock hours, the student will be dismissed from the University and lose federal financial aid eligibility. The pace requirement has been established to ensure a student does not exceed the maximum timeframe threshold.

Academic Warning

When SAP is evaluated at the end of a semester or payment period, any student who fails to meet either the minimum PGPA or the Pace standards will be placed on Academic Warning for one semester. A student placed on Academic Warning will be notified through the student’s Herzing University email address of the warning status and should seek academic advisement. While on warning status, a student is eligible to remain in school and receive federal financial aid without an appeal. A student who meets the minimum PGPA and Pace standard at the end of the subsequent semester or payment period after being placed on warning will return to good academic standing.

Dismissal from the University for Lack of Satisfactory Academic Progress

A student who fails to meet the minimum PGPA and Pace standard at the end of the subsequent semester or payment period after being placed on warning will be dismissed from the University and is ineligible to receive federal financial aid unless he or she successfully appeals the determination (see Academic Appeal). A student who is dismissed will be notified though the student’s Herzing University email address.

Academic Appeal

If mitigating or extenuating circumstances exist, a student may appeal a dismissal from the University by submitting an Academic Appeal Form to the appropriate academic administrator prior to the deadline stated in the dismissal notification. Valid circumstances include a serious injury or illness, death of a relative or other special circumstance. The appeal must be submitted in writing and provide an explanation of the circumstance that caused the unsatisfactory academic performance and how the student has overcome the circumstance.

The campus Academic Dean will be the chairperson of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Committee and is responsible for appointing other campus administrators to the committee. The Committee will consider all the facts of the appeal and will provide a decision. All decisions on academic appeals are final.

If the petition of appeal is approved, the student will be reinstated and placed on probation, and provisions of the University’s probation policy will apply. An approved academic appeal is valid for reinstatement for two semesters following the approval date, unless otherwise stated by the Academic Dean. A student who attempts to return more than two semesters after the appeal was approved, may be required to re-appeal. Normally, a dismissal of a student that has been denied an appeal is final. However, in rare cases, a dismissed student may appeal again at a later date if there has been a significant change in the student’s situation that would strongly indicate the student could be successful if allowed to return to the University. If the petition of appeal is approved, the student will be reinstated on probation, and provisions of the University’s probation policy will apply. In addition to the grade received, the length of time since the course was taken may be considered in certain course areas, to ensure that the content is still applicable. 

Note: A student who withdraws while in good standing with the University or is withdrawn for administrative reasons while in good standing with the University (such as for having missed excessive classes) may be readmitted through a reapplication process and is not required to appeal under these provisions.

Academic Probation

If a student who has appealed a dismissal from the University is granted an appeal, the student will be placed on Academic Probation. All students on Academic Probation will be provided with an Academic Success Plan, which provides the student with strategies to return to good standing within a reasonable period. The student must return to good standing or meet the conditions stipulated in the Academic Success Plan in the subsequent term or face dismissal from the University. Unless otherwise specified in the Academic Success Plan, a student on Academic Probation may receive Title IV, HEA program funds.

SAP for Clock Hour Programs

Students enrolled in clock hour programs are evaluated at the end of each payment period, which occurs after 450 clock hours have been attempted, using the minimum standards indicated in the Certificate and Diploma table above. A student who fails to meet the minimum PGPA and/or Pace requirement will be placed on probation and notified through the student’s Herzing University email address and will need to follow the appeal process indicated above.

Special Academic Standards

In addition to the Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress, Herzing University has special academic standards for Clinical-Based Healthcare Programs. A student who fails to meet the additional standards as indicated below, may be subject to dismissal without warning.

Clinical-Based Healthcare Programs

In clinical-based healthcare programs with higher minimum passing grade requirements, a student will be dismissed after two failures in one or more core courses of the program, irrespective of program grade point average (PGPA) and without previously being placed on Academic Warning. Two withdrawal grades* (“W”) in nursing and dental core courses will be treated in a manner equivalent to one failed attempt when calculating the total number of failed attempts. For instance, if a nursing or dental student receives two grades of “W” and one grade of “F,” the student will be dismissed for not meeting clinical healthcare standards. Students must pass all components of the course (class, lab, and/or clinical) in order to receive a passing grade. Anatomy and Physiology courses taken by nursing students must be completed with a grade of “B” (80%) or better. Only two attempts are permitted for each course and a student who fails to successfully complete in the maximum attempts is subject to dismissal from the nursing program. A nursing student who receives a single course failure will be placed on Academic Warning and will receive an Academic Success Plan, which will provide the student with strategies to return to good standing by the subsequent semester. Students requesting a grade appeal must follow the standard University process. A grade appeal must be received prior to the appeal deadline in order to be considered for the subsequent semester. The Academic Success Plan may require the student to repeat courses that were previously passed in order to reintroduce and/or reinforce pre-requisite knowledge needed to successfully repeat failed courses all other SAP standards also apply to students enrolled in clinical based healthcare programs. Students may appeal the dismissal due to course failures (see Academic Appeal process).

*Excludes “W” grades that are due to extenuating circumstances and approved by the Nursing or Dental Program Chair or designated academic administrator.

Academic Awards

Semester Awards

Students who complete six or more semester credit hours within a semester, and achieve a semester grade point average of 3.50, will be placed on the Dean’s List and those who achieve a semester grade point average of 4.00 will be placed on the President’s List. Other semester awards may be available for students to apply for. Please contact your campus for additional information.

Graduation Awards

Honors Graduates from Associate and Diploma Programs: Any graduate who has obtained a program grade point average of 3.50 or higher will be considered an Honors Graduate and will have such status appropriately noted on the graduation exercises program and on the student’s degree/diploma. Other graduation awards may be noted on the graduation exercises program and on the student’s degree/diploma.

Honors Graduates from Baccalaureate Programs: An Honors Graduate from a baccalaureate program is eligible for one of the following designations and will have such status appropriately noted on the graduation exercises program and on the student’s degree/diploma.

Student of the Year Award

This award will be given to one student in each graduating program or to one student for the entire graduating class who has accomplished all the following:

• Is an Honors Graduate
• Has maintained a high attendance average
• Has demonstrated leadership and inspiring attributes throughout the program
• Has made outstanding contributions to the University and to fellow students

Herzing Cup

The Herzing Cup is awarded for the best presentation by a student or student group (a maximum of four students to a group). The presentation must involve some analysis and study of a product, service, design, or process with the purpose of introducing a new product, service, design, or process or improving an existing one. The presentation is judged upon its overall effectiveness and professionalism, clarity of expression, proper grammatical usage, and organization.

Herzing Campus Project Award

This is a campus award, with each location choosing the specific department and project, e.g., Technology, Business, Public Safety, or Healthcare. This award is for the best capstone or other project in each department at each location based upon the following:

• Professional level of the content
• The importance and practicality of the project
• Quality of the work
• Originality

If this is a team effort, the team should be made up of no more than four students. A team or individual may win both the Herzing Cup and the Herzing Campus Project Award.

Transfer of Credit and Prior Learning Assessment

Transfer of Credit from Other Colleges or Universities

Applicants desiring to transfer credit to Herzing University for courses taken at other colleges or universities must have official transcripts sent to Herzing University from those colleges/universities. For new students, this is typically done during the admission process prior to the beginning of the first term of enrollment but should be completed by the end of the first eight weeks of enrollment or re-enrollment. Students reentering or re-enrolling after a break in attendance with Herzing University who wish to have courses taken during the break evaluated for transfer should submit their official transcripts prior to the end of the first eight weeks of reentry or re-enrollment. While enrolled at Herzing University, students are expected to take all their courses at Herzing University unless otherwise authorized in advance by the Academic Dean or as part of a consortium agreement.

The decision on whether to accept transfer credit is entirely at the discretion of Herzing University as the receiving college/university. In deciding whether to accept transfer credit for college or university course taken elsewhere, Herzing will consider the following:

1. The course for which credit is being sought must have been taken at an accredited college or university recognized by the United States Department of Education or a foreign college or university that is equivalent to an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution.
2. The course must be comparable to the course at Herzing University for which transfer credits are being sought.
3. The student must have earned a grade of at least a “C” or better in the course unless specific course requirements call for a higher grade. Examples include but are not limited to courses within the nursing program.
4. In addition to the grade received, the length of time since the course was taken may be considered in certain course areas, to ensure that the content is still applicable.
5. The proper authorities at Herzing University must receive the official transcript directly from the other institution. A catalog or official description of the course from the previous college/university may also be required. 

Transfer of Credit for Nursing Programs

The following are special requirements for transfer of credit for students enrolled in nursing programs:

• Students may transfer in non-clinical/non-lab nursing courses that were taken in the last 5 years at an *accredited institution, in which the student earned a “C” or better in the course.
• Credit for lab-based courses may be considered providing the student was enrolled in the previous nursing program within the last year (last date of attendance at the institutions is ≤ 365 days) and the student successfully completes a test-out of the lab component. (Note: test-out fees will be waived in these instances)
• All general education courses, including healthcare sciences will follow the standard transfer credit policy of requiring a “C” or better from an *accredited institution. There are no timeframe restrictions on general education courses.
• • Exception: SC 154  and SC 254  –Anatomy and Physiology I and II require a “B” grade or better for nursing programs at all locations. The Atlanta location requires a “B” or better for nursing science courses and requires that the science course was taken within the last 5 years.
• Clinical-based courses and the NCLEX Review course may not be considered for transfer credit.
• Students will receive block credit for advanced entry point for certain programs based on licensure.
• Students enrolled in the New Orleans campus are not permitted to transfer in core nursing courses.

Prior Learning Assessment

Herzing University is committed to awarding students entering and studying at the University the maximum credit possible for their prior learning. There are four ways to be awarded prior learning credit in at Herzing University. These are: awarding of credit through standardized advanced placement testing, award of credit for military or industry courses and learning experiences evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE), award of credit through work/life experience evaluated by Herzing University or the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), and award of credit through proficiency examinations administered through Herzing University.

Award of Credit through Advanced Placement Testing

Herzing University will accept credit for any applicable nationally recognized advanced placement testing. These include the following:

• Advanced Placement (AP) from the College Board. (See www.apcentral.collegeboard.com for more information.)
• DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST) from Defense Activity for Non-traditional Education Support (DANTES). (See www.getcollegecredit.com for more information.)
• College Level Examination Program (CLEP) from the College Board. (See https://www.clep.collegeboard.org for more information.)

Award of Credit for Military or Industry Courses or Certification Tests Evaluated by ACE

Herzing University considers the recommendations made by the American Council on Education (ACE) when awarding credit for military and industry courses and tests that have been previously evaluated by ACE. For example, many military courses in the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps have been evaluated for college credit by ACE, as documented on a Joint Service Transcript (JST). (Air Force training courses are included on a transcript as college courses by the Community College of the Air Force). For more information on credit recommendations for military courses, see www.acenet.edu/militaryguide. Similarly, many private companies have had their training courses or certification tests evaluated for award of college credit by ACE. For instance, StraighterLine offers many general education and other courses that fit in many Herzing programs that have been evaluated for college credit by ACE. (See www.straighterline.com.) Also, Microsoft and other information technology companies have had their certification tests evaluated. For more information on credit recommendations for industry courses and tests, see http://www2.acenet.edu/credit/.

Award of Credit through Proficiency Examinations

A student who believes they have expert knowledge of the content of a course or courses based on learning through work experience or other methods may request to take a proficiency examination for certain courses administered by Herzing University. The proficiency examination will be developed by a faculty member appointed by the Academic Dean and will be based on the course objectives outlined for the course by the University. Students must achieve a grade of 85% or higher to receive proficiency credit for the course and are limited to a single test out attempt for each course. Students will receive credit for the course(s), and the course(s) will be listed as “EX” on the student’s transcript. Proficiency credit is not included in the grade point average (GPA) calculation. Students who wish to attempt to test out of a course or courses in their education program must do so prior to enrolling in the applicable course or within the first week of attending a course. Students interested in taking a proficiency exam should see the Academic Dean, however not all courses are eligible for proficiency credit.

Award of Credit through Work/Life Experience

Students who believe they have had significant work/life experience that will translate into college credit may submit a portfolio of relevant work/life experience for review. The portfolio will need to include documentation and demonstration of prior knowledge is accumulated through life, work and/or community experiences in a portfolio format, through which experiential/proficiency credit may be earned. Students will receive credit for the course(s) associated with the portfolios developed that are determined to demonstrate college-level learning. The course(s) will be listed as “EX” on the student’s transcript. Experiential/proficiency credit is not included in the grade point average (GPA) calculation. 

Limitations
A minimum of twenty-five percent of the program requirements must be taken in residence for most undergraduate students, including active-duty service members. Academic residency can be completed at any time for active duty service members, including Reservist and National Guardsmen on active duty. Students enrolled in the Associate of Science/Associate of Applied Science in General Studies-Nursing must complete a minimum of forty percent of the program in residence.

Atlanta and New Orleans Locations Only

• Associate of Science in Legal Assisting/Paralegal – A minimum of 15 semester credit hours in legal specialty credits (PL) must be taken in residence.
• Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies – A minimum of 27 semester credit hours in legal specialty credits (PL) must be taken in residence.

Transfer of Credits to Other Colleges and Universities

The decision to accept transfer credit from Herzing University is entirely at the discretion of the receiving institution. Students should check with a school to which they desire to transfer to regarding in order to obtain an assessment from that school of whether the credits they earned at Herzing may be accepted for transfer. In the absence of an articulation agreement between Herzing University and another institution, no one at Herzing University can represent that specific credits will transfer or that another institution will accept Herzing credits. A list of the institutions with which Herzing University has articulation agreements is available from the administrative office of the University and on the Herzing Website at https://www.herzing.edu/get-credit-you-deserve/articulation-agreements.

Enrollment Status

An undergraduate student’s status is determined by the number of credits they are taking in a semester. The chart below defines the minimum academic load requirement per semester and the associated academic status.

Students desiring to take more than 18.00 semester credit hours in a semester must obtain the permission of the Academic Dean.

Approval to Take Additional Courses

With the approval of the Academic Dean, a student who has taken the appropriate prerequisites may enroll in Herzing courses outside a student’s program of study. Students receiving federal financial aid must also receive approval from the Financial Aid Office. Any additional coursework taken will count as attempted courses for purposes of satisfactory academic progress unless the course or courses are scheduled as audits.

Definition of a Credit Hour

Herzing University operates on a semester system consisting of three 16-week semesters per year with courses offerings in sixteen, eight, or four-week terms. Programs are offered either in a traditional classroom/lab format or a fully online format.

Course Level

• The process of credit ascription remains consistent, regardless of the credential being awarded by the program. However, the University differentiates among courses at various levels within the undergraduate programs (100, 200, 300, 400) through the complexity of the course learning objectives.
• Course learning objectives within a graduate program of study reflect a higher level of complexity, and where appropriate, specialization. Graduate learning objectives emphasize the acquisition, organization, utilization, and dissemination of knowledge.
• Graduate programs facilitate substantial mastery of subject matter, theory, literature, and methodology of a field of study. Professional or practice-oriented graduate programs are designed to prepare students for professional practice involving the application or transmission of existing knowledge or the development of new applications of knowledge within their field. Graduate programs seek to develop student capacity to interpret, organize, and communicate knowledge and to build the analytical and professional skills needed to practice in and advance the profession. In those instances where a hierarchy of degrees within an area of professional study are offered, programs differ by level as reflected in the expected sophistication, knowledge, and capacity for leadership within the profession.
• Regardless of the level of the course, the deliverables produced by students within a course support and demonstrate the achievement of the course learning objectives and serve as the basis for the award of credit. Course learning objectives align with program learning outcomes. Therefore, the rationale for the ultimate award of a credential is the successful production of course deliverables and the achievement of course learning objectives, which equates to the achievement of program learning outcomes.
• Whenever possible, the use of standards established by programmatic accreditation bodies, professional associations, and/or by industry is used as the basis for curriculum development and ultimately serve as the rationale for the definition of program learning outcomes. In order to ensure currency of the curriculum, the University maintains a regular cycle of curriculum review which draws upon insights from programmatic accreditation bodies, professional associations, and industry as well as feedback from students, faculty, employers and local and/or national advisory boards.

Credit Hour Policy

The University’s assignment and award of credit hours conforms with the Higher Learning Commissions definition of a credit hour, the federal definition of a credit hour, and to commonly accepted practices in higher education.

• The credit awarded for a course is consistent across all modalities. The learning objectives defined for a course taught online are consistent with learning objectives defined for the same course taught on ground. Course learning objectives are achieved through regular and substantive student interaction with their instructor, with their student peers, and with the content, regardless of whether that interaction occurs online or on ground. While course learning objectives are consistent, the deliverables that serve as evidence that the learning objectives have been achieved may vary between online course sections and ground-based course sections.
• In clock hour programs, academic credit is measured in clock hours. Clock hours earned serve as a means for determining progress towards program completion only. The clock hours are not typically transferable to another school, college, or university. One hour of instruction is defined as a sixty-minute period, with no less than fifty minutes of actual class Instruction. Students must be given breaks which represent sound educational practice. No more than one clock hour can be assigned to any sixty-minute period.
• For non-degree programs taught in a semester system and that are not fully transferable into degree programs, one semester credit hour may be awarded upon completion of a minimum of 30 instructional hours of directed instruction in lecture, laboratory, externship/internship or a combination of any of these activities. Coursework must include at least 30 hours of supervised instruction.
• In a semester system, a minimum of 15 instructional hours of engagement in learning activities is required to award one semester hour of credit for degree programs and non-degree programs that are fully transferable into degree programs.  It is expected that for each hour of “in class” engagement, the average student will spend two additional hours engaged in learning activities outside of the classroom that support achievement of the course learning objectives. One hour of “in class” engagement is defined as 50 minutes.
• In a laboratory instructional setting, a minimum of 30 instructional hours of laboratory is required to award one semester credit hour. It is expected that for each hour that a student spends in a laboratory, the average student will spend an additional half-hour outside of the classroom engaged in additional learning activities that contribute to the achievement of the course learning objectives.
• A minimum of 45 hours of externship/internship/clinical or practicum experience is required to award one semester credit hour. No additional engagement in learning activities outside of the externship/internship/clinical/practicum site is required.
• For each semester credit hour awarded for an online course, the average student will spend a minimum of 45 hours of interaction with the instructor, with other students and/or with the course content and learning activities to achieve the course learning objectives. In an online course, there is no differentiation between “inside the classroom” and “outside of the classroom.”
• For each semester credit hour awarded for blended course, where a portion of the instruction occurs in an online environment and a portion of the instruction occurs in a physical classroom, the average student will spend a minimum of 45 hours of interaction with the instructor, with other students and/or with the course content and learning activities to achieve the course learning objectives.

Course Numbering System

The course numbering system consists of a two-character alpha prefix followed by a three-digit number. The meaning of the prefixes is shown below:

Prefix and Course Area Focus

AC Accounting
BU Business Management
CJ Criminal Justice
CS Cybersecurity
DA Data Analytics
DH Dental Hygiene
DS Dental Science
EC Economics
EM Emergency Medical Technician
EN English
FS Fire Safety
HC Healthcare Management
HI Health Information Management
HR Human Resources Management
HS Homeland Security
HU Humanities
ID Interdisciplinary Studies
IS Information Systems
IT Information Technology
MA Mathematics
MC Medical Coding
MO Medical Office Administration
MS Medical Science
NT Networking and Security Technology
NA Nursing (Alabama)
NF Nursing (Florida)
NM Nursing (Minnesota)
NO Nursing (Ohio)
NP Nursing (General)
NSG Nursing
NU Nursing (General)
OT Occupational Therapy Assistant
PC Patient Care
PD Personal and Professional Development
PH Public Health and Safety
PL Paralegal
PN Practical Nursing
PS Psychology
PT Physical Therapist Assistant
RT Radiologic Technology
SC Natural Science
SS Social Sciences
ST Surgical Technology

• The meaning of the three-digit numbers is shown below:

Method of Instruction

Instructional methods may include lecture in written, audio, and video forms, presentations, small group discussions, small group presentations, online audio-conferences, electronic Canvas, threaded discussion, online chat, peer critiques, and e-mail. Students in Online classes are expected to log in and actively participate several days per week and are expected to spend approximately 18 hours per week on class educational activities when taking a three-credit course scheduled over eight weeks. For courses of a greater or lesser number of semester credit hours, the time commitment will be proportional. In addition, there may be extra reading, studying, and assignment completion requirements during offline time.

Educational Delivery Options

Herzing University has a range of learning format options students may have available to choose from. Courses may be offered in a traditional classroom or an online format. Students may select the format that best fits their educational needs and circumstances when available. Not all formats are available at all locations for all courses. Check with your local campus for availability.

Traditional Classroom Course Format

The traditional classroom format is intended for students wanting to pursue their courses in a traditional classroom setting. Students may combine the classroom format with the online format by taking some courses online and others in the traditional format.

Online Course Format

The online format is intended for students who do not reside near one of our locations or who prefer the flexibility of an online education. Students living near one of our campuses may combine the online format with the classroom format by taking some classroom courses on the campus and others online.

Blended Course Format

The blended course format is a campus-based course that is partially delivered in the traditional classroom format and partially delivered in the online format.

Program Formats

• Traditional Classroom Format is a program that is delivered fully on-ground in a traditional classroom format.
• Hybrid Format is a program that has courses delivered in a combination of traditional, online and/or blended format.
• Online Format is a program that is delivered fully online. See the description for Online Education.

Online Education

Herzing University offers many of its courses and some full programs of study that lead to credentials in an online format. Not all Herzing University’s programs are offered online. Students should rely only on the written information provided in the academic catalog and not on oral representations or other documents. Some licensing and certifying agencies and employers limit the number of online courses a student can take and still be eligible for licensing, certification, employment, or tuition reimbursement. Students should independently investigate any such limit impacting their educational program or career outcomes and make an informed decision concerning online education.

Below is a listing of undergraduate programs offered online. Some programs may require an on-ground learning component such as a clinical, bootcamp, or externship/internship. The programs with an asterisk (*) currently require an on-ground component.

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting
• Bachelor of Science in Business Management
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Networking
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Homeland Security and Counterterrorism
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Management and Leadership
• Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
• Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship
• Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services
• Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
• Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
• Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Public Safety
• Bachelor of Science in Human Resources
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a Concentration in Data Analytics
• Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Professional Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies ►
• Bachelor of Science in Marketing
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing*
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing-RN to BSN Online*
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing-RN-BSN-MSN Online Option*
• Bachelor of Science in Project Management
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology
• Bachelor of Science in Software Development
• Bachelor of Science in Technology Management
• Associate of Science/Associate of Applied Science in Accounting
• Associate of Science/Associate of Applied Science in Business Management
• Associate of Science/Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
• Associate of Science in General Studies - Pre-Nursing
• Associate of Science in Health and Human Services
• Associate of Science/Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management*
• Associate of Science/Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Administration
• Associate of Science/Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology
• Associate of Science/Associate of Applied Science in Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist
• Associate of Science in Interdisciplinary Professional Studies-Military Option
• Associate of Science/Associate of Applied Science in Legal Studies
• Associate of Science/Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting Services*
• Associate of Science/Associate of Applied Science in Medical Billing and Insurance
• Associate of Science/Associate of Applied Science in Medical Coding
• Associate of Science/Associate of Applied Science in Medical Office Administration
• Associate of Science/Associate of Applied Science in Software Development
• Associate of Science in Surgical Technology*
• Diploma in Bookkeeping and Payroll Accounting
• Diploma in Health and Human Services
• Diploma in Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist
• Diploma in Medical Assisting*
• Diploma in Medical Billing and Insurance
• Diploma in Medical Coding
• Diploma in Medical Office Administration

► Students at the Atlanta and New Orleans locations must complete all paralegal courses at the campus in a traditional classroom format. The online bachelor’s and associate degrees are not approved by the American Bar Association.

See the Herzing University Graduate Catalog for a listing of online graduate program offerings.

Online education results in the following benefits:

1. Students may be able to take a course that is not offered at the campus they attend in the academic period they need it.
2. Students who are unable to take preferred classes due to space or other limitations (e.g., “wait-listed students”) may be able to take courses online and avoid disrupting their matriculation.
3. Students may be able to continue their program of study online when life changes (e.g., changes in employment status or physical condition) make it impossible for them to attend traditional courses.
4. Students may be able to take a program of study at Herzing University even if they do not live near a campus.
5. Students will gain valuable interactive experience with a medium that has become increasingly more crucial and pervasive. Effective use of the Internet will also provide a means of communication and a method for accessing and disseminating information for students and staff.

Criteria for Participation

Participation in online course offerings by currently enrolled Herzing University students can be initiated by the student or by the institution. Participation in an online course may be necessary to meet specific graduation timelines such as a three-year bachelor’s degree. In all cases, whether student- or institution-initiated, the campus Academic Dean has the final authority regarding admission to the online courses. The additional criteria that must be met by currently enrolled Herzing University students for admission to an online course are:

1. The student must have all the appropriate technology (e.g., hardware and software) available to him/her as well as a technology backup plan or other available computer/internet access in the event their primary computer or laptop is unavailable. Current software and technology requirements are listed in the Academic Information section of the catalog.
2. The student must have appropriate computer skills (e.g., keyboarding, word processing, etc.).
3. The student must complete an online orientation session prior to starting their online course.

Programs and Concentrations

In the Bachelor of Science programs, students first select a program of study (such as business administration, homeland security and public safety, or information technology). In some instances, they may also select a concentration. A concentration is a selection of courses taken in the same academic discipline as the major, which allows the student to concentrate further in that discipline (such as the Information Technology concentration in Data Analytics). Not all programs and concentrations are offered at all locations. Please see the “Herzing University Undergraduate Program Offerings by Location “ section of this catalog for a list of options available at each location.

Earning Graduate Credits as an Undergraduate Student

Undergraduate students in certain programs may take a limited number of graduate-level courses to fulfill program requirements or electives. The number of eligible courses is based on the program of study outlined below.

Eligibility Criteria for taking Graduate Coursework:

• Minimum Credit Hours Earned: All dual credit students must have earned at least 60 semester credit hours applicable to their current program of study prior to taking graduate-level courses.
• Minimum PGPA: Nursing students must have a minimum PGPA of 3.0. Students in other programs must have a minimum PGPA of 2.7 in their current program of study.

The PGPA is reviewed at the end of the previous semester in which the student is scheduled to take the graduate courses. Students who do not meet the GPA eligibility requirement will receive a revised schedule without the graduate-level course prior to the start of the new semester. Exceptions to the PGPA requirement require the approval of an academic administrator.

Students following the Accelerated BSN track are automatically assigned the dual credit MSN courses as part of their curriculum and are not subject to the eligibility requirements.

Application of MBA, MSHCA, and MSW Courses

Students in an approved undergraduate program who meet the above qualifications may take up to four MBA program courses (12.00 semester credit hours), four MSHCA program courses, or four MSW program courses while enrolled. Students may take graduate courses as electives or substitute specific courses. The course(s) may be applied at the undergraduate level as electives or as course substitutions with the approval of the academic dean. If the student is later accepted into the Herzing MBA, MSHCA, or MSW program, the course and grade will be applied to the program. Course(s) will be graded according to the graduate grading scale. Completion of graduate-level courses does not guarantee admission into the MBA, MSHCA, or MSW program.

Application of MSN Courses

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students who meet the above qualifications may take certain approved, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) courses while enrolled as an undergraduate. See the Nursing Program Outlines for eligible course information. Approved graduate courses passed with a “80%” or higher may be applied in the BSN degree as course substitutions with the approval of the Department Chair. If the student applies and is accepted into a graduate nursing program, the course and grade will be accepted into that program with the following provision: (1) the course was completed within five (5) years of the date of matriculation into the graduate program, and (2) the course is part of the graduate nursing program selected.

Some graduate nursing programs have additional background check requirements and other restrictions/requirements. Completion of one or more graduate courses does not guarantee acceptance into any graduate nursing program.

Multiple Degrees at the Same Level

Students who wish to complete two or more degrees at the same degree level (i.e., a second bachelor’s degree after completing their first bachelor’s degree at Herzing University) must complete all degree requirements for each subsequent degree, including at least 15.00 semester credit hours of coursework not applied to their previous Herzing University degree(s).

Scheduling for Continuing Students

Continuing students who are making satisfactory academic progress and are current in their financial obligations to the University are automatically scheduled for future classes in their program of study. Adjustments may be made in consultation with the Registrar Services Department or Academic Dean. Adjustments to schedules may affect the expected graduation date and impact a student’s ability to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in three years. For more information, please see the “Completing a Bachelor of Science in 3 Years“ in the Academic Information section of this Catalog.

Schedule Revision Requests

The last two weeks of each semester is the period for requesting schedule revisions for the subsequent semester. Students may request to make changes to their schedules during this two-week period. Requests that violate prerequisite requirements will generally not be considered. Additionally, the University has the right to enforce standard sequencing requirements to promote student success and class size management. Any changes made to a student’s schedule after the end of this period may require permission from the Academic Dean and the Financial Aid Department.

Program Transfers

A student who wishes to transfer program must meet with a Student Services Advisor or the Academic Dean prior to the Friday of the 14th week of the semester (6th week of the “B” session). The student must be meeting satisfactory academic progress requirements in the program, or successfully appeal in order to be approved for a program transfer. Approved program transfers will be processed after the current semester has ended.

Curriculum Changes

As educational programs are modified and updated to meet the needs of the students and the community, the University may need, and has the right upon approval of appropriate entities, to change the course curriculum, schedules, prerequisites, requirements, or courses for which there is insufficient enrollment. However, curriculum will not be changed to require existing students to take more credits to graduate than their original degree/diploma program, unless required by accreditation, state agencies, or other regulatory bodies. In this case, the University will ensure there is no adverse financial impact on the student. Changes will be reflected in an addendum to this catalog and will then be considered an integral part of this publication.

Completing a Bachelor of Science Degree in 3 Years

For programs of 130.00 semester credit hours or less, Herzing will provide students with a class schedule that will allow students to complete their Bachelor of Science degree in three years. Subject to the Student Conditions below, if a student cannot complete his or her degree in three years, Herzing University will provide, at no tuition cost to the student, any remaining courses required to finish the degree. The student may be required to take some courses online to remain on schedule. This policy does not apply to students transferring to Herzing University from other colleges or universities.

Student Conditions

The student must meet the following conditions in order to qualify for the policy:

1. Attend every semester each year after matriculating. Herzing University offers three semesters of instruction a year (i.e., year-round).
2. Carry a normal full course load of at least 16.00 semester credit hours each semester and not fail or withdraw from any course.
3. Follow the course schedule, including online courses, as established by the University.
4. Earn a passing grade in each course.
5. Maintain a 2.00 or better program grade point average.

Graduation Requirements

The requirements for graduation are as follows:

1. Maintain a program grade point average of 2.00 or higher in the courses applicable to the student’s program.
2. Complete the required number of credit or clock hours and achieve a passing grade in all required courses.
3. Meet all other requirements included under individual program descriptions.

International Student Policies and Procedures

Herzing University understands the academic, cultural, and English-language challenges international students attending Herzing University on an F-1 student visa must overcome to be successful. The university expects that the sole rationale for an international student’s admission and presence in the U.S. is to complete their chosen academic program(s) and receive a Herzing University degree. The University has established International Student Attendance Policies and Procedures to provide all possible support and guidance for this goal, particularly during the first two semesters of study. Unless superseded by these policies and procedures, all international students are required to follow all other university policies and procedures as stated in the catalog and handbook.

International Student Attendance Philosophy and Requirement

The philosophy of Herzing University is that college is not only a place to learn technical and business skills and to develop academically, but also a place to develop important work habits. These include responsibility and reliability. Attendance is a major factor in both and one of the keys to successful academic performance.

Since international students are in the U.S. on an F-1 visa for the sole purpose of pursuing a degree program at Herzing University, international students must fully participate in all Herzing University course meetings and all required activities. International students who miss a course meeting, University activity, or a course assignment without contacting the instructor/coordinator or the dean and/or without providing the necessary documentation (see Extenuating Circumstances below) may be subject to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, dismissal from Herzing University.

Withdrawals Due to Attendance

See “Withdrawal from University” section.

International New Students

New students must attend/actively participate in week two of courses in order to be considered enrolled. If a new student does not attend/actively participate in a class in week two, his/her enrollment will be canceled. Week one is considered a trial period for new students only. A new student who attends/actively participates in week one but never attends/actively participates in week two will not become an active student, and his/her enrollment will be canceled. If a student is attending more than one class, the student becomes active based on attendance of at least one class in week two. Herzing will not drop or unregister a class if the student has attended a course in week one and has attended a different course in week two. A student can still request to be unregistered from a class that has been attended only in week one until the start of week three. Please note, however, that if a student never attends a class in both week one and week two, the individual course will be unregistered. Additionally, if a new student never attends all courses in week two, the enrollment will be cancelled.

International Continuing Students

A continuing international student is considered enrolled once he/she attends his/her first class in the term. If a student attends/actively participates in one class, but does not attend other(s), the class(es) not attended/actively participated in will be unregistered. An international student must maintain full-time status to maintain his/her F-1 visa status in the U.S. See “Online Attendance” for further requirements.

International Graduate Re-enrolls

International graduate re-enrolls must attend/actively participate in week two of courses in order to be considered enrolled. If graduate re-enroll students do not attend in week two, he/she must be pre-school cancelled. Week one is considered a trial period for re-entries and graduate re-enroll students, the same as it is for new students. An international graduate re-enroll student who attends week one but never attends week two is not considered enrolled and will be unregistered for all scheduled courses. An international student must maintain fulltime status to maintain his/her F-1 visa status in the U.S. See “Online Attendance” for further requirements.

Extenuating Circumstances and Notification of Absences Requirements for International Students

International students are required to attend every class and activity designated as such. International students are required to inform their instructors or the Academic Department if they know they will have to miss a class. If there are extenuating circumstances (such as a documented health problem, etc.) that caused an absence or is expected to cause absences in the future, international students are required to contact their instructor or the Academic Dean immediately and in advance if possible. Documentation (such as a Health Care Facility Sick/Injury Report) must be provided immediately. International students returning from an absence are expected to immediately address missed material with the instructor outside of scheduled class hours.

Attendance is one of the keys to success. Although points will not be directly deducted from a student’s academic average because of absences, students can expect tests, quizzes, or other graded assignments to be scheduled without notice during any given class session. If a student misses a test, quiz, or assignment because of an absence, the instructor is not obligated and will not normally allow a make-up quiz, test, or assignment. Extenuating circumstances will be taken into consideration when deciding if make-up work will be permitted.

Approved Break - International Student

An international student studying at a Herzing University location on an F-1 student visa may request to take a break of up to one semester after each full academic year of study (i.e., two semesters) without being withdrawn from the University during the break. A Confirmation to Return Form is required to be completed by the student and approved by each designated campus official including the campus DSO prior to the break. Refer to the Academic Department to obtain information on eligibility to make this type of request. If the student does not return to study by the beginning of the following semester, he/she will be withdrawn from the University.

International Housing

To help ensure international students attending Herzing University on F-1 visas reside in safe, adequate, cost-effective, and convenient housing during their studies at the university, international students are required, at their cost, to reside in University-approved housing from their date of arrival until completion of their first twelve months of study. Herzing University will provide international students approved housing information prior to their arrival in the United States. Campus Presidents may provide written waivers to this policy, on a case-by-case basis, for married international students residing with their families, when immediate family housing is available, or for other extenuating circumstances. Herzing University reserves the right to require international students to reside in University approved housing due to insufficient academic achievement or attendance issues. This includes international students previously not subject to the University housing requirement, those who have completed their first twelve months of study in University-approved housing, and those who have previously received written waivers to this policy.

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts are processed through Parchment Exchange for a fee and can be sent electronically or by mail.

Link to Parchment: Request Your Official Transcript

Policy on Withholding Official Transcripts

Herzing University understands the importance for students to have access to official transcripts, therefore does not withhold transcripts for financial obligations due to the University. Transcript holds are imposed on students who are past due on federal student loans used while attending Herzing University. A student with a delinquent borrower hold will be required to speak to Alumni Services to receive guidance on options available for managing student loan payments, including but not limited to applying for an Income Driven Repayment Plan, Economic Hardship Deferment, or Unemployment Deferment. Delinquent borrower holds will be removed once the student has taken the appropriate steps to rectify the delinquency. Please contact Alumni Support and Financial Services at alumnisupport@herzing.edu for information on transcript holds. Herzing is not responsible for delays arising from transcript holds. Recent nursing graduates may require special clearance prior to releasing a transcript. Please contact the Academic Dean or Nursing Chair at your campus if you receive a notification indicating NCLEX clearance is required.

Attendance Policy and Procedures

Attendance Philosophy

The philosophy of Herzing University is that college is not only a place to learn technical and business skills and to develop academically, but also a place to develop important work habits. Important work habits include responsibility and reliability, and attendance is a major factor in both. Also, a student should understand that missing a class affects more than the individual student. It affects the class if the student asks questions regarding what was covered when he or she was not there, and it affects the instructor who may have to assign make-up material or give other individual attention to the absentee. For that reason, and to avoid disruption to the educational process caused by irregular attendance, the University emphasizes attendance in all courses.

Withdrawals Due to Attendance

Herzing University may withdraw students from school after 14 consecutive calendar days of non-attendance. Attendance will be checked daily, and students not meeting the attendance policy will be withdrawn. Attendance will be monitored for all ground courses, online courses, and clinical courses.

New Students

New students must attend/actively participate in the first two weeks of courses in order to be considered enrolled at Herzing University. If a new student does not attend/actively participate in a class in week two, his/her enrollment will be canceled. A new student who attends/actively participates in week one but never attends/actively participates in week two will not become an active student, and his/her enrollment will be canceled. See “Online Attendance” for further requirements. If a student is attending more than one class and satisfies all admissions and funding requirements, the student becomes active based on attendance of at least one class in week two. Herzing will not drop or unregister a class if the student has attended a course in week one and has attended a different course in week two. A new student may request to be unregistered from one or more courses if he or she has only attended the course or courses during the first week of the semester. The request must be submitted prior to the start of week three. Note, however, if a student never attends a class in both week one and week two, the individual course will be unregistered by the University. Additionally, if a new student never attends class in week two, the student’s enrollment will be cancelled, and all courses will be unregistered.

Continuing Students

A continuing student is required to attend/actively participate in courses by the end-of-day on Tuesday of the second week of a course or will be withdrawn as a non-returning student. If a student attends/actively participates in one class but not the other, the class not attended/actively participated in will be unregistered. See “Online Attendance” for further requirements.

Reentries and Graduate Reenrolls

Reentries and Graduate Reenrolls Reentries and graduate re-enrolls must attend/actively participate in week two of courses in order to be enrolled in the semester. If reentries and graduate reenroll students do not attend in week two, their enrollments will be cancelled, and courses will be unregistered. Week one is considered a trial period for reentries and graduate reenroll students. Students re-entering within 1 year into the same program version prior to withdrawing are exempt from the trial period. See “Online Attendance” for further requirements.

Approved Break Status

An Approved Break is a temporary period of non-enrollment that a student may apply to take for up to 16 weeks within a 12-month period. Students will not need to apply to re-enter upon returning if all conditions are met. Approved breaks are permitted for students in the following circumstances:

• Illness or Injury
• Personal Family Issue including death of a relative
• Financial
• Scheduling Issue (no courses/and or clinical site available)
• Military Leave (also see Withdrawal Due to Military Leave)
• Title IX Pregnant and Parenting
• International students on an F1 student

Students who go on approved break in the middle of a grading period will receive W grades for the courses they are currently attending. Withdrawn courses will be included the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) calculation and do not qualify for a tuition reduction. Students should contact Student Services for more information on taking an Approved Break. 

Returning within the Same Semester

A student needing to withdraw from all courses may do so without formally withdrawing from the University during the first eight-week term provided the student intends to return for the second eight-week term of the same semester or payment period. Withdrawn courses will be included in the calculation of the student’s satisfactory academic progress (SAP) calculation and do not qualify for receive a tuition reduction.  If a student is unable to return as intended, the tuition reduction (if any) will conform to the refund policy of the University. Students should contact Student Services for more information on returning within the same semester.

Clock-Hour Diploma Program Attendance Policy

For all students in clock-hour diploma programs, all unexcused absences must be made up to equal the number of hours absent in all classes taken. All unexcused absences must be made up by the end of the payment period in which the unexcused absence occurred before beginning the next payment period. Excused absences, up to 10% of the total number of hours in each financial aid payment period, are not required to be made up. An excused absence is defined as an absence approved by the instructor of the course in which the absence occurred. The schedule for makeup times will be specified by the campus, and students are responsible for making up the hours during those times. All hours at or above the 10% excused absence limit must be completed prior to the end of the payment period to be eligible for the next financial aid disbursement. If the excused absence hours exceed the 10% limit in a payment period, those hours must be made up in the payment period that the total number of excused absent hours exceed that limit. This policy does not release students from any city, state, or other federal requirements. The state in which your program is offered may have different requirements regarding allowable excused absences, which may not coincide with this policy.

Students Attending Two or More Courses

A student is enrolled in two or more courses during a given time period and attends/actively participates in one or more courses regularly but never attends/actively participates in one of the courses, the student will be unregistered from the course they never attended/actively participated in. If a student is enrolled in two or more courses during a given time period and stops attending/actively participating in one of the courses after attending or actively participating in at least one time, the student is not withdrawn from the course, as the 14-day rule only pertains to a student withdrawing from the University and not from individual courses as long as a student remains active. See “Online Attendance” for further requirements.

Online Attendance and Student Verification

If a student is enrolled in an online course must complete one of the following academically related activities within the Herzing Online Education System in order to be marked as having attended and actively participated in his/her online course(s):

• Post to a discussion board
• Submit an assignment
• Submit a quiz or exam

Logging into a course and navigating within the virtual classroom will not constitute participation, unless the student also completes one of the above academically related activities. Please note, that there are a significant number of other academically related activities required when taking online courses, such as reading discussion boards, reading course materials and lectures, and messaging instructors, but these activities alone also will not be considered as student attendance. In addition, Herzing University uses the student’s unique log-in credentials to verifying participation in a class by monitoring interaction between the student, peers, and faculty.

Attendance for ground and online courses is tracked by each campus, and a student not attending a ground course(s) or completing an attendance-measured academically related activity in any of their online course(s) for fourteen consecutive calendar days may be withdrawn from Herzing University.

Notification of Absences

As a courtesy, students are expected to inform their instructors (or the Academic Department) if they know they will have to miss a class. Students returning from an absence are expected to address missed material with the instructor outside of scheduled class hours.

Effect of Absences on Grading

Points will not be directly deducted from a student’s academic average because of absences. However, students can expect tests, quizzes, or other graded assignments to be scheduled without notice during any given class session. If a student misses a test, quiz, or assignment because of an unexcused absence, the instructor is not obligated and will not normally allow a make-up quiz, test, or assignment. Extenuating circumstances will be taken into consideration when deciding if make-up work will be permitted.

Extenuating Circumstances

If there are extenuating circumstances (such as a documented health problem, a family emergency, jury duty, military reserve service obligations, etc.) that caused an absence or is expected to cause absences in the future, the student should contact his or her instructor or the Academic Dean immediately.

Withdrawal

Withdrawals from Individual Courses

Students may voluntarily withdraw themselves from a course at any time by notifying the Academic Dean or Registrar. If a student has already attended (in-person attendance for a campus-hosted course and active participation in an online course-this is indicated as attending/actively participating throughout the catalog) in the class he/she wishes to drop, then the grade for the course will be based on the date the withdrawal is requested. If the request to withdraw from an individual course is before the 75% point of the course or prior to the completion of the clinical requirement of the course, whichever occurs sooner, the grade assigned will be a “W.” If the request to withdraw from an individual course is after the 75% point, or after completion of the clinical component of a course, a letter grade will be assigned. The 75% of the course varies, depending on the length of the course. For example, in a four-week course, the 75% of the course starts on the Monday of the fourth week. In an eight-week course, the 75% of the course is the Monday of the seventh week. In a 16-week course, the 75% of the course is the Monday of the thirteenth week.

The course letter grade will be included in the calculation of the student’s program grade point average (PGPA). A student who withdraws from a course does not get a tuition reduction. If a student completely withdraws from the University, the tuition reduction (if any) will conform to the refund policy of the University.

Withdrawal from University

A student may withdraw from Herzing University at any time prior to the last 14 calendar days of the semester by notifying the Academic Dean or Registrar. If the withdrawal occurs during an ongoing semester, the grade assigned to each course will be based on the student’s overall last date of attendance with the University. If the student’s overall last date of attendance is prior to the 75% point of the course, or prior to the completion of the clinical requirement of a course, whichever occurs sooner, then the grade assigned will be a “W.” If the student’s overall last date of attendance is after the 75% point of a course, or after completion of the clinical component of a course, then a letter grade will be assigned. The University will withdraw a student if he/she fails to attend all their courses for a period of 14 days.

Withdrawal Due to Military Service

Herzing University encourages active-duty military students to continue their education and assures them that the University will provide them with the highest level of commitment and support while they defend this great country and its allies. In keeping with the University’s tradition of being a military-friendly institution, the following policies regarding military deployments and military exigencies have been adopted.

1. Herzing University, through online courses, will make all reasonable efforts to make it possible for military students to continue their studies, even during deployments or other military commitments.
2. When military students on active duty (whether regular active duty, reserve, or National Guard members called to active service) must withdraw from one or more classes due to military deployment or other military exigencies, the University will waive the requirement that withdrawals be made prior to the 75% point of the course. In such cases, the student’s grade will be recorded as a non-punitive withdrawal and will not count against the student’s academic progress including the pace requirement and grade point average. Also, the University will scholarship any tuition or fees paid by the service member not covered by military tuition assistance. A copy of the student’s military orders must be provided when withdrawing from the University due to military duty.
3. Should a military student in good standing with the University need to withdraw from the University entirely due to military commitments, the service member may return to the University in good standing at the beginning of any 4-week, 8-week, or 16-week session convenient to the student. The service member will be allowed to reenter into courses where they left off and are not subject to wait lists.

Students Receiving VA Educational Benefits at the Birmingham and Orlando Locations

The following policy applies to students receiving Veterans Administration (VA) Educational Benefits who are enrolled at the Birmingham and Orlando locations. Students receiving Veterans Administration Educational Benefits will have their attendance monitored by the Registrar’s Office as required by the VA. Each course will be monitored daily. Students attending less than 80% of their scheduled course(s) will be reported to the VA SCO and may have their educational benefits terminated by the VA.

This policy is in addition to the overall attendance policy that is found within the University Catalog under Withdrawals Due to Attendance.

Complaint Policy for Students Receiving VA Education Benefits

Any complaint against the school should be routed through the VA Feedback System by going to the following link: http://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/Feedback.asp.  The VA will then follow up through the appropriate channels to investigate the complaint and resolve it satisfactorily.

Academic Freedom

The mission of Herzing University is to educate, support and empower all students for success in work, learning and engagement in our communities and in the global society. In fulfillment of that mission, each faculty member at Herzing University has three responsibilities: 

1. To facilitate student learning;
2. To contribute to the curriculum development/revision process; and
3. To engage in continuous professional and instructional improvement.

Herzing University recognizes and supports the principle of academic freedom which encourages and enables each faculty member to communicate his or her perspective on material relevant to that faculty member’s subject matter expertise.  The three primary responsibilities of faculty described above are dependent upon the principle of academic freedom.  The greatest value that a faculty member brings to the institution and to the classroom is the ability to share content-relevant perspective that has been informed by professional and educational experience.

Facilitation of Student Learning

Instructors have the right and the responsibility to exercise their academic freedom by drawing upon their own education and professional experiences to illustrate concepts.  The instruction provided in each classroom is unique due to the unique perspective and experience possessed by the instructor teaching the course.  Faculty communication of a unique perspective, informed by education and experience, is the manifestation of academic freedom. The scope of academic freedom does not encompass the right to teach curriculum that does not align with University standards or the inclusion of inappropriate, offensive or discriminatory content. Any demonstration of academic freedom must be aligned with the P.R.I.C.E. of Success core values.

While faculty are required to adhere to University curriculum and to employ the use of standard assessments, faculty are encouraged to introduce additional supplemental materials that support the achievement of course learning objectives into the classroom.  Additionally, faculty are encouraged to employ the use of non-graded, formative assessments to determine student comprehension and to inform instructional practice.

The faculty member demonstrates appreciation and promotion of diversity, one of Herzing University’s faculty competencies, and facilitates academic freedom when he/she:

• Acknowledges, embraces, and accommodates the diversity of perspective, culture and prior learning experience among students in the classroom;
• Demonstrates and fosters respect for diversity among students;
• Demonstrates a belief that all students deserve the opportunity to engage in post-secondary education;
• Invites students to draw upon and share their personal insights and experience to advance learning and shared meaning; and
• Facilitates relevant and professional engagement among students in both physical and virtual classrooms.

The faculty member demonstrates pedagogical mastery, one of Herzing University’s faculty competencies, and facilitates academic freedom when he/she:

• Facilitates diverse learning experiences that render the content meaningful and relevant to students; and
• Employs a variety of instructional methodologies to accommodate diversity in student learning style preferences.

Academic Freedom in Research

Academic freedom gives both students and faculty the right to study and to conduct research on the topics of their choosing and to draw conclusions based upon their research. Academic freedom does not prevent others from evaluating research and challenging its conclusions.

Herzing University has established an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to assure that appropriate steps are taken to protect the rights and welfare of humans recruited to participate in research activities conducted under the auspices of Herzing University or involving any University student, faculty, staff, or administrator as either the researcher or subject for any study. While students and faculty are free to publish the conclusions of their research, any publication of findings may not identify or implicate Herzing University. Any external report produced on findings generated by this study, including any presentation or publication, may not identify, reference, or implicate Herzing University in any way.

Curriculum Development and Revision

Faculty are expected to work collaboratively with their Division Curriculum Committee, working with the local program chair and system subcommittees (which are comprised of faculty), to develop quality and consistent curriculum, inclusive of assignments, assessments, and rubrics.  This process assures that all students taking the same course, regardless of instructor, will benefit from engagement with the same learning materials and that achievement of course learning objectives will be consistently measured   Development of curriculum and learning materials through the Division Curriculum Committees in no way compromises the academic freedom of instructors. Importantly, the development of an aligned curriculum allows the instructor to focus time and energy on facilitation of the learning process rather than the creation of unique learning materials and assessment instruments.

Faculty have the right and responsibility to recommend revisions to curriculum on an ongoing basis.  Faculty shall recommend revisions to courses and programs based upon an analysis of outcome data, student and employer feedback, advisory board input and changing industry and discipline practices. Faculty may recommend curriculum revisions through the Division Curriculum Committee structure, use of the ticketing system or through direct communication with the System Division Chair. Faculty may also recommend course improvements through the pre-term course survey and the faculty end-of-course survey.

Decisions to revise curriculum are not made on a campus level, although recommendations to revise curriculum originate from faculty who are employed either at a campus and/or by Online. Division Curriculum Committees, comprised of campus faculty representatives, consider recommendations for curriculum revision.  Changes to curriculum and course materials are executed centrally, at the direction of the Division Curriculum Committee, after consideration of regulatory requirements, discipline, and market changes.

Implementation of curriculum revisions are coordinated by the System Division Chair, after appropriate regulatory approvals have been secured, to ensure that all variables that contribute to student learning outcomes, to the degree possible, remain consistent across locations.

Continuous Professional and Instructional Improvement

Faculty have the right and the responsibility to utilize student engagement and student learning outcome data as a means of identifying opportunities to adjust instructional practice.  On an annual basis, each faculty member is expected to develop a Faculty Development Plan that documents the areas of opportunity for growth and improvement that have been identified through personal reflection and feedback generated by student end-of-course surveys and classroom observations.  The Faculty Development Plan identifies activities selected by the faculty member to address growth opportunities. Together with his/her supervisor, faculty have the freedom to identify opportunities for growth and the activities which will be undertaken to support that development.

Faculty Opinion may not be presented as Institutional Perspective

Herzing University endeavors to foster in its students the ability to think critically and independently; this objective cannot be achieved unless students and faculty are free within the physical and/or virtual classroom to express a wide range of viewpoints in accordance with the standards of scholarly inquiry and professional ethics.

Faculty are members of a learned profession and are stewards of the institution. When faculty communicate as individuals, they should be free of censorship on topics relevant to the course(s) taught; however, faculty should recognize an equally binding obligation to perform academic duties responsibly and to comply with the internal regulations of the institution.  Faculty serve as representatives of the institution to students and other constituents, including alumni, employers, regulators, and other community members.  As such, faculty must be mindful that their opinions may be attributed to the profession and/or to the institution. Faculty, therefore, should make every effort to be accurate in statements made and shall not claim to be representing the institution unless authorized to do so.

Each faculty member is expected to recognize the right of freedom of expression of other members of the learning community, including staff, other faculty and students Respect for diverse perspectives and opinions serves as the foundation of academic freedom and for the educational process delivered by Herzing University.

Institutional Assessment

Herzing University is committed to the continual improvement of its educational processes and programs. To accomplish this, the University periodically assesses student academic outcomes. Consequently, students can expect to participate in academic outcomes assessment activities during their educational experience at the University.

The aggregated results of these assessment activities will be used exclusively to identify relative strengths and opportunities for improvement in the University’s educational processes and programs. The results for individual students will be kept strictly confidential, will not be maintained, and will not affect their academic standing in any way.

Institutional Research Board (IRB)

Protection of Human Research Subjects and their Information

The Herzing University Institutional Review Board (IRB) is the official authority for reviewing and approving research proposals that are seeking to use human participants in the research. The board membership is comprised of faculty, administrators, and a community representative. Prior to serving, board members are expected to successfully complete appropriate Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) training modules. 

The IRB is committed to ensure research is conducted in an ethical manner and complies with federal regulations and University policy. The purpose of the IRB is to protect the welfare, rights, and privacy of human subjects, and to provide oversite for ethical acquisition of knowledge and research support. All research proposals that involve human participants must be reviewed and approved by the IRB before any research activities begin. This includes research proposals that are to be conducted by students, faculty, or staff as well as anyone, who seeks to conduct research that includes Herzing University students, faculty, or staff. 

The Herzing University IRB may approve, modify, or deny a research proposal because of the risk to human subjects or their privacy. Full information on submitting research proposals may be found on the University website at www.herzing.edu.

Army ROTC Programs

Some Herzing University locations offer the Army ROTC program in conjunction with another local college or university that hosts an Army ROTC detachment. Where these agreements exist, a student may take the military science courses that constitute the Army ROTC program at the hosting college and apply those courses as open electives toward Herzing University degree requirements and can earn a presidential commission as a reserve officer in the U.S. Army, the Army Reserve, or the National Guard. Check with your local Herzing University campus about the availability of the Army ROTC courses.

Service Quality Assurance

Herzing University is committed to the complete satisfaction of our students and their employers. We pride ourselves in providing a quality, student-centered educational experience that successfully prepares our graduates for employment. We offer the following written service quality assurance to our valued student and employer customers.

Assurance to Students

A Herzing University student may retake any course that he or she is dissatisfied with at no additional charge for tuition provided the student completed and passed the course with a “B” or better, demonstrated compliance with the stated attendance policy for the course in question, is not in default on his/her student loan(s), and is current in financial standing with the University.

Assurance to Employers

If an employer feels a Herzing University graduate is not functioning satisfactorily in a job reasonably related to his or her program of study that had been completed within the last 12 months, Herzing University will allow the student to retake any course offered in the student’s completed curriculum without tuition cost to the student or the employer.

Notes on the Quality Assurance Policy

1. For employers, a phone call or letter to the Department of Career Development, the Academic Dean, or campus President/Director will be sufficient to allow students to repeat any course(s) that the employer believes is/are necessary.
2. The student repeating a course will be expected to attend a class (on a space-available basis) offered in the University’s normal class schedule.
3. A student repeating a course will do so on an “audit” basis (i.e., no grade will be received, and the student’s academic performance will not affect his or her transcript).
4. A student repeating a course under the student assurance above must do so within 12 months of completing that course. Please note that the student is responsible for the purchase of books and materials.