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 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

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.

Clinical Site Visits

Clinical Site visits, both virtual and face to face, are completed on a regular basis. Preceptors and students may be included in these site visits as the purpose for site visits is to ensure that clinical sites are appropriate for the students’ clinical experience. These visits are completed by faculty, program chairs, clinical coordinators, and department chairs. Students are also asked to provide information on a regular basis about their clinical site for appropriateness of desired experiences.

Clinical Use of Paid Clinical Preceptor Services

The Online Nursing Department does not provide financial support or endorse student participation in securing paid clinical preceptor services. We also do not work directly or indirectly with any paid clinical preceptor services. If any Herzing University nursing student chooses to use a paid preceptor service for any clinical opportunities the following conditions apply:

1. The student is responsible for all aspects of the contract with the preceptor agency, including any and all costs or related expenses of the contract.
2. All paid and unpaid preceptors must have the appropriate licensure, credentials and experience for the course in which the preceptor will oversee the student clinical experience. Students will still need to follow the Clinical Application process in addition to the contract for pay. Refer to the Clinical Guides for the specific program for further information or you may reach out to the Clinical Coordinators email at onl-msnclinicals@herzing.edu.

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 Credit”) A grade of (TR) is not calculated into the grade point average but is used in calculating the pace requirement in the satisfactory academic progress calculation.

Withdrawals

A grade of Withdrawal (W) will be issued to a student withdrawing prior to the 75% point of any 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 to be an “F” grade.

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. 

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, the semester credit 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 divided by the total number of credits to obtain the program grade point average. A sample calculation is shown:

The sum of 27.00 total points divided by 9.00 credits gives a program grade point average of 3.00. In the case of a course being repeated, the highest grade earned is used to determine the program grade point average.

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 master’s degree from Herzing University. No grade will be assigned, and no semester credit hours will be included towards program requirements. Financial aid or veterans’ benefits may not be used for an audited course. Previous master’s 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.

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 notice 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 academic standards of satisfactory academic progress (SAP) that apply to all graduate students at Herzing University, not just to those receiving financial assistance. SAP is determined by calculating the student’s program grade point average (PGPA) and 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. Satisfactory academic progress for all students is checked following the end of each semester of attendance.

Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress

A graduate student is making satisfactory academic progress if he or she has achieved and maintained the minimum standard of a 3.00 PGPA (program grade point average), which is a “B” average and is the equivalent academic standing consistent with Herzing University’s graduation requirements and a minimum pace threshold of 66.67%. To calculate the pace at which a student is progressing, the number of cumulative credit hours the student has successfully completed is divided by the cumulative number of credit hours the student has attempted. Transfer hours are counted both as successfully completed and attempted when calculating pace. Incompletes, withdrawals, failures, and course repetitions will be counted as attempted credit hours in the pace calculation. If a grade of incomplete “I” is issued and the “I” is not removed and replaced with the updated grade within two class weeks after the start of the next academic period, the earned grade at that time will be issued. If a course is failed it must be repeated if required for graduation. The evaluation of satisfactory academic progress will occur at the end of each semester.

Program Transfers

If a student chooses to transfer programs, Herzing University will apply all course attempts from the previous program to the new program Any courses taken by the student applied from program to another (whether or not the courses were successfully completed) will be used in the PGPA calculation and will be counted in the Pace towards completion.

Maximum Timeframe for Completion

Students must be able to complete their current program without attempting more than 150% of the minimum credits required for the student’s program. Once it has been deemed impossible for a student to complete their program of study within 150% of the published length in the educational program, as measured in credit or clock hours, the student will lose Title IV eligibility and be dismissed from Herzing University.

Academic Warning

Students whose program grade point average (PGPA) is less than 3.00 or whose pace of satisfactory completion is less than 66.67% at the end of a semester are placed on Academic Warning for a period of one semester (unless otherwise specified in an Academic Success Plan). 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. Students on Academic Warning who improve their PGPA to at least 3.00 and attain the minimum 66.67% cumulative completion rate by the end of the semester of Academic Warning are removed from Academic Warning. A student on Academic Warning may continue to receive assistance under Title IV, HEA programs for one semester (unless otherwise specified in an Academic Success Plan).

Dismissal from the University for Lack of Satisfactory Academic Progress

A student will be dismissed from the University for lack of satisfactory academic progress in the following circumstances (unless otherwise specified in an Academic Success Plan):

• The student did not increase his or her PGPA to at least 3.00 by the end of one semester on Academic Warning.
• The student did not meet the 66.67% pace requirement by the end of one semester on Academic Warning. A student who is dismissed will be notified through 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 Satisfactory Academic Review 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 on 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 his or her situation that would strongly indicate that they 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 their dismissal from the University is granted his or her appeal, the student will be reinstated to the University and will be placed on Academic Probation. If a student is placed on Academic Probation the student must meet the conditions stipulated in the Academic Success Plan for the Academic Probation 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.

Additional Academic Standards for Nursing Programs

Nursing students may not repeat any nursing course more than once. Failing two nursing courses will result in dismissal from the program, even if the student is meeting the minimum SAP requirements outlined above.

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 must be completed by the end of the first eight weeks of enrollment or reenrollment.

Students reentering or reenrolling after a break in attendance with Herzing University who wish to have courses taken during the break evaluated for transfer must submit their official transcripts prior to the end of the first eight weeks of reentry or reenrollment. While enrolled at Herzing University, students are expected to take all their courses at Herzing University unless otherwise authorized in advance by the Vice President of Academic Operations and Academic Dean for Online Learning.

Certain transfer credits may be submitted for approval toward Herzing University graduate certificate and degree programs, with certain limitations as follows:

• A transcript from the American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service (CREDIT) indicating completion of relevant graduate level work.
• Previous graduate work earned at a regionally accredited college or university in which an equivalent grade of “B-” or higher was earned, and that was awarded within the previous five (5) years of the anticipated date of matriculation into the Herzing University program of study.
• Prior graduate work accepted as part of an active articulation agreement approved by Herzing University.
• No clinical, practicum, internship, externship, comprehensive exam, thesis, or capstone course will be accepted through transfer credit except in instances where pre-approval was received by the Vice President of Academic Operations and Academic Dean for Online Learning.
• A maximum of nine (9) semester credit hours of transfer credit may be accepted toward a Herzing University master’s degree or graduate certificate from another graduate program from a regionally accredited institution, if no previous graduate certificate or degree has been awarded.
• Applicable coursework earned previously at Herzing University, for returning students, will be awarded if the student is able to complete the program requirements within the timeframe specified in the Graduation Requirements section of this catalog. Students unable to complete within the timeframe may have any non-clinical credits applied to the returning enrollment if the course was completed within 5 years of the expected return date.

Nursing Students Transfer Credit

Nursing students may not transfer credits obtained in clinically based practicum courses. No clinical practicum hours may be transferred in to the program to meet the required clinical hours for the program.

Exceptions to the above limits may be granted if it is part of a Herzing University approved articulation agreement or by approval from the Vice President of Academic Operations and Academic Dean for Online Learning. If the credit has been used toward a previous graduate certificate or degree, the restrictions found in “Earning a Second Master’s Degree or Graduate Certificate ” will apply.

MSW Students Transfer Credit

MSW students may transfer credits for field education and/or practice courses; however, these will only be accepted from other CSWE accredited or candidate social work programs. Approval for transfer credits must be approved by the MSW Program Chair and Academic Dean for Online Learning.

Prior Learning Assessment

Herzing University does not consider experiential learning credit or previous work experience for any graduate programs, including the Master of Social Work.

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 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 in the administrative office of the University and on the Herzing website at https://www.herzing.edu/get-credit-you-deserve/articulation-agreements.

Enrollment Status

A graduate 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 enrollment status.

Approval to Take Additional Coursework

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 courses are taken as an audit.

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 sessions. 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 programs of study 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 37.5 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 and at least 7.5 hours of activities that an average student would complete outside of the classroom.
• 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 graduate course numbering system consists of a two-character alpha prefix followed by a three-digit number. The meaning of the prefixes 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 conferencing, electronic blackboard, threaded discussion, online chat, peer critiques, and e-mail. Online students are expected to log in and actively participate several days per week and should expect to spend a minimum of six (6) hours per week (over a 7½-week period) in their studies for each semester credit hour enrolled. This would include reading, researching, and writing papers, doing projects, completing exercises, studying, and reflecting on the course material as well as the time spent on the computer participating in discussion threads, reviewing online course materials, taking tests, and uploading/downloading materials. The time devoted to classes scheduled for other than 7½-week periods would adjust proportionately.

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 graduate 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.

• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Accounting and Finance
• Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Data Analytics
• Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Healthcare Management
• Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Human Resources 
• Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Project Management
• Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Technology Management
• Master of Business Administration-Dual Concentration Option
• Master of Science in Healthcare Administration
• Master of Science in Nursing - Direct Entry
• Master of Science in Nursing with a Concentration in Adult Gerontology - Acute Care Nurse Practitioner*
• Master of Science in Nursing with a Concentration in Adult Gerontology - Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Accelerated RN-MSN*
• Master of Science in Nursing with a Concentration in Adult Gerontology - Primary Care Nurse Practitioner*
• Master of Science in Nursing with a Concentration in Adult Gerontology - Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Accelerated RN-MSN*
• Master of Science in Nursing with a Concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner *
• Master of Science in Nursing with a Concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner - Accelerated RN-MSN *
• Master of Science in Nursing with a Concentration in Nursing Education *
• Master of Science in Nursing with a Concentration in Nursing Education - Accelerated RN-MSN *
• Master of Science in Nursing with a Concentration in Nursing Leadership and Administration *
• Master of Science in Nursing with a Concentration in Nursing Leadership and Administration - Accelerated RN-MSN *
• Master of Science in Nursing with a Concentration in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner *
• Master of Science in Nursing with a Concentration in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Accelerated RN-MSN *
• Master of Social Work
• Post Master’s Certificate in Accounting and Finance
• Post Master’s Certificate Adult Gerontology - Acute Care Nurse Practitioner*
• Post Master’s Certificate Adult Gerontology - Primary Care Nurse Practitioner*
• Post Master’s Certificate in Data Analytics
• Post Master’s Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner*
• Post Master’s Certificate in Healthcare Management
• Post Master’s Certificate in Human Resources
• Post Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education
• Post Master’s Certificate in Nursing Leadership and Administration
• Post Master’s Certificate in Project Management
• Post Master’s Certificate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner*
• Post Master’s Certificate in Technology Management
• Doctor of Nursing Practice

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

Not all programs and concentrations are offered at all locations. Please see the “Program Offerings by Campus” 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 and MSHCA 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) of four MSHCA 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 or MSHCA program, the course and grade will be applied to the program. Course(s) will be graded according to the undergraduate grading scale, however a grade of “C” or higher is required to be considered for credit in the graduate program. Completion of graduate-level courses does not guarantee admission into the MBA or MSHCA 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 two provisions: (1) the course was completed with a grade of “C” or higher 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.

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 based upon the Add/Drop Policy. Adjustments to schedules may affect the expected graduation date. 

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 change program must meet with a Student Services Advisor or the Vice President of Academic Operations and Academic Dean for Online Learning 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 change. Approved program changes 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.

Graduation Requirements

Students must meet all the requirements below to be eligible for graduation.

1. Maintain a program grade point average (PGPA) of 3.00 or higher in the courses applicable to the student’s program.

2. Complete the required minimum number of semester credit hours in the student’s program.

3. Meet all terms of the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy (see Satisfactory Academic Progress), including rate of progress of required program courses.

4. Complete all master’s and doctoral degree requirements within seven years.

5. Nursing students must complete all requirements within five years.

6. Meet all additional program-specific requirements included in the specific 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, particularly for international students.

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” policy.

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 student’s enrollment will be cancelled.

International Continuing Students

A continuing international student becomes an active student 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 officially counted as a start. 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 a start and needs to be pre-school cancelled. 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.

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 office 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.

Grading and Success Effect of Absences for International Students

Attendance is one of the keys to success for international students. 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 F1 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 and continuing 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 not subject to this requirement 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.

The results for individual students will be kept strictly confidential, will not be maintained, and will not affect their academic standing in any way.

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 they 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 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.

Students Attending Two or More Courses

If a student is enrolled in two or more courses during a given time period and attends/participates in one or more courses regularly but never attends/participates into 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 enrollment and not from individual courses as long as a student remains active. 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.

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

This means logging into a course and navigating within the virtual classroom will not constitute participation; the student must complete 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 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 office 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 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, the grade assigned will be a “W.” If the request to withdraw from an individual course is after the 75% point, a letter grade will be assigned. The 75% point of the course varies, depending on the length of the course. For example, in a four-week course, the 75% point of the course starts on the Monday of the fourth week. In an eight-week course, the 75% point of the course is the Monday of the seventh week. In a 16-week course, the 75% point of the course is the Monday of the thirteenth week.

The course letter grade will be included in the calculation of the student’s 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 midway point of the course, 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, 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 Needs

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. No time limits apply.

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.

Graduate Learning Outcomes

A Professional Theory-to-Practice Model of Graduate Education

Herzing University’s graduate programs provide appropriate learning for those seeking advanced degrees in professional disciplines. Programmatic outcomes as well as course objectives follow from four institutional outcomes at the graduate level:

1. Engagement in advanced study of the discipline;
2. Demonstration of scholarship of professional practice;
3. Cultivation of thought-leadership; and
4. Commitment to professional service

All Herzing University graduate certificate and degree programs address elements of these four institutional outcomes. Graduate course learning activities help ensure that, at program completion, all four institutional outcomes are achieved.

1. Engagement in Advanced Study of the Discipline

• Advanced study integrates the historical and philosophical foundations of the profession to current policies and practice.
• Advanced study incorporates the systematic investigation of primary source material as well as scholarly journals and professional publications for inquiry into the discipline
• Advanced study includes further development of discipline-specific knowledge and skills.
• Advanced study focuses on current trends and issues: their causes and possible solutions

2. Demonstration of Scholarship of Professional Practice

• Applied scholarship, like traditional scholarship, employs established research methods in planned experimentation.
• Applied scholarship, like traditional scholarship, promotes the freedom of expression through the pursuit of truth, wherever the evidence may lead.
• Applied scholarship, like traditional scholarship, requires that both students and faculty assure the integrity of scholarly research and professional practice and the ethical use information resources.
• Applied scholarship focuses on quality improvement in professional policy, systems, and practice.
• Applied scholarship uses evidence-based methodologies to create reasoned solutions to complex workplace problems.

3. Cultivation of Thought-Leadership

• Coursework provides a platform for developing and proposing evidence-based revisions in policy, systems and/or practice as emerging scholars in the profession
• Students and faculty collaborate as current practitioners.
• Dialogue among students and faculty critique the current policies and practices of the discipline.
• Coursework uses learning paradigms that guide self-directed and faculty-facilitated learning appropriate for student professionals.

4. Commitment to the Professional Service

• Students identify areas within the profession that require additional research and analysis.
• Students analyze professional trends and issues and contribute to the advancement of their profession.
• Students use professional standards to establish a set of professional values.
• Students identify professional associations that participate in furthering the profession and/or professional practice and standards.

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 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.