Academic Affairs

Academic Advisors

Each entering freshman will be assigned to a designated faculty member. The Registrar will assign an academic advisor to each student beyond the freshman year who has not selected a major. Academic advisors will assist in selecting courses, advise on academic progress, and help develop vocational plans and objectives. The Deans of each School may recommend a faculty member to be an academic advisor for students selecting an academic major in their School. An official list of students and advisors is maintained by the Registrar in Room 107 of Memorial Hall.

In all academic advising, the student has certain responsibilities. He/she must arrange meetings with the advisor several times a term, not just prior to registration. It is the responsibility of each student to know both the general requirements and those of the particular field of study and to meet them satisfactorily for graduation. Changing academic majors may require additional or repeat course work in order to complete a degree program. Students may change advisors or majors using the Change of Information form in the Registrar’s Office.

Academic Forgiveness

Cumberland University has provided the following Academic Forgiveness options to help currently enrolled, eligible Cumberland University undergraduate students to overcome low academic standing (note that Academic Forgiveness is not available to graduate students). Although the transcript will still be a full and accurate reflection of the student's academic performance/history, the retention/graduation grade point average (GPA) will be utilized in determining matters such as academic probation, academic suspension, transfer admissibility, and graduation GPA. There are three academic forgiveness provisions available: Repeated Courses, Academic Reprieve, and Academic Renewal. A student may only receive one academic reprieve or renewal in his/her academic career and only one option can be used. The repeated course provision may be used independently within the limits listed below. If you believe you are eligible for one of these provisions, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs for additional information.

Repeated Course Policy

A student may repeat a maximum of six (6) courses, not to exceed 18 hours, and have only the most recent grade, even if it is lower than a previous grade(s); count in the calculation of the retention/graduation GPA providing the original grade was a "B" or lower. University policy prohibits students from repeating a course in which they have earned a grade of ‘A’ unless the course is one in which there is a change of subject matter and the course has been designated “repeatable for credit”. Courses that are repeatable for credit are identified as such in the course description. Note that an individual course can only be repeated a maximum of two times (total of three attempts).
All attempts will be recorded on the transcript with the earned grade for each listed in the semester earned.
If a student repeats an individual course two times (total of 3 attempts), the last grade earned will be used to calculate the retention/graduation GPA.
Students repeating courses above the first six (6) courses of "B's" or below may do so; however, both the original grades and repeat grades will be averaged.
This policy only applies to undergraduate work, no matter when or where it was completed.
In cases where students believe courses to be identical, although the course number or title may differ, it will be necessary to obtain verification of course equivalency from the appropriate academic department.

Academic Reprieve

The student must be a currently enrolled Cumberland University undergraduate student.
At least one calendar year must have elapsed between when the semester(s) requested to be reprieved were completed and when the reprieve is requested.
Prior to requesting an academic reprieve, the student must have earned a GPA of 2.5 or higher with no grade lower than a "C" in all regularly graded course work since the semester(s) requested to be reprieved.
The student must have completed a minimum of twelve (12) semester hours at Cumberland University, excluding activity or performance courses, since the semester(s) requested to be reprieved.
The request may be for one (1) semester of enrollment or two (2) consecutive semesters of enrollment.
If approved, all grades and credit hours earned in the semester(s) requested will be included in the reprieve.
If the student's request is for two (2) consecutive semesters, the institution may choose to reprieve only one semester.
All courses reprieved will remain on the transcript but will not be used to calculate the retention/graduation GPA.
Neither the content nor credit hours of reprieved courses may be used to fulfill any degree or graduation requirement.
Academic reprieves granted by other colleges and universities are not automatically honored by CU. Students who have received such reprieves from other institutions may apply for an academic reprieve under Cumberland University guidelines.
The student must apply for consideration of an academic reprieve according to institutional policy.
A student may not receive more than one academic reprieve.

Academic Renewal

The student must be a currently enrolled Cumberland University undergraduate student.
At least three (3) years must have elapsed between when the last semester requested to be renewed was completed and when the renewal is requested.
Prior to requesting an academic renewal, the student must have earned a GPA of 2.5 or higher with no grade lower than a "C" in all regularly graded course work since the semester(s) requested to be renewed.
The student must have completed a minimum of twelve (12) semester hours, excluding activity or performance courses, since the semester(s) requested to be renewed.
The request will be for all courses completed before the date/semester specified in the request for renewal.
All courses renewed will remain on the transcript but will not be used to calculate the retention/graduation GPA.
Neither the content nor credit hours of renewed courses may be used to fulfill any degree or graduation requirement.
Academic renewals granted by other colleges and universities are not automatically honored by Cumberland University. Students who have received such renewals from other institutions may apply for an academic renewal under Cumberland University guidelines.
The student must petition for consideration of academic renewal according to institutional policy.
A student may not receive more than one academic renewal.

The Academic Forgiveness application can also be found in the Registrar's Office. Students should contact their academic advisor and/or the Registrar’s Office concerning the process for requesting an academic renewal.

Assessment

Cumberland University is committed to improving academic, administrative, and student service programs and activities.

The broad-based assessment plan of the institution has four major goals:

To improve student learning and performance.
To improve programs and curriculum development.
To improve student preparedness for careers and professional goals.
To improve support services for students, faculty, and staff.

Academic Appeals

Petitions or exceptions to the academic policies of the University must be submitted in writing to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The appeal should be reviewed and signed by the students academic advisor and the School Dean in charge of the student’s major before the Vice President of Academic Affairs will review it. The petition should indicate the reason(s) why a policy that applies to all University students should be waived or modified for the petitioner. The responsibility for presenting appropriate reasoning rests with the student. The Academic Appeal form is available in the Office of the University Registrar.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY

The student filing the appeal should write a letter describing what specifically they are requesting to appeal.
The student filing the appeal is responsible for ensuring that all required attachments and signatures are secured.
The student is to maintain possession of this document and all attachments. DO NOT leave the form with an Advisor or Dean.
The completed documents must be turned in to the Registrar’s Office in person.

The Academic Appeal form is the manner in which you would request the following:

Directed Study
Course Overload
Transient Permission
Course Substitution
Catalog Change
Course Waiver
Graduation Waiver

Academic Load

A full-time undergraduate student must register for 12 to 18 academic hours each semester. The average load is 15 hours. A student completing an average of 15 hours may finish some baccalaureate degrees in eight semesters. A student with a 3.0 GPA or higher may petition to register for an overload, not to exceed a maximum of 21 hours per semester. To enroll in an academic overload, the student must file an Academic Appeal, following the Academic Appeal procedure.

Students may enroll in a maximum of two courses for a maximum of seven semester hours in each grading period of the Summer semester. Summer grading periods include May term, Summer I, Summer II, Full Summer, and accelerated terms. Students may not enroll in classes that overlap any time periods during any of the grading periods. Total hours for the Summer semester may not exceed 18 semester credit hours.

Academic Credit Unit

Introduction

An Academic credit hour is the unit by which an institution sets the basis for measuring the amount of engaged learning time expected of a typical student enrolled not only in traditional classroom settings but also laboratories, studios, internships, other experiential learning, and distance and correspondence education. The federal government relies on academic credits as a measure of student academic engagement and a basis for awarding financial aid. Further, the assignment of academic credit for courses allows prospective students to make meaningful comparisons between institutions and academic programs. Additionally, federal and state reporting requirements can be analyzed, achieved, and communicated.

Definition of the Academic Credit Hour

To maintain alignment with federal regulations and regional accrediting bodies, Cumberland University uses the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools – Commission on Colleges definition of an academic credit hour. An academic credit hour is defined as the amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement. Institutionally this is equivalent to reasonable approximations of:

Not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or not less than two hours of classroom or direct faculty instruction or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time, or
At least an equivalent amount of work as required and outlined in item 1 above for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of academic credit hours (1).

The credit hour definition above is a minimum standard that does not restrict particular courses at Cumberland University from setting a higher standard that requires more student work per academic credit hour. Best practices in higher education are followed to determine requirements for academic credit hours assigned to particular courses and/or activities.

(1) Credit Hours Policy Statement. http://www.sacscoc.org/pdf/081705/Credit%20Hours.pdf. January 2012.

Credit Guidelines

Lecture Class Instruction

Normally, 750 semester-minutes, excluding final exams is associated with one academic credit hour for a semester. It is also widely accepted as best practice among higher education institutions to expect two hours per week (for 15 week semester) or 1,800 minutes per semester of preparation or other work outside of the class.

Non-Lecture Class Instruction

Laboratory
Normally, one academic credit hour is associated with a class meeting for 50 – 200 minutes per week for an entire 15 week semester (or the equivalent of 750 – 3,000 minutes per semester).

Clinical
Normally, one academic credit hour is associated with a class meeting 100 – 300 minutes per week over a 15 week semester (or the equivalent of 1,500 to 3,000 minutes per semester). Note that there can be variation in the requirements per clinical credit hour based upon best practices in higher education for a particular clinical type.

Studio
Normally, one academic credit hour is associated with a class meeting 100-300 minutes per week in a 15 week semester (1,500 to 3,000 minutes per semester).

Practica and Internships
Normally, one academic credit requires a minimum of 50 hours per 15 week semester or its equivalency.

Independent Study
Academic credit hours associated with this type of instruction will be assigned credit depending upon the amount of activity associated with meeting the learning outcomes of the course, faculty supervision, and student outside work activity. Best practices in higher education will be followed in assigning appropriate academic credit.

Distance Learning
Academic credit hours associated with this delivery format of a course will be equivalent to academic credit hours assigned when a course is conveyed in any other delivery format at Cumberland University.

Procedure for Exceptions
Situations and new developments in best practices in higher education may occur that prompt variance in academic credit assigned for a particular course from that stated above. If this situation should occur, a curriculum change proposal should be initiated and submitted by the academic school in which the variance is recommended. Documentation of adherence to best academic practices in higher education necessitating the adjustment in academic credit assigned will be documented in the curriculum change proposal.

Academic Integrity Policy

Academic Integrity Board

The Academic Integrity Board is comprised of a minimum of four faculty members and one non-invested full time student. The function of the board is to consider evidence of academic dishonesty, determine guilt and confirm or assign new sanctions. Sanctions may include (but are not limited to) assignment failure, course failure, probation, or suspension from the University. The Board may request the testimony of witnesses including the student, the instructor, and other appropriate individuals.

The student may appeal an unfavorable decision by the board. Appeals are made first the to Vice President for Academic Affairs. The decision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs is final.

Academic Integrity Overview

Cumberland University considers any violation of academic integrity a significant offense and therefore subject to an appropriate sanction. Academic integrity violations at the University are classified into minor and major categories each with two levels of violation for a total of four levels of violations. Faculty make the distinction within their course syllabi of the characteristics that define the category of academic integrity violation for a particular course. The sanction levied is decided upon by the faculty member in consultation with the appropriate Program Director and/or School Dean. The University recommends sanctions intended as a general guideline for the University. Furthermore, extenuating circumstances may influence the imposed sanction, as degree of responsibility and experience of an individual student may be a factor in determining the appropriate sanction. For example a first-year student’s imposed sanction for a given violation may not be as severe as that imposed on a more experienced student (upperclassman or graduate student) for the same violation. All transgressions are recorded in the Advocate System. Faculty should notify their School Dean and the Office of the Registrar by email when there is an imposed sanction of "FC" (failure due to cheating).

Definitions of Academic Dishonesty

Academic Integrity Expectations - Academic integrity is violated by any dishonest act which is committed in an academic context including, but not restricted to the following:

A. Use of Sources
1. Plagiarism is the use of someone else's language, ideas, information, or original material without acknowledging the source.

a. Examples of plagiarism:

i. Paper is downloaded from an Internet source and/or obtained from a paper mill.

ii. Paper contains part or all of the writings of another person

(including another student), without citation.

iii. Paper contains passages that were cut and pasted from an Internet source, without citation.

b. While students are responsible for knowing how to quote from, paraphrase, and cite sources correctly, the ability to apply that information in all writing situations is an advanced literacy skill acquired over time through repeated practice. When a student has attempted to acknowledge sources but has not done so fully or completely, the instructor may determine that the issue is misuse of sources or bad writing, rather than plagiarism. Factors that may be relevant to the determination between misuse of sources and plagiarism include prior academic integrity education at Cumberland University and the program level of the student. Instructors are responsible for communicating their expectations regarding the use and citation of sources.

B. Course Work and Research

1. The use or attempted use of unauthorized aids in examinations or other academic exercises submitted for evaluation;

2. Fabrication, falsification, or misrepresentation of data, results, sources for papers or reports; in clinical practice, as in reporting experiments, measurements, statistical analyses, tests, or other studies never performed; manipulating or altering data or other manifestations of research to achieve a desired result; selective reporting, including the deliberate suppression of conflicting or unwanted data;

3. Copying from another student's work;

4. Actions that destroy or alter the work of another student;

5. Unauthorized cooperation in completing assignments or examinations;

6. Submission of the same written work in more than one course without prior written approval from both instructors.

C. Communications

1. Violating the confidentiality of an academic integrity investigation, resolution, or documentation;

2. Making a false report of academic dishonesty;

3. Dishonesty in requests for make-up exams, for extensions of deadlines for submitting papers, or in any other matter relating to a course.

D. Representations and Materials Misuse

1. Falsification of records, reports, or documents associated with the educational process;

2. Misrepresentation of one's own or another's identity in an academic context;

3. Misrepresentation of material facts or circumstances in relation to examinations, papers, or other academic activities;

4. Sale of papers, essays, or research for fraudulent use;

5. Alteration or falsification of university records;

6. Unauthorized use of university academic facilities or equipment, including computer accounts and files;

7. Unauthorized recording, sale, purchase, or use of academic lectures, academic computer software, or other instructional materials;

8. Unauthorized removal, mutilation, or deliberate concealment of materials in university libraries, media, laboratories, or academic resource centers

Academic Integrity Purpose

Academic integrity in the University should be promoted and protected. The purpose of this document is to record specific incidents of the violation of academic integrity, so that context is available for faculty consideration of addressing specific academic violations and in the event a student appeals a conviction to the Academic Integrity Board.

The following describes the appropriate use of this report.

When a violation of academic integrity occurs, faculty members should address the issue in a personal meeting with the student. The faculty member should use the Academic Integrity Violation Report form to document and describe the violation, the evidence that is available, and the action taken. Definitions of the categories of academic violation are below for reference. Both the faculty member and student should sign the form, indicating that action was taken. The student should note that they acknowledge the discussion and if they agree or disagree that the violation took place. Students will have the right to appeal any sanctions for academic integrity violations to the Academic Integrity Board (AIB).
The form will be filed in the ADVOCATE system. The Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of Students, and School Deans will have access to the documents following the same procedure as faculty.
Faculty members may request information regarding whether a student has an academic integrity violation form on file for purposes of investigating context for taking action on nominations for honor societies, awards, admissions, and campus leadership positions. The faculty member will receive from the Office of Dean of Students an answer either in the affirmative or negative. Faculty can request further information using the following procedure.
Faculty members with a documented legitimate educational interest may request to receive access to documents in a student’s file that pertain to academic integrity issues. A FERPA acknowledgement must be signed by the requester, and the file may not be removed from the office of Dean of Students nor can photocopies or other reproductions be made. Any and all access to the file will be logged.
The Academic Integrity Board may request records of violations for students who bring appeals, in order to provide context for academic integrity hearings.
Academic Integrity Violation Reports shall be filed before the submission of the final grade in the course.

Violations and Sanctions

Chart of violations and sanctions.

Other Consequences of Violating the Academic Integrity Policy

Consequences of an academic integrity violation may reach beyond the classroom and beyond the student’s time at Cumberland University. If the recommended sanction by the instructor or Academic Integrity Board is a failing grade for the course, a designation “FC” (failure for cheating) will be placed on the student’s transcript. The “FC” is non-replaceable and cannot be eliminated by retaking the course. Students are prohibited from withdrawing from a course to avoid receiving the “FC” on their transcript. The grade of "FC" is intended to acknowledge a student’s failure to uphold the values of academic integrity at Cumberland University. The grade of "FC" shall be treated in the same way as an "F" for the purposes of calculating grade point average (GPA) and determination of academic class standing. A student who receives a grade of "FC" will be considered to be on academic probation with the university for reasons of academic misconduct. Additional sanctions may be imposed by Student Affairs in regards to student conduct.
Note that no upper division student (having earned 60 credit hours prior to date of violation) found responsible for academic misconduct may receive honors at graduation.
There may also be specific impact for a student within their academic major or degree program based upon a finding of academic misconduct and the consequences of subsequent sanctions. Students are encouraged to discuss their involvement in an academic misconduct situation and its impact upon their academic major or degree program with their academic advisor.
When a violation occurs students are encouraged to discuss their situation with advisors, parents, coaches, and other mentors. To allow time for advisement there will be a 24-hour waiting period required before signing an academic integrity violation report, but not to exceed 5 business days.

Additional Information

Student Denial

If the student denies the allegation of academic dishonesty, the faculty member will report that this is the student’s position on the “Academic Integrity Report Form.” The matter will then be reviewed and a judgment rendered by the AIB.

Refusal to Sign
Refusal by the student to sign the academic integrity report form and/or denial of guilt will result in the case being automatically submitted to the AIB. Course-Specific Expectations

A. The instructor of record (faculty) is responsible for determining and communicating course-specific academic integrity expectations. Instructors of record are responsible for stating course-specific expectations in writing, particularly those regarding use of sources and collaboration.

B. Students are responsible for consulting their instructors for any clarification needed on academic integrity standards, including those set forth in this policy and those that are course-specific.

C. Collusion is assisting or attempting to assist another in an act of academic dishonesty. Collusion is distinct from collaborative learning, which may be a valuable component of scholarly development. Acceptable levels of collaboration vary in different courses, and students are expected to consult with their instructor if they are uncertain whether their cooperative activities are acceptable.

Students Reporting Academic Integrity Violations

Every student is charged with the responsibility of acting in accordance with the standards of integrity established by the University, and ensuring that his/her fellow students also abide by these standards. As a member of the University community, if you have knowledge of a possible academic integrity offense, you should immediately contact the appropriate academic body (School Dean, faculty mentor or academic advisor) that will act as an academic integrity advisor. You do not necessarily need to disclose the course, the instructor, student suspect and/or other identifying details at this time. During this conversation, the advisor will explain the three criteria necessitating the action of reporting an academic integrity violation.

The three criteria are: 1) Act violating academic integrity (the incident is an action that violates academic integrity as outlined by the University), 2) Knowledge (the suspected student had knowledge that they were violating academic integrity as outlined by the University), and 3) Significance (the alleged violation will have a significant impact on the learning environment or grade of the suspect and/or others). The advisor will ask whether or not what you witnessed fits all three criteria. The advisor, however, will not tell you whether a case should be reported. If, after discussing the matter with an advisor, you still believe an honor offense may have occurred, you should report the case. Though the advisor will answer all questions, this decision solely belongs to the potential reporter. Calling upon the advice of an academic integrity advisor in no way binds you to report a case; however, it should be noted that academic integrity is the foundation of the University.

Student Reporting Policy

A. Students wishing to report academic integrity violations must file an Academic Integrity Violation Report Form with the Office for Academic Affairs. The report form can be obtained from any academic body from the University’s electronic Academic Affairs folder.

B. Every reasonable effort will be taken to protect the identity of the reporting student as is appropriate to ensure due process of the case and prevent undue repercussions for reporting.

Student Reporting Procedure

If a student witnesses a violation of academic integrity or otherwise has reason to believe that a violation has occurred, he or she may choose among several possible courses of action.

A. Talk with the suspected student urging him/her to report himself/herself to the instructor of the course or to the School Dean.

B. Discuss the observed action with the course instructor, not naming those involved, to obtain guidance and determine if an observed act merits action under the Academic Integrity Policy and course syllabus.

C. Report the incident directly to the course instructor with full details of the incident following the guidance of the instructor of making a formal report of academic integrity violation.

D. Submit a written report to the Office for Academic Affairs or Chair of the Academic Integrity Board (AIB). These bodies will follow-up with the course instructor allowing the collection of any evidence that can support the claim of academic integrity violation. If there is substantial evidence to warrant an academic integrity sanction, the course instructor will levy the appropriate sanction in accordance with the course syllabus and University policy. If the reporting student wishes to remain anonymous, the request will be honored as is appropriate to ensure due process of the case and prevent undue repercussions for reporting.

Academic Integrity Sanctions and Appeals

A student found guilty of academic dishonesty shall receive a sanction or sanctions deemed appropriate to the offense. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, a formal letter of censure, a requirement to perform community service on or off the campus, a grade of “F” on the assignment in question, dismissal from the course with a grade of “FC" (failure cheating), suspension, and/or expulsion from the University. The Faculty and Academic Integrity Board will be guided by precedent in determining sanctions and recommended sanctions for the university found in the Academic Integrity Sanctions document. When a verdict of guilty is reached, a record of the offense, the sanctions, and the proceedings shall be kept permanently on file in the Dean of Student’s office.

Student Academic Conduct Code

The University admits students with the expectation that they have previously developed acceptable personal standards of conduct and ethics. Admission to Cumberland University carries with it special privileges as well as special responsibilities different from those enjoyed by and/or imposed on non-students. All students, residents, guests, staff, and faculty are expected to abide by the rules and regulations of the University. A disciplinary situation occurs when substantive violations of rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines or violations of local, state, and/or federal laws, rules, or regulations are reported to or discovered by appropriate University officials. Disciplinary procedures will be enforced for all substantiated violations. Student violations of Cumberland University policies, regulations, rules, and guidelines or a violation of local, state, and/or federal laws, rules, or regulations may lead to a non-renewal of or cancellation of current and future financial aid awards and to disciplinary sanctions as deemed necessary by appropriate Cumberland University officials.

University regulations go into effect when an individual matriculates and continues until the time of graduation or withdrawal. By the act of registration, the student agrees to accept standards and regulations reflected in this document and other publications of the University.

Academic Integrity - Cumberland University expects its students to pursue their academic work with honesty and integrity. The following are serious academic offenses that may result in sanctions up to and including expulsion:

Cheating in any form including facilitating another’s efforts to cheat.
Fabrication or falsifying documents, records, or credentials.
Unauthorized multiple submission includes simultaneous submission of the same piece of work in two courses without the prior approval of both instructors, as well as turning in any assignment for which one has already received credit.
Abuse of academic materials which includes stealing, infringing upon, destroying, losing, defacing, or damaging intellectual resources that belong to someone else.
Electronic dishonesty includes inappropriate access to network files, accounts, or resources, knowingly spreading viruses, disabling computer hardware or software, software piracy, and/or other forms of copyright infringement.
Receiving or giving assistance not authorized by the instructor in the preparation of any essay, laboratory report, examination, or other assignments included in an academic course.
Taking or attempting to take, steal, or otherwise procure in an unauthorized manner any material pertaining to the conduct of a class including, but not limited to, tests, examinations, laboratory equipment, and roll books.
Selling, lending, or otherwise furnishing to any unauthorized person material which can be shown to contain the answers to any examinations scheduled to be given at any subsequent date in any course of study offered by the University or any paper required as part of the academic requirements for any class taught at the University without authorization from the instructor.
Plagiarism or the representation of someone else's writing, computer program, or other creation as one's own.

It is the responsibility of all members of the community – students, faculty, staff, and administration – to familiarize themselves with the violations defined above. Students should help ensure that breaches of academic integrity do not remain undiscovered. Faculty must take responsibility for clearly defining, in course syllabi and assignments, the parameters of legitimate collaboration and any other areas in which boundaries of academic integrity may be unclear. The administration has a responsibility to assist in the fair and timely implementation of standards and sanctions.

Plagiarism - Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s words or ideas as one’s own. (See APA Manual, located in the reference section of the Vise Library). One of the most common forms of plagiarism is the paraphrasing of several phrases, sentences, or ideas in a paragraph with only one citation at the end of the paragraph resulting in confusion between the cited content and the researcher’s own words or ideas. Another common form is the practice of substituting words or phrases while retaining the original author’s form and structure.

Plagiarism in any form is one of the most egregious violations of professional ethics an author can commit. Submission of plagiarized material, even by accident or through ignorance, is a severe infraction of the professional ethical code and can result in expulsion from the program. To avoid plagiarism:

Cite sources within the text for all phrases or ideas that are quoted or paraphrased.
Cite sources within the text in the format delineated in the APA Manual.

Academic Misconduct

Cumberland University expects students to adhere to the highest personal standards of honesty and academic integrity. Failure to adhere to these standards through acts of plagiarism or by cheating on assignments or examinations, whether by the use of unauthorized aids or by copying the work of another, will result in disciplinary action.

It is the responsibility of the instructor to file charges of Academic Misconduct. He or she may impose penalties ranging from a failing grade on the assignment to a failing grade in the course.
The instructor will forward the evidence to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The report of misconduct will be placed in the student’s file.
The student will not be allowed to withdraw from this course to prevent a failing grade or reduce the sanctions.
The student may appeal the instructor’s decision through the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Upon receiving an appeal, the Vice President will call a meeting of the Academic Integrity Board.

Probation, Suspension, Dismissal, and Good Standing

A student will be placed on academic probation if his/her cumulative GPA of course work taken at Cumberland University is below the criteria listed as “Good Standing.” Good Standing is used as an indication of a student’s academic standing with the University. Only course work taken at Cumberland University is used to calculate good standing. Students must maintain the following minimum academic standards in order to remain in good standing:

0 - 29 semester hours attempted	1.50 GPA
30-59 semester hours attempted	1.80 GPA
60 + semester hours attempted	2.00 GPA

Academic probation is an emphatic warning that the quality of the student’s work during the probationary semester must improve in order for the student to continue at the University. Unless admitted on probation, a student is given one semester in which to bring the cumulative GPA to the required level for good standing. Failure to meet the required minimum level of good standing will result in academic suspension for a minimum of the next semester.

A student who is academically suspended for the first time must remain out of school for one full semester, excluding summer, before being eligible to apply for re-admission on academic probation.

Suspended students who elect not to enroll for at least one semester and who elect to return to the University at a subsequent time may return under academic probation. The student has one semester to earn academic good standing or academic suspension will be imposed. Any work taken at another college or university during the period of non-enrollment (one academic year) due to academic suspension will not be accepted for transfer credit toward fulfilling degree requirements at Cumberland University.

If, after a previous suspension, a student fails to achieve academic good standing at any point, the case will be reviewed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs to determine an appropriate course of action. Options include another suspension period, dismissal from the University, or an extension of academic probation with stipulations.

0.0 Grade Point Average

Any student earning a 0.0 GPA for an academic semester will be place on Academic Suspension. This is automatic and without consideration for any previous semester’s work or the student’s cumulative GPA. Suspension may be appealed in writing through normal suspension appeal channels.

Re-Admission Appeal

Students who have been academically suspended may be given special consideration for re-admission if the student can present adequate evidence of extenuating circumstances contributing to failure to achieve a sufficient GPA. The student must make an appeal for re-admission in writing to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, by the date designated by the Academic Affairs Office. Re-admission to the University is not automatic. If the student is re-admitted, the Vice President for Academic Affairs reserves the right to specify conditions and terms for re-admission. Multiple appeals for re-admission may not be granted.

Academic Status

This term is used as an indication of a student’s academic standing with the University. Students must attain certain minimum academic standards in order to remain in good academic standing. Students failing to maintain these standards are placed on academic probation at the end of a regular term in which the cumulative GPA on academic credit work attempted at Cumberland University does not equal or exceed the minimum specified for the student’s proper classification hours. See the table in the Probation, Suspension, Dismissal, and Good Standing section of the Catalog for specific requirements. Students who, during a probationary Fall or Spring semester, fail to raise their GPA to the minimum standard prescribed for the appropriate classification at the end of that semester may be academically suspended from Cumberland University for one or more semesters. Students who are placed on academic probation or on academic suspension may attend the Summer semester in order to attempt to earn good academic standing. Summer semesters do not count as the required one semester of non-enrollment for academic suspension.

Enrollment

No student will be allowed to enroll in classes or reside on campus that has an unpaid balance in the Business Office.
No student will be allowed to enroll who has been suspended during the preceding semester for any reason from Cumberland University or another academic institution.
All persons residing in residence halls must be officially enrolled in at least nine semester hours of college level credit coursework at Cumberland University.

Modifications of these policies must be approved in writing by the appropriate University official and placed in the permanent record of the student.

Acceptance of Transfer Credit

Normally, Cumberland University accepts transfer credits from all institutions of higher learning that are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, or a similar body of a recognized regional accrediting agency. International students must submit their official transcripts to an evaluation agency that is a member of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) for translation, evaluation, and to provide a cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. Examples of agencies offering these evaluation services include, but are not limited to World Educational Services (WES), Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. (JS&A) or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE). For transfer credits to be accepted, they must appear on an official sealed transcript of the institution granting the credits. The following policies apply to acceptance of transfer credit:

No more than 90 total semester hours of transfer credit from all institutions will be accepted toward completion of a baccalaureate degree at Cumberland University.
A maximum of 70 semester hours may be accepted for transfer credit from a junior and/or community college.
At least 25% of the upper division (300-400 numbered courses) degree requirements must be earned at Cumberland University.
A student transferring into Cumberland University must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 on a 4.00 scale.
Only courses in which a “C” or higher has been earned may be accepted for transfer credit.
Developmental and remedial classes taken at institutions other than Cumberland University will not be accepted.
Cumberland University reserves the right to determine course equivalency regarding acceptance of transfer academic credits.
Cumberland University does not automatically accept transfer credit for Advanced Placement Exams, ACTFL, CLEP, PEP, or DANTES from another institution. Cumberland University reserves the right to request and review original scores before granting credit for any type of examination. Scores from any examination must meet Cumberland University’s standards for credit. Cumberland University’s minimum scores for credit for examination can be found in other sections of the Cumberland University Undergraduate Catalog.

Attendance Policy

Regular and punctual attendance at class sessions, laboratories, and examinations is an obligation that all students are expected to fulfill. Attendance is viewed as essential to effective participation in the instructional program. Faculty members specify attendance policies in their individual course syllabi. Any student missing more than three hours of class instruction will be considered to be in academic difficulty. Absences will be reported by faculty members to appropriate University officials. Absence from class does not constitute official withdrawal from the course. Students who fail to attend the first class meeting without prior approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs may be dropped from the course to make space available to other students. As a matter of courtesy, a student absent from any class should explain the absence to the faculty member teaching the course. Faculty members and coaches in charge of activities which require students to be absent from class should notify the instructor prior to the absence. Each student must assume personal responsibility for all information, discussion, and conceptual analysis that took place during the class.

Absence from class will not be accepted as an excuse for not knowing class material.

Auditing of Classes

Auditing of classes is permitted on a space available basis with the approval of the Registrar. Auditing students are exempt from tests and examinations and do not receive credit for the course. Auditing students will pay 50% of the regular tuition charges.

Change of Address, Phone Number, Email, Name and/or Major

All students are required to keep correct and current personal contact information on file in the Office of the Registrar. Any student who makes a change in their name, address, phone number, e-mail address, or academic major must update his/her official record within two weeks of the change. Official correspondence will be mailed to the address listed in the database in the Office of the Registrar. Updated information must be filed with the Registrar. The form to change addresses, phone numbers, email, name, and/or major is the Change of Information form, available in the Office of the Registrar.

Class Availability and Cancellation

Classes listed in this Catalog may not be offered annually. The Cumberland University Register is published by the Office of the Registrar before each semester. This publication contains the official announcement of the semester courses offered by the University, relevant University policies for the semester, and dates and deadlines for the semester.

The schedule of classes published for each regular and non-regular semester is for information purposes. The University reserves the right to cancel, postpone, combine, or change the time of any classes for which there is not sufficient enrollment or for other reasons deemed to be in the best interest of the institution.

The CU Register is published in the Student Resources section of the Cumberland University website. It is updated as course offerings change.

Class Preparation

Regular preparation for class sessions, laboratories, and examinations, and the prompt performance of assignments, are obvious expectations of the student. Failure to prepare adequately places the student at a severe disadvantage and may result in poor academic performance. After spending appropriate study time, students still having difficulty in any course should consult with the faculty member teaching the class, the AEC Center, the Dean of the School, the Registrar, or Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Class Standing

Freshman	00 to 29 semester hours completed
Sophomore	30 to 59 semester hours completed
Junior	60 to 89 semester hours completed
Senior	90 or more semester hours completed
Graduate	Enrolled in graduate program

Classification of Students, Terms, and Courses

Full-Time Student

A full-time undergraduate student is one who has been accepted by the University and who is enrolled for 12 or more semester credit hours in the Fall, Spring, and/or Summer semester. Full-time academic loads in Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters may not exceed 18 total semester hours without submitting an academic appeal. Full-time status is determined by summing all semester hours during the grading periods assigned to the appropriate semester.

Part-Time Student

A part-time student is enrolled in fewer than 12 total undergraduate hours in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters.

Special Student

A special student is a non-degree seeking person who has been given permission to enroll by the Admissions Committee.

Transient Student

A transient student is defined as a student who seeks:

1. To enroll at another college/university for credit to be transferred to Cumberland University, or

2. To enroll at Cumberland University to have academic course work transferred to another college/university.

Cumberland University students requesting transient permission at other institutions must file the request in writing stating the desired transient institution, the specific courses at the transient institution, the calendar term the course will be taken, and the equivalent Cumberland University courses. If permission is granted, a “Letter of Transient Permission” becomes part of the permanent record file of the student and a copy of the letter will be provided to the student as proof of transient permission. Any course work completed without first having prior written approval may not be used as academic credit toward a degree. All course work grades approved by the Dean of the appropriate School for transient permission will be calculated as part of the cumulative grade point average. The calculation will not be figured in until the final GPA for graduation is determined. The student is responsible for completing all admissions and/or other enrollment requirements at the transient institution and for having the transient institution forward an official transcript to Cumberland University upon completion of the approved coursework.

Students temporarily enrolling at Cumberland University for the purpose of taking course work to be transferred to their permanent (home) institution must present a Statement of Permission and Good Standing from the Dean or Registrar of the college of their current institution. This document must arrive on or prior to regular registration day of the term for which the student is seeking admission and be signed by the Official from the home institution. Specific classes for which the student is being given permission to register must be listed. In addition to the Statement of Permission and Good Standing, the transient student must apply to the University and pay the application fee. This institution will not provide academic counseling to transient students nor guarantee the appropriateness of course work taken here to the degree being sought by the student elsewhere.

Regular Term

Cumberland University has three regular terms that are used to determine the academic calendar. They are Fall semester, Spring semester, and Summer semester. All students must conform to the deadlines and procedures outlined in the Cumberland University Register.

Non-Regular Term

Non-regular terms, off-campus classes, or accelerated terms may be deemed appropriate by the administration. In isolated circumstances, financial assistance may not be available due to federal or state guidelines. Students should check with the Office of Student Financial Services before registering for a non-regular term class. Course fees, other charges, and regulations will be published before the beginning of each of the non-regular terms.

Lower Division Courses

Courses numbered at the 100 or 200 level are lower division courses.

Upper Division Courses

Courses numbered at the 300 or 400 level are upper division courses.

Graduate Division Course Numbering

Courses numbered at the 5000 and 6000 level are graduate division courses. Information on graduate degree programs is located in the Graduate catalog.

Academic Terms

Emphasis - A sequence of classes, within a discipline, major, or recognized area of study that allows a student to focus coursework in a specific academic subset of the chosen discipline, major, or area of study.

Major - A major field of study should be selected as early as possible. A major must be declared before the senior year. Each major consists of a minimum of 30 semester hours in a chosen area of specialization. The total number of hours may vary with the specialization area chosen.

Minor - Some students choose to complement a major program with a minor in a related field. All minors require a minimum of at least 18 semester hours. Specific requirements for majors and minors are listed in the respective disciplines.

Face-to-Face (in-seat) Course - A Face-to-Face (in-seat) course is a traditional academic course interface in which the faculty and students primarily meet, engage and interact at the scheduled course time in each other’s presence. This type of course interface can be enhanced by web based content, electronic course management systems or other electronic based technology, but such technology does not exceed 24% of the faculty-student contact for the course.

Hybrid Course - A Hybrid (blended) course is an academic course interface in which some traditional face-to-face (in-seat) time has been replaced by a mode of distance learning (i.e. course management system, web based content, online learning activity, or other electronic based technology). A hybrid course is designed to integrate face-to-face and distance learning activities so that they reinforce, complement and enrich one another to best engage the students in learning. This course interface has 25% - 49% of the course time dedicated to distance learning and 51% of the course time in the traditional face-to-face mode.

Distance Learning Course - A Distance Learning course is an academic course interface in which the course interactions between faculty and students are primarily at a distance from one another, rather than in each other’s presence. A distance learning course utilizes a means of distance learning as the principal mode of interaction between faculty to students and student to student. It may utilize course management systems, web based content, online learning activity, video conferencing, chat room and/or other electronic based technology. This course interface has 50% - 100% of the course time dedicated to distance learning.

Academic Credit Hours - To maintain alignment with federal regulations and regional accrediting bodies, Cumberland University uses the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools - Commission on Colleges definition of an academic credit hour. An academic credit hour is defined as the amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement. Institutionally this is equivalent to reasonable approximations of:

Not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester, or not less than two hours of classroom or direct faculty instruction or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time, or
At least an equivalent amount of work as required and outlined in item 1 above for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of academic credit hours.

Credit Guidelines

Lecture Class Instruction - Normally, 750 semester minutes, excluding final exams is associated with one academic credit hour for a semester. Is is also widely accepted as best practice among higher education institutions to expect two hours per week (for 15 week semester) or 1800 minutes per semester of preparation or other work outside of the class.
Non-Lecture Class Instruction

Laboratory - Normally, one academic credit hour is associated with a class meeting for 50-200 minutes per week for an entire 15 week semester (or the equivalent of 750-3000 minutes per semester).
Clinical - Normally, one academic credit hour is associated with a class meeting 100-300 minutes per week over a 15 week semester (or the equivalent of 1500 to 3000 minutes per semester). Note that there can be variation in the requirements per clinical credit hour based upon best practices in higher education for a particular clinical type.
Studio - Normally, one academic credit hour is associated with a class meeting 1500-3000 minutes per semester (or 100-300 minutes per week in a 15 week semester).
Practica and Internships - Normally, one academic credit requires a minimum of 50 hours per 15 week semester or its equivalency.
Independent Study - Academic credit hours associated with this type of instruction will be assigned credit depending upon the amount of activity associated with meeting the learning outcomes of the course, faculty supervision, and student outside work activity. Best practices in higher education will be followed in assigning appropriate academic credit.
Distance Learning - Academic credit hours associated with this delivery format of a course will be equivalent to academic credit hours assigned when a course is conveyed in any other delivery format at Cumberland University.

Procedures for Exceptions

Situations and new developments in best practices in higher education may occur that prompt variance in academic credit assigned for a particular course from that stated above. If this situation should occur, a curriculum change proposal should be initiated and submitted by the academic school in which the variance is recommended. Documentation of adherence to best academic practices in higher education necessitating the adjustment in academic credit assigned will be documented in the curriculum change proposal.

Full-Time Student

Part-Time Student

A part-time student is enrolled in fewer than 12 total undergraduate hours in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters.

Special Student

A special student is a non-degree seeking person who has been given permission to enroll by the Admissions Committee.

Transient Student

A transient student is defined as a student who seeks:

To enroll at another college/university for credit to be transferred to Cumberland University, or
To enroll at Cumberland University to have academic course work transferred to another college/university.

Students temporarily enrolling at Cumberland University for the purpose of taking course work to be transferred to their permanent (home) institution must present an official Letter of Transient Permission. This document must arrive on or prior to regular registration day of the term for which the student is seeking admission and be signed by the Official from the home institution. Specific classes for which the student is being given permission to register must be listed. The transient student must be eligible to enter as determined by the admission standards published in this catalog. This institution will not provide academic counseling to transient students nor guarantee the appropriateness of course work taken here to the degree being sought by the student elsewhere.

Regular Term

Non-Regular Term

Lower Division Courses

Courses numbered at the 100 or 200 level are lower division courses.

Upper Division Courses

Courses numbered at the 300 or 400 level are upper division courses.

Graduate Division Course Numbering

Courses numbered at the 5000 and 6000 level are graduate division courses. Information on graduate degree programs is located in the Graduate catalog.

Academic Terms

Concurrent Enrollment

Any student enrolled at Cumberland University may not enroll concurrently in any other institution of higher education without having prior written permission of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the appropriate School. Credit hours earned during unauthorized concurrent enrollment may not be used toward fulfilling degree requirements at Cumberland University.

Correspondence Credits

Credits earned by correspondence may be accepted toward graduation subject to the following stipulations:

The credits earned must be from a college that is regionally accredited.
Students in residence enrolled in 15 semester hours or more may not register for such courses.
Students not enrolled in 15 semester hours or more may, with written permission of the Dean of the appropriate school, enroll for the number of hours for which permission is given.
ENG 101, ENG 102, and MATH 111 may not be taken by correspondence.
Credits earned in correspondence courses must be “C” or above and in accord with the declared academic program of the student involved and must not duplicate courses already completed satisfactorily. A Cumberland University student may not use correspondence credit to repeat any previously transcripted class.
The maximum amount of correspondence and/or credit by examination allowed is one-fourth of the total number of credits required for a degree. In addition, the total number of credits earned through non-classroom circumstances may not exceed 30 hours. Specific information on course listings may be obtained in the Office of the Registrar. Since Cumberland University does not offer correspondence credit, for additional information, Tennessee residents may write or telephone:

Correspondence Program
Division of Continuing Education
University of Tennessee
Communications Building
Circle Park Drive
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
423-974-5135

Interested students should see the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean for permission criteria.

CU Connect

Mission

College is about making connections in community with others: relational connections, idea connections, theory and practice connections, connections with your values and interests. We want to ensure that you have a broad array of opportunities to discover who you are and what you are passionate about, gain perspective on the world, challenge conventional wisdom, and explore the complexities and beauty of life. The goals of CU Connect are:

To improve student outside of class engagement in ideas, problems, and questions within the various areas of inquiry represented in the General Education Core curriculum;
increase student understanding of the holistic nature of their Cumberland education and the value of the liberal arts, and;
facilitate student exploration of career interests, service to their community, and enriching off-campus learning experiences.

Cumberland University offers students the unique opportunity to broaden and deepen their education through academic engagement in college and outside of the classroom through friendships, challenging conversations, and encounters with community members of different backgrounds and life experiences.

About

CU Connect is a required out-of-class program for freshmen and sophomore full-time students designed to help you gain skills and knowledge to appreciate and integrate your general education experience. Full-time enrolled students at Cumberland must accumulate 4 Connect Points each semester for the first two years of college.

Through attending Connect events, you will have the opportunity to discover your academic interests, obtain guidance in making career choices for your future, and take advantage of the learning resources in our community. You will be able to express your curiosity by signing up and attending events which our faculty and staff will be hosting. It is the perfect opportunity to make connects with professors and students outside of the classroom.

ALL CUMBERLAND STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND CONNECT EVENTS. For more information about CU Connect and for the current schedule please visit the CU Connect website.

Dean’s List

The Dean’s List of distinguished students is compiled at the conclusion of each academic semester. Any enrolled full-time undergraduate student whose GPA is 3.50 or above on all classes attempted for the semester will be placed on the Dean’s List. No student with a grade of “F,” “FA,” or “I” in any course, regardless of his/her grade point average, will be placed on the Dean’s List.

Academic Enrichment Center (AEC)

The AEC, located in the Learning and Career Commons room 121, serves as a resource for Cumberland University students in need of academic support and offers tutoring, mentoring, and academic assistance. The primary goal of the AEC is to provide Cumberland University students with the tools that are necessary for success. While the AEC is open to all Cumberland University students who wish to obtain academic assistance and/or individual tutoring, Cumberland University faculty may also refer students to the AEC for further academic attention. The AEC works closely with the Athletic Department to ensure student-athletes have access to additional academic resources. Also, the AEC offers the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) which is a series of exams for undergraduates interested in testing-out of certain General Education Classes. Lastly, the center offers the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) for those applying to various graduate schools. The AEC phone number is 615-547-1285.

Degree Completion

All Cumberland University students degree must complete the final 30 of the required minimum of 120 hours (for Bachelors) or minimum 60 hours (for Associates) for each degree at Cumberland University. If the selected major has a requirement of more than 120 hours, the student must complete the last 25% of the required hours at Cumberland University.

Graduation

Each student is personally responsible for understanding and completing all requirements for an academic degree. While the academic advisor will assist the student with this process, the advisor will not assume responsibility for these activities.

Educational Goals

Cumberland University is committed to high academic standards. The institution strives to involve the student, faculty, administration, and staff in the building of a positive academic community. Further, the faculty of Cumberland University is committed to assisting each student in the development of a range of intellectual skills, knowledge, and understanding that will provide a firm base for study in a major field and post-baccalaureate work.

Educational Opportunities

Students enrolled at Cumberland University have the opportunity to learn in a variety of formal and informal settings. Involvement in the educational life of the institution is encouraged. Forming peer relationships, developing faculty friendships, participating in athletics, drama, music, and various other student activities are important growth experiences. Students are encouraged to develop their potential in a variety of dimensions of life including intellectual, physical, vocational, social, and spiritual.

Enrollment Certification/Verification

Enrollment certification/verification and loan deferments are completed in the Office of the Registrar and are based upon a student’s registration and payment of tuition and fees.

Instruction Schedule

Regular class hours are scheduled Monday through Friday, with some evening and Saturday courses being offered. Instructional periods are usually Monday, Wednesday or Tuesday, Thursday. Laboratory sections may be scheduled at times other than lecture class periods. A section of courses will incorporate blended online learning into the schedule. These classes may not meet in the classroom on days designated by the course instructor; however, the student is responsible for a substatial online component equivalent to a typical class section. A faculty member may schedule additional instructional periods as needed. Specific questions should be directed to the Office of the Registrar.

Final Examinations

Final examinations are held during specified days at the close of each semester. Each course must terminate with a final assignment that measures comprehension of the material and mastery of skills. The timetable for these tests is published in the Cumberland University Register distributed each term. Attendance at all scheduled and announced final examinations is required. Unauthorized absence from an examination may result in a grade of “F” (failure) on the examination and/or the course. Excuses for authorized absences from final examinations must be obtained in writing from the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Travel plans do not constitute sufficient reason to request a change in the examination schedule.

Final Term Grades

Final Term Grades can be viewed on the Internet through the CAMS Student portal, after the student completes their short end of course evaluation. If a student needs an official copy of their grades, they may obtain one at the Registrar’s Office by paying $5.00 for a transcript. In order to obtain a transcript, the student will need to complete the Transcript Request form.

Foreign Language Policy

Students may transfer six hours in any recognized language taken at an accredited institution, as long as it is six hours in the same language and subject to CU’s standards for transfer credit. All foreign students from Non-English speaking countries who make an acceptable score on the TOEFL may be exempt from the GEC Foreign Language Requirement since they have already acquired a foreign language. If the student graduated from an English speaking high school the student is considered English speaking.

Students who have successfully completed two or more years of Spanish on the high school level can take a standardized placement test (ACTFL). The fee would be paid by the student and CU faculty will determine the appropriate hours of CU Foreign Language credit based on the students’ test scores.

Grading System and Quality Points

Students are evaluated in their academic achievements according to a system of letter grades. The following scale is the University standard although some Schools, and faculty may deviate from this scale. Their specific grading policy will be detailed in the course syllabus.

Grade	GPA	Numerical Average
A	4.0	93-100
A-	3.667	90-92
B+	3.333	87-89
B	3.0	83-86
B-	2.667	80-82
C+	2.333	77-79
C	2.0	70-76
D+	1.333	67-69
D	1.0	60-66
F	0	00-59

Numerical average may vary with instructors.

NOTE: While a grade of “D” and “D+“ are considered passing, a student earning these grades may not be allowed to move to a higher level course in the specific academic area if the course with a grade of “C” is a prerequisite for the higher level course. Students are responsible for ensuring they meet the prerequisites for all courses. Furthermore, a grade of “C” (2.0) or higher is required to satisfactorily pass all Developmental Studies courses, ENG 101, ENG 102, and all courses required by the major.

AU	Audit
F	Failure (final course average 59 and below). No credit hours earned
FA	Failure to attend. Students who fail to officially withdraw from a class or who do not attend a minimum number of class meetings may earn a grade of FA. A grade of FA is the same as a grade of F.
FC	Failure Cheating. Same as an F but indicates student failed due to cheating.
W	Withdrawal (does not affect grade point average).
WP	Withdrawal Passing (does not affect the grade point average).
WF	Withdrawal Failing (same as a "F", indicates the student withdrew from the course while failing)
I	Incomplete – A temporary notation used only when course requirements have not been completed due to extenuating circumstances. (Does count as hours attempted, and is calculated as “F” in grade point average until replaced with a permanent grade). The student has until the end of the next semester to complete the course. At that point, the “I” is converted to an “F.” Incomplete grades are only assigned under circumstances where it is very reasonable to assume the student can complete the delinquent material. It is inappropriate if more than 25% of the course assignments are incomplete.
P	Pass – denotes satisfactory work in a non-letter-grade course (does not affect grade point average).

Graduate/Professional School Preparation

Students considering application to graduate schools should consult the catalog of the institutions they wish to enter for admission and prerequisite requirements. Counsel should be sought from one’s faculty advisor in planning an appropriate undergraduate program of study at Cumberland University.

Cumberland University believes that the best undergraduate preparation for graduate school is the acquisition of critical skills, broad-based knowledge, and the development of personal creativity and competence. These are the values widely recognized by better graduate and professional schools.

Graduation Requirements

The student is responsible for ensuring that he/she complies with all regulations and completes all degree requirements. Requirements for graduation are determined by a dual system reflecting both the quality and quantity of a student’s work. These are expressed in terms of semester credit hours and in a calculated GPA derived from assigned course grades.

A candidate for an associate's degree must complete a minimum of 60 semester hours of credit of academic work. At least 30 hours of the degree requirements must be earned at Cumberland University. A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.00 is required for all course work taken at Cumberland University. Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in each core course required by the academic major.

A candidate for a bachelor’s degree must complete a minimum of 120 semester hours of credit of academic work. At least 25% of the degree requirement must be taken at Cumberland University. At least half of those (15 hours for 120 hour programs) must be upper division (300-400 numbered) courses. The candidate must complete those courses required in the General Education Core (GEC), the specific requirements for a chosen major and sufficient elective hours to complete the total credit hours requirement. A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.00 is required for all course work taken and accepted at Cumberland University. A student must earn a grade of “C” or better in each core course required by the academic major.

Students continuously enrolled in Cumberland University ordinarily will be allowed to graduate under the catalog that is current when they enter Cumberland University, provided graduation is within eight years of the time of that entrance date and the required courses are still in the University curriculum. Cumberland University will make every effort to honor curricula listed in the student’s entering Catalog. The University reserves the right to change degree requirements due to federal or state government licensure changes, to regulatory agency mandated modification, or to other extenuating circumstances. Continuously enrolled students may elect to graduate under any one catalog in use during the eight-year period with approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. If a student is not in continuous enrollment in the University, he/she must meet all requirements listed in the catalog including regulations that are in effect at the time of his/her return. Exceptions to this policy may be requested in writing by Academic Appeal to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Degree requirements for each academic major offered by the University are published in this document. All academic degree requirement exceptions must be approved via Academic Appeal by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Students must submit degree requirement modification requests in writing to the Registrar.

The curriculum is designed to ensure that students study a common body of knowledge covering a broad range of disciplines. The purpose is to see that students develop those skills necessary for analytical thinking, for communicating ideas, and for choosing an area of study that will be rewarding. The General Education Core (GEC) includes this common body of knowledge.

The University reserves the right to hold diplomas and/or transcripts until the student has satisfied his/her University obligations.

Graduation and Transfer Evaluations

At the request of the student, a graduation evaluation will be prepared by the Office of the Registrar after the completion of 60 semester hours. The graduation evaluation will list specific courses required to complete the selected academic degree. Students must complete a Graduation Evaluation form and turn in to the Registrar's Office during the first semester of Junior Year.

Transfer students will receive an official Transfer Evaluation during their initial semester of enrollment. The evaluation will list courses from other institutions that will be applied toward a degree.

Graduation with Honors

The diplomas of graduating seniors receiving baccalaureate degrees will show honors categories based on the following scale:

Cum Laude	3.50 - 3.74
Magna Cum Laude	3.75 - 3.89
Summa Cum Laude	3.90 - 4.00

These honors categories are announced at commencement based on a student’s cumulative GPA at the end of the semester preceding the commencement ceremony. The honors category is calculated on the combined cumulative grade point average of all accepted college transfer credit hours and Cumberland University course work at the end of the semester preceding the commencement ceremony. Graduating seniors are not eligible for honors until they have completed at least 25% of the total semester hours required for the degree in upper division (300-400 numbered courses) credit hours through Cumberland University. Courses may not be repeated for the purpose of raising an honors category. The student’s official transcript will reflect the appropriate honors category based on the cumulative GPA of all accepted college transfer work and all Cumberland University course work. Honors categories do not apply to graduate students.

Intent to Graduate

A student who intends to graduate must file an Intent to Graduate Form in the Office of the Registrar by Midterm in the first semester of Senior Year. The student is responsible for complying with all degree requirements. Students are encouraged to consult their academic advisor in a timely manner to ensure required courses will be available in the last semester to accommodate graduation. The University does not guarantee that course work required for the degree will be offered in the student’s anticipated last semester of enrollment. The Registrar’s Office reviews the Intent to Graduate Form to ensure that all commencement requirements have been satisfied.

Internship and Practicum Experiences

A goal of Cumberland University is to enable the student to apply the knowledge and theories learned in academic courses to professional work environments. Internship and practicum courses are designed to accomplish this goal. Students enrolled in an internship or practicum experience are supervised by a University faculty member, the Director of Career Services, and by a qualified and practicing professional in the work place.

Internships and practicum experiences are available each semester. Placement of students in internship and practicum settings is the responsibility of the University. Prior approval from the Director of Career Services and a faculty sponsor is necessary for enrollment. Students will not receive academic credit for experiences that are not previously approved, assigned, and supervised. Grading is either pass (“P”) or fail (“F”). The prior academic performance of the student is a consideration in the selection and approval process. Students who have achieved junior or senior standing and have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 are eligible to participate. No more than six semester hours of credit may be earned through these experiences, except when noted in a certain program of study. Predetermined and measurable academic objectives must be established for the internship or practicum prior to assignment. Success in the internship or practicum experience is determined, in part, by meeting these objectives.

Internship and practicum experiences will be designed to assist the student in exploring career opportunities and directions, while assisting the student in the development of the professional skills necessary to enter the employment arena after graduation. Internship and practicums described in this section should not be confused with student teaching which is required of education majors, or with clinicals which are required of nursing majors. See the Internship section of our catalog for additional information.

Non-Traditional Course Credit

In addition to traditional transfer course credit, students may apply for non-traditional course credit. In an effort to recognize the work and life experience of our student population, Cumberland University offers several opportunities for the awarding of undergraduate college credit through testing, interviews, and/or the documentation of work and life experience relative to course learning outcomes and objectives. There are nine (9) sources of non-traditional undergraduate course credit that Cumberland University will consider:

ACT and SAT exam scores may qualify for English and Math course credit.
College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) Advanced Placement (AP) exams taken in high school may qualify for course credit.
Military Education Credit as recognized by the American Council on Education (ACE) may qualify for course credit.
Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) content exams may qualify for course credit.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP) course content exams may qualify for specific college course credit.
An American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) evaluation, consisting of an interview and a written exam, may qualify students for foreign language course credit.
Cumberland University offers Challenge Exams which allow students to “test out” of a Cumberland University course and earn credit for that course.
Students can submit portfolios for consideration for Experiential Credit for some course work. A review of a student’s portfolio will be completed to determine whether the student can earn credit for his or her work experience.
Police Officer Standards and Training (POST)

Non-traditional coursework is evaluated according to Cumberland University‘s transfer credit policy.

Credit will not be awarded for any exam or course content for which a student has previously attempted college/university credit or if a student has previously completed advanced study beyond the content level covered by the exam.
Evaluation of credit earned by alternative methods is based on equivalencies in effect at the time the credit is requested.
Admissions decisions are not based on the award of non-traditional course credit because these credits are not assigned a letter grade and, therefore, cannot be included in the calculation of a student’s GPA

General guidelines for non-traditional course credit accepted by the University are described below.

Eligibility

Undergraduate students enrolled in any program are eligible for non-traditional course credit under the following requirements.

The student must have received a letter of Initial Acceptance or Full Acceptance from the Director of Admissions. Initial Acceptance is based on the receipt of a completed and signed application, all final or in progress official transcripts, and a $50 application fee.
Applications for non-traditional course credit are not accepted for students in the last 30 credit hours of their degree program.
A maximum of 30 credit hours of non-traditional course credit from all sources may be awarded. The 30 credit hour maximum may be met by any combination of ACT/SAT, CEEB AP, Military Credit, DANTES, CLEP, ACTFL, Challenge Exams, and Experiential Credit. For example, more than one CLEP exam may be taken to reach the 30 credit hour maximum of non-traditional course credit.
Non-traditional course credit reviews, exams, interviews, and portfolio reviews are not available until the associated fee is paid.
Once an application for non-traditional course credit is received and paid for, no refunds are made.
All fees are subject to change.

Notification of Results

A final evaluation of all non-traditional course credit results (exam reviews, test scores, interview results, and experiential credit results) will be provided by the Registrar’s Office. Once their evaluation is finalized, the student’s transcript is annotated and an unofficial transcript is mailed to the student from the Registrar’s Office. An official transcript is obtained by submitting a written request and paying the associated fee of $5.00.

Transcript Annotation of Awarded Non-Traditional Course Credit

Letter grades are not awarded for non-traditional course credit. When non-traditional course credit is awarded, the transcript is annotated with a “CR” for credit in the grade column. “CR” grades are not used in the calculation of the student’s GPA. Consequently, non-traditional course credit does not contribute to a student’s GPA requirement for admission decision or to meet graduation requirements.

Non-traditional course credit is posted to one of two areas on the student’s transcript. Exams and interview credits are posted under the heading “Exams” on the official transcript. An exam entry includes the course number and title for which non-traditional course credit is awarded and the grade of “CR”. Experiential course credit is posted under the heading of “Validated” with the course number and title for which the non-traditional course credit is awarded and a grade of “CR”.

If non-traditional course credit is applied for, but no course credit is awarded, there is no posting to the student’s official transcript.

Office of Responsibility

For ACT/SAT, CEEB Advanced Placement (AP), Military Credit and DANTES credit information, please contact:

Registrar's Office
615-547-1228
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM weekdays

For CLEP and ACTFL information, please contact:

Academic Enrichment Center (AEC)
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM weekdays

For Challenge Exams and Experiential Credit, please contact the school with academic responsibility for the course.

Edward A. Labry School of Science, Technology, and Business
615-547-1259

School of Nursing and Health Professions

615-547-1274

School of Humanities, Education, and the Arts

615-547-1331

Prerequisites

Prerequisite is a course or other specific preparation that must be completed before enrollment in an advanced course. The student is responsible for determining and meeting, prior to registration in a course, all prerequisite requirements for any class in which he/she is enrolled. Prerequisite information is contained in the course description section of this publication. Specific questions should be addressed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean in the School in which the student is majoring. As a general rule, a grade of at least a “C” or permission of the instructor of the advanced course must be obtained before enrolling in the advanced course.

Procedures for Approval and Implementation of Academic Policies

To facilitate the accomplishment of its academic function, the basic academic administrative organization of Cumberland University consists of Schools, Deans, Office of Academic Affairs, University Committee on Courses, Curriculum, and Academic Policy (UCCCAP), Online and Professional Studies Academics Committee (OSAC), Graduate Council (GC), Deans’ Council, and University President. These arrangements are appropriate to the primary mission of the University.

Cumberland University academic policies may arise through one of four routes: Submission to or origination by UCCCAP/GC, the Office of Academic Affairs, the Deans’ Council, and/or the University President. Each of these bodies communicates with the others regarding the efficacy of the proposed policy. To ensure that all academic endeavors of Cumberland University remain true to the University mission, any new academic policy must transverse a series of review bodies. Any proposal submitted by UCCCAP or GC must be first approved by the Deans’ Council and the Office of Academic Affairs and then by the University President before implementation. Academic Policy proposals made by the Office of Academic Affairs, Deans’ Council, and/or the University President should be reviewed by UCCCAP and approved by all review bodies prior to practice. Policies that are School specific will be reviewed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs to determine adherence to the University mission and its value.

Registration Policy

All students must officially register for classes using the official University registration process. It is the responsibility of the student to comply with all registration and drop/add regulations as stated in the semester’s Cumberland University Register.
The Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Office of Enrollment Management, and/or Registrar will announce the official registration periods for all classes. All students, both returning and new, are expected to complete all registration requirements before the beginning of the semester.
Students who fail to complete the announced registration process must report for late registration. Contact the Office of the Registrar for late registration material. Additional fees may be incurred for late registration.
No student will be officially enrolled in any class until he/she has complied with all rules and regulations of Cumberland University as stated in the Cumberland University Register.

Registration

Registration periods are held for each semester. Complete instructions for the registration process are published in the Cumberland University Register, a document prepared by the Office of the Registrar. Every student is responsible for knowing and following the guidelines in the Cumberland University Register publication.

Reduced Registration

For a variety of reasons, many students cannot or should not be enrolled for 12 or more academic credit hours during any one term. Less than full-time enrollment/registration may be elected by the student or required by the University. This process may require additional semesters at the institution to complete all graduation requirements. Students are encouraged to discuss reduced credit hour enrollment with their academic advisor and with the Office of Financial Assistance before officially reducing their course load below full-time.

Add Policy

All class additions must be executed within the dates and deadlines listed in the semester’s Cumberland University Register. Drop/Add Forms received in the Office of the Registrar after the official add period must be appealed to the Office of the Registrar explaining why admission should be granted. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will limit consideration of adds to emergency or extenuating circumstances.

Drop Policy

The official drop dates, deadlines, and related grades are listed in the semester’s Cumberland University Register. All drop forms received after the official drop period in the Office of the Registrar must be appealed in writing to the Vice President for Academic Affairs explaining why deletion from a class should be approved. Consideration will only be given in extreme situations. Academic performance is not sufficient cause.

Drop Process

Contact the Office of the Registrar for a Drop/Add Form. It is the responsibility of the student to comply with the drop process.
The Drop/Add Form must be completed before a student will be officially withdrawn from a course. Failure to complete the drop process could result in a grade of “F” being assigned to the student in the course.
All classes require the signature of the student’s advisor or the Dean.
Athletes must obtain the Assistant Athletic Director’s signature.
Return the completed drop/add form to the Office of the Registrar on or before the end of the official drop period.

Records Maintenance

The Office of the Registrar keeps a paper or an electronic academic file and academic transcript on all present and former students. Maintained information includes some or all of the following on paper or electronic copies: original admission application, official transcripts from other institutions, academic correspondence, veteran’s certification, some standardized test scores, and non-current financial assistance forms with award notices.

The Office of Admissions maintains files containing recruitment correspondence, letters of official acceptance and transcripts. The folders of students who matriculate are forwarded to the Office of the Registrar. Folders of non-enrollees are kept for one year and then destroyed.

The Office of Student Financial Services maintains folders during the period of enrollment on every student receiving financial assistance and/or scholarship awards. After the student exits the University, this information is incorporated into the permanent student file in the Office of the Registrar.

The Business Office maintains a folder containing the financial transaction information of each student during the time of enrollment or until the student has paid all financial obligations to the University. This information is destroyed three years after the last semester of enrollment or after satisfactorily meeting financial obligations.

Official records of Cumberland University are stored using several different methods including scanned/imaged processes, paper storage in offices, and in central record repositories, and via disk or tape storage to safe off-site locations in order to insure the safety and integrity of said records. Storage of records follows industry standards as suggested by AACRAO, NACAC, accrediting bodies, and other higher education agencies that provide policy statements in this area.

Regular Examinations and Related Assignments

Examinations/tests, oral presentations, reports, performances, library, and other projects may be assigned during the semester as the faculty member instructing the course deems necessary and appropriate. Students are urged to review each course syllabus to determine the dates such assignments are due. Failure to complete such projects as required or absence from an assigned examination may result in a grade of “I” (incomplete) or “F” (failure) being assigned for the activity, test, and/or course.

Release of Information

Cumberland University complies with all provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA or Buckley Amendment) of 1974 (amended) dealing with the release of educational records.

FERPA (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all educational agencies and institutions that receive funds under any program administered by the Department of Education (“Department”). In this guidance, when we refer to “school districts,” “schools,” or “postsecondary institutions” we mean “educational agencies and institutions” subject to FERPA. Private schools at the elementary and secondary school levels generally do not receive funds from the Department and are, therefore, not subject to FERPA.

FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records at elementary and secondary schools that are subject to FERPA’s requirements. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a postsecondary institution at any age (“eligible student”). Under FERPA, a parent or eligible student must provide a signed and dated written consent before a school discloses personally identifiable information from the student’s education records. 34 CFR § 99.30. See 34 CFR § 99.3 for the definition of “personally identifiable information.” Exceptions to the general consent requirement are set forth in § 99.31 of the FERPA regulations. The term “education records” is defined as those records that are: (1) directly related to a student; and (2) maintained by an educational agency or institution, or by a party acting for the agency or institution. See 34 CFR § 99.3 for the definition

of “education records” and a list of records that are not included in the definition. Accordingly, all records, including immunization and other health records, as well as records on services provided to students under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and records on services and accommodations provided to students under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, that are directly related to a student and maintained by a school are “education records” under FERPA.

No information, except directory information, contained in any student’s record is released to persons outside the University or to unauthorized persons on the campus without the written consent of the student. It is the responsibility of the student to provide the Office of the Registrar and other University offices, as appropriate, with the necessary specific authorization and consent. Disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records is permitted to college officials with legitimate educational interests. A college official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, of support staff position (including law enforcement personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted; a person serving on the Board of Trusts; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another college official in performing his or her tasks. A college official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities.

Directory information includes name, home address, school address, telephone listing, e-mail address, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, Dean’s List, degrees and awards received, and most recent previous educational institution attended. This information may be released to appear in public documents and may otherwise be disclosed without student consent unless a written request not to release this information is filed each semester in the Office of the Registrar. Such notification must be received before August 1 for the fall semester, before December 1 for the spring semester, and before May 1 for the summer semester. No official academic information about a student will be released until all University requirements, forms, and records are complete.

If the student believes the University has failed to comply with the Buckley Amendment, he/she may file a complaint using the Cumberland University Incident Report in the Student Handbook. Complaints must be filed using the procedures outlined for student grievances in the Student Handbook. If dissatisfied with the outcome of the procedure, a student may file a written complaint with the Family Policy and Regulations Office, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202. Questions about the application of the provision of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act should be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs or the Executive Vice President.

Repeating Courses

Although no course grade is ever removed from the permanent transcript, a student may repeat courses for the purpose of raising his/her grade point average. University policy prohibits students, without the permission of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, from repeating a course in which they have earned a grade of "B" or higher, unless the course is one in which there is a change of subject matter and the course has been designated “repeatable for credit”. Courses that are repeatable for credit are identified as such in the course description.

No course may be repeated more than once without permission of the faculty advisor or the approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. A repeat grade in a course will become a standing grade for that course even if it is lower than the first grade received in the course. All repeat grades will be included in the calculation of the retention/graduation grade point average even if the most recent grade(s) is lower than the previous grade(s) earned. All first attempt grades will still appear on the student’s permanent record, but will not be calculated into the student’s retention/graduation grade point average or total hours earned. Note: A Cumberland student may not repeat course work at any other institution, nor through a Directed Study class.

Role of Academic Administrators

The interpretation of degree and other academic requirements is the responsibility of Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean of the appropriate School, and the Deans’ Council. Any exception to an academic policy must be approved by the Deans’ Council. The Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of the appropriate School, and faculty advisors are available for academic counseling of students.

Second Degree Programs

Students who have completed one degree at Cumberland University may earn a second degree at the same level (Bachelor) at Cumberland University. An Approved program of study must be submitted to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Dean of the appropriate School before the end of the first semester of course work toward the second degree. Students must complete the program of study for the second degree. Courses taken in the first degree may also be used in the second degree. Students who have completed one degree at another institution may earn a second degree at the same level (Bachelor) at Cumberland University.

The requirements are as follows:

Completion of at least 25% or 30 out of the 120 total semester hours required for the degree at Cumberland University. For a bachelor’s degree, the student must have at least 25% or 12-15 of the required hours for the degree in upper division (300-400 numbered courses) credit hours earned through Cumberland University.
Maintenance of a 2.00 or higher cumulative GPA in the undergraduate degree program.
Achievement of sufficient academic performance on previous course work.
Completion of a major area other than the major area(s) completed at the time the first degree was awarded.

Semester Hours Required for Baccalaureate Majors

A minimum of 120 semester hours, in an approved program of study, is required for the awarding of any baccalaureate degree. Specific courses necessary to complete each major are listed in the academic division sections of this document. The student is cautioned to follow the programs of study, as enumerated, to ensure appropriate and timely progress toward the degree. Note: Certain majors require more than the minimum 120 semester hours to earn a degree.

Transcript Requests

Students or alumni must request copies of their Cumberland University transcript, in writing, from the Office of the Registrar. Transcript Request Forms are available in the Office of the Registrar. A $5.00 charge is made for each copy of the transcript requested. Individuals requesting this service by mail (include check or money order) or fax (contact the Business Office at 615-547-1218 to pay over the phone) must furnish their name at the time of enrollment at Cumberland University, Social Security number, and dates of attendance. All financial and admissions obligations to Cumberland University must be met prior to the release of this document.

Use of English

Every student, in all courses, is expected to use spoken and written English that is grammatically correct. A faculty member may require remediation for any student who fails to communicate appropriately. Competence in English is foundational to academic programs at the University.

Withdrawal Process

Any student who withdraws from the University must do so officially through the Office of the Registrar. Forms for this purpose are available. Please refer to the fee section of this document for refund information. Failure to follow proper withdrawal procedures may result in a student receiving a grade of “F” or “FA” in every course in which he/she was registered. The following officials/areas should be notified prior to withdraw:

Registrar
Faculty Advisor
School Dean
Director of Student Success & Retention
Dean of Students
Assistant Athletic Director (if on athletic team)
Student Financial Services
Director of Housing (if living in residence halls)
Business Office

Last Date of Attendance
The last date of attendance for a student who withdraws is the date indicated on the withdrawal form. If a student stops attending classes the last date of attendance will be the last date of attendance as placed on the student record in the CAMS system as the instructor assigns a grade of "F" or "FA".

Withdrawal Date
The withdrawal date for a student who withdraws is the date indicated on the withdrawal form. If a student stops attending classes the withdrawal date will be the last date of attendance as placed on the student record in the CAMS system as the instructor assigns a grade of "F" or "FA". Students who receive all grades of "F" or "FA" will be reviewed in the attendance system to insure they completed the course. If it is determined they did not complete the course they will be considered withdrawn with the last date of attendance being determined in the attendance system. If the student is receiving financial assistance, credits will be returned to the financial aid accounts, including lenders of student loans, before any money is returned to the student. Students should note that the requirement to return the unearned portion of the federal financial aid might leave them owing a balance due to Cumberland University.

Withdrawal for Medical Reasons

Students who experience emergency health situations or extenuating life circumstances may apply in writing for a medical withdrawal from the University. Applications must be filed in writing with the Office of the Registrar before the end of the current semester. Medical withdrawal requests must contain justification for the request and explicitly supportive written documentation from competent and/or licensed attending professionals. The University reserves the right to require additional information related to the medical withdrawal request. Students who are granted a medical withdrawal will receive grades of “W” in all classes. Requests for monetary refunds related to the medical withdrawal must be approved by the Vice President of Fiscal Affairs. The University does not guarantee any amount of monetary refund due to a medical withdrawal executed beyond published drop dates and deadlines. Students should consult with the Student Financial Services regarding financial liability before seeking a medical withdrawal.