2014catalog NPU

8/21/2019 2014catalog NPU

1/137

Northwestern

Polytechnic

University

CATALOG

2 0 1 4

47671 Westinghouse Drive, Fremont, CA 94539Tel: (510) 592-9688; Fax: (510) 657-8975; e-mail: [email protected]


2/137

If you have any questions or concerns, please call the university administration office.

Tel: (510) 592-9688; Fax: (510) 657-8975; e-mail:[email protected].

The university Websiteaddress ishttp://www.npu.edu.

For Admissions Office: [email protected]; Tel (510) 592-9688 ext. 1

Frequently asked questions:

Is NPU accredited and recognized nation-wide?

See Accreditation on page 1.

How can I apply to NPU?

See admission and application information on pages 2-3, 32-33, 50-51, 68-69,

83-86, 96-97, 110-111.

How can I get an application form? What should I submit for application?

You may apply online from the NPU website at https://secure.npu.edu/apply/ ordownload the application form fromhttp://www.npu.edu/Admissions.html.

The required application materials are listed on the application forms; you may

also find the information on the pages listed above or on NPUs website.

How can I see an admission officer or an academic counselor?

Admission officers and academic counselors are available on campus to assist

the applicants and the students during office hours as posted on the NPU

Website at http://www.npu.edu/contact.html.

Also see Academic Counseling on page 8.

What courses do I need to complete for my major?

See Curriculum under various degree programs:

School of Engineering: pages 36-42, 53-59, 71-73School of Business and Information Technology: pages 87-88, 99-100,

112-113

I want to know the costs for taking courses or pursuing a degree.

See the tuition and fees information on pages 3, 4, 34, 52, 69, 86, 98, 111

How do I register for classes?See Registration and related information on page 9.

How do I gain access to computers, e-mail, and the Internet?

See Facilities and Learning Resources on pages 27-30.

Where can I find the directions to NPU?

See page 127 or on our web site at http://www.npu.edu/contact.html.
mailto:[email protected]://www.npu.edu/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.npu.edu/http://www.npu.edu/mailto:[email protected]://www.npu.edu/mailto:[email protected]


3/137

2014 Academic Calendar

January

1 New Year Holiday; campus closed

2-11 Administration office observes semester breakoffice hours

6 Spring semester application deadline for local

students

9 New studentsreport to campus.

11 New student orientation program. (9:30 AM)13 Semester and classes begin.

- Registration continues for new students.

- Late registration for current students.

- Add/Drop

18 Last day to add/drop without records

27-31 Classroom observation - by peer faculty

February

1 Classroom observation - by peer faculty

24-28 Mid-term exams

March

1 Mid-term exams

3 - Deadline for graduation petition for summer

semester (without late fee)- Deadline for changing program or requesting to

use new curriculum (without late fee)10 Check pointstudent counseling17 Summer semester application deadline for

international students

19 Summer class schedule and registration packages

ready

31 -Beginregistration forthe summer semester*.

- Faculty evaluation - by students.

April

5 Summer registration ends (for current students).

7 Late registration begins (current students).

21-26Course review and final exams

28-30Administration office observes semester break

office hours.

May


office hours.

3 - Faculty in-service training workshop

- Graduation ceremonies (for students graduatingfrom 2013 fall to 2014 summer semesters)

5 - Posting final grades for spring semester.

- Check pointstudent counseling

May

5 Summer semester application deadline for local

students.5-9 New students report to campus.

10 New student orientation program (9:30 AM)

12 Semester and classes begin.



- Add/Drop


26-31Classroom observation - by peer faculty

June

23-28Mid-term exams

30 - Deadline for graduation petition for fallsemester (without late fee)

- Deadline for changing program or requesting to

use new curriculum (without late fee)- Fall semester application deadline for


July

4 Independence Day holiday; campus closed.

7 Check pointstudent counseling

16 Fall class schedule and registration packages

ready

28 - Beginregistration forthe fall semester*.

- Faculty evaluation - by students.August

2 Fall registration ends (for current students).

4 Late registration begins (current students).

18-23 Course review and final exams

23 Fall semester application deadline for local

students


office hours.

30 - Faculty in-service training workshop

September

1 Labor Day holiday; campus closed.

2-6 Administration office observes semester break

office hours.

2 - Posting final grades for summer semester.

- Check pointstudent counseling

* Online registrationnormally starts several days

earlier than the on-site registration. Please check the

registration instructions published each semester for

detailed information.

Spring Semester (1/134/26) Summer Semester(5/128/23)


4/137

2014 Academic Calendar

September

2-5 New students report to campus.

6 Newstudent orientation program (9:30 AM)

8 Semester and classes begin.



- Add/Drop


22-27 Classroom observation - by peer faculty

October

20-25 Mid-term exams

27 - Deadline for graduation petition for next spring

semester (without late fee)- Deadline for changing program or requesting to

use new curriculum (without late fee)

31 2015Spring semester application deadline for


November

3 Check pointstudent counseling

12 2015 spring class schedule and registration

packages ready

24 - Beginregistration forthe 2014 spring semester*.

- Faculty evaluation - by students

27 Thanksgiving holiday; campus closed29 Spring registration ends (for current students).

December

1 - Late registration for 2015 spring semester

begins (current students).

15-20Course review and final exams

25-31 Christmas holiday; campus closed.

January 2015

1 New Yearholiday; campus closed.

3 Faculty in-service training workshop

5 - Posting final grades for 2014 fall semester.- Check pointstudent counseling

* Online registrationnormally starts several days

earlier than the on-site registration. Please check the

registration instructions published each semester for

detailed information.

A Message from the President

To all prospective students:

Today, we all face the continuous demands and

challenges of a fast-paced and complex society that

shoulders us with an ever-increasing level of family,

social, and economic responsibilities. Northwestern

Polytechnic University (NPU) is an educational

institution established with the specific intent to

provide the learning opportunities and the training

grounds for high-technology as well as global

business development needed to help each individual

meet the impending challenges.

The location of NPU in the heart of Silicon Valley

along with the efforts and accomplishments of NPUs

faculty and administrators combine to provide a

unique environment for students to learn and to gain

practical experience. NPUs ties with universities

and companies around the world help to promote theinternational understanding and cooperation that give

our graduates a wider view of their roles as

individuals and as members of society.

Our university dedicates itself to the continual

improvement of academic curricula and programs

that combine existing knowledge and newdevelopments arising from todays ever-changing

world. In doing so, NPUs programs encourage both

analytical and creative thinking. Even though the

specific goals and objectives of each student are

different, it is the dedication to learning that matters.

If you are devoted to the pursuit of education andself-enrichment, we welcome you to accept the

challenge and further your career and intellectual

growth by attending NPU.

Dr. George T. C. Hsieh

President

Fall Semester (9/812/20)


5/137

i

2014 Catalog(Effective 2014 Spring Semester)

CONTENTSPage

Academic Calendar

A Message from the President Introduction 1

Mission 1

Faculty 1

Accreditation 1

Corporate Status 1

Community Involvement 2

Admission Policies 2

Application Requirements- Bachelors and Masters Degree Programs 2

Official Transcripts 2

Notification of Admission 2

Cancellation of Admission and Readmission 3

Returning Students 3

International Students 3

NPU Institution Codes for Standardized and International Tests 3

American Language Classes (ESL Classes) 3

Enrollment Agreement 3

Tuition 3

Fees 4

Refund Policy 4

Minimum Terms for Tuition Payments 6

Debts Owed to the University 6

State of California Tuition Recovery Fund 6

Scholarships 6

Tuition Scholarships for New Applicants 6

Tuition Scholarships for Current Students 7

VA Educational Assistance 7

Student On-Campus Work-study Opportunities 7

Practicum and Industrial Cooperative Projects 8

Academic Information 8

Study Plan 8

Academic Advising and Counseling 8

Class Schedule 9

Registration 9

Full-time Students 10

Part-time Students 10 Non-degree Students 10

Pre-degree Status 10

Adding and Dropping Courses 10

Grading Policy and Academic Standards 11

Grades 11

Passing Grades 11

Grade Point Average 12

Incomplete 12


6/137

ii

Auditing Courses 12

Repetition of Courses 12

Form of Instruction 13 Attendance 13

Taking Online Courses 13

Standards of Satisfactory Progress 15

Examinations 17

Course Examinations 17 Challenge Examination 17

Proficiency Examination 18

Entrance Assessment Examinations 18

Graduation 18

Bulletin Requirements 18

Petition to Graduate 18

Completion of A Program 19

Withdrawal from the University 19

Re-entry to NPU 19

International Students Transferring Out 19

Educational Records 20

Student Rights 20 Student Discipline 21

Inappropriate Conduct 21

Appeal of Dismissal 21

Student Grievance Procedures 22

Policy on Sexual Harassment 22

Student Life 24

University Orientation 24

Housing Assistance 24

Transportation Service 24

Nonacademic Counseling 25

Cultural Immersion Workshops 25

Professional Development Seminars 25

Intercollegiate Activities 25

Career Placement Services 25

Student Handbook 25

The Student Association 26

Affiliation to Professional Societies 26

NPU Student Branch of IEEE 26

Alumni Association 26

International Student Health Insurance 27

Donations to the University 27

Facilities 27

Campus Description 27

Teaching and Research Facilities 27

Learning Resources and Laboratories 28

The University Library and Digital Campus 29


7/137

iii

Academic Programs 31

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING 31

Objectives 31

Undergraduate Programs 32

Credential Requirements 32

Application Requirements 32

English Proficiency Requirement 32

Entrance Assessment Examination 33

General Background Requirements for Pursuing Bachelors Degrees 33

Transfer of Credit from Other Institutions 33

Tuition 34

Graduation Requirements 34

Lower-division Courses Study Flow 35

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) 36

Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems Engineering (BSCSE) 38

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) 40

Course Descriptions- Undergraduate Degree Programs,School of Engineering 42

Masters Degree Programs 50

Objective 50

Committee Oversight 50




General Background Requirements for Pursuing Masters Degrees 51


Tuition 52


Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE) 53

Master of Science in Computer Systems Engineering (MSCSE) 55

Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) 56

Course Descriptions- Masters Degree Programs, School of Engineering 59 Doctorate Degree Program 68

Objectives 68

Doctoral Program Committee 68

Applicant Qualifications 68

Application Material 68

Transfer of Credit 69

Tuition 69


Doctor of Computer Engineering 71

Course Descriptions- Doctor of Computer Engineering Program, 74School of Engineering

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 83

Objectives 83

Undergraduate Program 83




Entrance Assessment Examination 84

General Background Requirements for Pursuing the Bachelors Degree 84


8/137

iv


Tuition 86


Bachelor of Business Administration and Information Sciences 87

(BBAIS)

Lower-division Courses Study Flow 87

BBAIS Curriculum 88

Course Descriptions- Bachelors Degree Program, 89School of Business Administration and Information Technology

Masters Degree Program 96

Objective 96

Committee Oversight 96




General Background Requirements for Pursuing Masters Degree 97


Tuition 98

Graduation Requirements 98 Master of Business Administration (MBA) 99

MBA Curriculum 100

Course Descriptions- Master of Business Administration Degree Program, 101School of Business Administration and Information Technology

Doctorate Degree Program 109

Objectives 109

Doctoral Program Committee 109

Applicant Qualifications 110

Application Material 110

Transfer of Credit 111

Tuition 111

Graduation Requirements 111 Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) 112

DBA Curriculum 113

Course Descriptions- Doctor of Business Administration Program, 114School of Business and Information Technology

University Milestones 122

Board of Trustees 123

Advisory Board 123

Academic Advisory Committees 123

NPU Administration 123

NPU Faculty 124

Location Map 127


9/137

Addendum to the 2014 catalog

Effective May 12, 2014

On page 4, the following statements are inserted under the header of Refund Policy:

Any student requesting for refund is required to submit a copy of the form Account Refund

Request Form to the Business Office. All requests are subject to administrative approval and NPU

shall not process a refund for credit balances arising from funds specifically designated by a third

party (e.g., bank or scholarship fund) for tuition and qualified expenses.

There is a $50 service fee for each account refund request, except that NPU shall waive the service

fee for a student that (1) makes the request after his/her graduation from NPU and (2) has satisfied

all program, administrative, and financial requirements and obligations.

On page 21, the following rules replace the section on Inappropriate Conduct, the subsection on 41301.

Expulsion, Suspension, and Probation of Students, and the subsection on 41303. Conduct by Applicants

for Admission.

Inappropriate Conduct

Inappropriate conduct by students or by applicants for admission is subject to disciplinary action up

to and including dismissal from or denial of admission to the university. The following is a non-

exhaustive list of examples of inappropriate conduct:

(a) Academic dishonesty.

(b)

Forgery, alteration, or misuse of campus documents, records, or identification, or knowingly

furnishing false information to the University.

(c)

Violation of any federal, state, or local law.

(d) Misrepresentation of oneself, another individual, or of an organization to be an agent of the

university or another institution.

(e) Obstruction or disruption of the campus educational process, administrative process, or other

campus function, whether on or off campus.

(f) Physical abuse on or off campus of the person or property of any member of the campus

community or of members of his or her family, or the threat of such physical abuse.

(g) Theft of, or non-accidental damage to, campus property or property in the possession of, or

owned by, a member of the campus community.

(h) Unauthorized entry into, unauthorized use of, or misuse of campus property; unauthorized

entry into classes.

(i)

On campus property, the sale or knowing possession of dangerous drugs, restricted drugs, ornarcotics, except when lawfully prescribed pursuant to medical or dental care.

(j) Possession or use of explosives, dangerous chemicals, or weapons on campus property or at a

campus function.

(k) Engaging in lewd, indecent, or obscene behavior on or using campus property or at a campus

function, either in person or by correspondence.

(l) Abusive behavior directed toward, or hazing of, a member of the campus community.

(m)Violation of any order, rule, or policy of the University.


10/137

(n) Failure to cooperate with a university or police investigation.

(o) Endangering the health or safety of others on or from campus property.

Effective May 1, 2014

On page 4, In the Fees section, II. Service Fee Schedule, in the fees table:

Add: Chargeback fees $100*/$200*

* Before requesting a chargeback from his/her credit/debit card provider for any disputed

credit/debit card charge, the applicant or student shall make a formal request in writing

directly with the NPUs finance office of such disputed charge. The applicant or student will

provide NPU 15 business days to resolve the issue. If the applicant or student does not abide

by these rules, NPU will charge a chargeback fee of $100. If the applicant or student does not

agree with the NPUs findings and submits a chargeback that is denied by his/her credit/debit

card provider, NPU will charge a chargeback fee of $200.

Effective July 1, 2014


The first three items are updated to the following:

Registration fee (per semester $ 75

Learning resource fee (per semester) $ 200

Campus fee $ 125

Below the item Late registration fees and its three lines of fees, the following item is inserted:

Late registration fee for new students $ 20

Returned/Bad check fee is updated to: $25 (first fee)

$35 (subsequent fees)

Effective October 1, 2014


Add: International student health insurance cancellation fee $100

Effective December 1, 2014


Express service fee is updated to: $120


11/137

1

Introduction

The Northwestern Polytechnic University (NPU)

catalog is an annual publication containing

information on academic requirements, learning

facilities, tuition and fees, and disciplinary issues

concerning all applicants and students at NPU.This catalog is effective from the 2014 spring

semester through the fall semester. Student

handbooks, for local and for international

students, are published separately every semester

and posted on the NPU Online Service Center

for all students to read. New students are

introduced to this website on the New Student

Orientation Day. The handbooks provide

additional information to help the students adjust

to the school environment quickly and learn how

to use the administrative services provided to

them.

The majority of the information contained in this

catalog and other pertinent information is also

available on the university website at

www.npu.edu.

Mission

Northwestern Polytechnic Universitys mission

is to provide advanced education and a high

technology learning environment that motivates

students to pursue intellectual growth and

promotes professional career development, and

to prepare them to become high technology andglobal leaders. NPUs objectives are:

To have qualified faculty with active high

technology careers and experience to educate

students in a stimulating learning environment

and to allow graduates to hit the ground

running.

To prepare individuals to acquire the modern

knowledge and necessary skills to meet the

challenges of fast-moving local and global

companies in a variety of industries.

To cultivate a high level of integrity and

professional ethics in our graduates.

NPU seeks to prepare its students to begin and

enhance their professional careers in computers,

engineering, and business, through study in both

undergraduate and graduate curricula.

Faculty

The University faculty maintains a tradition of

personal attention to students and devotion to

teaching and research. Many members of the

faculty have been cited for excellence in

teaching. Some of them are leaders in theirdisciplines and professional organizations.

Members of the faculty have had the experience

of working in high-tech fields and various

business professions; some also acted as

consultants to educational institutions, industry,

businesses, government, and foundations.

Accreditation

Northwestern Polytechnic University is an

academic institution accredited by the

Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges

and Schools (ACICS) to award bachelorsdegrees, masters degrees, and doctorate degrees.

ACICS is listed as a nationally recognized

accrediting agency by the United States

Department of Education and is recognized by

the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

ACICS may be contacted at 750 First Street, NE,

Suite 980, Washington, DC 20002-4241, Tel:

(202) 336-6780.

The current scope of accreditation for ACICS, as

approved by the U.S. Department of Education

and the Council for Higher Education

Accreditation, includes diploma programs and

degree programs through the masters degree.Accreditation of a doctoral program by ACICS

does not make the program eligible for purposes

of participation in federal student aid programs,

as described in Title IV of the HEA. Contact theNPU administration office for further

information.

Corporate Status

Northwestern Polytechnic University is

organized under California Corporate Law as a

nonprofit, public-benefit corporation and is

deemed tax-exempt, as applies to corporations

falling within the IRS 501(c)(3) ruling.

NORTHWESTERN POLYTECHNIC

UNIVERSITY ADMINISTERS ALL ITS

PROGRAMS WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE,

ETHNIC ORIGIN, AGE, OR SEX. NPU

CONFRONTS AND REJECTS ALL

MANIFESTATIONS OF DISCRIMINATION


12/137

2

IN ITS EDUCATIONAL POLICIES,

ADMISSION POLICIES, SCHOLARSHIPS,

OR OTHER SCHOOL ADMINISTERED

PROGRAMS.

Governing Board

NPU is governed by its Board of Trustees.

Board members consist of NPU faculty

members, well-known scholars and educators,

and community leaders. They provide voluntary

service and receive no remuneration as NPU is a

nonprofit, public-benefit educational institution.

Community Involvement

The University is first and foremost an

institution of learning and teaching, committed

to serving the needs of society and involved in

the academic and civic communities of which it

is a part. The NPU administrators participate inlocal job fairs and work with local businesses to

provide job opportunities for our students. The

University also provides space for meetings of

various local organizations.

Admission Policies NPU admits all qualified individuals into

the university without regard to race,

religion, sex, ethnic origin, or physical

handicap.

NPU makes education available to all

individuals who meet the qualifications

for entrance into NPU.

Trimester: The schools annual calendar andcourse offering are based onatrimester system

of three 15-week semesters starting in January,May, and September of the year. An applicant

may apply for entrance in any of the three

trimesters each year.

The application deadline for each trimesteris given in the Academic Calendar.

Late Application: A late application fee willbe charged for applications received after the

deadline each trimester. Overseas applicants

should apply earlier to allow sufficient time for

processes related to visa application and

international travel.

Application Requirements: Refer to thedescription on application requirements in the

section for the school and level of program of

your choice.

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts are required for admission

into a degree program. All official transcripts

must be received before the admission

evaluation. Late submissions are permitted only

with the approval of the Admissions Committee.

Students enrolled in courses at another institution

at the time of application will have 60 days after

the completion of the courses to provide NPU

with the updated transcripts. Failure to submit

official transcripts on time may result in

placement of the applicant in a non-degreestatus.

Admission Evaluation: The NPU AdmissionsCommittee provides individualized admission

evaluation service and follows the approved

credit transfer policy to transfer credit for each

applicant. A copy of the evaluation report will

be provided to the accepted applicant.

Notification of Admission

Normally, prospective students may expect to

receive notification of admission status in threeto four weeks after filing complete application

materials with the NPU Admissions Office. An

applicant may be admitted with full or

conditional admission status. An applicant

denied for admission will receive a letter with

the explanation.


13/137

3

Cancellation of Admission and

Readmission

If an applicant is accepted into a degree programfor a given semester and does not begin classesin that semester, admission will automatically be

canceled. The prospective students application

records (transcripts from previous colleges andAmerican language proficiency records) are kepton file for a period of six months from thesemester start date. If the applicant then wishesto be considered for readmission in a latersemester, he/she will be required to resubmit (1)an application form and pay (2) the applicationfee. A reevaluation of admission will be made

for the applicant. If reapplication is made morethan six months from the initial admission term,the applicant may be required to submit an entirenew set of the application materials.

Returning Students

When a former NPU student returns to continuehis/her study in an unfinished program aftermaking a longer-than-one-semester absence, thereturning student must submit a new applicationform (online or hardcopy) and pay theapplication fee. The student will receive a newevaluation and study plan based on thegraduation requirements specified in the currentcatalog.

International Students

NPU is authorized under federal law to enrollnon-immigrant international students.

Veteran Students: Currently the CSAAVE isthe state agency responsible for approvingveteran education programs.

NPU Institution Codes for

Standardized and InternationalTests

SAT 4335 | GMAT 5485

GRE 5485 | TOEFL 9626

CLEP 7569 | DANTES 9670

American Language Classes(ESLclasses)

Students conditionally accepted due to Englishdeficiency are required to enroll in ESL classes(American language classes) based on their

English assessment records.

The ESL classes are offered with the sametrimester schedule as that for the degree courses.Students placed in the highest levels of ESLclasses may be allowed to concurrently take alimited number of degree classes at NPU,provided that this optimizes their learningobjectives. Students passing the highest level ofESL classes are considered meeting the Englishentrance requirement for degree programs.

New Student Orientation: All new studentsare required to attend the New Student

Orientation program conducted at NPU beforeeach semester starts. The schedule is shown inthe Academic Calendar

Enrollment Agreement

Upon joining NPU, a student is presented anEnrollment Agreement form, in digital format,which indicates the students program, length of

study, estimated costs, refund policy, and otherinformation. The student should read theinformation on the form and provides digitalsignature online

Tuition

For tuition information on the program of yourinterest, please refer to the proper sectiondescribing the level of the program and itsdisciplinary area.

Special tuition rates: Special tuition rates mayapply to the following groups of students:

- NPU faculty or family members takingcourses for credit. The policy is posted onthe faculty Online Service Center website.

- NPU staff members approved to takecourses for credit or staff family memberstaking courses at NPU.

- Exchange students: Tuition rate is based onterms of the agreement document.

- Faculty, administrators, or studentsrecommended by sister schools to take


14/137

4

courses at NPU for credit: Tuition rate isbased on terms of the agreement document.

- Unemployed workers approved by theEDD to take courses or pursue a degree atNPU may be offered tuition discount basedon the terms of the agreement document.

Fees

I. Admission Fees

Application for admission

Late fee

$60

$50

II. Service Fee Schedule(Incurred upon registration or request ofservices only)

Notice: Please observe deadlines to avoid late feecharges. All late feesare $50 except ifspecified.

Registration fee (per semester)

Learning resource fee (persemester)

Campus fee (per semester)

Add/Drop request processing fee

Late registration fees (continuingStudents only):

- Up to end-of-semester

- During semester break- After start of new semester

Payment Plan service fee- 2-payment plan- 3-payment plan

Change major/new study program

Use new curriculum (new studyplan)

Each placement test(EPE or SAT-I/GMAT/GREequivalency test)

Undergraduate student challengeexam fee (in addition to the

course tuition)Proficiency exam fee (per subject)

- no credit earned

Qualifying Exam fee (DCE program)

Dissertation fees (DCE program):

Proposal PresentationOral Defense

$ 50

$100

$ 50

$ 10 (1st)

$ 20 (2nd

)

$ 50

$ 75$100

$ 25$ 50

$ 50

$ 50

$ 50

$100

$150

$100per exam

$300$500

Dissertation fees (DBA program):

Preliminary ProposalPresentation

Methodology PresentationOral Defense

Petition for graduation fee

Each re-petition for graduation

Transcript Fees- First 2 copies- Additional copies

Replacement of lost student IDcard

Returned/bad check fee

Express service fee

Intl student transfer-out processing fee(not for NPU alumni)

OPT Extension Service fee

International student health

insurance feeInternational student special

request service fees

$300

$300$500

$300

$ 50

free of charge

$ 5each

$ 10

$ 20

$ 20

$300

$ 20

~$300/sem

(estimated)Specified onrequest forms

Textbook is estimated at $80-$150 perbook.

All international students are required topurchase a health insurance plan. Theannual cost is estimated at $950.

NOTICE: For any student who does not fulfillhis/her financial obligation to the school on time,

a penalty of $20/month will be debited to thestudents financial account until his/her

obligation is fulfilled. In addition, the late feeand automatic withdrawal rule will also apply.

Refund Policy

Refunds Due to Regular

Add/Drop of courses

For students remaining enrolled in at least onecourse in a semester, refunds are processed at the

end of the add/drop and withdrawal period eachsemester. The students will receive emailnotices for receiving refund checks within threeweeks from the add/drop or withdrawal deadline.The following policy applies to these students:

1. For courses dropped before the end of thesecond week of instruction, the school willrefund to the appropriate party any tuition


15/137

5

received by the school from or on behalf ofthe student for the current semester.

2. For courses dropped after the second week ofinstruction but within the first 75% of thecurrent semester, the school will refund to theappropriate party a prorated portion of thetuition received by the school from or onbehalf of the student for the current semesteras follows:

Before the end of week % Refund

3 80%4&5 70%6 60%7&8 50%9 40%10&11 30%12 through 15 0%

No withdrawal is allowed in the 15 thweek

For a student receiving VA educationbenefits, in addition to the prorated tuition,the school will refund a prorated portion ofthe application fee.

3. After the first 75% of any semester thestudent attends the school, the school willonly refund to the appropriate party thetuition and fees received by the school fromor on behalf of the student for any futuresemester if applicable.

4. Registration fee, learning resource fee, andcampus fee are non-refundable.

Students who leave a course without officialwithdrawal (drop) are subject to a failing gradein the course. No withdrawal is allowed in thelast week of the semester.

Refunds Due to Withdrawal

from NPU

1. 3-day full refund: If the withdrawal occurswithin 3 days after enrollment and no classeshave been attended by the student, a fullrefund applies, including tuition, registrationfee, learning resource fee, and campus feepaid for the semester.

2. Except for the case of 3-day full refund, theregistration fee is non-refundable.

3. Other than the case of 3-day full refund, thecampus fee and learning resource fee arerefundable if the withdrawal occurs by theend of the first week of instruction.

4. If the withdrawal occurs before the end of thesecond week of instruction, the school willrefund to the appropriate party:

(a) Any tuition received by the school fromor on behalf of the student for the currentsemester.

(b) Any tuition and fees received by theschool from or on behalf of the student forany future semesters.

5. If the withdrawal occurs after the end of thesecond week of instruction, the same tuitionrefund policy (see the above refund table)applicable to other students who remainenrolled applies.

6. The school will issue a refund for withdrawalwithin 30 days of the students withdrawal,termination date, or the specified time periodunder applicable law, whichever occurs first.

The student will remain obligated to theschool for all unpaid tuition, fees, and otheramounts charged the student pursuant to theagreement or otherwise that are not subject torefund in accordance with this section.

7. A student withdrawing from NPU shouldsubmit the proper paperwork (or onlinerequest) to the Administration Office in orderfor the Records Office and the BusinessOffice to process the students tuition refund.

In general, the students withdrawal or

termination date will be the students last date

of attendance at the school.

The student should return all items owed tothe library and the school and clear anyfinancial balance owed to the school uponwithdrawing from the school.

8. If the school determines, in its sole andabsolute discretion, that the student'swithdrawal or termination from the programduring any semester was the proximate resultof the students suffering from an

incapacitation, such as

(i) illness,

(ii)accident,(iii)death of a close family member, or(iv)similar circumstances,

then the school will determine whether toincrease the refund amount specified above ofthe tuition and fees received by the schoolfrom or on behalf of the student for thesemester.


16/137

6

NOTE: Any outstanding fees owed to theUniversity by the student will be deducted fromthe tuition refund.

Minimum Terms for Tuition

Payments

The student is only obligated for the portion ofthe program cost applicable to each semester inwhich the student is enrolled in the school. Thestudent must pay the school the applicable cost(i.e. semester tuition, other required fees) at thetime of registration, unless the student andschool agree in writing to a tuition payment plan.

Students whose tuition/fees are overdue aresubject to withdrawal from classes by the school.Students who fail to fulfill their financialobligations to the school may be suspended fromschool and may reenter only upon full paymentof the delinquent portion of their account unlessthe school has agreed in writing to a differentpayment arrangement.

Penalty: For any student whose tuition/fees arepast due, a penalty of $20/month will be debitedto the students financial account until his/herobligation is fulfilled.

If the student withdraws or is terminated fromthe program for any reason and subsequentlyapplies to reenter the school, the school willdetermine in its sole discretion whether to allowthe applicant to reenter. If the school allows theapplicant to reenter, the student must execute anew enrollment agreement and pay all thecurrent program costs.

Debts Owed to the University

Should a student or former student fail to pay adebt owed to the University, NPU may withholdpermission to register, to use facilities forwhich a fee is authorized to be charged, toreceive services and materials, or anycombination of the above from any person owinga debt until the debt is paid (see Title 5,California Administrative Code, Sections 42380and 42381). The University will withholdissuance of official transcripts of gradesto anyperson owing a debt. If a student believes that heor she does not owe all or part of an unpaidobligation, the student should contact the campusBusiness Office. The Business Office willreview the pertinent information, including anyinformation the student may wish to present, and

will advise the student of its conclusions withrespect to the debt.

State of California Student

Tuition Recovery Fund

California law requires that, upon enrollment, afee be assessed in relation to the cost of tuition.This fee supports the Student Tuition RecoveryFund (STRF), a special fund established by theCalifornia legislature to reimburse students whomight otherwise experience a financial loss as aresult of untimely school closure. Students maybe reimbursed by STRF only for prepaid butunused tuition. Institutional participation ismandatory (Education Code Section 94342). Itis mandatory that enrollees keep a copy of anyenrollment agreement, contract, or application todocument enrollment, tuition receipts or

canceled checks to document the total amount oftuition paid, and records which will show thepercentage of the program which has beencompleted. Such records would substantiate aclaim for reimbursement from the STRF, which,to be considered, must be filed within one yearfollowing school closure. If a student hasobtained a judgment against the institution forany violation of the law and the student certifiesthat the judgment cannot be collected afterdiligent effort, a claim can be made to the STRFwithin two years after the date upon which thejudgment became final. For further informationor instructions, contact: Bureau for PrivatePostsecondary and Vocational Education, P. O.Box 980818, West Sacramento, CA 95798.Phone: (916) 445-3427.

Scholarships

Tuition scholarships are offered to qualifiedapplicants and current students. The NPUScholarship Committee is responsible forevaluating, selecting, and awarding scholarships.

Tuition Scholarships for New

Applicants

NPU scholarships for new applicants are merit-based financial awards offered to qualifiedapplicants interested in pursuing degreeprograms at NPU.

Qualifications: (1) The cumulative GPA from theofficial transcript, required for admission to theintended degree program, is at a minimum of 3.0on a 4.0 scale, (2) The applicants resume or


17/137

7

Statement of Purpose clearly describes theapplicants academic goal, previous experience

in community services or extracurricularactivities, and, if applicable, work experience,and (3) If the applicants native language is not

English, he/she is required to have the testadministering organization mail his/herTOEFL/IELTS score directly to NPU. Therequired minimum scores for scholarship awardsare: TOEFL - 90 (IBT), or 233 (CBT), or 577(PBT); IELTS - 7.0 bands.

Interested applicants must apply for thescholarship and submit the required documentsalong with his/her application materials by thedeadline for the admission term. The scholarshipapplication deadline for each term is in generalthree months before the term begins.

If the applicant is granted the scholarship, he/she

will be awarded with a tuition scholarship of$500 per semester for the first three semesters, acumulative tuition scholarship of $1,500,provided that the student enrolls full-timeconsecutively for the first three semesters,maintains satisfactory progress in his/heracademic study at NPU, is in good standing, andhas contributed to the activities sponsored by theNPU Student Association, or any NPU studentclub, or participated in professional societyactivities.

Tuition Scholarships for

Current Students

Tuition scholarships are awarded to currentstudents in the fall trimester. Ten $1,000scholarships are awarded to qualified studentswho are pursuing degrees at NPU. Applicationfor the scholarship must be received by theScholarship Committee by the deadline - June30th. The following are the qualifications:

1. The student must have completed at least twosemesters of coursework towards his/herdegree goal at NPU,

2. The student has maintained a cumulativeGPA of at least 3.8 at NPU,

3. The student must be recommended by at leastone faculty member for the scholarshipaward,

4. The student must be in good standing withthe University,

5. The student must be a contributing memberof the NPU Student Association or studentextracurricular activities,

6. The student must be an active member in atleast one professional society, and

7. The student is required to submit a Statementof Purpose and give a presentation in an openforum to clearly state the students academic

goal, services provided to the community orfellow schoolmates, personal qualities andskills obtained, and other points that thestudent chooses to make. The ScholarshipCommittee will schedule the presentation forthe student.

VA Educational Assistance

The University is authorized by the U.S.Veterans Administration (VA) to acceptqualified veterans who receive veterans

education benefits. In administrating studentfinancial and academic affairs for veteran andmilitary students, the University follows VA and

related military regulations. A newly admittedstudent is required to submit a Certificate ofRelease or Discharge from Active Duty Form(Form DD-214). Please contact the NPUAdministration Office for additional information.

Student On-Campus Work-

Study Opportunities

Limited openings in NPUs work-studyprograms are available to highly qualifieddegree-seeking candidates. Applications are

made via the NPU Online Service Center.The students may apply for grader-ship,Teaching Assistantship (TA), or LaboratoryAssistantship (LA). These assistantships areoffered primarily on the basis of outstandingacademic and professional achievement.Students chosen to perform these services musthave the heart for helping fellow students inaddition to meeting the academic qualification.Each semester the administrative staff workswith the faculty to assign graders, TAs, and LAsto assist faculty and students in a group ofclasses.

Practicum and Industrial

Cooperative Projects

Practicum is a supervised practical experiencethat is the application of previously studiedtheory. Normally, three hours of work in apractical setting has the credit equivalency of onehour of classroom lecture. Under the supervision


18/137

8

of a faculty or staff member, a written agreementshall be developed that outlines the arrangementbetween the institution and the practicum site,including specific learning objectives, courserequirements, and evaluation criteria. Details ofthe qualifications are specified in the applicationprocess for the student. The supervising staff isresponsible for checking the students

qualifications.

Industrial Cooperative Projects: Highlyselective internship opportunities with a

number of local companies are available forqualified students. Available internship projectinformation is posted on the Job Posting Boardon the controlled NPU Online Service Centerwebsite.

International studentsmust observe additionalrules required by the U.S. Immigration &Customs Enforcement on Curricular PracticalTraining (CPT).

Academic Information

Study Plan

Upon admission to a degree program, the newstudent receives a copy of his/her admissionevaluation form which also includes his/hergraduation requirements. The electronic file ofthe students study plan will be maintained by

designated administrative staff as the studentcontinues his/her study at NPU. The student willhave access to his/her own study plan throughNPUs Online Service Center. The student is

advised to check his/her online study planregularly and report any error to theadministrative staff immediately.

Designated academic advisors will assist eachstudent to select a concentration area, if it isrequired in the program, as well as courses tofulfill the requirements for the concentration areaas well as the electives.

Follow Proper Sequence: In general, a studentshould complete lower-level courses beforetaking higher-level courses. A graduate studentshould clear all deficiencies before takinggraduate level courses. For students taking ESLcourses, see the section on American LanguageClasses (ESL) under Admission Policies.

Follow Original Plan: A student should followhis/her original study plan to complete his/herstudy in the program. When courses are replaceddue to a catalog update, the student should takethe replacement courses as substitutesaccordingly. The student may also submit anonline request, via the NPU Online ServiceCenter, to Request for Substitution of a

Required Course for each such update of a

course.

Use New Curriculum: As the school catalog isupdated each year, a student is allowed to submita request for upgrading his/her study plan byusing the graduation requirements specified inthe newer and current catalog. The evaluationcommittee will make a new study plan for thestudent. The student may risk additional courserequirements with such a request since the newrequirements are different from the previousones for the same program. The student isadvised to make a careful decision beforesubmitting such a request as the process is notreversible.

Returning Student: When a student returns toNPU to continue his/her study in an unfinishedprogram after making a longer than one-semesterabsence, the returning student must submit a newapplication form and will receive a new studyplan based on the graduation requirementsspecified in the current catalog. All or part of thecredits earned from his/her previous study in theunfinished program at NPU will apply towardsthe new graduation requirements.

Academic Advising and

Counseling

Academic advising and counseling is an essentialelement of the educational process. Designatedfaculty members and staff advisors serve asacademic advisors and counselors to thestudents. Academic advising and counselinginvolves both the student and theadvisor/academic counselor.


19/137

9

Although online registration is available to thestudent, he/she is welcome to meet with anacademic advisor before and during the courseregistration period each semester. During themeeting, the advisor and the student willexamine the student's study plan and academic

records, verify course prerequisites, and choosesuitable courses to enroll. Academic advising isalso available to students throughout the schoolyear. In addition to helping students plan courseschedules, academic advisors may alsoencourage students to explore their academicoptions and personal goals in preparation forentering the professional world.

To ensure satisfactory progress of each student,designated administrative staff maintains closecontact with the faculty and the teachingassistants to monitor those students who mayneed extra help. Class attendance records,available online to the managing staff, are usedas one input for student counseling. The studentis to be contacted for counseling when either ofthe following occurs: (1) The managing staff isinformed by any instructor who is concernedabout the students performance in the class at

any checkpoint during the semester, (2) thestudent has a poor attendance record, (3) the

student is placed in academic-probation status.

Class Schedule

Classes are scheduled every trimester. The class

schedule is published approximately 7-8 weeksbefore the trimester starts, and it falls on thetimeline shortly after the mid-term point in thepreceding semester. Publication of the new classschedule readies the current students for the pre-registrationactivity.

Many degree program classes, especiallygraduate courses, are conducted on weekdayevenings and on weekends to allow both non-working students and working professionals topursue their studies during after-work hours. Anumber of degree courses and most AmericanLanguage classes are conducted on weekdays inthe daytime. Since the Learning ResourceCenter and the Student Center are open in bothday and evening, full-time students may useweekdays daytime to study, conduct research,

do homework, practice hands-on exercises in thelabs or work on projects in the practicum labs, orget involved in extracurricular activities. Full-time administrative personnel are available oncampus days and evenings, and weekdays and

Saturdays to assist the students, faculty, andprospective applicants.

Registration

The registration calendar is listed in theUniversity catalog and on the NPU website. Thesemester registration notice is sent to thestudents by e-mail and posted on the NPUwebsite and bulletin boards. The registrationpackages are available online as well as in thelibrary. Late registration fees will be imposed onall continuing students who register after theofficial pre-registration deadline.

1. All applicants to NPU must first be admittedinto the University by the Admissions Officebefore being allowed to attend classes.

2. Except for new students registering forcourses in the first semester, all on-going

students must register on or before thescheduled pre-registration deadline for eachsemester.

New students who have received theiracceptance documents are encouraged toregister during the same registration periodas the on-going students.

3. All students are urged to register online.Designated staff advisors are ready to offerassistance to the students for courseselection or counseling.

4. Tuition and fees are due and payable in full

at the time of registration unless the studenthas signed up for a tuition payment plan.Tuition payment plans are not applicable tonew international students in their initialregistration for their first semester of studiesat NPU.

5. Working professionals who enjoy educationbenefits offered by their employers andreceive tuition reimbursements may followNPUs special payment plan by submittingsupporting documents to the NPUAdministration Office prior to registration.

6. An undergraduate student wishing to enroll

in more than 16 units and a graduate studentin more than 12 units in a given semestermust obtain permission from the studentsschool dean.

7. Students on academic probation will beenrolled with limited course load.

8. Any student attending a class withoutofficially registering in the class will be


20/137

10

required to pay a fine as defined by theadministration.

9. An international student is required to enrollas a full-time student (see definition in thenext section) and maintain good status withthe University during his/her study at NPU.

10.All international students are required tohave a valid health insurance plan. They arerequired to purchase the health insuranceplan contracted by NPU and pay theinsurance fee at registration time.

11.Registration is complete when all fees arepaid.

12.Students with a prior bad-check record willnot be allowed to pay by check again.

A non-international student may enroll as a full-time or part-time student.

Full-Time Students

Undergraduate students taking 12 or more unitsper semester and graduate students taking 9 ormore units per semester are considered full-timestudents for the enrolled term.

All international students must be enrolled as

full-time students. In NPUs trimester system,

an international student is required to enroll full-time for two consecutive semesters before beingallowed to either take a semester break or enrollpart-time for one semester. The internationalstudents mustobserve the NPU class attendancepolicy, maintain satisfactory progress towardscompletion of their degree objectives, andmaintain good status with the University. See anInternational Student Advisor in theAdministration Office for information on how tomaintain full-time status at NPU.

Part-Time Students

Undergraduate students taking less than 12 unitsper semester and graduate students taking lessthan 9 units per semester are considered part-time students.

Non-degree Students

A person may wish to take courses at NPU as anon-degree student. The enrolling administratorwill determine whether the student has theprerequisite for the intended courses or not.Therefore, a non-degree student may be requiredto submit his/her previous academic records,official or unofficial, to the Admissions Office

for an unofficial evaluation before being allowedto enroll in courses at NPU.

A student pursuing a degree study may be placedin non-degree status when the student violatescertain rules. Examples are: failure to submitofficial transcript or other required documents by

a given deadline, failure to maintain satisfactoryacademic progress, failure to follow the students

study plan. A student placed in non-degreestatus is required to remedy the flaw within alimited period of time. Violation of thislimitation may result in termination of thestudents studyat NPU.

Pre-degree Status: When a student istaking courses to clear deficiencies, includingESL subjects, and the enrolled subjectsconstitute a sizable portion of his/her course loadin a semester, the student will be placed in pre-

degree status for the semester

Change Study Plan: In the event thatthe non-degree student decides to apply fordegree study at NPU, he/she must go through theregular degree program application procedures.No more than 12 units earned in non-degreestatus at NPU may be applied to the degreerequirements.

Adding and Dropping Courses

After registering for a semester, a student may

add/drop courses by a deadline which isspecified in the school calendar. Adding coursesis allowed in the first week of the semester and ison a space available basis. Only two requestsof Add/Drop (each for one or multiple

courses) are allowed by the add/drop deadlineafter each registration except for coursesaffected by cancellations made by theadministration. A student may drop courseswithout records effect if it is made before thedeadlineend of the first week of the semester.

From the second through the fourteenth week of

the semester, a student may drop courses forserious and compelling reasons after discussingthis with an academic counselor. The studentwill be issued a grade of W. Classes may not

be dropped during the last week of the semester.To add/drop courses, the student must:

1. Add/drop courses online if the onlineregistration activity is open. Otherwise,meet with a staff advisor to add/drop


21/137

11

courses. The Records Officers will reviewthe add/drop request and approve or denythe request. International students mustobserve the full-time requirement.

2. Pay applicable fees (including $10/$20Add/Drop fee except for courses affectedby cancellations made by theadministration).

The late registration fee is not assessed forcourses added under this policy. Any refund fordropped courses will be calculated according tothe RefundPolicy.

No official withdrawal: Students who leave acourse without official withdrawal (drop) aresubject to a failing grade in the course.

Grading Policy and Academic

Standards Grades

The instructors are requested to submit theirsemester grades for their classes within one weekafter the last day of the semester. An onlinegrade entry system is used by the instructors toenter grades. Each student may check his/herown academic records online. Grades are notgiven out over the telephone. The followingsymbols shall be used in evaluating studentperformance. The symbols reflect the quality ofthe students accomplishments relative to

standards set for each course.

A = Highest level, showing excellence. B = Performance is good, but not at the

highest level. C = Performance is adequate in an

undergraduate course, passing in a mastersdegree course, and failing in a doctoratedegree course.

D = Performance is passing in anundergraduate course and failing in agraduate course.

F = (Fail) Course requirements have not been

met. Credits are not earned by the student. I = Incomplete grade is issued with approval

by the faculty and the Records Office.Coursework was passing at the time.Completion of coursework and gradeconversion must follow the academic policy ineffect.

CR = Credit by passing challengeexamination.

S = Satisfactory performance (forproject/thesis/practicum courses only).Credits are earned by the student.

P = Pass without credit. Student passed thecourse which was offered on pass/no-passbasis.

NP = (Not pass) Student did not pass thecourse which was offered on pass/no-passbasis. No credit was earned.

IP = (In progress) performance is satisfactory,but a final grade is not yet assigned.

AU = (Audit) Student was enrolled on a non-credit basis.

W = (Withdrawal) Student drops a courseafter the add/drop deadline.

NC = (No credit) The student did not pass achallenge examination. Prior to May 1998the grade NC might also be issued to astudent taking an ESL course.

U = (Unauthorized withdraw) The student did

not withdraw from the course but failed tomeet attendance and course requirements.U grade equals F grade.

*= Course has been repeated.

Grades assigned by each course instructorconform to individual policies as stated in thepublished course syllabus. A grade submitted byan instructor is considered final and may bechanged only for one of the following reasons:

(1) Error in recording a score for a studentproduct (test, quiz, paper, etc.)

(2) Miscalculation of a score, including thecumulative score for a semester.

(3) Omission from consideration of validstudent products that were submitted intime.

No other reason constitutes a basis for a requestfor grade change.All requests for grade changesmust be submitted to the Records Office withintwo weeks following the date of issuance of thegrade in question. Under no condition will agrade change be permitted after a degree hasbeen awarded. A grade will not be changed afterone semester from the date of its issuance unless

it has been repeated.

Passing Grades

1. Undergraduate Programs

In each undergraduate program, the passinggrade for courses taken at NPU is D- orbetter.


22/137

12

2. Masters Degree Programs

In each masters degree program, C- is thepassing grade for each course taken to cleara deficiency or earn credit towardsgraduation.

3. Doctorate Degree Programs

In each doctorate degree program, thepassing grade for all courses taken to meetthe degree requirements must be B- orbetter.

Grade Point Average (GPAandCGPA)

The grade point average (GPA) is based oncourses in which letter grades are earned.Instructors may add plus (+) or minus (-) optionsto letter grades in order to refine evaluationprocedures. GPA may be calculated on semesterbase or cumulatively (CGPA). CGPA iscalculated based on all courses and grades earnedin one degree program at NPU. To compute theGPA or CGPA, divide the total number of gradepoints by the total number of units attempted incourses receiving letter grades. Use the table forgrade point assignments.

Grade Points per Unit

A+ 4.0A 4.0A- 3.7B+ 3.3B 3.0B- 2.7C+ 2.3C 2.0C- 1.7D+ 1.3D 1.0D- 0.7F 0U 0NP 0

NC 0

All other grading symbols receive no grade

points, and units for those courses are excludedfrom computation for GPA or CGPA.

Incomplete

In order to receive a grade of I, a student must

have completed all homework and tests/quizzesto date, passed the mid-term exam, and haveserious and compelling circumstances beyondthe students control that occur within the last

two weeks of the semester preventing the studentfrom taking the final exam or submitting thefinal project. Issuance of an I grade requires

approvals from both the course instructor and theresponsible Records Officer.

The student is required to submit the online

Request for Incomplete Grade form before thefinal exam starts. The student will be notified ofthe review result. If approvals are granted byboth the instructor and the Records Office, an Igrade will be issued to the student. Theincomplete work must be made up and a

final grade issued by the instructor by the end

of the 4th week of the following semester. AnF grade will be issued to the student if an I

grade is not cleared within the 4-week

deadline.

Auditing Courses

A student may audit a course instead of enrollingfor credit. No credit is earned by the student andthe grade symbol of AU is received by the

student for auditing a course. NPU viewsauditing classes as an opportunity for studentsand alumni to review courses previously taken orto become informed about current informationon a subject. The following categories ofcourses cannot be taken with auditing status:CPT (practicum), ESL, lab courses, and projectcourses.

Priority will be given to students enrolled in a

class for credit toward graduation. Whenenrollments in a class exceed the class limit, theUniversity reserves the right to remove auditorsfrom the registration list and refund tuition paidfor the class.

A student may change his/her status from auditto credit or from credit to audit by the add/dropdeadline by conducting a regular ADD/DROPprocess.

Attendance: A student enrolled in a class onaudit status must observe the NPU attendance

policy and rules set by the instructor although thestudent is not required to do homework or takeexams given to the class.

Repetition of Courses

A student may repeat a course due to severalreasons: (a) To meet the graduationrequirements, (b) To earn a better grade, or (c)To gain a better understanding of the subject. In


23/137

13

such cases, only the latest grade earned for thesame course will be kept in the students

permanent records. When repeating a course, thestudent pays at the regular tuition rate.

1. Undergraduates

For purposes of academic renewal, any coursetaken to meet graduation requirements in which afailing grade was earned mustbe repeated.

2. Graduates

Masters degree students who receive a grade of

D+ or below in a course taken to meetgraduation requirements mustrepeat the course.Such a repetition is permitted for purposes ofacademic renewal. Doctoral students whoreceive a grade of C+ or lower for any graduatecourse taken towards their doctoral degrees must

repeat the course.

Form of Instruction

NPU offers its courses primarily on-site intraditional classroom setting and labs at the NPUcampus in Fremont, California. A limitednumber of business courses are offered online asan alternative form of instruction through theNPU Online platform in parallel with the regularinclass courses. Refer to the section on TakingOnline Courses below for informationconcerning this instructional delivery mode.

Attendance

Attendance in class is requiredfor all students,including those auditing a course. Students

must attend all class meetings with the exceptionof an emergency or illness. Responsibility forclass attendance rests with the individual student,and since regular and punctual class attendanceis expected, the student must accept theconsequence of failure to attend.

Taking Online Courses: Students takingonline courses must follow the course

requirements to participate in the weeklyactivities, including but not limited to readingassigned materials, interacting with the instructorand classmates using the online tools, doinghomework and/or projects, and conductingresearch. All online activities are recorded forevaluation purposes.

In case of emergency or illness, the student mustnotify the instructor or the Administration Office

via either email, online request (the NPU OnlineService Center), or phone call as soon aspossible.

Taking Online Courses

The University offers a limited number ofcourses in online delivery mode as an alternativeto those in in-class mode. These courses areopen only to regularly admitted NPU students.There will be no additional fees or chargesassociated with the verification of studentidentity at the time of enrollment in onlinecourses.

Online learning normally requires a great deal ofself-discipline.

NPU Online courses are similar to residentialcourses with regard to learning objectives,

credits earned, and course duration; however,they are different with regard to the type ofactivities and interaction required of the student.

Online Learner Authentication

The NPU administration provides a secure loginand pass code at the time of enrollment to eachstudent enrolled in an online course for thepurpose of student authentication andverification of identity throughout the course.

Online Course Environment

CurrentlyNPU uses Moodle platform as a baseto develop its online course management systemfor students taking online classes. Customizedand developed features include but not limitedto: online testing and test bank enhancement,online discussion board enhancement,integration of McGraw Hill Campus e-Library,Youtube.com integration This industry-standarddistance education platform is furthercustomized with NPUs professionally designedlogo and display interface. The student mayaccess the NPU online course managementsystem via a web browser.

Online Student Equipment

Online student equipment includes a computer,software, and Internet service which must satisfythe following specifications:


24/137

14

1. Minimum Requirements for Computer

Hardware

In order to take online courses, the studentmust have computer hardware meeting all thefollowing minimum requirements:

- CPU:Intel Core2 Duo or AMD PhenomII or equivalent PC-compatible,(Macintosh or Linux-based machinesare not supported), 1.8GHz processorspeed ( or greater),

- Peripherals:Keyboard, Mouse, Speakers,Headphone, Microphone, Web Camera,

- Display:Super VGA (800x600 or higherresolution),

- Hard Drive:Minimum 10Gb free space,- Computer Memory:At least 2G RAM,- Sound Card:Sound-Blaster-compatible

sound card.

2. Minimum Requirements for Software

In order to take online courses, the studentmust have all the following software tools:

- Operating System:Microsoft Windows XP (or higher),

- Internet Browser:Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 (or higher),

- Adobe: Acrobat Reader 9.0 (or higher)- Microsoft Office: Microsoft Office

Professional 2007 (or higher).

3. Minimum Requirements for Internet

Service

In order to take online courses, the studentmust have DSL broadband connection or

Cable broadband connection service availableto him/her and is responsible for all theexpenses associated with such services aswell as all the required computer equipmentas needed.

4. Other Requirements

- E-mail Account:NPU provides freeemail services to all students taking onlinecourses.

Writing Ability: Students taking onlinecourses are required to have passed theadmission requirement in English.

Prerequisites

NPU students wishing to enroll in an NPUOnline course will be required to (1) haveacquired English writing ability, (2) complete anonline Self-Assessment survey, (3) pass anorientation workshop and test, and (4) read theNPU Online Student Handbook. Items (2) and(3) are conducted online to help assess thestudents readiness for taking online courses. Aface-to-face or telephone interview of the studentby an administrative counselor may be used tofurther assess the students qualification fortaking the online course. The extensiveorientation will help determine whether an NPUonline course is the right choice for the student.

Weekly Activities

The NPU Online courses are designed for the

students to learn and proceed on aweekly basis;all assignments and learning materials are laidout on a weekly schedule and the students mustcomplete the weekly work on time in order toproceed successfully. To succeed, the individualmust participate in all activities required for theonline course.

Class Participation

Online class participation activities of eachstudent enrolled are recorded electronically bythe online program and by the instructor. Inaddition to weekly reading and homeworkassignments, there are other activities includingdiscussion board and messaging. The instructorhas the option to use webcasting or interactiveaudio/video communication for additionalactivities. Among these activities, webcastingrequires the real-time participation of all parties.

Taking Exams: The instructor of an onlinecourse determines how to conduct the exams forthe course.

Students enrolling in an NPU Online course willnot be allowed to transfer or migrate to the

equivalent residential course once the semesterhas begun (students may add and drop to makethe switch by the add/drop deadline only).

International Students: According to thegovernments rules for international students,aninternational student is not allowed to take morethan one online course in any term, and theonline course can not be the only course taken bythe student in any term.


25/137

15

Online Information: Refer to the NPUOnlinewebsite for detailed information relatedto taking online courses.

Standards of Satisfactory

Progress (SSP)

NPU has a policy on satisfactory academicprogress that measures whether students aremaintaining satisfactory academic progress intheir educational program. It requires eachstudent to meet the minimum qualitative andquantitative components of the standards. Whenthe student fails to maintain the standard atvarious checkpoints, the student will be placed inone of the following statuses: On AcademicProbation, Dismissal, or Extended Enrollment.

There are two primary factors affecting thestudents academic status: [1] Cumulative GradePoint Average (CGPA refer to the subsectionon GPA and CGPA in the section on GradingPolicy and Academic Standards) and [2]Percentage of successful course completion ofcourses attempted.

Although currently NPU does not offer anygovernment financial aid program, the termfinancial aid may be mentioned below for

students information purposes. In order to stateNPUs policy of satisfactory academic progress,the terms of Maximum Program Length(MPL) and Academic Year must be defined:

Maximum Program Length (MPL)

Program length is the number of units requiredfor the student to complete his/her program. Itis determined at the time when the students

admission evaluation has been made. Themaximum program length is equal to 150% ofthe program length. The student is expected tosuccessfully complete his/her degree programwithin his/her MPL in order to receive theacademic credential/degree he/she is pursuing.

Academic YearA period of two (2) semesters is equivalent toone (1) academic year in evaluating the academicprogress of a student.

Evaluation Points in the Students

Academic Program

A student is evaluated at the end of everysemester and, at this point, the students CGPAdetermines whether the student should be placed

in academic-probation status. In addition, at thecheckpoints listed in the tables below, thecombination of CGPA and the percentage ofsuccessful course completion of coursesattempted determines whether the studentmaintains satisfactory academic progress or not.Each table shows that the required minimumpercentage of successful course completionversus courses attempted increases as the studentearns an increasing number of credits in theprogram.

Meeting Standards of Satisfactory

Progress (SSP): A student is consideredmeeting the standards of satisfactory progressif meeting the following requirements:

SSP Chart for Undergraduate Students

EvaluationPoint (end of

period)

Min.CGPA

Min. SuccessfulCourse

Completion %of CoursesAttempted

1st academic yr 2.0 55%

2n academic yr 2.0 60%

Subsequent yr 2.0 65%

SSP Chart for Graduate Students

EvaluationPoint (end of

period)

Min.CGPA

Min. SuccessfulCourse

Completion %of CoursesAttempted

1st academic yr 3.0 60%

2n academic yr 3.0 65%

Subsequent yr 3.0 75%

Effect of Grades on Satisfactory

Academic Progress:

1.Units attempted but not completed includethe following grades: Failing gradesincluding F (fail), NC (not passing achallenge exam), U (unauthorizedincomplete), W (withdraw), NP (no-pass),and * (course being repeated).

2.The grade CR (credit through challengeexam by undergraduates) counts as unitsattempted and completed. The grades A, B,


26/137

16

C, D, and S count as units attempted andcompleted.

3.The grades of P (pass without credit), AU(audit), and non-credit courses do not countfor credit attempted nor completed; theyhave no effect on the calculations of GPA,CGPA, or percentage of successful coursecompletion. Examples of non-credit coursesare: ESL (English as a Second Language)courses and business preparatory modulecourses (courses numbered as PBUS01through PBUS04).

4.Credits transferred, performed at the time ofadmission evaluation, will reduce themaximum program length. The credittransfer policy is observed for both newstudents and current students changingprogram of study or seeking to earn anadditional degree at NPU. Credittransferred from any outside institution is

excluded from the program length and hasno effect on the calculation of the students

GPA or CGPA. Credit transferred into aprogram from previous credit earned atNPU is excluded from the program length,but the grades are transferred along with thecredit; they are included in the calculationsof the students CGPA if the studentchanges program within the same school.

5.Taking Deficiency Courses: A graduatestudent may be required to takeundergraduate course subjects to clearbackground deficiencies. These course

units are included in the students programlength and affect the MPL; the credits andgrades of these courses do not affect thestudents CGPA.

Academic Probation: The followingstudents are placed on academic probation:

1. In any semester, an undergraduatestudents CGPA is below 2.0, or a

graduate students CGPA is below 3.0,

2. Students who fail to meet the Standard ofSatisfactory Progress at checkpoints listed

in the two SSP charts above.

Maximum Terms of Academic

Probation

(1) Bachelors and Masters Degree Students: Astudent placed on academic probation the firsttime or in a semester following a successfulsemester must remedy the condition withintwo semesters. Otherwise, the student is

dismissed from the study program. A studentplaced on academic probation for twoconsecutive terms must remedy the conditionin the following semester. Otherwise, thestudent is dismissed from the study program.A student who receives VA educationbenefits and does not clear the probationarystatus within two semesters will bedisqualified for VA education benefits anddismissed from the study program. In suchan event, both the authorizing VA office andthe student will be notified.

(2) Doctoral students: Refer to the DoctorateDegree Programs.

Rule Related to Financial Aid (for informationonly): A student receiving federal financial aidwho does not meet the CGPA standards at theend of the second year will no longer be eligiblefor financial aid, may not be placed on probation,

and must be dismissed, unless the student wishesto continue without being eligible for federalfinancial aid. However, a student not meetingthe CGPA standards at the end of the secondyear may remain as an enrolled student who iseligible for federal financial aid if there aredocumented mitigating circumstances (i.e. deathin the family, sickness of the student, etc.).

Mitigating Circumstances: When theinstitution grants a students appeal formitigating circumstances, the student will beplaced on a specified period of probation andwill be considered making satisfactory academicprogress during that period. The CounselingCommittee makes a decision on the specifics ofsuch a grant.

Removing Academic Probation

Status: A student who is able to remedy thecondition and reestablish satisfactory progresswithin the terms specified in the above section ofMaximum Terms of Academic Probation will beremoved from academic probation.Observations will be made on the student everysemester thereafter.

Dismissal: A student placed on academicprobation who is unable to remedy the conditiondescribed in the above section on MaximumTerms of Academic Probation will be dismissedfrom his/her program of study. These studentsare not eligible for financial aid (informationonly).


27/137

17

Academic Evaluation of Students

Placed on Academic Probation or

Dismissal: An academic evaluation of thestudent placed on academic probation ordismissal will be conducted by an AcademicCounselor or a Counseling Committee formed by

more than one Academic Counselor. Thepurpose is to determine if the student has thedesire and the academic ability to progresssatisfactorily in the program. If the AcademicCounselor or the Counseling Committee findsthat the student lacks the desire or ability toprogress satisfactorily, the student will bereferred to another institution with a learningenvironment more suitable for the student.

Extended Enrollment Status: Abachelors or masters degree student dismisseddue to conditions specified in the section of

Dismissal is allowed to enroll for an extendedperiod of two semesters, provided the studentsevaluating counselor/committee has determinedthat the student has the desire and ability toprogress satisfactorily and is making progress,and the student agrees in writing to thefollowing: (1) The student is not eligible foradditional student aid at NPU while in anextended enrollment status and is responsible forall financial arrangements with NPU, (2) thestudent is not enrolled in an eligible program forthe purpose of student aid eligibility, (3) thestudent must seek to correct academic

deficiencies by retaking and successfullycompleting previously failed course(s) in thisextended enrollment period, and (4) when thegovernments financial aid programs are ineffect, under no circumstances will a student begranted a degree if his/her study in the programexceeds the maximum program length (MPL).

Filing Complaint of AcademicProbation Status or Dismissal:A studentwho has been placed on probation or dismissaland disagrees with the finding may appealaccording to the grievance procedures set forth in

this catalog and posted on the Online ServiceCenter for the students. The AdministrationOffice will hold a hearing and make a decisionon the probation/dismissal. This procedure alsoapplies to students who wish to appeal becauseof special or mitigating circumstances.

Examinations

NPU has five different types of examinations:

Course Examinations: Most courses atthe University have at least two examinations ina semester: a midterm and a final. These

examinations may be comprehensive or partiallycomprehensive, so students need to ascertainfrom their instructors the precise scope of theexaminations. Course examinations can consistof information found in the textbook, outsidereading, and the lectures; thus, students shouldreview and synthesize all of the course material.Furthermore, the structure of courseexaminations can be a combination of essay,multiple-choice answers, and short answers. Atthe end of each semester, the students arerequired to take final examinations.

Examination for Challenging a

Course: NPU recognizes that exceptionalundergraduate students, by reason ofindependent studies, overlapping course work, orwork experience, may have achieved the learningobjectives of a course. Therefore, undergraduatestudents with the course background maypetition to receive credit for the course bycompleting a Challenge Examination.

Students wishing to challenge a course byexamination must enroll for the course and paytuition fees in the same manner as courses to becompleted by regular class attendance. The

course to be challenged must be listed on theschedule of classes for the semester. A formalonline petition, via the Online Service Center,for challenge must be submitted to the RecordsOffice at the time of registration, which must bebefore the beginning of the semester. Permissionfrom both the instructor and the Records Officeis required.

Earn Credit: The student must completethe examination before the end of the first weekof the semester. The instructor giving theexamination grades the test and determines

whether the student passes the test or not. Agrade of credit CR is assigned for passing the

test; otherwise, the grade is no credit NC. Thestudent may choose to stay in the class andcomplete the course work for a letter grade at theend of the term. Students who fail the challengeexamination must attend the class.

Please note: Only challenges to curriculum-

required courses are permitted.


28/137

18

How many challenge exams can you take?

The maximum number of courses that may bechallenged isfive.

A fee per examination for the challengedcourse is charged to the student in addition tothe course tuition.

Proficiency Examinations:

Graduate students who have knowledge andexperience of a background (undergraduate)subject but have not taken a course in thesubject may clear the background requirementby taking a proficiency examination. Theproficiency exam should be taken earlyenough to satisfy the prerequisite

requirement for higher-level courses.

An undergraduate student may be required to

take a proficiency examination on a majorsubject if the subject was taken more than tenyears ago and the student has not had relevantexperience in the subject for ten years.

New graduate students in the business programwho took the following courses in foreigncountries may be required to take proficiencyexaminations on these subjects: accounting,finance, economics, marketing, and businesslaw.

Passing the Test: The instructor giving theproficiency examination grades the test and

determineswhether the student passes the testor not. A non-refundable fee is charged to thestudent for taking a proficiency examination.The student is allowed to apply for taking aproficiency examination on a subject onlyonce. If the student misses a pre-scheduledproficiency examination, the exam fee is non-refundable and the student loses his/her chanceof taking the examination on the subject.

Entrance Assessment

Examinations:

See the sections on English ProficiencyRequirement a

Date post:	07-Aug-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	ravinyse
View:	236 times
Download:	0 times

2014catalog NPU

Documents