Last updated March 22, 2013
Ashford University
400 North Bluff Blvd.
Clinton, Iowa 52732
Toll-free: (800) 242-4153
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Effective for courses starting on or after 11/13/12
The Ashford University First Course Refund
Schedule (Ashford Promise) applies to degree-
seeking online students who drop or are
administratively dropped during their first course.
The Ashford University First Course Refund
Schedule (Ashford Promise) is applicable to the
first course taken as a degree-seeking student at the
undergraduate and graduate level.
PROGRAM Course Length
1st* week 2nd* week 3rd* week 4th* week 5th* week 6th* week
Nonterm-Based Graduate Level Programs (Online Formats) Refund % by Course LDA
6 100% 100% 100% 0% 0% 0%
Nonterm-Based Undergraduate Level Programs (Online Formats) Refund % by Course LDA
5 100% 100% 100% 0% 0% N/A
*Refund percentage applied based on week of last date of attendance (LDA).
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Please see the 2012-2013 Academic Catalog or
www.ashford.edu/online/finance for a complete
tuition and fee schedule. Revision, Effective for courses starting on or after
April 1, 2013
Online Undergraduate Programs The following is a list of tuition applicable to
Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree programs and/or
courses offered in the online modality, effective
April 1, 2013. Tuition rates and fees may change at
any time without prior notice; however students will
not be charged retroactively for tuition and fee
increases for coursework already completed or for
coursework the student was in the process of
completing.
Tuition per credit Tuition 100- to 400-level courses $413.00
Note: Ashford University's Military Grant will
increase to $163 per credit for all undergraduate
courses beginning on or after April 1, 2013 as a
result of the noted changes above.
Online Graduate Programs
The following is a list of tuition applicable to
Master’s degree programs and/or courses offered in
the online modality, effective April 1, 2013. Tuition
rates and fees may change at any time without prior
notice; however students will not be charged
retroactively for tuition and fee increases for
coursework already completed or for coursework
the student was in the process of completing.
Tuition per credit College of Education $539.00
Master’s Programs
College of Business
Master’s Programs $601.00
Revision, Effective for courses starting on or after
April 1, 2013
Revision, Effective for students starting on or after
January 1, 2013
Online Undergraduate Programs
Technology Services Fee* $50.00 $1,290
(per course)
*The Technology Fee covers access to University
systems such as the online classroom, the Student
Portal, and other academic resources. The
Technology Fee is fully refundable if a student does
not attend beyond Week 1 of a course (Week 3 if
covered under the Ashford Promise Refund
Schedule). After this time, the fee becomes non-
refundable. Students are charged the Technology
Fee for repeated coursework.
** The Course Digital Materials (CDM) fee is
$85.00 and [4/1/13] fully refundable if a student
does not attend beyond Week 1 of a course (Week 3
if covered under the Ashford Promise Refund
Schedule). After this time, the fee becomes non-
refundable. Students are not charged the CDM fee
for repeated coursework if previously charged.
*The Technology Services Fee is a one-time fee,
applied on the 2nd week of enrollment, post start
date for degree seeking students to provide the
student with initial configuration setup to University
systems such as the online learning platform and
other academic support systems. The Technology
Services Fee is fully refundable until attendance in
the 6th week of enrollment, at which time the fee
becomes non-refundable.
** The Course Digital Materials (CDM) fee is
refundable through week one of the course and
nonrefundable for drops after week one. Other fees
are nonrefundable unless otherwise noted.
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Revision, Effective for courses starting on or after
April 1, 2013
Revision, Effective for students starting on or after
January 1, 2013
Online Graduate Programs
Technology Services Fee* $50.00 $1,290
(per course)
*The Technology Fee covers access to University
systems such as the online classroom, the Student
Portal, and other academic resources. The
Technology Fee is fully refundable if a student does
not attend beyond Week 1 of a course (Week 3 if
covered under the Ashford Promise Refund
Schedule). After this time, the fee becomes non-
refundable. Students are charged the Technology
Fee for repeated coursework.
** The Course Digital Materials (CDM) fee is
$85.00 and [4/1/13] fully refundable if a student
does not attend beyond Week 1 of a course (Week 3
if covered under the Ashford Promise Refund
Schedule). After this time, the fee becomes non-
refundable. Students are not charged the CDM fee
for repeated coursework if previously charged.
*The Technology Services Fee is a one-time fee,
applied on the 2nd week of enrollment, post start
date for degree seeking students to provide the
student with initial configuration setup to University
systems such as the online learning platform and
other academic support systems. The Technology
Services Fee is fully refundable until attendance in
the 7th week of enrollment, at which time the fee
becomes non-refundable.
** The Course Digital Materials (CDM) fee is
refundable through week one of the course and
nonrefundable for drops after week one. Other fees
are nonrefundable unless otherwise noted.
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Please see the 2012-2013 Academic Catalog or
www.ashford.edu/online/finance for a complete
tuition and fee schedule.
Addition, Effective for courses starting on or after
April 1, 2013 Applicants to an online program who reside in the
state of Tennessee (as evidenced by the address on
file at Ashford University) will qualify for the
Tennessee Tuition and Fee Guarantee under the
conditions set forth in this section. The Tennessee
Tuition and Fee Guarantee is a commitment that the
net cost of tuition and fees will not increase for a 12
month period, beginning on the date the student
begins credit-bearing coursework. This benefit is
applicable only to students who maintain a physical
residence in the state of Tennessee. Upon expiration
of the 12 month period, tuition and fee amounts for
any such students are subject to adjustment to
reflect the rates in effect at that time, and will also
be subject to any future adjustments.
Students who relocate to another state are no longer
eligible for the Tennessee Tuition and Fee
Guarantee, and tuition and fees will be adjusted to
reflect the rates in effect at that time, and will also
be subject to any future adjustments, starting on the
date their address is changed in University records.
No retroactive tuition and fee adjustments for past
classes are applied at the time of any address
update. No retroactive tuition and fee adjustments
for current classes are applied at the time of any
address update, unless the address change is
updated in University records within the first week
of a student’s current course.
Students who apply to a new degree program are
eligible for the Tennessee Tuition and Fee
Guarantee for a new 12 month period beginning on
the date the student begins credit-bearing
coursework. Students who re-enter the University
after being out of attendance for 180 or more days
are also eligible for the Tennessee Tuition and Fee
Guarantee for a new 12 month period beginning on
the date the student begins credit-bearing
coursework.
Students who change their program of study are
eligible for the Tennessee Tuition and Fee
Guarantee for a new 12 month period beginning on
the date the student begins credit-bearing
coursework only if completed courses from the
current payment period do not apply to the new
program of study. Students who change programs
and do not meet the above condition do not qualify
for a new or renewed Tennessee Tuition and Fee
Guarantee period.
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Please see the 2012-2013 Academic Catalog or
www.ashford.edu for course descriptions not listed
below.
BOT 105 General Botany (4 Credits)
This course provides a rigorous introduction to the
biology of plants and other non-animal groups.
Lecture topics include: anatomy of tissues and
organs, growth and development, nutrition and
water relations, diversity and organic evolution,
comparative reproductive biology, ecology of
photosynthetic organisms, and responses to stimuli.
Laboratory activities consist of microscopy that
encourages building of essential technical skills,
and student-directed scientific inquiry which makes
hypothesis testing become a more intuitive process.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of BIO 103.
Lecture and laboratory. Offered on-campus.
BUS 312 Business Law II (3 Credits)
Continuation of Business Law I. In-depth study of
specific laws and practices as related to contracts,
the Uniform Commercial Code, commercial paper,
secured transactions, real and personal property,
estates, and bankruptcy. Prerequisite: BUS 311.
Offered on-campus.
BUS 323 Risk Management & Insurance
(3 Credits)
In this course, students study identification and
quantification of risk, the span of methods of
handling risk, and common contracts for managing
risk. Common commercial/industrial situations and
personal risk management situations are addressed.
Offered online.
BUS 342 Financial Planning & Practice
(3 Credits)
This course is a study of the various aspects of
family financial planning from the perspective of
the financial planning professional. It introduces the
legal and regulatory issues affecting financial
planners, defines the client-planner relationship, and
prepares the planner to conduct family financial
analysis. Emphasis is on providing the student with
the knowledge and tools necessary to help families
make informed financial decisions. Offered online.
EDU 431 Advanced Instructional Design
(8 3 Credits)
Students will apply a systematic approach to
instructional and informational design to meet
specific identified learner outcomes. Applying all of
the steps for instructional design students will bring
together the strategies and theories explored in the
pre-requisite courses to a learning project.
Prerequisites: EDU 120 and EDU 232. Offered
online.
EDU 433 Project Management for Instructional
Design (8 3 Credits)
Instructional design requires careful and thoughtful
collaboration among a variety of design team
members. In this course various project
management tools, procedures, and methodologies
will be introduced as they are applied to projects in
education or training. Students will explore the
relationship of time constraints, cost, scope and the
nature of the project being designed. Prerequisites:
EDU 120 and EDU 232. Offered online.
ENV 345 Business & the Environment
(3 Credits)
An environmental economics approach is used to
illustrate the impact of the firm on the environment
and environmental policy on the firm. Cost-benefits
analysis is developed in student-driven research
projects. (Cross-listed as BUS 345.) (Alternate
years) S Offered online and on-campus.
ESE 370 Learning & the Brain (3 Credits)
Teaching and learning issues within a cognitive
processes context are explored. This course covers
the study of emotion, memory, and recall as well as
early brain development and its relationship to
learning. Prerequisite: PSY 101. (Cross-listed as
PSY 370.) Offered online.
ESE 697 Characteristics of Students with Mild &
Moderate Disabilities and Evidenced-Based
Strategies for Instruction (3 Credits)
This course investigates the characteristics of
students with mild and moderate, high-incidence
disabilities (LD, EBD, ID), as well as the most
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effective strategies for teaching students with these
disabilities. The central focus of the course is to
design quality instruction to meet the needs of a
range of learners in an inclusive classroom, as well
as to leverage effective approaches and strategies to
teaching and assessing students with disabilities.
(Equivalent to ESE 695.) Offered online.
EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education
(3 Credits)
This course is designed to help adult learners
beginning their university studies to achieve
academic success. Students will explore learning
theories, communication strategies, and personal
management skills. Adult learners will develop
strategies for achieving success in school and work.
Students will also be introduced to the University’s
institutional outcomes and learning resources.
Successful completion with a “C-” or better or
equivalent is required. Offered online.
HCA 331 Introduction to Health Care Education
(3 Credits)
This course is a foundational course designed to
provide an introduction to teaching and learning for
health care professionals, consumers and clients.
Theories of adult learning and introductory
instructional design concepts provide the
framework for an interactive course design. Offered
online.
HCS 445 Statistics for Health Sciences
(3 Credits)
This course provides a practical introduction to
statistical methods used in a variety of health
research. Topics include descriptive statistics, the
standard normal distribution, z-scores, t-tests,
ANOVA, correlation, regression, and non-
parametric tests. Students perform statistical
analyses of health data and interpret results. and
health related settings. Students examine methods
for analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data
applicable to health care needs. Major topics
include descriptive statistics, probability, inferential
statistics, and linear regression. Prerequisite:
Successful completion of Mathematical competency.
Offered online.
LIB 318 Peacemaking: A Study of Conflict
Resolution (INTD) (3 Credits)
An interdisciplinary study of peacemaking with a
focus on conflict resolution. Highlighting this
course are guest presentations and discussions led
by Ashford University faculty from diverse subject
areas. Students examine thinking and behavior in
response to social conflict such as aggression,
threats, prejudice, avoidance, withdrawal,
conformity, and obedience. Students study various
strategies of peacemaking and negotiation and then
apply these methods in class role-playing activities.
F (Interdisciplinary) Offered online and on-campus
MAT 227 Pre-Calculus (3 Credits)
Topics include solving equations and inequalities;
quadratic, trigonometric, exponential and
logarithmic functions; systems of equations;
vectors; and complex numbers. Prerequisite: MAT
225 or MAT 228. F/S Offered on-campus.
MAT 270 Linear Algebra (3 Credits)
A study of linear algebra with extensions to n-space
including lines, planes, space, and subspace. Topics
can include matrices, linear transformations, row
echelon form, eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
Prerequisite: MAT 225 or MAT 228 (Not offered
every year) F Offered on-campus.
MAT 320 Discrete Mathematics (3 Credits)
This course discusses concepts related to
combinatorial problem solving with a focus on
discrete models. Topics may include sets and set
theory, functions and relations, logic and proofs,
Boolean algebra, counting principles, graph theory,
and networks. Prerequisite: MAT 225 or MAT 228.
(Not offered every year) F Offered on-campus.
MAT 351 Calculus I with Analytic Geometry
(4 Credits)
Topics include the real number system, plane
analytic geometry, limits, continuity, differentiation
of algebraic and trigonometric functions,
applications of derivatives, and an introduction to
the definite integral. Prerequisite: MAT 227 or
equivalent. F/S Offered on-campus.
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MAT 352 Calculus II & Analytic Geometry
(4 Credits)
The course includes integration theory and
techniques, transcendental functions, applications of
integration and differentiation, inverse
trigonometric functions, and improper integrals.
Prerequisite: MAT 351 (Not offered every year.)
F/S Offered on-campus.
MAT 353 Calculus III (4 Credits)
The course covers multivariate calculus including
partial derivatives and extrema, vector functions,
gradient, and coordinate systems; Taylor’s
expansion and multiple integrals; and Stokes’
theorem. Prerequisite: MAT 352. (Not offered every
year.) F/S Offered on-campus.
MAT 362 Modern Algebra (3 Credits)
An introduction to the study of modern algebra.
Topics may include groups, subgroups,
isomorphisms, homomorphisms, rings, and fields.
Prerequisite: MAT 351. (Not offered every year) F
Offered on-campus.
MAT 364 Modern Geometries (3 Credits)
An axiomatic approach to Euclidean and non-
Euclidean geometry. Topics can include analytic
Euclidean geometry, measure, congruence, similar
shapes and transformations, and non- Euclidean
geometries. Prerequisite: MAT 351. (Not offered
every year) S Offered on-campus.
PED 212 Foundation of Movement & Motor
Activities (3 Credits)
Students will examine integrated movement
curriculum and the relationship between knowledge,
motor skills, and movement activities. Activities
will lead to understanding of how the body is used
during fundamental motor skills and the progression
to more advanced movement. Emphasis is on the
study of human movement and the development of
motor skills which enhance health related physical
fitness. Movement concepts of body awareness,
space, and quality of movement are defined.
Fundamental movement skills are analyzed and
used as a basis for planning physical education
coursework. Offered online and on-campus.
PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment
(3 Credits)
This course presents adult development theory and
links theoretical concepts of life and learning
through a process of psychometric assessment and
reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult
development theories are examined. These theories
then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life
learning, including a plan for personal, professional
and academic learning. Successful completion with
a “C-” or better or equivalent is required. Offered
online.
PSY 370 Learning & the Brain (3 Credits)
Teaching and learning issues within a cognitive
processes context are explored. This course covers
the study of emotion, memory, and recall as well as
early brain development and its relationship to
learning. Prerequisite: PSY 101. (Cross-listed as
ESE 370.) Offered online.
SCI 208 Humans and the Environment
(3 credits)
In this course, learners deepen their understanding
of the importance of natural resources to humans.
Students explore physical, biological, and
ecological principles, through traditional and
laboratory investigation to examine how human
alterations affect the environment, and reflect on the
controversies surrounding various approaches to
addressing environmental problems and the steps
some communities have taken to address these
challenges. (Equivalent to SCI 207).Offered online.
8
The errata listed below apply to the 2012–2013
Ashford University Academic Catalog (effective
date July 1, 2012 unless otherwise noted). Entries
below are provided to correct information presented
in the original publication of the Catalog. Page
numbers are provided to reference where the
original entry may be found. If you have questions
related to changes listed, please contact your
Student Advisor for assistance.
Note: Entries may contain excerpts from policies, as
noted. For the complete policy or statement
reference, please refer to the page number
associated with each entry.
Page 2 Addition, Published 7/27/12
Addition, Effective 2/21/13
Accreditation Ashford University is accredited by The Higher
Learning Commission and a member of the North
Central Association. Ashford University has been
placed on notice by the Higher Learning Commission.
Notice is a Commission sanction indicating that an
institution is pursuing a course of action that, if
continued, could lead it to be out of compliance with
one or more Criteria for Accreditation. An institution
on Notice remains accredited. At the end of the notice
period, the Board of Trustees may remove the
sanction, place the institution on Probation if the
identified concerns have not been addressed, or take
other action.[2/21/13]
For additional information about the University’s
accreditation, please contact:
The Higher Learning Commission
North Central Association
www.ncahlc.org
For additional information about the University’s
accreditation, see the Ashford University page on
the Higher Learning Commission website (HLC
website). [7/27/12]
Page 3
Deletion, Published 10/5/12
Memberships
EDUCAUSE
Page 4
Addition, Published 8/17/12
Tennessee Authorization
Ashford University is authorized by the Tennessee
Higher Education Commission. This authorization
must be renewed each year and is based on an
evaluation by minimum standards concerning
quality of education, ethical business practices,
health and safety, and fiscal responsibility.
Pages 8-9
Revision, Effective 3/1/13
Disability Documentation
Ashford University will provide reasonable
accommodation to students who provide appropriate
documentation of disability with documented
disabilities in order to ensure the accessibility of
programs, services, and activities of the University.
The University requirements for documentation are
based upon the Association on Higher Education and
Disability (AHEAD) Best Practices: Disability
Documentation in Higher Education.
The process for determining accommodations is a
collaborative one that may or may not require
third-party documentation. The University reserves
the right to request a reasonable level of
documentation. One or more of the following
documentation categories will be considered in the
evaluation of student accommodation requests:
1. Primary Documentation: Student’s Self-report
Ashford University believes the student is a vital
source of information regarding how he or she may
be “limited by impairment.*” A student’s narrative
of his or her experience of disability, barriers, and
effective and ineffective accommodations is an
important tool which, when structured by interview
or questionnaire and interpreted by professional
staff, may be sufficient for establishing disability
and a need for accommodation.
2. Secondary Documentation: Observation and
Interaction
The impressions and conclusions formed by Ashford
University disability professionals during interviews
and conversations with students or in evaluating the
effectiveness of previously implemented or
provisional accommodations are important forms of
documentation. The University employs qualified
and experienced disability professionals who will
observe students’ language, performance, and
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strategies as an appropriate tool in validating
student narrative and self-report.
3. Tertiary documentation: Information From
External or Third Parties
Documentation from external sources may include
educational or medical records, reports and
assessments created by health care providers,
school psychologists, teachers, or the educational
system. This information is inclusive of documents
that reflect education and accommodation history,
such as Individual Education Program (IEP),
Summary Of Performance (SOP), and teacher
observations.** External documentation will vary
in its relevance and value depending on the original
context, credentials of the evaluator, the level of
detail provided, and the comprehensiveness of the
narrative.
A note about documentation:
These guidelines apply to students taking Ashford
University classes. Students should be aware that
other universities and testing agencies (which
administer standardized tests such as the Graduate
Record Exam and Law School Admission Test) may
require more extensive documentation, and should
check out their requirements well in advance.
*Disability is defined by the ADA as “a physical or
mental impairment that substantially limits one or
more of the major life activities, a record of such an
impairment or being regarded as having such an
impairment.” 42 U.S.C 126 §12102
**Revisions to Title III regulations provide, “When
considering requests for modifications,
accommodations, or auxiliary aids or services, the
entity gives considerable weight to documentation of
past modifications, accommodations, or auxiliary
aids or services received in similar testing situations,
as well as such modifications, accommodations, or
related aids and services provided in response to an
Individualized Education Program (IEP) provided
under IDEA or a plan describing services provided
pursuant to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973” (28 C.F.R. § 36.309(b)(1)(v))
Guidance and Section-by-Section Analysis provides
these examples of types of information to consider:
“recommendations of qualified professionals familiar
with the individual, results of psycho-educational or
other professional evaluations, an applicant’s history
of diagnosis, participation in a special education
program, observations by educators, or the
applicant’s past use of testing accommodations.” 28
CFR Part 36 (2010)
Persons with a disability requesting accommodation
must provide the Office of Student Access and
Wellness with required documentation verifying the
nature and extent of the disability and
recommendations for appropriate accommodation
prior to receiving any accommodation.
Accommodations are not retroactive. The
determination of reasonable accommodation resides
with the Office of Student Access and Wellness.
Responsibility for securing appropriate
documentation rests with the student.
Persons with a disability requesting accommodation
must provide current documentation (generally dated
within the past five years) of the disability prepared
by a qualified professional (e.g., a certified and/or
licensed medical doctor, ophthalmologist,
psychologist, neuropsychologist, audiologist).
Documentation should either:
Be written on professional letterhead; or
Utilize the Ashford University Disability
Documentation form available through the Office of
Student Access and Wellness.
Documentation must include the credentials of the
professional. In order to evaluate the nature and
limitations of the disability, documentation should
include the following information and note the need
for accommodations in the educational environment:
Specific diagnosis and/or description of the
disability;
Names and dates of any methods, tests, and/ or
criteria that were used to determine the disability,
including an indication of the duration of the
disability. The date of the documentation and/or most
recent diagnosis is generally required to be within the
past five years;
Description of the current functional limitations
of the disability, effect of medications, etc., on the
ability to meet class requirements or participate in
other University activities, including a prognosis of
the duration, impact, and expected progression of the
disability over the next several years;
Description of any medications, assistive devices,
auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations currently
in use or used in the past that assist or may assist in
the provision of educational accommodation(s);
10
Suggestions or recommendations for
accommodation(s) that the professional feels might
be appropriate in the educational environment.
Pages 13-14
Revision, Published 2/15/13
Procedures for Student Complaints Regarding
Sexual Misconduct
The hearing will determine whether it is more likely
than not that the accused individual violated the
policies supporting the complaint. The goal of the
hearing is to provide an equitable resolution via an
equitable process, respecting the civil and legal
rights of all participants. Specific information
regarding hearing procedures is detailed in the
section titled Special Procedural Provisions for
Sexual Misconduct and Other Sensitive Issues of
this Catalog. are detailed under the Student
Community Standards Procedures header of this
section.
The Director of Student Affairs
(online)/Director of Student Success (campus)
have final decision making authority in regards
to formal complaints, based on the
recommended findings of their designees.
Where an accused individual is found in
violation, the Director of Student Affairs
(online)/Director of Student Success (campus)
will impose appropriate sanctions for the
violation, after consultation with the Title IX
Coordinator. The University will act to end the
discrimination, prevent its recurrence, and
remedy its effects on the victim and the
University community. Appeal proceedings as
described in this Catalog will apply to all parties
to the complaint. In any complaint where there
is a finding of violation of the sexual misconduct
policy, the sanctioning, in addition to standard
sanctioning principles, will be guided by the
following goals to:
Ensure that the discriminatory conduct
is brought to an end;
Make reasonable efforts to prevent the
reoccurrence of the discriminatory
conduct in the future;
Restore the victim, as much as possible, to
his or her pre-deprivation status and undo
the effects of gender-based discrimination
upon him or her. Changes to academic
and/or residential living situations may be
made.
The Title IX coordinator for Ashford University is
Rebecca Wardlow, University Provost.
Dr. Wardlow can be contacted at:
(800) 798-0584 or at [email protected]
Mailing Address: 400 North Bluff Blvd,
Clinton, IA 52732
Page 16
Revision, Published 10/5/12
Grade Appeals
An incomplete grade or a grade of “W” may be
approved and applied for the following documented
reasons that directly impacted the student’s ability
to complete the course requirements or program
during the last 25% of the course:
Documented military duty that resulted in an
inability to continue in the course or program;
Documented personal or family* medical
emergency;
Documented act of nature;
Documented death in the family*; or
Documented temporary severe economic
hardship.
Students who are administratively dropped from a
course for not meeting attendance requirements are
not eligible to receive an “I” grade. Students who
are not able to complete at least 75% of the course
prior to requesting an incomplete grade are also
ineligible.
Note: Please refer to the General Academic
Information and Policies section in this Catalog for
complete details on Ashford University’s
Incomplete Grade policy.
*Family is defined as including husband, wife,
domestic partner, grandparent, grandchild, mother-
in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law,
daughter-in-law, son-in-law, (step/adoptive)
mother, (step/adoptive) father, (step/adoptive)
brother, (step/adoptive) sister, and (step/adoptive)
child.
Page 17
Revision, Published 11/16/12
Addition, Published 8/3/12
Tuition Credit Request Policy and Procedure
11
A tuition credit may be approved and applied for
the following documented reasons that directly
impacted a student’s ability to continue in their
course or program during the timeframe in which
the course occurred:
Documented military deployment that resulted
in an inability to continue in the course or
program*
Documented emergency personal or family
medical reasons
Documented act of nature
Documented death in the immediate family**
Documented temporary severe economic
hardship[8/3/12] Additional documented extenuating circumstances
may also be considered.[11/16/12] *Students who experienced military deployment that
resulted in an inability to continue in the course or
program are also eligible for a tuition credit but
should instead complete and submit a Military
Course Drop or Incomplete Request.
**Immediate family is defined as husband, wife,
grandchildren, (step/adoptive) mother,
(step/adoptive) father, (step/adoptive) brother,
(step/adoptive) sister, (step/adoptive) child, mother-
in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law,
daughter-in-law, son-in-law, or grandparent.
This is accomplished by requesting a Tuition Credit
Request form from the student’s assigned
Advisor.[8/3/12]
Page 18
Addition, Published 10/19/12
Student Rights and Student Responsibilities
The following Student Rights and Student
Responsibilities, as well as the Student Community
Standards, are applicable to individuals during all
periods of enrollment following the submission of
an admissions application and including
institutional or approved breaks from the
University. Regardless of whether an individual has
applied to or enrolled at the University, any
concerns relating to sexual misconduct or
discrimination are addressed in the sections entitled
Notice of Nondiscrimination, Sexual Harassment
and Civil Rights Infringement, Complaints
Concerning Discrimination and/or Harassment,
Procedures for Complaints Regarding Sexual
Misconduct and Procedures for Student
Complaints.
Page 19
Addition, Published 11/30/12
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty is a serious offense at the
University because it undermines the bonds of trust
and personal responsibility between and among
students and faculty, weakens the credibility of the
academic enterprise, and defrauds those who
believe in the value and integrity of the degree.
Ashford University will consider the cumulative
record of any student with respect to academic
integrity violations, regardless of the student’s
current academic program or status. For example,
violations of the academic integrity policy while an
undergraduate, but not discovered until the student
is enrolled in an Ashford graduate program, will be
addressed during the student's graduate program.
This may result in sanctions, a change in the
student's eligibility status for his or her graduate
enrollment, and/or impact retroactively on the
student's fulfillment of all undergraduate program
requirements.
Page 19
Addition, Published 2/22/13
Academic Dishonesty
Plagiarism: Representing the words or ideas of
another as one’s own in any academic exercise. This
definition includes draft assignments that are
submitted and graded as a part of the curriculum.
Plagiarism occurs when a student deliberately uses
the ideas, language, or another writer’s original
material (that is not common knowledge) without
acknowledging the source. The use of materials,
including printed or online texts, as well as the work
of others, can be considered plagiarism when
presented as one’s own work. Plagiarizing denies
the student the powerful opportunity to develop as
an ethical and conscientious human being. Herein
rests the greatest reason not to plagiarize.
Page 20
Revision, Published 9/14/12
Consequences for Academic Dishonesty Students who are found responsible for multiple
incidences of Academic Integrity violations will be
12
referred to the Student Affairs department to review for
the possibility of sanctioning up to and including
removal from the University. The student may be asked
to meet for either an informal hearing or a Formal
Hearing (Students Rights and Responsibilities hearing).
Students may only appeal decisions of a Formal Hearing
by the process outlined in this Catalog.
Page 21
Addition, Published 2/15/13
Integrity
Ashford University students exemplify honesty,
integrity and a respect for truth in all of their
dealings. Behavior that demonstrates a lapse of
integrity includes, but is not limited to:
Knowingly furnishing false, falsified, or
forged information to any member of the
University community, such as falsification
or misuse of documents, accounts, records,
identification, or financial instruments;
It is a violation to sell or otherwise provide
course work, including exams, papers, and
projects to third parties, which may be used
for submission in fulfillment of any course
or academic program requirement.
Acts of academic dishonesty, as defined in
this Catalog;
Unauthorized possession, duplication, or use
of means of access (keys, cards, etc.) to any
University building;
Unauthorized possession, duplication, or use
of Course Material Benefits other than the
sole intended eligible recipient;
Action or inaction by someone in collusion
with a wrongdoer which fails to discourage
a known and obvious violation of University
policy or law;
Violations of positions of trust or authority
within the community;
Tampering with the election of any
University recognized student organization.
Page 22
Revision, Published 11/30/12
Community
Ashford University students honor and value their
community. Behavior that violates this value
includes, but is not limited to:
Possession of firearms, fireworks,
explosives, other weapons (including, but
not limited to BB/pellet guns, slingshots,
and sharp edged instruments, such as
hatchets when used as weapons), or
dangerous chemicals while on campus,
unless properly authorized by the University
President or VP/Campus Director;
[See current catalog for full entry under this
heading].
Page 27
Revision, Published 2/15/13
Sanction Statement
Any student found responsible for violating the
policy on sexual exploitation or sexual harassment
will likely receive a recommended sanction ranging
from warning to expulsion, depending on the
severity of the incident, and taking into account any
previous violations in Student Community
Standards.
Specific information regarding hearing procedures
is detailed in the section titled Special Procedural
Provisions for Sexual Misconduct and Other
Sensitive Issues of this Catalog.
[See current catalog for full entry]
Page 30
Revision, Published 2/15/13
Correction, Published 9/14/12
Informal Hearings Procedures
For hearing procedures relating to matters
involving sexual misconduct or other sensitive
issues, please see the section Special Procedural
Provisions for Sexual Misconduct and Other
Sensitive Issues of this Catalog.[2/1/13]
When a student denies responds to [9/14/12] a
violation of the Student Community Standards, the
Director of Student Affairs (online)/Director of
Student Success (campus) or designee will upon
receipt of a written denial from the accused student,
schedule a hearing.
13
Page 31
Revision, Published 2/15/13
Student Rights and Responsibilities Committee
Formal Hearing Procedures
For hearing procedures relating to matters
involving sexual misconduct or other sensitive
issues, please see the section Special Procedural
Provisions for Sexual Misconduct and Other
Sensitive Issues of this Catalog.
Notice Written notice of the time, date, and location of the
formal hearing will be sent to all parties, who may
additionally be notified in person, by telephone, or
by email.
Page 35
Revision, Published 2/15/13
Special Procedural Provisions for Sexual
Misconduct and Other Sensitive Issues
Advisor/Advocate. All parties to sexual misconduct
complaints have the right to an advisor/advocate
from the community. Any advisors from outside the
community must be pre-approved by the Director of
Student Affairs (online)/ Director of Student
Success (campus). The accuser and the accused are
entitled to the same opportunity to have other
persons present during a disciplinary hearing.
Page 48
Revision, Published 12/21/12
Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Program
Students may obtain information on the illegal
possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit
drugs, as well as the University’s standards of
conduct, associated health risks, drug or alcohol
counseling and treatment programs, University
disciplinary actions, and federal, state, and local
sanctions for violations of law by viewing the Drug
Free Schools and Communities Act Program
Report, located on the Ashford University website at
www.ashford.edu/DFSCA.
Page 54
Revision, Effective 10/1/12
Security Students may obtain campus security information by
viewing the Campus Security and Fire Safety Report,
located on the Ashford University website at http://
ashford.edu/static/media/11AU1853__Campus_
Safety_and_Security_Report_FINAL.pdf The Ashford University 2012 Campus Security and
Fire Safety Report is available for your review. This
report is required by federal law and contains
policy statements and crime and fire statistics
compiled by the University. The policy statements
address the University’s policies, procedures, and
programs concerning safety and security, for
example, policies for responding to emergency
situations, fire safety and sexual offenses. Statistics
for the previous three calendar years are included
for certain types of crimes that were reported to
have occurred on campus, in or on off-campus
buildings or property owned or controlled by the
University, and on public property within or
immediately adjacent to and accessible from the
campus. This report is available online at
http://www.ashford.edu/campus_security_and_fire_
safety_report. You may also request a paper copy of
the report be mailed to you by emailing your
request to [email protected].
Page 60
Addition, Published 2/4/13
On-Campus Traditional Programs
(2012-2013 Academic Year) Indirect costs which are not billed directly by the
University may be found at
http://www.ashford.edu/admissions/campus_tuition
_fees.htm.
Pages 60-61
Revision, Published 11/7/12
Online Undergraduate Programs
Online Graduate Programs
Please see the Tuition and Fees Update section of
this supplement for current information regarding
Tech Fee.
Page 61
Addition, Published 2/4/13
Online Undergraduate Programs
Online Graduate Programs Indirect costs which are not billed directly by the
University may be found at
http://www.ashford.edu/admissions/online_tuition_f
ees.htm.
14
Page 62
Addition, Published 2/4/13
Cash Plan
Any delay in payment results in administrative
withdrawal of the student from his or her current
course during Week One. The student will then be
scheduled for a future course and is not permitted
to re-enroll in the course from which he or she was
removed due to non-payment.
Pages 64-65
Revision, effective 4/1/13
Ashford University Military Grant
Grants are applicable to courses for which tuition is
in excess of $250 per credit hour. For courses with
tuition of $413 per credit hour, the grant is $163 per
credit hour.
[See current catalog for full entry]
Page 65
Revision, Effective for students starting on or after
1/1/13
Ashford University Military Grant
Online Undergraduate Students
In addition, this grant also covers the full $1,290
Technology Services Fees and course materials,
including standard shipping costs where applicable,
required for an eligible student’s program of study
and purchased through Ashford University’s
bookstore or textbook partner.
Online Graduate Students
The grant covers the full $1,290 Technology
Services Fees and course materials, including
standard shipping costs where applicable, required
for an eligible student’s program of study and
purchased through Ashford University’s bookstore
or textbook partner.
Page 65
Addition, Published 2/4/13
Military Grant Grandfathering
Students who previously received the Ashford
University Military Grant, and who subsequently
enroll in another degree program after graduating,
are permitted to continue to receive the grant
without recertifying eligibility, unless they have
been out of attendance greater than 30 days.
Page 66
Revision, Published 2/19/13
Revision, Effective for students starting on or after
1/1/13
Ashford University Alumni Tuition Grant
Students who graduate from an Ashford University
or University of the Rockies degree program and
enroll in an online Ashford University or University
of the Rockies degree program are eligible for an
Alumni Tuition Grant. The Technology Services
Fee for online degree programs is considered a one-
time fee for Ashford University students and will be
waived for all Ashford University graduates
enrolling in other Ashford University online degree
programs. [1/1/13].
Students who qualify for the Alumni Tuition Grant
must successfully complete four attempted courses
after matriculation into an undergraduate degree
program or three attempted courses after
matriculation into a graduate degree program. The
tuition grant will then be applied to the student’s
account in the amount of tuition charged for the
fifth or fourth attempted course, depending on the
student’s degree program.
Alumni who paid a one-time Technology Services
Fee (of either $990 or between $250 and $1,290)
[2/19/13] will also have each course’s Technology
Fee waived.[1/1/13]
Page 66
Revision, Effective for students starting on or after
1/1/13
Revision, Published 9/14/12
Online Programs
To select the Financial Aid plan as the primary
payment option for enrollment in an online
program, at least 50% of a student’s annual tuition
and applicable fees [1/1/13] Technology Services
Fee, if applicable, must be funded through the
federal financial aid benefits.
Under this plan when used as a primary payment
option for enrollment in an online program, students
are expected to submit all financial aid documents
prior to their start date.
[see current catalog for full entry].
Page 69
Addition, Published 7/6/12
Federal Aid Programs
15
Federal Direct Loans
The standard repayment plan begins six months
after the student graduates or is no longer enrolled
at least half-time, and up to 10 years may be
allowed to repay the loan(s). Students who meet
eligibility requirements may request a deferment of
their loan payment. The following are
circumstances under which a student may qualify
for a deferment: currently enrolled in school on at
least a half-time basis; graduate fellowship;
rehabilitation training; unemployment; economic
hardship; military service; or post-active duty
student. Please refer to www.studentaid.ed.gov for
more information about current loan interest rates
and how to apply for a Direct Loan.
Page 72
Revision, Effective for students starting on or after
1/1/13
Revision, Published 10/19/12
Loan Disbursement Information
First Disbursement
To receive a disbursement, students must have
successfully completed the financial aid application
process, including verification, if applicable. The
first disbursement will be delivered after the no
earlier than the first week a student has posted
attendance in the first course. if the student has
successfully completed the financial aid application
process, including verification, if applicable. For
students who are conditionally admitted with the
Ashford Promise, the first disbursement will be
delivered no earlier than at the time of
matriculation during the 4th
week of attendance in
the first course. [10/19/12] The first disbursement is
intended to be applied toward the first four (4)
successfully completed courses and any applicable
fees the Technology Services Fee.[1/1/13].
Second Disbursement: The second disbursement
will be delivered once a student has successfully
completed at least 12 undergraduate-level credits
and is intended to be applied toward the remaining
four (4) successfully completed courses and any
applicable fees in the second payment period. A
student must also be registered for and start the next
class in the second payment period, and at least half
of the loan period (20 weeks) must have passed. In
order to be eligible for a Post Withdrawal
Disbursement (PWD) or Late Disbursement for a
second/subsequent disbursement, a student must
have graduated or completed the payment period
for which the loan was intended.[1/1/13]
Page 72
Addition, Effective 7/20/12
Financial/Financial Aid Implications for
Residents of Mississippi and Tennessee
Financial aid may be certified but will not be
disbursed until proof of graduation from high
school or equivalent has been received by Ashford
University. To allow time for receipt of this proof,
students choosing the “financial aid” payment
option will have their first disbursement of financial
aid delayed until the later of eleven (11) calendar
weeks post start date or the conclusion of the first
six (6) attempted credits. Students whose proof of
graduation from high school or equivalent is not
received within the time frame described previously
will:
[See current Catalog for full entry under this
heading].
Page 73
Revision, Effective for students starting on or after
1/1/13
Revision, Published 10/19/12
Loan Disbursement Information
First Disbursement
To receive a disbursement, students must have
successfully completed the financial aid application
process, including verification, if applicable. The
first disbursement will be delivered after the no
earlier than the first week a student has posted
attendance in the first course. if the student has
successfully completed the financial aid application
process, including verification, if applicable. For
students who are conditionally admitted with the
Ashford Promise, the first disbursement will be
delivered no earlier than at the time of
matriculation during the 4th
week of attendance in
the first course. [10/19/12] The first disbursement is
intended to be applied toward the first three (3)
successfully completed courses and any applicable
fees the Technology Services Fee. [1/1/13]
Second Disbursement: The second disbursement
will be delivered once a student has successfully
completed at least 9 graduate-level credits and is
intended to be applied toward the remaining three
16
(3) successfully completed courses and any
applicable fees in the second payment period. A
student must also be registered for and start the next
class in the second payment period, and at least half
of the loan period (18 weeks) must have passed.
[1/1/13].
Page 74
Revision, published 2/4/13
Dismissal/Expulsion
Students dismissed or expelled from the University
are not authorized refunds of any kind other than
those provided by the Institutional Tuition Refund
Policy in this section of Catalog withdrawal policy.
Any financial aid available to a student who has
been dismissed will be based on the student’s
dismissal date and will be calculated accordingly.
Page 75
Revision, Published 11/30/12
Revision, Published 8/17/12
Return of Title IV Funds
For official or unofficial withdrawals from online
programs, a student’s last date of attendance date is
the last day in which a student attended class. If a
student successfully [11/30/12] completes a course
and receives a passing [8/17/12] final grade,
[11/30/12] the last date of attendance will be
recorded as the end date of the course.
Page 83
Revision, Published 8/17/12
Communication Competency (3 credits)
Students must complete 3 credits from either the
Oral Communication or the Interpersonal
Communication area.
Oral Communication for Campus Students
(3 credits) Interpersonal Communication for Online Students
(3 credits)
Page 85
Correction, Published 7/20/12
Mathematical Competency (3 credits)
MAT 270 206 Linear Algebra (3 credits)
Page 92
Revision, Published 8/17/12
Classification of Students
Non-Degree Seeking Students Students who wish to apply non-degree seeking
coursework to an undergraduate or graduate-level degree
program at Ashford University may apply up to 15 12
credits, unless otherwise approved by the Executive
Dean of the College.
Page 93
Addition, Published 11/7/12
Degree Regression
Degree regression may occur if a student enrolls in
a lower level degree than one previously earned.
Students may experience regression when course
content completed at a higher level is repeated for
fulfillment of lower level degree requirements.
Since students applying for lower level degrees risk
regression, degree-seeking students must petition
the Provost to enroll in a lower level degree, prior
to being admitted to the program, in order to ensure
credit requirements for the additional degree will
not be considered regression.
Page 121
Correction, Published 7/6/12
Appeal of Academic Dismissal
The passage of time does not substantiate eligibility
for readmission or appeal for readmission, however,
students who have experienced mitigating
circumstances and have been dismissed from the
University for failure to meet satisfactory academic
progress requirements and have been denied re-
admission after an appeal may submit another
appeal to be readmitted after one or more years
have elapsed since their last date of attendance
appeal. The student must submit an appeal letter as
detailed in this policy and present compelling
evidence that they have the ability to succeed in an
academic program due to changed circumstances,
experience, and/or successful completion of college
level credits since the last appeal was submitted.
Page 151, 246
Revision, Published 11/7/12
Bachelor of Arts in Social and Criminal Justice
Program Outcomes
17
Social and Criminal Justice major graduates will be
able to:
Analyze criminal justice issues within the
systems of law enforcement, the judiciary,
and corrections;
Evaluate the application of the social justice
principles of equality, solidarity, and human
rights toward building a just society;
Apply knowledge of cultural sensitivity and
diversity awareness to social and criminal
justice;
Deconstruct the relationship between law
enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections;
Interpret the relationship between social
justice and criminal justice; and,
Develop critical perspectives in the study of
social and criminal justice by drawing on
the fields of criminology, law, philosophy,
psychology, science, and sociology.
Examine law enforcement issues;
Apply knowledge to socio-economic
(cultural) diversity to criminal justice;
Investigate the operation of the criminal
justice system;
Examine the relationship of social justice to
the criminal justice system; and
Apply information from sociology, law,
psychology, ethics, and related fields to the
study of criminal justice.
Page 168
Revision, Published 3/22/13
Revision, Published 3/12/13
Revision, Effective for students starting on or after
1/1/13
Revision, Effective for applications submitted on or
after 10/24/12
Revision, Effective for students starting on or after
11/13/12
Admissions Policies and Procedures for
Online Undergraduate Programs
The following content replaces the entire content of
the Admission Policies and Procedures for Online
Undergraduate Programs section of the 2012-2013
Ashford University Academic Catalog.
Admission Policies and Procedures for
Online Associate of Arts Degree Programs
Conditional Admission Status Requirements
Applicants seeking admission to an online
Associate of Arts degree program must meet the
following admission requirements prior to the start
of the first course at Ashford University:
1. Be 22 years of age or older Applicants who
are between 18 and 21 years old will be
considered if they:
a. are graduates of Ashford
University’s Associate of Arts
degree programs; or,
b. have received documented approval
from the Registrar’s Office via the
“Under 22 Appeal”
process.[10/24/12].
or be exempt from this requirement by
meeting one of the following criteria:
a. Has earned an Associate’s degree or
higher from a regionally or
approved nationally accredited
institution;
b. Is seeking readmission to Ashford
University after withdrawal from a
degree program; or,
c. Is a current degree-seeking student
at Ashford University requesting to
change majors [10/24/12].
Due to the accelerated, adult-learner focus of the
academic programs offered in the online modality,
applicants under the age of 18 will not be
considered for admission under any circumstance.
2. Have a regular high-school diploma earned
through college preparatory or regular high
school courses or GED equivalency
recognized by the Department of Education
of the state in which it was earned,
completed secondary school through home
schooling as defined by state law, or earned
an equivalent to a US high school diploma at
an international high school according to
approved Foreign Evaluation services.
a. An earned IEP or Special Education
Diploma or Certificate of
Completion based upon IEP goals
does not meet the regular high school
diploma requirement for admission
to Ashford University.
18
b. Qualified applicants will self-certify
as to their high school education on
the application for admission.
Ashford University may also require,
at its discretion, that an applicant or
student provide a high school
transcript, high school diploma,
and/or evidence of passing the GED.
c. If no high school diploma was
earned, applicants who have
successfully completed at least a
two-year program that is acceptable
for full credit toward a bachelor’s
degree from an appropriately
accredited postsecondary institution,
as defined by Ashford University
transfer credit policies, may be
admitted.***
3. Have access to a computer with an Internet
connection for the Web-based programs and
meet the minimum technology and
minimum computer skills, abilities, features,
system configurations, hardware, and
software outlined in this Catalog.
4. Have the ability to study in English
indicated by one of the following**:
a. Achieved a recognized high school
diploma or equivalent in which the
primary language of instruction was
English;*
b. Received a GED that was taken in
English;*
c. A minimum of 30 transferable
credits have been earned from
regionally or approved nationally
accredited colleges/universities in
the United States or equivalent in
which the primary language of
instruction was English; or
d. Test of English as a Foreign
Language (TOEFL) examination
taken within the past two (2) years.
A minimum score of 500 paper-
based or 61 Internet-based is
required. Copies of official scores
must be submitted prior to
provisional enrollment, and official
scores must be submitted for full
admission.
*If satisfying the English Language Requirement
through a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
not completed in the United States, additional
documentation may be required. Please contact the
Registrar’s Office for further information.
**Satisfying the English Language Requirement
does not exempt a student who earned his/her high
school diploma outside of the United States from
the additional admission requirements for applicants
with international academic credentials.
*** Requirements for residents of Mississippi and
Tennessee are outlined separately; please refer to
Additional Admission Requirements for Residents
of Mississippi and Tennessee.
Effective for students starting on or after January 1,
2013, conditionally admitted students who are
denied admission after one attempt in the Ashford
Promise, are allowed a second period of
conditional admission in order to be provisionally
or fully admitted, but are required to successfully
complete the Student Success Orientation as a
prerequisite to a subsequent [3/22/13] attempt (if
they have not already taken it).[1/1/13]
Ashford University reserves the right to deny
admission or re-admission to any applicant. Ashford
University recognizes the importance of protecting
student privacy and reserves the right to request
documentation to establish or verify any student’s
identity at any time, for administrative or
compliance purposes. Students are expected to
provide such documentation, and failure to do so
may be considered a violation of the Student
Community Standards. The University may deny or
rescind admission to any student for failure to
authenticate his or her identity.
Applicants are conditionally admitted to an
Associate of Arts degree program when they submit
a completed application indicating that they meet
admission requirements outlined for that program
and are approved by the Registrar’s Office.
Applicants in a conditional admission status are not
eligible for Title IV funds and are not considered
regular students until granted provisional or full
admission.
Additional Conditional Admission Status
Requirements for Applicants with International
Academic Credentials
The following requirements are applicable to
applicants relying on academic credentials earned
19
outside the United States for admission to the
programs offered through the online modality. In
addition to the conditional admission requirements
outlined in the admission policy for online
Associate of Arts degree programs, copies of
documentation indicating that the student meets the
following admission requirements are required for
conditional admission:
1. Submit copies of an official evaluation from
an approved evaluation service indicating
that the student has met one of the following
requirements:
a. Completion of a two-year program
from an appropriately accredited
post-secondary institution, as defined
by Ashford University transfer credit
policies; or,
b. A record of having achieved the
equivalency of a United States high
school diploma.
2. All academic records from countries other
than the United States must have been
evaluated by one of the following evaluation
services:
Educational Credentials Evaluators, Inc.
(ECE); OR
World Education Services (WES).
Note: Applicants who have already had their
international credentials evaluated prior to applying
to Ashford University may petition the Office of the
Registrar for acceptance of evaluations from other
credible agencies.
Appeal Procedure for a 3rd
Consecutive
Conditional Admission Period or Ashford Promise
Provisional admission status must be attained by
the end of the 2nd
attempt of the Ashford Promise,
while a student is in conditional standing. Students
who fail to attain provisional admission by the end
of their second attempt of the Ashford Promise must
wait one year from the date they were denied
admission to re-apply, or they may appeal the
University’s decision using the process outlined
below to request a 3rd
consecutive attempt of
conditional admission in the Ashford Promise.
Disagreements over academic quality will not be
considered as an appropriate basis for such
appeals. In cases of appropriate cause, the Ashford
University Admission Appeals Committee reviews
the appeals and renders a decision to the student.
Appeals must include an explanation of the event
that occurred, which caused the student to not
attain provisional admission to the University after
two attempts.
Students must appeal in writing to the University
Registrar. The appeal must be submitted to
[email protected] and approved
prior to enrollment in any future courses.
Additionally, the student’s appeal letter must
include:[12/21/12]
The student’s appeal letter should be submitted to
the University Registrar and it must
include:
A reasonable explanation for the student’s
academic performance to date, which
includes mitigating circumstances such as
student injury/illness, death of a student’s
family member, or other reasons resulting in
the undue hardship to the student;
Compelling evidence that they have the
ability to succeed in an academic program
due to changed circumstances, experience,
and/or successful completion of college level
credits during their period of absence; and,
A plan for completion of the coursework
required to meet basic academic
requirements during their coursework at
Ashford University [11/13/12].
Provisional Admission Status Requirements
Students must meet the following requirements in
order to be provisionally admitted to an Associate
of Arts degree program at Ashford University:
1. Successfully complete Student Success
Orientation;
2. Attain a cumulative course grade of C- or
better by Day 6 of Week 3 in their first
course; and,
3. Attend Week 4 of their first course.
Attendance in week 4 constitutes a student’s
confirmation of his or her intention to continue in
the program as a regular student. Upon attendance
in Week 4 of their first course, students are
considered matriculated, regular students in their
degree program. Students who meet the
20
requirements for Full Admission will be fully
admitted into the degree program.[3/12/13]
Full Admission Status Requirements
The following provisions must be met prior to the
conclusion of the fourth (4th) attempted Ashford
University course in a degree seeking program.
[3/12/13] To start the fifth (5th) course, students
must complete all the requirements subsequently
outlined Students who do not meet all requirements
will not be fully admitted and will be withdrawn
from the program. Students may be readmitted to
Ashford University at such time that all
requirements for full admission have been met.
The student is responsible for all eligibility-related
assertions, attestations, and verifications relied upon
by the institution during the admissions process.
Should any of the student’s information be
subsequently established as inaccurate, resulting in
the student’s disqualification for full admission, the
student will remain responsible for any and all
financial obligations incurred while at the
institution, including, but not limited to, financial
aid funds which were consequently returned by the
University.
If at any time it is determined that the student does
not meet admission requirements outlined for the
program as indicated on the application for
admission, provisional and/or full admission will be
rescinded and the student will be withdrawn from
the university.
Note: Additional requirements for residents of
Mississippi and Tennessee and for students seeking
admission based on credentials earned outside of
the United States are outlined separately.
1. Submission of official transcripts from all
postsecondary education previously
attempted or a signed Authorization to Close
form for any official transcripts the student
is unable to provide. Postsecondary
education includes all of the following:
a. College or university transcripts
from any regionally or approved
nationally accredited postsecondary
educational institution attended (The
Ashford University Registrar’s
Office staff will manage the request
of college transcripts using the
student’s signed Transcript Request
form.);
b. Military credits evaluated for
equivalency to college credits (The
Ashford University Registrar’s
Office staff will manage the request
of military transcripts using the
student’s signed Military Transcript
Request form.); and,
c. Official documentation of any
postsecondary credit previously
earned through examination or credit
earned through non-collegiate
instruction the students intends to
have evaluated for applicability to
Ashford University program
requirements (must be requested by
the student).
2. Official TOEFL scores, if required for
admission.
3. Undergraduate degree-seeking transfer
students must provide official
documentation of an undergraduate
cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of
2.0 in all combined undergraduate
coursework attempted at regionally or
approved nationally accredited colleges/
universities since high school, or he or she is
admitted on Academic Watch. Any student
who signs an Authorization to Close form,
thereby waiving potential transfer credits
from previously attended schools, is
admitted on Academic Watch as well due to
failure to provide confirmation of a
cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or
higher. Students on Academic Watch are
required to have achieved a cumulative GPA
of 2.00 and successfully complete 67% of
credits attempted at the conclusion of the
first Satisfactory Academic Progress
increment. Students who have not met the
requirements at the conclusion of the
Academic Watch period will be dismissed
from the University. Please refer to the
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Requirements in this section to review all
related satisfactory academic progress
guidelines.
21
Note: Students who were provisionally admitted
with completion of a two-year program from an
appropriately accredited postsecondary institution
as defined by Ashford University transfer credit
policies must have official transcripts of those
credits on file to meet full admissions requirements.
Graduates of an Ashford University undergraduate
degree program who subsequently enroll in another
undergraduate degree program will not be placed on
Academic Watch. Students who change programs in
the same degree level who have successfully
completed one (1) SAP increment and are in good
academic standing with the University will not be
placed on Academic Watch.
Additional Full Admission Status Requirements
for Applicants with International Academic
Credentials
In addition to the requirements for full admission
outlined in the admission policy for Associate of
Arts programs in the online modality, applicants
relying on academic credentials earned outside the
United States must submit an official evaluation
sent direct directly from an approved evaluation
service indicating that the student meets full
admission requirements (student copies are not
accepted) prior to the conclusion of the fourth (4th)
attempted Ashford University course (equivalent to
one academic term). To start the fifth (5th) course,
applicants relying on academic credentials earned
outside the United States must complete this
requirement or they will be withdrawn from the
program.
Additional Full Admission Status Requirements
for Residents of Mississippi and Tennessee
Mississippi and Tennessee residents must submit
proof of graduation from high school in one of the
following forms:
official high school transcript indicating
graduation;
notation on transcript from another college
indicating graduation from high school for
transfer students; or,
official documentation of earned GED.
Transfer students who successfully completed a
two-year program that is acceptable for full credit
toward a bachelor’s degree from an appropriately
accredited postsecondary institution, as per Ashford
University admission policy, are exempt from the
requirement to provide proof of high school
graduation, but must submit official transcripts of
the two-year program.
Proof of graduation, or equivalent, is required prior
to disbursement of any financial aid. See
Financial/Financial Aid Implications for Residents
of Mississippi and Tennessee under Loan
Disbursement Information in the Financial
Information section of this Catalog for more
information concerning financial aid and payment
requirements for Mississippi and Tennessee
residents.
Admission Policies and Procedures for Online
Bachelor of Arts Degree Programs
Conditional Admission Status Requirements
Applicants seeking admission to an online Bachelor
of Arts degree program must meet the following
admission requirements prior to the start of the first
course at Ashford University:
1. Be 22 years of age or older. Applicants who
are between 18 and 21 years old will be
considered if they:
a. are graduates of Ashford
University’s Associate of Arts
degree programs; or,
b. have received documented approval
from the Registrar’s Office via the
“Under 22 Appeal”
process.[10/24/12]
or be exempt from this requirement by
meeting one of the following criteria:
a. Has earned an Associate’s degree
or higher from a regionally or
approved nationally accredited
institution;
b. Is seeking readmission to Ashford
University after withdrawal from
a degree program; or,
c. Is a current degree-seeking
student at Ashford University
requesting to change majors
[10/24/12].
Due to the accelerated, adult-learner focus of the
academic programs offered in the online modality,
applicants under the age of 18 will not be
considered for admission under any circumstance.
22
2. Have a regular high-school diploma earned
through college preparatory or regular high
school courses or GED equivalency
recognized by the Department of Education
of the state in which it was earned,
completed secondary school through home
schooling as defined by state law, or earned
an equivalent to a US high school diploma at
an international high school according to
approved Foreign Evaluation services.
a. An earned IEP or Special Education
Diploma or Certificate of
Completion based upon IEP goals
does not meet the regular high school
diploma requirement for admission
to Ashford University.
b. Qualified applicants will self-certify
as to their high school education on
the application for admission.
Ashford University may also require,
at its discretion, that an applicant or
student provide a high school
transcript, high school diploma,
and/or evidence of passing the GED.
c. If no high school diploma was
earned, applicants who have
successfully completed at least a
two-year program that is acceptable
for full credit toward a bachelor’s
degree from an appropriately
accredited postsecondary institution,
as defined by Ashford University
transfer credit policies, may be
admitted.***
3. Have access to a computer with an Internet
connection for the Web-based programs and
meet the minimum technology and
minimum computer skills, abilities, features,
system configurations, hardware, and
software outlined in this Catalog.
4. Have the ability to study in English
indicated by one of the following**:
a. Achieved a recognized high school
diploma or equivalent in which the
primary language of instruction was
English;*
b. Received a GED that was taken in
English;*
c. A minimum of 30 transferable
credits have been earned from
regionally or approved nationally
accredited colleges/universities in
the United States or equivalent in
which the primary language of
instruction was English; or
d. Test of English as a Foreign
Language (TOEFL) examination
taken within the past two (2) years.
A minimum score of 500 paper-
based or 61 Internet-based is
required. Copies of official scores
must be submitted prior to
provisional enrollment, and official
scores must be submitted for full
admission.
*If satisfying the English Language Requirement
through a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
not completed in the United States, additional
documentation may be required. Please contact the
Registrar’s Office for further information.
**Satisfying the English Language Requirement
does not exempt a student who earned his/her high
school diploma outside of the United States from
the additional admission requirements for applicants
with international academic credentials.
*** Requirements for residents of Mississippi and
Tennessee are outlined separately; please refer to
Additional Admission Requirements for Residents
of Mississippi and Tennessee.
Effective for students starting on or after January 1,
2013, conditionally admitted students who are
denied admission after one attempt in the Ashford
Promise, are allowed a second period of
conditional admission in order to be provisionally
or fully admitted, but are required to successfully
complete the Student Success Orientation as a
prerequisite to a subsequent [3/22/13] attempt (if
they have not already taken it).[1/1/13]
Ashford University reserves the right to deny
admission or re-admission to any applicant. Ashford
University recognizes the importance of protecting
student privacy and reserves the right to request
documentation to establish or verify any student’s
identity at any time, for administrative or
compliance purposes. Students are expected to
provide such documentation, and failure to do so
may be considered a violation of the Student
23
Community Standards. The University may deny or
rescind admission to any student for failure to
authenticate his or her identity.
Applicants are conditionally admitted to a Bachelor
of Arts degree program when they submit a
completed application indicating that they meet
admission requirements outlined for that program
and are approved by the Registrar’s Office.
Applicants in a conditional admission status are not
eligible for Title IV funds and are not considered
regular students until granted provisional or full
admission.
Additional Conditional Admission Status
Requirements for Applicants with International
Academic Credentials
The following requirements are applicable to
applicants relying on academic credentials earned
outside the United States for admission to the
programs offered through the online modality. In
addition to the conditional admission requirements
outlined in the admission policy for online Bachelor
of Arts degree programs, copies of documentation
indicating that the student meets the following
admission requirements are required for conditional
admission:
1. Submit copies of an official evaluation from
an approved evaluation service indicating
that the student has met one of the following
requirements:
a. Completion of a two-year program
from an appropriately accredited
post-secondary institution, as defined
by Ashford University transfer credit
policies
b. A record of having achieved the
equivalency of a United States high
school diploma.
2. All academic records from countries other
than the United States must have been
evaluated by one of the following evaluation
services:
Educational Credentials Evaluators, Inc.
(ECE); OR
World Education Services (WES).
Note: Applicants who have already had their
international credentials evaluated prior to applying
to Ashford University may petition the Office of the
Registrar for acceptance of evaluations from other
credible agencies.
Appeal Procedure for a 3rd
Consecutive
Conditional Admission Period or Ashford Promise
Provisional admission status must be attained by
the end of the 2nd
attempt of the Ashford Promise,
while a student is in conditional standing. Students
who fail to attain provisional admission by the end
of their second attempt of the Ashford Promise must
wait one year from the date they were denied
admission to re-apply, or they may appeal the
University’s decision using the process outlined
below to request a 3rd
consecutive attempt of
conditional admission in the Ashford Promise.
Disagreements over academic quality will not be
considered as an appropriate basis for such
appeals. In cases of appropriate cause, the Ashford
University Admission Appeals Committee reviews
the appeals and renders a decision to the student.
Appeals must include an explanation of the event
that occurred, which caused the student to not
attain provisional admission to the University after
two attempts.
Students must appeal in writing to the University
Registrar. The appeal must be submitted to
[email protected] and approved
prior to enrollment in any future courses.
Additionally, the student’s appeal letter must
include:[12/21/12]
The student’s appeal letter should be submitted to
the University Registrar and it must
include:
A reasonable explanation for the student’s
academic performance to date, which
includes mitigating circumstances such as
student injury/illness, death of a student’s
family member, or other reasons resulting in
the undue hardship to the student;
Compelling evidence that they have the
ability to succeed in an academic program
due to changed circumstances, experience,
and/or successful completion of college level
credits during their period of absence; and,
A plan for completion of the coursework required to
meet basic academic requirements during their
coursework at Ashford University [11/13/12].
24
Provisional Admission Status Requirements
Students must meet the following requirements in
order to be provisionally admitted to a Bachelor of
Arts degree program at Ashford University:
1. Students who indicate that they have zero
(0) traditional college-level transferable
credits at the time of application are required
to successfully complete Student Success
Orientation;
2. Attain a cumulative course grade of C- or
better by Day 6 of Week 3 in their first
course; and,
3. Attend Week 4 of their first course.
Attendance in Week 4 constitutes a student’s
confirmation of their intention to continue the
program as a regular student. Upon attendance in
Week 4 of their first course, students are considered
matriculated, regular students in their degree
program. Students who meet the requirements for
Full Admission will be fully admitted into the
degree program. [3/12/13]
Full Admission Status Requirements
The following requirements must be met prior to the
conclusion of the fourth (4th) attempted Ashford
University course in a degree seeking program.
[3/12/13] To start the fifth (5th) course, students
must complete all the requirements subsequently
outlined. Students who do not meet all requirements
will not be fully admitted and will be withdrawn
from the program. Students may be readmitted to
Ashford University at such time that all
requirements for full admission have been met.
The student is responsible for all eligibility-related
assertions, attestations, and verifications relied upon
by the institution during the admissions process.
Should any of the student’s information be
subsequently established as inaccurate, resulting in
the student’s disqualification for full admission, the
student will remain responsible for any and all
financial obligations incurred while at the
institution, including, but not limited to, financial
aid funds which were consequently returned by the
University.
If at any time it is determined that the student does
not meet admission requirements outlined for the
program as indicated on the application for
admission, provisional and/or full admission will be
rescinded and the student will be withdrawn from
the university.
Note: Additional requirements for residents of
Mississippi and Tennessee and for students seeking
admission based on credentials earned outside of
the United States are outlined separately.
1. Submission of official transcripts from all
postsecondary education previously
attempted or a signed Authorization to Close
form for any official transcripts the student
is unable to provide. Postsecondary
education includes all of the following:
a. College or university transcripts
from any regionally or approved
nationally accredited postsecondary
educational institution attended (The
Ashford University Registrar’s
Office staff will manage the request
of college transcripts using the
student’s signed Transcript Request
form.);
b. Military credits evaluated for
equivalency to college credits (The
Ashford University Registrar’s
Office staff will manage the request
of military transcripts using the
student’s signed Military Transcript
Request form.); and,
c. Official documentation of any
postsecondary credit previously
earned through examination or credit
earned through non-collegiate
instruction the students intends to
have evaluated for applicability to
Ashford University program
requirements (must be requested by
the student).
2. Official TOEFL scores, if required for
admission.
3. Undergraduate degree-seeking transfer
students must provide official
documentation of an undergraduate
cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of
2.0 in all combined undergraduate
coursework attempted at regionally or
approved nationally accredited colleges/
universities since high school, or he or she is
admitted on Academic Watch. Any student
who signs an Authorization to Close form,
25
thereby waiving potential transfer credits
from previously attended schools, is
admitted on Academic Watch as well due to
failure to provide confirmation of a
cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or
higher. Students on Academic Watch are
required to have achieved a cumulative GPA
of 2.00 and successfully complete 67% of
credits attempted at the conclusion of the
first Satisfactory Academic Progress
increment. Students who have not met the
requirements at the conclusion of the
Academic Watch period will be dismissed
from the University. Please refer to the
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Requirements in this section to review all
related satisfactory academic progress
guidelines.
Note: Students who were provisionally admitted
with completion of a two-year program from an
appropriately accredited postsecondary institution
as defined by Ashford University transfer credit
policies must have official transcripts of those
credits on file to meet full admissions requirements.
Graduates of an Ashford University undergraduate
degree program who subsequently enroll in another
undergraduate degree program will not be placed on
Academic Watch. Students who change programs in
the same degree level who have successfully
completed one (1) SAP increment and are in good
academic standing with the University will not be
placed on Academic Watch.
Additional Full Admission Status Requirements
for Applicants with International Academic
Credentials
In addition to the requirements for full admission
outlined in the admission policy for Bachelor of
Arts programs in the online modality, applicants
relying on academic credentials earned outside the
United States must submit an official evaluation
sent direct directly from an approved evaluation
service indicating that the student meets full
admission requirements (student copies are not
accepted) prior to the conclusion of the fourth (4th)
attempted Ashford University course (equivalent to
one academic term). To start the fifth (5th) course,
applicants relying on academic credentials earned
outside the United States must complete this
requirement or they will be withdrawn from the
program.
Additional Full Admission Status Requirements
for Residents of Mississippi and Tennessee
Mississippi and Tennessee residents must submit
proof of graduation from high school in one of the
following forms:
official high school transcript indicating
graduation;
notation on transcript from another college
indicating graduation from high school for
transfer students; or
official documentation of earned GED.
Transfer students who successfully completed a
two-year program that is acceptable for full credit
toward a bachelor’s degree from an appropriately
accredited postsecondary institution, as per Ashford
University admission policy, are exempt from the
requirement to provide proof of high school
graduation, but must submit official transcripts of
the two-year program.
Proof of graduation, or equivalent, is required prior
to disbursement of any financial aid. See
Financial/Financial Aid Implications for Residents
of Mississippi and Tennessee under Loan
Disbursement Information in the Financial
Information section of this Catalog for more
information concerning financial aid and payment
requirements for Mississippi and Tennessee
residents.
Student Success Orientation
The orientation is designed to provide students with
a complete overview of the Ashford University
experience, prepare them for success in their
courses, and help them to self evaluate their
readiness to succeed in an online classroom setting.
Students will be instructed on Ashford University
policies and the learner resources that are available
to them through interactive videos and assessments.
Students enrolled in orientation must successfully
complete all assigned activities. Students must
successfully complete orientation prior to
commencing any credit-bearing coursework at
Ashford University, if required. Students who have
successfully completed online coursework at
26
Ashford University are exempt from the orientation
requirement.
Non-Degree Seeking Student General Admission
Requirements
It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide
Ashford University with all materials required for
admission prior to enrolling in coursework as a non-
degree seeking student. Please see additional
policies for non-degree seeking students under
Classification of Students in the General Academic
Information and Policies section of this Catalog.
Students seeking to enroll in undergraduate
coursework as a non-degree seeking student must
meet the following requirements prior to the start of
the first course at Ashford University:
1. Have a regular high-school diploma earned
through college preparatory or regular high
school courses or GED equivalency
recognized by the Department of Education
of the state in which it was earned,
completed secondary school through home
schooling as defined by state law, or earned
an equivalent to a US high school diploma at
an international high school;
a. An earned IEP or Special Education
Diploma or Certificate of
Completion based upon IEP goals
does not meet the regular high school
diploma requirement for admission
to Ashford University.
b. Qualified applicants will self-certify
as to their high school education on
the application for admission.
Ashford University may also require,
at its discretion, that an applicant or
student provide a high school
transcript, high school diploma,
and/or evidence of passing the GED.
c. If no high school diploma was
earned, applicants who have
successfully completed at least a
two-year program that is acceptable
for full credit toward a bachelor’s
degree from an appropriately
accredited postsecondary institution,
as defined by Ashford University
transfer credit policies, may be
admitted.
2. Be 22 18 years of age or older. Applicants
who are between 18 and 21 years old will be
considered if they:
a. are graduates of Ashford
University’s Associate of Arts
degree programs; or,
b. have received documented approval
from the Registrar’s Office via the
“Under 22 Appeal” process.
[10/24/12].
Due to the accelerated, adult-learner focus of the
academic programs offered in the online modality,
applicants under the age of 18 will not be
considered for admission under any circumstance.
3. Submit an official or unofficial transcript
from the regionally accredited or approved
nationally accredited institution showing
proof of credit awarded for any required
prerequisite coursework;
4. Have access to a computer with an Internet
connection for the Web-based programs and
meet the minimum technology and
minimum computer skills, abilities, features,
system configurations, hardware, and
software outlined in this Catalog; and,
5. Have the ability to study in English
indicated by one of the following:
a. Achieved a recognized high school
diploma or equivalent in which the
primary language of instruction was
English;
b. Received a GED that was taken in
English;
c. A minimum of 30 credits have been
earned from regionally or approved
nationally accredited
colleges/universities in the United
States or equivalent in which the
primary language of instruction was
English; or,
d. Test of English as a Foreign
Language (TOEFL) examination
taken within the past two (2) years.
A minimum score of 500 paper-
based or 61 Internet-based is
required. Copies of official or
unofficial scores must be submitted
prior to enrolling in coursework as a
non- degree seeking student.
27
Page 169
Revision, Published 10/19/12
Revision, Published 8/3/12
Admissions Policies and Procedures for Online
Undergraduate Programs
5. Successful completion of Student Success
Orientation for students who indicate that
they have zero (0) fewer than twenty-four
(24) traditional college-level transferable
credits at the time of application to any
undergraduate program. a program in the
College of Health, Human Services, and
Science.^ [10/19/12].
^ Students starting on or after July 17, 2012 will be
required to successfully complete Student Success
Orientation if they indicate they have zero
traditional college-level transferable credits at the
time of application. Additionally, students applying
to a program in the College of Liberal Arts with a
start date of August 14, 2012 or later will be
required to successfully complete Student Success
Orientation if they indicate they have zero
traditional college-level transferable credits at the
time of application. [8/3/12].
Page 169
Addition, Effective 7/20/12
Admissions Policies and Procedures for Online
Undergraduate Programs
*** Requirements for residents of Mississippi and
Tennessee are outlined separately; please refer to
Additional Admission Requirements for Residents
of Mississippi and Tennessee.
Pages 170, 263
Revision, Published 11/7/12
Appeal of Dismissal Following Academic Watch
Appeals are evaluated by a committee comprised of
the University Registrar and/ or designee Associate
University Registrar, and a representative from
Academic Affairs. The decision of the Committee
will be communicated in writing to the student by
the Registrar’s Office.
Page 170
Deletion, Published 8/3/12
Conditional Admission Status Requirements
Students are conditionally admitted to an
undergraduate degree program when they submit a
completed application indicating that they meet
admission requirements outlined for that program
and it is determined that they must successfully
complete an online orientation prior to being
provisionally admitted to their program of interest.
The orientation requirement cannot be removed by
changing programs after being conditionally
admitted to a program requiring orientation.
Page 171
Addition, Effective 7/20/12
Full Admission Status Requirements
Note: Additional requirements for residents of
Mississippi and Tennessee and for students seeking
admission based on credentials earned outside of
the United States are outlined separately.
Page 171
Addition, Effective 7/20/12
Additional Admission Requirements for
Residents of Mississippi and Tennessee
Mississippi and Tennessee residents must submit
proof of graduation from high school in one of the
following forms:
official high school transcript indicating
graduation;
notation on transcript from another college
indicating graduation from high school for
transfer students; or
official documentation of earned GED.
Transfer students who successfully completed a two-
year program that is acceptable for full credit
toward a bachelor’s degree from an appropriately
accredited postsecondary institution, as per Ashford
University admission policy, are exempt from the
requirement to provide proof of high school
graduation, but must submit official transcripts of
the two-year program.
Proof of graduation, or equivalent, is required prior
to disbursement of any financial aid. See
Financial/Financial Aid Implications for Residents
of Mississippi and Tennessee under Loan
Disbursement Information in the Financial
Information section of this Catalog for more
28
information concerning financial aid and payment
requirements for Mississippi and Tennessee
residents.
Page 174
Revision, Effective for courses starting on or after
4/1/13
Course Digital Materials System
(ConstellationTM
)
For courses where course digital materials are
provided in lieu of textbooks, an $85.00 $75.00 fee
(CDM fee) is applied directly to the student’s
account concurrent with the charge for tuition.
Page 175
Correction, Published 8/24/12
Attendance Policy for Online Undergraduate
Courses
A student’s last date of attendance following
successful completion of a course is the end date of
that course.
Pages 175, 266
Revision, Published 8/24/12
Degree-Seeking Student Classifications
Enrollment Status
Students who remain continuously enrolled in non-
term-based programs are classified as full-time.
Students who are on a break of up to 14 consecutive
days or on an approved break are still classified as
full-time. Students who fail to return from a break
as scheduled should refer to the Withdrawal from
the University policies for information regarding
determination of withdrawal date. The University
may schedule breaks during which no courses are
scheduled. When this occurs, such as during the
annual winter break, the break will extend the 14
day limit to include the break. The annual winter
break does not extend the 45 day limit for approved
breaks that are greater than 14 days.
Students who remain continuously enrolled,
including breaks of 14 days or less, in non-term-
based programs are classified as full time. The
University may schedule periods of non-enrollment
during which no courses are scheduled. When this
occurs, such as during the annual winter break, the
non-enrollment period may extend the 14 day limit
to include the break.
Pages 179, 271
Revision, Published 11/7/12
Appeal of Academic Dismissal Appeals are evaluated by an Appeals Committee made
up of the University Registrar, or designee an Associate
Registrar, and representative from Academic Affairs.
The decision of the Committee will be communicated in
writing to the student by the Registrar’s Office.
Page 181
Revision, Published 7/20/12
Bachelor of Arts Transfer Credit, Nontraditional
Credit, and Prior Learning Credit Provisions
and Limitations
Within the 75 credit nontraditional maximum, a
maximum of nine (9) nontraditional credits may
be applied toward major requirements (including
additional majors).
Page 184
Revision, Effective for courses starting on or after
1/1/13 1/13/13
0-23 Traditional Transfer Credit Students
Bachelor’s program students may be required to
successfully complete an online orientation prior to
enrolling in credit-bearing coursework as outlined
in the Admission Policies and Procedures for
Online Undergraduate Programs. Following
successful completion of orientation, students are
required to successfully complete EXP 105 Personal
Dimensions of Education as their first course.
Unsuccessful completion of EXP 105 will result in
the rescheduling of the course and revision of future
course sequence. A minimum grade of C- is
required. EXP 105 applies toward elective credit
requirements and cannot be replaced or waived by
credit in transfer.
Page 185
Revision, Effective for courses starting on or after
1/1/13 1/13/13
24+ Transfer Credit Students
Bachelor’s program students entering Ashford
University with twenty-four (24) or more
transferable credits are required to successfully
complete PSY 202 Adult Development & Life
Assessment as their first course. PSY 202 is
designed to help experienced students acclimate to
the online college environment. Unsuccessful
29
completion of PSY 202 will result in the
rescheduling of the course and revision of the future
course sequence. A minimum grade of C- is
required. PSY 202 satisfies the Social and Personal
Awareness General Education requirement and
cannot be replaced or waived unless a student
provides proof of 90 credits of lower-division
transfer credits that are applicable to the student’s
chosen degree program prior to initial program
enrollment.
Page 188, 193
Deletion, Effective 11/6/12
Associate of Arts in Business
Associate of Arts in Organizational Management
The Associate of Arts in Business and the Associate
of Arts in Organizational Management programs are
not offered for students beginning on or after
11/6/12.
Page 204
Correction, Published 7/6/12
Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Studies
Major Course Requirements
ESE 370 Learning & the Brain (3 credits)
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or equivalent
Page 212
Correction, Published 7/6/12
Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies
Major Course Requirements
ESE 370 Learning & the Brain (3 credits)
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or equivalent
Page 227
Correction, Published 2/15/13
Bachelor of Arts in History
Program Outcomes
Utilize chronology technology
appropriately; and
Relate historical phenomenon to their
geographical contexts.
Page 230
Correction, Published 7/6/12
Bachelor of Arts in Instructional Design
Major Course Requirements
ESE 370 Learning & the Brain (3 credits)
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or equivalent
Page 224
Revision, Published 11/7/12
Bachelor of Arts in Health Education
HCA 331 Introduction to Health Education
(3 credits)
HCA 415 Community & Public Health (3
credits)
HCS 323 Health & Wellness Promotion
throughout the Lifespan (3 credits)
SOC 313 Social Implications of Medical
Issues (3 credits) Prerequisites: PSY 101 and
SOC 101 or equivalents
HCS 208 Introduction to Nutritional
Concepts (3 credits)
HCS 321 Foundations of Complementary &
Alternative Health (3 credits)
*HCS 316 Cultural Diversity in Health &
Illness (3 credits)
HCA 430 Special Populations (3 credits)
HCA 331 Introduction to Health Care
Education (3 credits)
HCS 408 Methods of Community Health
Promotion (3 credits)
HCS 412 Health Promotion Planning &
Evaluation (3 credits)
HCA 421 Health Care Planning &
Evaluation (3 credits)
HHS 460 Research Methods in Health &
Human Services (3 credits)
HCS 497 Health Education Capstone (3
credits) Prerequisite: GEN 499
Page 254
Correction, Published 10/19/12
Organizational Management Minor
Please note: This minor is not available to students
majoring in Business Administration or
Organizational Management.
Page 262
Revision, Published 3/12/13
Revision, Published 11/7/12
Revision, Effective for students starting on or after
11/13/12
Admission Policies and Procedures for Online
Graduate Programs
Graduate Studies General Conditional Admission
Status Requirements
30
Applicants seeking admission to any Master’s
degree program must meet the following admission
requirements prior to the start of the first course at
Ashford University:
1. Have a Bachelor’s degree or post-graduate
degree from a regionally accredited or approved
nationally accredited college or university with a
grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or above.
Applicants with a grade point average of 2.0 to 2.74
will be placed on Academic Watch;
[see current catalog for full entry]
Students are expected to provide such
documentation, and failure to do so may be
considered a violation of the Student Community
Standards. The University may deny or rescind
admission to any student for failure to authenticate
his or her identity.
Applicants are conditionally admitted to a Master’s
degree program when they submit a completed
application indicating that they meet admission
requirements outlined for that program and are
approved by the Registrar’s Office. Applicants in a
conditional admission status are not eligible for
Title IV funds and are not considered regular
students until granted provisional or full admission.
Appeal Procedure for a 3rd
Consecutive
Conditional Admission Period or Ashford Promise
Provisional admission status must be attained by
the end of the 2nd
attempt of the Ashford Promise,
while a student is in conditional standing. Students
who fail to attain provisional admission by the end
of their second attempt of the Ashford Promise must
wait one year from the date they were denied
admission to re-apply, or they may appeal the
University’s decision using the process outlined
below to request a 3rd
consecutive attempt of
conditional admission in the Ashford Promise.
Disagreements over academic quality will not be
considered as an appropriate basis for such
appeals. In cases of appropriate cause, the Ashford
University Admission Appeals Committee reviews
the appeals and renders a decision to the student.
Appeals must include an explanation of the event
that occurred, which caused the student to not
attain provisional admission to the University after
two attempts.
Students must appeal in writing to the University
Registrar. The appeal must be submitted to
[email protected] and approved
prior to enrollment in any future courses.
Additionally, the student’s appeal letter must
include:[12/21/12]
The student’s appeal letter should be submitted to
the University Registrar and it must
include:
A reasonable explanation for the student’s
academic performance to date, which
includes mitigating circumstances such as
student injury/illness, death of a student’s
family member, or other reasons resulting in
the undue hardship to the student;
Compelling evidence that they have the
ability to succeed in an academic program
due to changed circumstances, experience,
and/or successful completion of college level
credits during their period of absence; and,
A plan for completion of the coursework required to
meet basic academic requirements during their
coursework at Ashford University [11/13/12].
Provisional Admission Status Requirements
Students are must meet the following requirement in
order to be provisionally admitted to a Master’s
degree program once they submit a completed
application indicating that they meet admissions
requirements applicable to their specific degree
program as determined by the University
Registrar’s Office. at Ashford University:
1. Attend beyond week 3 of their first course
[11/7/12] Attend Week 4 of their first
course.
Attendance in beyond week 3 4 constitutes a
student’s confirmation of their intention to continue
in the program as a regular student. Upon
attendance in beyond Week 3 4 of their first course,
students are considered matriculated, regular
students in their degree program. [11/7/13]
Students who meet the requirements for Full
Admission will be fully admitted into the degree
program. [3/12/13]Students who then enroll in
courses are considered regular students in their
degree program; however, students who do not meet
all requirements for full admission withdrawn from
the program at the conclusion of the third (3rd)
attempted Ashford University course.
31
Page 264
Revision, Published 3/12/13
Full Admission Status Requirements
In addition to the requirements for full admission
outlined in the admission policy for graduate
programs, international students must submit an
official evaluation sent directly from an approved
evaluation service indicating that the student meets
full admission requirement (student copies are not
accepted) prior to the conclusion of three (3)
Ashford University courses (equivalent to one
academic term) if that institution is where their
undergraduate degree was earned. To begin the
fourth (4th) Ashford University course,
international students must complete the
requirement or they will be withdrawn from the
program at the conclusion of the third (3rd)
attempted Ashford University course.
Page 265
Correction, Published 7/6/12
Technology Requirements
Competencies
Web Browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Internet
Explorer 8.0 or higher, Safari 3.0 or higher, or
Chrome;
Page 267
Correction, Published 8/24/12
Attendance Policy for Online Graduate Courses A student’s last date of attendance following
successful completion of a course is the end date of
that course.
Page 360
Addition, Published 11/16/12
Board of Trustees
Dr. Richard Pattenaude Richard L. Pattenaude served as chancellor of the
University of Maine System from 2007 to 2012,
after serving for sixteen years as president of the
University of Southern Maine.
Prior to leading the University of Southern Maine,
he served for five years as vice president for
academic affairs at Central Connecticut State
University and for five years as associate vice
president for academic affairs at the State
University of New York at Binghamton. Before
moving to New York, Pattenaude was a member of
the political science faculty and the associate dean
of Arts and Sciences for six years at Drake
University in Des Moines, Iowa.
A native of Seattle, Wash., he earned his bachelor's
degree with honors in economics at California's
San Jose State University and his Ph.D. in political
science at the University of Colorado. His areas of
expertise and publishing include American
government, university leadership, public
administration, and organizational theory. Each fall
he teaches Introduction to American Government,
currently online. He is a Vietnam veteran.
President Pattenaude and his wife, Michele, have
four grown children and a home in South Portland,
Maine.
Page 360
Addition, Published 12/7/12
Board of Trustees
Gregory Geoffroy, PhD
Page 360
Addition, Published 12/7/12
Board of Trustees
Mary Jo Maydew, MBA
Page 360
Addition, Published 12/7/12
Board of Trustees
Lt. Col. Paul Aguirre, BA
Page 361
Revision, Published 11/16/12
Ashford University Administration
Elizabeth Tice, PhD
President/CEO
Executive Vice President, Chief Academic Officer
Page 361
Addition, Published 11/16/12
Ashford University Administration
Richard Pattenaude, PhD
President/CEO
Page 361
Addition, Published 12/7/12
Ashford University Administration
Thomas Mead, MS
Vice President of Finance
32
Page 361
Addition, Published 1/4/13
Faculty
Any updates to Ashford Faculty are presented on
the Ashford University website. Please visit
http://www.ashford.edu/community/online-
faculty.htm for the most up-to-date faculty
biographies.
Page 367
Revision, Published 10/19/12
State Regulatory Information
Maryland Higher Education Commission (pending)
Mississippi State Board for Community and Junior
Colleges (not required/exempt)
New Hampshire Postsecondary Education
Commission (approved)
West Virginia Higher Education Policy
Commission (approved)
Page 369
Addition, Published 11/21/12
State Regulatory Information
Washington State Higher Education
Coordinating Board (approved)
Bachelor of Arts in Complementary and Alternative
Health; Bachelor of Arts in Health and Wellness;
Bachelor of Arts in Health Informatics; Bachelor of
Arts in Library Science and Media; Bachelor of
Arts in Real Estate Studies