Under FERPA the university may disclose information to the following without written consent of the student:

To give the university permission to disclose non-directory information, a student must complete a Student Information Release form that is available from the Registrar’s Office. When completed this form must be returned to the Registrar’s Office. Other offices within the university may also require additional permission from the student to release specific information.

The right of currently enrolled students to request that all directory information be withheld.

In order to exercise this right to privacy, a student must go to the Registrar’s Office and sign a “No Release” form. Friends University assumes that failure on the part of any student to specifically request the withholding of directory information indicates individual approval for disclosure.

In accordance with FERPA, Friends University has designated the following student information as public or directory information and may provide this information to anyone: name; address(es); email address(es); telephone number(s); dates of attendance; classification (freshman, sophomore, etc.); previous institution(s) attended; major field(s) of study; awards; honors (including Deans List, etc.); degree(s) conferred (including dates); past and present participation in officially recognized sports and activities; physical factors (heights/weights) of athletes; photographs; and date of birth.

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The University will maintain records of formal written student complaints. The original signed correspondence must be submitted to one of the following: the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs; the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs; or the Office of the President.

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History and Purpose | Transfer Credit Policies | Graduate Credit | Independent/Directed Study Credit | Pass/No Credit/Audit | Grading System | Satisfactory Progress | Incompletes | Academic Probation | Academic Dismissal | Academic Load | Satisfactory Academic Progress | Program Regulations | Qualifying Examinations | Time Limits | Exceptions | Academic Advising | Thesis/Project Requirement

History and Purpose
In 1986, the University began its first graduate program as it adopted a new governance structure which includes three colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business and Information Technology, and Adult and Professional Studies. The University is accredited by the North Central Association to offer professional master’s degree programs.

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Transfer Credit Policies
Students may transfer, with departmental approval, up to six hours of graduate credit under the following conditions:

1. The institution of origin is accredited by its appropriate accrediting association to offer graduate level instruction.
2. The credit is fully acceptable to the institution of origin in satisfaction of its advanced degree requirements.
3. The credit is applicable to the student’s program of study at Friends University.
4. The official transcript of the credit to be transferred has been filed in the Registrar’s Office at Friends University.
5. Written approval of the credit to be transferred has been filed by the student’s program with the Registrar’s Office.
6. The credit to be transferred carries a minimum grade of B.
7. The credit to be transferred was taken in courses completed within six years of the semester in which the degree work was begun.
8. The program director’s signature must be on the completed form and the form must be received by the Registrar’s Office before the start of the graduate student’s program.

Graduate credit work at another college or university shall not be entered on a Friends University transcript except in degree programs, and only then after completion of all work for the degree.

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Graduate Credit
Courses carrying graduate credit are listed in the graduate section of the catalog. Other courses may be taken in support of a specific course of study but are not counted toward an advanced degree and are not computed in a student’s graduate grade point average. Only courses numbered 500 and higher carry graduate credit.

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Independent/Directed Study Credit
A primary goal of graduate study is to encourage independent student under the supervision of members of the graduate faculty. In addition to research projects, internships and practicums, the graduate programs use individual study, case studies and directed readings as the basis for various independent study offerings. The following requirements govern enrollment for credit in independent study.

1. The consent of the instructor must be obtained before enrollment.
2. The consent of the study should differ from the content of the regular course offerings.
3. The contact hours between student and professor must be sufficient to ensure consistency with credit earned in regular course offerings.

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Pass/No Credit/Audit
Graduate students taking courses numbered less than 500 may do so on a Pass/No Credit grading system by declaring their intent to do so at the time of enrollment. Courses numbered 500 and higher may not be taken on a Pass/No Credit basis.

Graduate students may take any course numbered less than 500 for which they have the prerequisites on an audit basis. A student’s load (credit hours) does not include audit enrollments. Audit registration may not be converted to credit registration after the second week of the course. Use of the audit basis for a course must be declared at the time of enrollment.

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Grading System
Grades for graduate work are A, B, C, D and F. The grades receive the following grade points:
A=4 grade points per credit hour
B=3 grade points per credit hour
C=2 grade points per credit hour
D=0
F=0
SP=0 (not computed in G.P.A.)
Certain approved courses numbered 500 and higher are graded P (satisfactory) of F (unsatisfactory) for all students enrolled. Such courses are identified in the schedule of classes and/or announced by the instructor. Pass/No Credit courses will not affect the student’s GPA.

Grades below C may not be used to satisfy degree requirements and a maximum of six hours of C may be counted toward a degree.

The graduate grade point average includes only those courses taken at Friends University for which graduate credit is earned and for which a regular letter grade is assigned. Courses transferred from another institution and graduate credit courses graded P (satisfactory) do not affect the grade point average.

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Satisfactory Progress
SP is the grade submitted by an instructor to indicate satisfactory progress in a course. This grade may only be submitted for internship or practicum courses that have been approved by the instructor and Graduate Council as a two-term study, or for a course that continues for more than one term. At the end of the next term, or end of the program, a grade of A, B, C, D, F, P or I will be recorded. If this grade is changed to an I, the student follows the regular incomplete procedure.

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Incompletes
Faculty also have the option of assigning the grade “I” (incomplete). This grade may be assigned only in case of serious illness or emergency reasons beyond the control of the student.

A student may petition the instructor before the end of the class to assign the grade “I”. The course extension petition, listing completion requirements and completion dates, will be signed by the student and the instructor. A “replacement grade” will also be assigned that will be the letter grade the student will receive if the missing work is not completed. The “I” will change to the replacement grade only if the “I” remained at the end enrollment term following that in which the “I” was assigned. If the “I” is assigned during the last enrollment term in the program, the “I” changes to the replacement grade at the end of the next standard undergraduate Fall or Spring term. The replacement grade will be utilized only in the event the “I” grade has not been changed at the end of the grace period.

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Academic Probation
Students with regular or tentative admission will be placed on academic probation at any time that their graduate GPA falls below 3.0.

Such students placed on probation must have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the completion of an additional nine hours.

Students who are admitted provisionally must have earned a 3.0 GPA by the completion of nine hours of graduate credit. Students are automatically removed from probation at the conclusion of any semester in which their cumulative hours exceed 9 and their cumulative GPA is 3.0 or better.

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Academic Dismissal
Students shall be dismissed from graduate programs upon:

1. Receiving more than six hours of “C”;
2. Receiving a second grade of “D” or “F”;
3. Failure to achieve a 3.0 GPA average at the conclusion of any nine-hour probationary period.

Petition to return to the graduate program may be made after 16 weeks. Petitions must be in writing and addressed to the Graduate Council.

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Academic Load
Enrollment for Graduate Programs is on a term basis. Each term consists of at least three courses. Nine hours of graduate credit each enrollment period is considered a full load by the university. Load requirements for financial aid programs vary, and each student should check this requirement individually with the financial aid office.

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Satisfactory Academic Progress

Enrollment Period	Credit Hours	CGPA
Term 1	6 credit hours or more completed	3.00
Term 2	15 credit hours or more completed	3.00
Term 3	24 credit hours or more completed	3.00
Term 4	33 credit hours or more completed	3.00

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Program Regulations
Students pursuing a graduate degree at Friends University must be admitted to the specific program from which they are planning to graduate. Students may not be admitted to more than one graduate degree program at a time.

Upon the approval of the appropriate department a maximum of six hours of work in one earned master’s degree program may be applied to a second master’s program.

All master’s degrees require a minimum of 30 hours of graduate credit. Specific program requirements are listed in the Program Descriptions.

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Qualifying Examinations
Qualifying examinations are administered by some departments to determine the student’s qualification to continue graduate study.

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Time Limits
Work for the master’s degree should be completed within five years of the first registration as a graduate student at Friends University. The Graduate Council may impose additional course requirements if the program extends beyond this limit.

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Exceptions
Departures from the rules and regulations as stated in the Catalog require the approval of the Graduate Council. Written requests for any exceptions must be filed with the Coordinator for the particular graduate program.

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Academic Advising
The appropriate college or department appoints academic Advisors.

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Thesis/Project Requirement
Some graduate programs are structured to require a thesis or major project in addition to the required coursework.

Where required, each student is expected to prepare, on an independent basis, a major research paper or a paper resulting from an on-the-job project. This Thesis/Project is an outgrowth of course work in the program. The work must be approved by the student’s graduate committee and, upon completion, must be presented orally to a faculty committee. The deadline for submission of the Thesis/Project is five weeks before the date of graduation. The oral presentation of the paper before the graduate faculty must be scheduled at least three weeks before graduation.

Details of the Thesis/Project requirement are stated in the respective program descriptions. Individual counseling with the Program coordinator is advised.

Please refer to the current Catalog for more specific information.

Student health insurance is available for Friends University students and their spouse and/or children through Student Assurance Services Incorporated. Undergraduate students taking 5 or more credit hours and graduate students pursuing a graduate degree are eligible to enroll in this group plan designed for college students. For more information call the Health and Wellness Office at 316-295-5561 or Student Assurance Services at 316-686-3373 or 1-800-245-0486.

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Identification cards are made for students the first time they register for classes. If you have lost your ID, please contact the Campus Life Office or site office.

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Background and Purpose
This document constitutes a University-wide policy for the appropriate use of all Friends University computing and network resources. It is intended to provide effective protection of individual users, equitable access and proper management of those resources. These guidelines should be interpreted broadly and are intended to supplement, not replace, all existing laws, regulations, agreements and contracts, which currently apply to those resources.

Access to the Friends University networks and computer systems is a privilege and not a right. Access is granted subject to University policies and local, state and federal laws. The contents of all storage media owned or stored on University computing facilities are the property of the University. Appropriate use should always be legal and ethical, reflect academic honesty, conform to community life standards and the mission of the institution as stated in the University Catalog and show restraint in the consumption of shared resources. Users should demonstrate respect for intellectual property rights, ownership of data, system security mechanisms and individuals’ rights to privacy, freedom of speech and freedom from intimidation, harassment and annoyance.

The University is not responsible for illegal, unacceptable or unethical use of the information technology environment including computer and computer networks or electronic communication system.

Authorized Use
Authorized use of Friends University-owned computing and network resources is that which is consistent with the education, research and service mission of the University and with this policy.

The University’s networks and computer systems are maintained for use by Users in connection with University related matters. Authorized Users are any currently enrolled student, active or adjunct faculty member and full-time or part-time employee. Each User will be authenticated periodically to verify these requirements. While the University will attempt to respect academic freedom in the use of its information technology environment to achieve academic objectives, any User may be denied access to these resources for any reason or for no reason. No denial of access shall be interpreted as any attempt to control academic freedom.

It is the User’s responsibility to be aware of the potential for any possible effects of manipulating information; and to continuously verify the integrity and completeness of information. Users are responsible for the security and integrity of University information stored on University-owned equipment.

University Access and Disclosure
Authorized access to data or information entails both privilege and responsibility, not only for the User, but also for the University. While the University will treat information stored on its equipment as confidential, the University cannot guarantee confidentiality of stored data. Users should be aware that use of one of the data networks, such as the Internet, and electronic mail and messages, will not necessarily remain confidential from third parties outside the University in transit or on the destination computer system, as those data networks are configured to permit fairly easy access to transmissions. However, there is no expectation of privacy or confidentiality for documents and messages stored on University-owned equipment. Additionally, e-mail and data stored on Friends University’s network of computers may be accessed by the University for the following purposes:

Users of electronic mail systems should be aware that, in addition to being subject to authorized access, electronic mail in its present form cannot be secured and is vulnerable to unauthorized access and modification by third parties. The University retains the right to monitor and restrict users for any reason which degrades performance of the information technology environment. Because of the open nature of the Internet, the University cannot be held responsible for what content the User might encounter. The University reserves the right to inspect electronic mail usage by any person at any time without prior notice as deemed necessary to protect business-related concerns of the University to the full extent not expressly prohibited by applicable statutes.

Examples of Improper Use
Though not exhaustive, the following list is provided to emphasize that these activities are NOT allowed on the Friends University networks or computer systems: hacking; unauthorized use of facilities, accounts access codes, privileges or information; using the Internet fro purposes outside of academic, administrative and research activities; any activity that violates the laws, regulations and rules, whether federal, state, or local or University; willful destruction or damage to computers or data; unauthorized monitoring of communications equipment; violation of network security or attempts to break password restrictions; use of network or computer environment for private enterprise; any use for any private commercial enterprise, monetary gain or business outside of the University; use of another User’s password or any access code; use of electronic mail for the distribution of unsolicited information or advertising; violations of any software licenses or any copyright; violation of any person’s or entry’s right of privacy’ creation or forwarding of chain letters; sending universal or spammed mail; defamation or any conduct which is offensive or threatening to any individual or group; accessing obscene pornographic or hate-based material or Web sites; accessing hacker or cracker material or sites; posting, sending or acquiring sexually explicit or sexually oriented material, hate-based material and hacker-related material; creation, installation or spread of computer virus of any type; attempting system crashes; sharing a User account with another; and unauthorized access to private information or any information belonging to another.

Improper Use Penalties
The University retains the right to unilaterally limit access to the information technology environment for improper use or for any other reason. All procedures, hearings, evaluations and investigations are at the discretion of the University and need not be provided in any particular situation. Neither the following subsections nor this policy grant Users any right to access Friends University computers and network systems under its control or any right to a review by hearing or investigation when the University denies access to its information technology environment.

Limitation of Liability
Although the University tried to provide a stable and accurate computing environment, from time to time hardware and/or software errors, or errors of other types may arise. The University does not warrant the accuracy of its computers, hardware software, network, communication systems or any part of it, including documentation, advice or consultation. The University does not guarantee access to the information technology environment. The University shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential or actual damages, even if advised of the possibility thereof. In no event shall the University, or any employee or department, be liable for the failure to provide access to the information technology environment.

Web Steering Committee
The Web Steering Committee (WSC) is a committee established by President’s Cabinet to manage the University’s Web sites. This committee will ensure that all posted material to www.friends.edu and friendsweb (intranet) has a consistent and polished appearance, is aligned with University goals and is protected by adequate security measures.

In addition, these pages must conform to layout, navigation and legal wording standards. The studentweb page information is further outlined below and also falls under the overall management of the Web Steering Committee. Internet and network usage is a privilege, not a right and may be discontinued at any time. Access is granted subject to University policies and local, state and federal laws. The contents of all storage media owned or stored on University computing facilities are the property of the University. Appropriate use should always be legal and ethical, reflect academic honesty, conform to community life standards and the mission of the institution as stated in the University Catalog and show restraint in the consumption of shared resources. Users should demonstrate respect for intellectual property rights, ownership of data, system security mechanisms and individuals’ rights to privacy, freedom of speech and freedom from intimidation, harassment and annoyance.

Official Web Pages
All official Internet Web pages start with http://www.friends.edu; all official Intranet Web pages start with http://friendsweb.friends.edu; all official student Web pages start with http://studentweb.friends.edu. All information posted to the University’s Web sites must have a designated content owner. Contact information for this owner must be submitted to the Web Editor. Before information is posted to www.friends.edu or the University’s intranet site, friendsweb, the designated content owner must thoroughly check all information and programs to make sure they do not include viruses, Trojan horses and other malicious code. The designated content owner must also confirm the information’s accuracy, timeliness and relevance to Friends University business.

The laws for copyrights, patents, trademarks and all legal issues such as disclosure of confidential information and copyright infringement must be resolved prior to posting.

Unofficial Web pages dealing with Friends University are prohibited. The friendsweb is for the exclusive use of authorized persons. Unlike the Internet, information on the intranet may be disseminated only to University employees. Employees must not forward information appearing on the intranet to third parties without going through the appropriate internal channels, generally Human Resources or the Web Steering Committee.

All content posted to www.friends.edu, friendsweb and studentweb.friends.edu sites are the property of Friends University.

Photographic Release Forms
Friends University publication protocol requires photographic release forms for posting of non-public event photos on www.friends.edu. The designated content owner will obtain a signed Photographic Release Form authorizing the use of photos for publicity and promotional purposes prior to submission of photos to the Web Editor for posting. Parent or guardian signatures are required for posting of minor children’s photos. Completed release forms are housed in the Public Relations Office. Click here for Photographic Release Form. (Coming Soon)

Electronic Commerce Pages
Conducting any business on university Web sites not related to the business of the University is prohibited. Student Web Pages Friends University may supply the facilities for its currently enrolled students to create and publish their own complimentary student Web page located at studentweb.friends.edu. Faculty and students may use this site solely to develop web pages as required for course curriculum. Those who seek to use studentweb.friends.edu must first sign a statement acknowledging that they are responsible for all content posted on that site and the content must meet university policy requirements and Community Life Standards.

If a problem with design, content, security or an operational problem is reported or discovered, the personal page owner will be contacted by the course instructor with a request to correct the problem. If the problem is not promptly corrected, the page will be rendered inaccessible until the matter is resolved to the course instructor’s and the Web Steering Committee’s satisfaction. A university disclaimer is posted at studentweb.friends.edu and all pages are required to link to this disclaimer.

E-commerce site development as part of course curriculum will include this disclaimer stating the page is not an active site and visitors are not to enter valid personal or credit card information. Students are responsible for capturing (copying) their student Web pages. Pages will be deleted following the completion of the traditional semester or non-term based program.

Course Curriculum
The University understands the need of faculty and currently enrolled students to use studentweb.friends.edu in their course curriculum, however there are other tools also available to instructors. The University encourages the use of Blackboard or e-college; both elearning platforms provide faculty the opportunity to post course content, syllabi, and audio lectures, streaming audio, quizzes, webliographies, electronic journaling and a host of other amenities.

Hyperlinks
Hyperlinks that transfer a user’s Internet session from www.friends.edu, friendsweb and/or studentweb.friends.edu to an outside entity must open in a new browser window. Discretionary removal of sites deemed unsuitable remains with the Web Steering Committee and President’s Cabinet. Sites deemed unsuitable by WSC or President’s Cabinet may be removed in the WSC sole discretion.

Staging Area for New/Changed Web Pages
New and /or significantly changed content to be posted to www.friends.edu or friendsweb sites must be reviewed and tested by the Web Editor prior to posting. Exceptions are established only through the written approval of the Web Steering Committee.

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Edmund Stanley Library
Circulation and Overdue Policies

Circulation Loan Period:
Reserve Collection

• Two hour
  
• One day
  
• Three days
  

• Four weeks
  
• Renewal privileges - one time

Overdue/Fines:
Reserve Collection

• Fines of $0.50 per hour/day overdue are charged to items that are two-hour reserves. 
  

• Fines of $0.25 per day for books only from due date are charged. There is a 30 day loan period.

Media

• Fines of $0.50 per day from due date are charged. Maximum fine per item is $5. There is a seven day loan period.
  

Holds:

Lost Books:

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Friends University strives to maintain a high level of security, but does not assume responsibility for loss or damage to students’ property or possessions. The University encourages students to check with their homeowner/renter’s insurance to make sure that personal items are covered while on campus. For those students living in university-owned housing, the University recommends purchasing renter’s insurance or adding a rider to their family’s homeowner/renter’s insurance. Items left by students are presumed abandoned after 45 days and are then subject to disposal without notice.

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Guidelines for what signs to post and how to get approved:

• The only terms that may be posted are those directly related to the University (such as classroom changes, advertising for Friends’events, etc.)
• Posters must be stamped by the Campus Life Office (lower level of Casado).
• Items may not be posted which have another Unversity’s name on it (such as an event hosted at WSU), unless Friends’ name appears in print as well. The expection to this is advertising for graduate programs (no stamp required).
• Due to liability issues, posters which advertise items for sale or rent may not be posted on campus, with one deviation. There are bulletin boards on the 1st floor and 2nd floor of the Davis Building that are identified for this type of poster (no stamp required). These bulletin boards will be cleared monthly.
• Separate posting guidelines are in place for Casado Campus Center and the Olive White Garvey Building. Inquiries should be made in the Campus Life office, 295-LIFE.

• On bulletin boards
• In classrooms, on bulletin boards and windows
• On glass surrounding entrance doors (use scotch tape to affix). The area adjacent to doors is the proper place for posting any notices not placed on bulletin boards.
• From railings in stairwells (get string from Campus Life; this is for larger banners/posters)

• DO NOT place a poster on a door
• DO NOT place a poster on a painted surface or wood surface. Tape and other substances that adhere items to walls and doors leave a sticky film that will permanently discolor the surface.
• DO NOT use masking tape.
• DO NOT use tacks or small nails.
• DO NOT use thumbtacks on surfaces other than bulletin boards
• Remember to take down your signs/posters after your event.

PLEASE NOTE: Damage to any walls or surfaces, caused by posting notices with tape, tacks, nails, or adhesives, may result in the department or organization responsible for said posting incurring burdensome repair expenses.

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Click here for information concerning Residence Life Policies.

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When a student brings or invites a non-Friends person(s) to the University or a University-sponsored event, the student accepts responsibility for the actions of his/her guest(s). The University expects the student to inform the guest(s) of all the rules and regulations of the University. The student may also be subject to disciplinary action based on the actions of his/her guest(s).

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Except as specifically permitted by this policy, soliciting for personal, business, organizational, or political purposes is not allowed on the Friends University campus. This includes selling goods or services, distributing information, or otherwise seeking support on university property. Limited solicitation may be allowed in connection with university-sponsored events. However, any solicitation done as a part of a university-sponsored event must have approval of a University vice president.

Friends University student organizations are allowed to fundraise with the permission of the Campus Life Office. Student organizations may also hold election campaigns in accordance with the guidelines listed in the Students Government Association By-laws and Friends University Posting Policy. (Please refer to the Student Organization Handbook for more information.)

This solicitation policy has been developed to maintain the integrity of the educational environment and the protection and privacy of community members. Questions concerning solicitation should be directed to the Campus Life Office.

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Students are expected to conduct themselves, whether on or off campus, in a way that will reflect favorably on them and the University. The University reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant, to discontinue the registration of any student or to withhold the degree of any student if, in the opinion of the faculty or University authorities, their personal conduct, disrespect for regulations or attitude toward policies is detrimental to the general welfare of the University community, or their further association is not conducive to the best interests of the student or the University.

The student conduct code has been established by the University to protect its educational purpose, to provide for the orderly conduct of activities, to protect the victims of crime, and to safeguard the interests of the University community.

Members of the University community share the same responsibilities of citizenship as other members of the broader community. Students, faculty and staff members are all subject to the same laws and ordinances. The University does not stand between national, state or local law enforcement agencies and persons who violate the law. Persons who violate the law are subject to disciplinary action regardless of the action or inaction of civil authorities.

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Students interested in employment on campus should obtain and complete the Application for Student Employment form located in the Student Development or Site Office. The student should submit their applications to the department for the positions s/he is interested in working.

Student employees are classified as temporary part-time and therefore are not eligible to receive University benefits. To be eligible for student employment, a student must be degree bound. Students pursuing a degree completion or graduate program may work as a student employee as long and their program is in session.

Click here for more information on student employment. 

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Students may access the graduation/completion rates of Friends University as required by the Higher Education Act of 1965. These rates reflect the graduation/completion status of only those first-time, full-time students who enrolled with zero (0) hours and who will complete their programs within six (6) years. Click here for the graduation/completion rates on the Registrar’s Office Web pages.

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Student Responsibility | Classification | Normal Student Load | Credit Hours and Credit Points | Grading System | Class Attendance | Academic Probation | Transfer Credit Policies | Registration | Changes in Registration |

Student Responsibility
The administration and faculty of Friends University attempt to outline clearly and advise consistently concerning requirements for graduation and the student’s progress in meeting these requirements. Part of the student’s personal development, however, is the recognition and acceptance of responsibility in meeting all graduation requirements. The student is expected to take the initiative and to follow through in the completion of all requirements and details of the academic program.

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Classification
Classification is based upon the student’s academic standing in terms of hours and credit points at the beginning of the semester. Regular students are those who have satisfied entrance requirements and are pursuing a course of study leading to a degree. They are classified as follows:

• Freshmen: Students with fewer than 28 semester hours and 56 credit points.
• Sophomores: Students who have completed 28 semester hours and 56 credit points.
• Junior: Students who have completed 58 semester hours and 116 credit points.
• Senior: Students who have completed 88 semester hours and 176 credit points.

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Normal Student Load
The normal student load at Friends University is 12 to 16 semester hours during the fall semester and 12 to 16 hours during the spring semester.

Students with a “B” average may register for more than 17 hours with signed permission from the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The institution reserves the right to limit the academic load of students whose outside employment, campus activities or academic performance make such limitations advisable.

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Credit Hours and Credit Points
A Credit Hour (semester hour) is the equivalent of one regular class period a week for a semester. In general preparation for one hour of class requires two hours of outside work.

Credit Points are assigned as follows for the purpose of determining scholastic averages
Each semester:
  1 hour of “A” = 4 credit points
  1 hour of “B” = 3 credit points
  1 hour of “C” = 2 credit points
  1 hour of “D” = 1 credit point

The Cumulative Grade Point Average, commonly spoken as GPA, is determined by dividing the credit hours taken in all graded courses accepted by, or completed at, Friends University into the credit points received.

“In good standing" means that a student has met academic and other requirements and has paid all university financial obligations. Registration may be denied to students not in good standing. Transcripts and diplomas are withheld until past due financial obligations are paid.

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Grading System
The grade symbols and their significance are as follows:

Grade “A” indicates superior work.
Grade “B” indicates good work.
Grade “C” indicates satisfactory work.
Grade “D” indicates inferior work, but a passing grade.
Grade “F” indicates failure to complete work sufficient in quantity or quality to receive credit.
Grade “S” when given, indicates satisfactory completion of course.
Grade “I” indicates an incomplete.
The mark “AU” (audit) is used to indicate enrollment on a “no credit” basis.
“WD” means withdrawn.
“NC” (no credit) is used in Education Courses, Writing 1 and Developmental Mathematics to indicate failure to complete work sufficient in quantity or quality to receive credit.
Pass/No Credit Option (“P”/“NC”) Juniors and seniors may enroll in up to 12 semester hours of free electives on a “pass/no credit” basis.
“0” Credit indicates that a student is electing to take courses for “0” credit.

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Class Attendance
Students are expected to attend all class sessions. When absence is unavoidable, students should arrange in advance with the instructor for the completion of all work missed. Penalty for unexcused absences rests with the teachers concerned.

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Academic Probation
A student will be placed on probation upon earning a cumulative grade point average of less than 1.60 for freshman, less than 1.80 for sophomores and less than 2.00 for juniors and seniors.

Students normally have the academic year (September through May) or two semesters to prove themselves and to demonstrate their ability to make normal progress toward graduation. Those who fail will be suspended or dismissed at the conclusion of this period. However, the University reserves the right to suspend anyone failing to make normal progress at the end of any semester.

Students on Academic Dismissal may apply for re-entrance after sitting out for at least one semester.

Students on Academic Probation cannot participate in intercollegiate athletics, hold office in student organizations nor compete for membership in performing groups that represent the institution.

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Transfer Credit Policies
Students from other accredited institutions may be admitted to advanced standing upon the presentation of official transcripts. A transcript is considered official when mailed direct to Friends from the previous institution. An official transcript from each college previously attended is required in order to be considered for admissions. Friends University normally accepts course credit from all accredited colleges and universities. (Exception: In keeping with our Quaker heritage, Friends University does no accept ROTC military credits.) Students from non-accredited post-secondary institutions will be admitted and their credits verified by the Registrar after 15 hours of acceptable work at Friends. Care should be taken not to duplicate work completed at the previous institution.

Request for permission to validate any credit earned in a non-accredited school by examination or sequence course may be addressed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Credit is transferred with the grade earned in the course at the institution where the course was taken. All grades are calculated for a transfer GPA including courses that might have been deleted from consideration by an “academic fresh start” at the transferring institution. Students should be aware that credits may be transcripted but not counted toward major or graduation requirements. “D” grades in major courses and certain other courses are not accepted toward graduation.

All traditional students must have at least 60 credit hours from a four-year college (including the 30 hours in residence at Friends University) to receive a bachelor’s degree. The Degree Completion programs require 46 credit hours from a four-year college (including the 30-hour residency requirement). All students may use experiential learning credits (portfolio) to count as four-year college credits but not as residency credits.

The Friends University guidelines for translating proprietary school credit to Friends University credits are:

1. The student must take proficiency examinations over the proprietary school courses for which they are seeking Friends University credit. The examinations can be given the first semester the student enrolls at Friends. (See page 39 for credit by examination procedure and cost.) The Friends University faculty will make the final decision on grades and total hours.
2. The student must successfully complete 15 hours of credit at Friends University before the translated credits will be added to the student’s official transcript.

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Registration
Students are listed on official class rosters upon completion of their registration, which includes course selection and the payment of fees and tuition.

In registering for the first time, students will want to keep in mind the opportunities for Credit Examination and Advanced Placement as described elsewhere in this catalog. Students may enroll in courses for credit or as auditors.

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Changes in Registration
To add or withdraw from a class in the semester-based programs, a student must complete the proper form and obtain the necessary signatures. A Change of Registration form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar’s Office. Attendance in a class does not constitute addition or withdrawal from a class.

Adding a Class
No addition to a student’s schedule may be made after 10 academic days from the beginning of classes during a semester or after five days in eight-week sessions. A student who does not properly add a class to their registration will not receive a grade for the class.

Withdrawing from a Class
Grades will not be recorded for courses dropped by the end of the first week of a regular semester. Courses dropped between the second and tenth week will be recorded as “WD” (withdrawn). Permission to withdraw from a course after the tenth week of a semester, third week or a summer session or fifth week of an eight-week session is possible only in extenuating circumstances by special permission of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. A student who does not properly withdraw from a class will receive a failing grade (F) in the course. (See “Student Initiated Withdrawal” on p. 7 for procedures on complete withdrawal from the University.)

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Please refer to the current Catalog for more specific information.

All motor vehicle parking on campus is restricted to marked parking spaces in approved parking lots or on public streets. Parking citations will be issued for violation of parking regulations. Parking regulations are in effect 24 hours a day.

Parking fines are to be paid at the cashiers counter in Sumpter Hall. A written appeal may be made by the recipient of a citation to the Director of Security within 10 school days of issuance. Appeals will be heard by the Friends University Traffic Court and penalties will be waived until a decision is made.

At the discretion of the University, fines not paid within 30 days of issuance, if not appealed, may be added to the student’s account as unpaid fees. Unpaid parking fines will preclude a student from receiving a transcript, having academic credits certified or receiving a diploma.

Parking regulations must also be followed at the Topeka, Mission, Lenexa and Independence sites and outreach locations. Please contact staff at these sites for specific information concerning parking.

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Student-Initiated Withdrawal
To withdraw completely from the University, a student must notify the Registrar’s Office in person, in writing, by email, or by fax that they are withdrawing. The student or University staff will complete a withdrawal form and the Student Account Services Office, Financial Aid Office, Admissions Office (if applicable), and Dean of Students Office will be notified of the withdrawal. Discontinued class attendance does not constitute an official withdrawal. The official withdrawal date will be the date this procedure is initiated. If a student is no longer attending any class, the University may withdraw the student’s enrollment.

Administrative Withdrawal
Friends University may elect to initiate an administrative withdrawal in order to withdraw a student from all classes for any of the following reasons:

1. The student has failed to provide the documentation required by the University in order for the student to achieve full admission status.
2. The student has failed to meet the University’s basic standards for academic performance and/or progress.
3. The student is no longer attending any classes.
4. The student has failed to provide the documentaion requested by the university in order for the university to complete the student's financial aid file in a timely manner.
5. The student has failed to make payment of tuition and/or fees to the University in the manner, amount and at the time agreed upon between the student and the University’s Student Account Services office.
6. The student has failed to meet the University’s code of conduct or community life standards.

Should Friends University elect to initiate an administrative withdrawal, written notification will be sent to the student. The student will have five business days to appeal any administrative withdrawal. The completion of an administrative withdrawal does not relieve the student from his or her financial obligations to the university. All charges which are unpaid by the student at the time of administrative withdrawal will become immediately due and payable. Refunds will be issued and credits applied in accordance with the university’s published refund policy.

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