AIU Atlanta
2015
®
Student Handbook
The statements and policies set forth in this handbook (effective August 2015) are for
informational purposes only and should not be construed as the basis of a contract
between a student and this institution. While every effort is made to provide accurate and
current information, the University reserves the right to change, without notice, any
provision in this handbook without actual notice to individual students. Every effort will
be made to keep students advised of any such changes. In case of any information that is
inconsistent or contrary to the current American InterContinental University Catalog,
the information found in the catalog is controlling and supersedes any information found
in this handbook. It is especially important that each student note that it is the individual
student’s responsibility to keep apprised of current graduation requirements for her or
his particular program of study. Students enrolled at the University agree to comply with
the University’s rules and regulations and to accommodate any changes necessary.
Information on changes will be available in the Student Experience Department.
AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
Table of Contents
CAMPUS PRESIDENT’S WELCOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
CAMPUS DIRECTOR OF STUDENT EXPERIENCE'S WELCOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
STUDENT EXPERIENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Career Services Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Transfer Between Campuses – Campus Transfer Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Health Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Health and Safety Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
International Student Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Student Counseling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Student Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
ADA/Section 504 – Reasonable Accommodations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY REGISTRAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Prior Learning Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Personal Information Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Military Transcript . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Experiental Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Professional Training and Certification Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
CLEP Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
AIU Accelerate™ Assessments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
DSST Examinations (Dantes Subject Standardized Test) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Registrar’s Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
International Transcripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND ACADEMIC TERM PROCESSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Academic Support/Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Academic Advising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Class Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Attendance Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Directed Study Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Field Trips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Who Assigns Grades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Grade Appeal Procedure Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Campus Grade Appeal Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Grade Appeal Procedure for AIU Online Courses. (Virtual Campus Courses) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Appeals Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Grade Appeals and the Role of the University Appeals Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Grading System and Application of Grades and Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Graduate Exit Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Graduation Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Participation in the Graduation Ceremony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Incomplete Grade Procedure (I) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Incomplete Grade Procedure – AIU Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Leave of Absence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Internships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Normal Academic Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
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AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
Online Class Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Academic Collaboration for Excellence Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
New Student Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
FINANCIAL SERVICES AND SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Cash Payment Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Employer Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Program Financing Policy Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
GENERAL POLICIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Access Policy to AIU Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Security Procedures at AIU Atlanta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Student and Employee IDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Bookstore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Course Materials for Students Taking Courses from AIU Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Campus Closure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Campus Evacuation Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Fire Evacuation Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Bomb Evacuation Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Tornado Preparedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Hurricane Preparedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Office of the Ombudsman/Grievance Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Dress Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Hours of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Inclement Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Smoking, Eating, Drinking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Student Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Student Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Student Portal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Vandalism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Visitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
CAMPUS HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Health and Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Non-Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
COMPUTING AND NETWORK RESOURCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Acceptable Use of Computing and Network Resources Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
E-mail Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Software Code of Ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
AIU Help Desk Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
LIBRARY RESOURCES AND SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
AIU Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
How to Access Cybrary 2.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Checkout Privileges and Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Overdue Fees and Replacement Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Materials not Available for Checkout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Appropriate Behavior in the Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Library Personal Property Search Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
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Scanners and Printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Alumni Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Honor Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Academic Integrity Violation: University Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Definition of “Instructional Management” Academic Integrity Violation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Definition of “Egregious” Academic Integrity Violation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Academic Integrity Appeal Procedure Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Formal Academic Integrity Appeal Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Academic Integrity Appeals and the Role of the University Appeals Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Student Conduct Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Disregard of the Student Conduct Code: Penalties and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Student Rights and Responsibilities of Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Freedom of Expression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Policy and Philosophy on Drug and Alcohol Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Learning Environment Preservation Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Student Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Use of Images and Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Student Belongings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Abandoned Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Offensive Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Belonging to an Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Expectations and Policies for Student Clubs and Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Policy for Forming Clubs and Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Student Government Association (SGA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Departmental Clubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Honor Societies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
3
AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
Campus President’s Welcome
Dear Student:
On behalf of our graduates, current students, staff and faculty, I would like to welcome you to the career-focused
learning community of AIU Atlanta. I am pleased you have selected our school. I feel confident that once
you discover the different approach we take to helping students achieve their educational goals, you will feel
comfortable about the decision you made to join us. Earning a college or graduate degree in today's world should
not feel like an overwhelming proposition. It should be achievable for anyone with the desire and motivation to take
the next step in his or her professional development. This is one of the main reasons so many individuals choose
AIU to acquire the knowledge, skills and experience required in many areas of today's competitive job market.
At AIU, we are committed to helping you acquire an industry-current education in your chosen field of interest –
conveniently and with exceptional service. Our adaptable learning model enables you to access course materials in
ways that correspond to your current schedule, lifestyle and preferred method of learning. If you prefer the
flexibility and convenience of completing your studies through our award-winning online Virtual Campus, AIU
Atlanta is here for you. Maybe you have decided to earn a degree to enhance your current career experience.
Or, perhaps you are determined to pursue an education that can provide you with the starting point for furthering
your professional opportunities. Either way, we think you will fit right in at AIU Atlanta, and I look forward to
supporting you in your efforts.
Sincerely,
Dr. Hisham Shaban
Campus President
Campus Director of Student Experience's Welcome
Greetings and welcome to American InterContinental University’s Atlanta Campus!
It is so exciting to have you as a member of our student body and we are pleased you have chosen our University to
pursue your education. During your time at American InterContinental University you will have the opportunity to
work with dedicated faculty and staff that are here to assist you in the achievement of your academic goals.
This Student Handbook provides you with important information about how the University works, where to go
based on the need or who on campus to see with any questions, concerns or suggestions. Every student is
responsible to be knowledgeable of the policies, procedures and standards of conduct that are specified in the
Student Handbook and University Catalog.
Should you have any questions about any of this information please do not hesitate to ask any member of our staff.
The Office of Student Experience is here to assist you throughout your college experience and encourage you to
stop by any of our offices to share your successes, ask questions or request assistance. We are here for you and
welcome the opportunity to be of service.
Again, welcome and all the best in your educational journey!
Kind regards,
Alice Oliver
Campus Director of Student Experience
(404) 965-6504
aoliver@aiuniv.edu
4
AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
Student Experience
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Student Experience Department at American InterContinental University is to assist students with
the assimilation process so that they can readily become part of the University community. Services are provided to
augment each student’s objective to seek a quality education that will enhance his/her professional and personal goals.
A network of support services are available for all students. These services include advisement, student development,
recreation, student activities, leadership opportunities, student organizations and opportunities for personal growth.
Services available to students include:
•
Student Management (First Term)
•
Career Services
•
Academic Advising/Student Services (Registration)
•
Retention
•
Re-Entry
•
Resource Referrals
•
Student Organizations/Clubs/Activities
CAREER SERVICES DEPARTMENT
The Career Services Department is responsible for assisting students with the preparation for finding employment
within their chosen fields. The University does not guarantee employment; however, the University does have a
variety to tools available to assist students with their job searches and professional preparation.
•
Resume Writing Assistance
•
Mock Interview Preparation
•
Career Planning
•
Professional Appearance and Preparation
•
Assistance in professional development and networking opportunities
•
Career Fairs, Featured Employer Events, Panels
•
Assistance with applications and cover letters
•
Computers with word processing capabilities and Internet access
•
Job search workshops and seminars
•
Professional Development Seminars
Part-time and full-time job opportunities are placed on the AIU Employer Network site and can be accessed via the
internet or through the mobile application. Additionally, job boards and fliers are available for review in the career
services office.
5
AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
TRANSFER BETWEEN CAMPUSES – CAMPUS TRANSFER PROCESS
Students wishing to transfer among AIU campuses must meet all of the requirements as stated in the AIU
University Catalog. To obtain the necessary forms and timeline to apply for transfer, students must contact the
campus Registrar’s Office.
HEALTH SERVICES
The University sponsors Health Fairs with speakers on issues regarding health, safety and well being. The Student
Experience Department also provides individuals with personal counseling referrals and insurance information on
health-related issues.
HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN
A detailed outline of Health and Safety Policies and Procedures of the University is available in the comprehensive
Consumer Information and Campus Security Guide distributed to each student on an annual basis in which the
overall security plan, educational programs, and fire evacuation plans are outlined in detail. The comprehensive plan
is updated annually by the Regulatory Compliance Department and is available to students in the Student Experience
Department.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES
The Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and Designated School Official (DSO) are the University’s liaisons
to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the United States Office of Homeland
Security. All F-1 students must register with the School PDSO or DSO upon arrival to the University so information
can be updated in SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitor Information System).
The Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and Designated School Official (DSO) are available to assist all
students holding F-1 visas while studying at the School with matters pertaining to the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
6
Enrollment and Academic Requirements
Advisement
Driver’s License Issuance and Social Security Number
Bringing Family to the United States
Maintaining F-1 Status
Residency Status and Changes
Referral Sources to other University Offices and Academic Departments
Extending Your 1-20
Grace Periods
Reinstatement
Transferring to Another School
Travel Information and Requirements
Employment Authorization
Changing Your Visa Status
AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
Once your I-20 has been issued and used, SEVIS begins collecting information about a student's status such as
registration for classes, change in program or major, work requests and authorizations, etc. This information is
recorded in the government database so it is required that students inform the PDSO or DSO of any significant
changes, such as an address change/change of program, and a new I-20 that includes these changes is requested.
STUDENT COUNSELING
The Student Experience Department provides personal counseling referrals and information on health services.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
The Student Experience Department coordinates a program of activities each term. Since many class projects include
outside study, work or field trips, student activities are designed to engage the student in social, educational and
cultural roles.
Activities take place on campus, in and outside the campus building. Students should refer to the Student Conduct
Code in this handbook, as it applies to all student activities on or off campus. In addition, the penalties and
disciplinary procedures outlined in the handbook will apply.
ADA/SECTION 504 – REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
Applicants for admission to the School or current students requesting an accommodation must complete Student
Request for Accommodation and Student Authorization for Disclosure of Medical Information forms and have his or
her health-care provider complete a Provider Certification of disability and Recommendations for Accommodation
form. Copies of these forms may be obtained from the School’s ADA/504 Coordinator. Completed forms and
supporting documentation must be submitted to the Coordinator at the email address below or to the Coordinator’s
mailing address. To enable the School to evaluate an individual’s needs, engage in an interactive process with him or
her, and provide appropriate reasonable accommodations in a timely fashion, the School requests that individuals
complete and submit the required forms and supporting documentation at least six (6) weeks before the first day of
classes, or as soon as practicable under the circumstances. (Please refer to the Catalog, ADA /Section 504Reasonable Accommodations Policy).
Individuals requesting an auxiliary aid or service will need to complete a Student Request for ADA/504
Accommodations form. To enable AIU to provide an auxiliary aid or service in a timely manner, AIU requests that
individuals complete and submit the Application for Auxiliary Aid six weeks before the first day of classes, or as
soon as practicable.
ADA/504 Coordinator
Alice C. Oliver
Campus Director of Student Experience
6600 Peachtree Dunwoody Road
500 Embassy Row
Atlanta, GA 30328
mailto:aoliver@aiuniv.edu
404-965-6504
The School will make its determination on an individualized, case-by-case basis with input from the individual
requesting accommodation, the School’s ADA/504 Coordinator, and faculty and administrators, as necessary. Except
in unusual cases, the School will reach a determination regarding an individual’s request for accommodation and
notify the individual in writing of the determination with three (3) weeks of his or her properly submitted request.
(Please refer to the Catalog, ADA/Section 504-Reasonable Accommodations Policy).
7
AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
Office of University Registrar
The primary purpose of the Office of the University Registrar is to support the educational mission of the American
InterContinental University and to provide student-centered service to prospective students, current students and
alumni. The Office of the University located within the Academic Affairs Department of American InterContinental
University. Divisions housed by the Office of the University Registrar include Prior Learning Assessment,
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), Student Records, Centralized Registrar Services, and various campus
Registrars’ offices. The Office of the University Registrar maintains accurate, confidential, and secure academic
records pertaining to students and alumni and provides the following services.
•
Official transcript evaluation for degree planning services
•
Student Directory Information Changes
•
•
•
•
•
Evaluates Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and provides communication about SAP statuses
Transcript Requests
Diploma Orders
Deferments
Enrollment Verifications
PERSONAL INFORMATION CHANGES
Students may make personal information changes through the Virtual Campus, including: addresses, phone numbers,
and personal email addresses. All other personal information changes, such as First and Last Name, Date of Birth,
Social Security Numbers, Citizenship status, etc., must be requested through the University Registrar Department via
phone or email: 877-221-5800 extension 64502 or studentrecords@aiuonline.edu. Personal information changes can
only be processed upon confirmation of receipt of acceptable documentation of current, legal information.
Acceptable documentation includes:
Valid unexpired US Driver License
Valid unexpired US State Issued Identification Card
Certified Birth Certificate
Certified Court Document
Valid unexpired US Passport
Certified Marriage Certificate/License
Documentation from Social Security
Administration with their seal
US Citizenship Papers
Social Security Card
Certified Divorce Decree
*Name change documentation must include evidence of prior and current name. Therefore, multiple documents may be
required.
**Certified documents are photocopies of a document, judgment, or record that is signed and attested to as an accurate
and a complete reproduction of the original document by a public official.
PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT
American InterContinental University (AIU) has a defined policy for the evaluation and awarding of college transfer
credit, military transfer credit, advanced placement/standardized examinations, experiential learning, and professional
training/certification credit. AIU recognizes that collegiate-level learning can take place outside of the college
classroom or laboratory and remain relevant to AIU degree programs, consistent with AIU’s academic policies and
8
AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
standards, and that adult learners generally have educational needs that differ from those of traditional college and
university students. AIU’s philosophy is a reflection of its mission, which is to foster educational success and meet
the needs of a career-oriented, culturally diverse and geographically dispersed student body. The preparation of
students academically, personally, and professionally for successful careers is the central focus of AIU's mission.
The procedures relative to the evaluation and awarding of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credit ensure that only
collegiate-level, degree-applicable course work is eligible for transfer credit; that military transfer credit is considered
only for demonstrated competencies deemed comparable to collegiate-level learning by the American Council on
Education (ACE); that both proprietary and external advanced placement methods, standardized examinations, and
professional training/certification credit represent and demonstrate collegiate-level learning; and that such
demonstrated competencies are comparable to student learning outcomes at AIU and consistent with the University’s
academic policies and standards. AIU employs Prior Learning Assessment Evaluators, Faculty, and Subject Matter
Experts in the evaluation of prior-learning credentials.
MILITARY TRANSCRIPT
AIU may award credit for comparable courses or electives in a student's degree program upon evaluation of an
official military transcript. AIU will request the student's official military transcript(s) at the time of acceptance. At
the time of enrollment, students are asked to complete a Military Transcript Request Form to aid in the retrieval of
outstanding transcripts without student involvement. Occasionally, additional assistance on the student’s behalf is
essential to retrieve transcripts when the efforts of the University are not successful in the retrieval process. Official
transcripts are required to be on file prior to the first day of the second quarter/term of study.
For additional assistance regarding your military transcript, please contact the following:
Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard
•
Joint Services Transcript
• Visit the following website for information on how to request an official transcript:
https://jst.doded.mil/smart/welcome.do
Air Force
•
Community College of the Air Force
• Visit the following website for information on how to request an official transcript:
http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/transcripts.asp
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
AIU may award 100-200 level credit for experiential learning that has been acquired through professional
employment or employment-related career experiences in keeping with American Council on Education (ACE) and
the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) recommendations. Life and learning experiences alone,
however, are inadequate bases for the award of experiential credit. In order for such learning to be considered for this
credit award, it must:
1. Relate specifically to lower-level coursework required for the student’s enrolled program of study or appropriate
elective areas.
2. Result in experientially attained and mastered competencies that are appropriately documented and substantially
similar to the course outcomes that would be acquired in the comparable lower-level AIU course.
3. Students must start the process for this credit evaluation by contacting their Academic Operations Coordinator
/Program Chair, who can provide the submission requirements for experiential learning.
9
AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
The final portfolio is submitted to the appropriate faculty subject matter expert and the University Registrar’s Prior
Learning Assessment Office for review and to determine if there is a credit award (designated by a grade of "PR").
Up to 18 credits in the overall degree program can be based on experiential learning.
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION CREDIT
Students who have acquired formal training outside of the sponsorship of traditional credit granting institutions
(including certificate training with officially documented clock hours or CEUs or other company training) may be
eligible for proficiency credit awards. If the training in question is documented verifiable, and meets specified AIU
course objectives, it may meet the requirements for an award of proficiency credit (designated by a grade of “PR”).
Other clock hour or CEU programs and courses listed on an official institutional transcript may have a credit award
based on appropriate credit conversions through the same internal review process. If a student has already completed
professional training/certification, they should submit documentation to the Registrar’s Office.
CLEP EXAMINATIONS
The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a national program of credit by examination to obtain recognition
of college level achievement. Students should work with their Academic Operations Coordinator /Program Chair
to determine which CLEP examination(s) would work best within their individual degree plan and consult
http://www.collegeboard.com/ to find a CLEP examination center in their area. AIU awards academic proficiency
credit for 100-200 level comparable coursework based on CLEP examination scores as recommended by the
American Council on Education (ACE). Students must submit an official CLEP score report or have one mailed to
the Registrar’s Office. CLEP Examinations can be taken an unlimited number of times; however, once a test is failed,
a student must wait six months before the same test can be retaken. If successfully completed, proficiency credit
(designated by a grade of "PR grade") may be awarded for the respective course.
AIU ACCELERATE™ ASSESSMENTS
AIU Accelerate assessments are offered to allow undergraduate students to demonstrate mastery in specific subject
areas. A list of assessments can be found at www.aiuniv.edu/accelerate. To determine eligibility or to register for an
assessment, a student should consult his/her assigned Academic Operations Coordinator. Once registered for the
respective assessment, students will be scheduled for a seven day window of time to complete the assessment
modules. The assessment can only be attempted once and must be taken at least one session prior to the start of the
course. Students must score a minimum of 70 percent to pass the assessment. If successfully completed, proficiency
credit (designated by a grade of "PR") may be awarded for the respective course.
DSST EXAMINATIONS
DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) provides another option for students to demonstrate competencies for
learning in non-traditional ways. Students who have previously taken a DSST exam and would like to have it
considered for a proficiency credit award (designated by a grade of "PR") should contact their Academic Operations
Coordinator. Official DSST score sheets may be sent directly to the University Registrar Department. Students
interested in pursuing DSST exams should work with their Academic Operations Coordinator to determine which
exam(s) would be in their best interest to pursue. Additional information on study guides and examination options is
available at http://www.getcollegecredit.com/.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) EXAMINATIONS
Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations provide students the opportunity to complete college-level coursework
10
AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
while in high school. Students scoring a 3 or higher on the AP Examination who would like their scores considered
for a proficiency credit award must submit an official AP score report to be evaluated for this proficiency credit
award (designated by a grade of "PR"). The student’s score report will be evaluated for a credit award based on
recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE).
REGISTRAR’S OFFICE
Transcript Requests – Students may request a copy of their transcript through Parchment Exchange via the Student
Portal under the MyInfo tab (select Student Services) or through Parchment Exchange's website: exchange.parchment.com
or by completing and signing a transcript request form at the Registrar’s office. There is a $5 fee for requesting your
official transcript through Parchment Exchange and a $10 fee for requesting your official transcript through the
Registrar’s Office.
INTERNATIONAL TRANSCRIPTS
Students at AIU are required to have on file all official transcripts for any institutions of higher education previously
attended. This is required for all transcripts, including transcripts from international secondary schools and/or
institutions of higher education. International institutions must be licensed or officially recognized by the Education
Department or Ministry of the country where the institution is in operation to be eligible for transfer of credit or degree
status. While University Registrar Department makes every attempt to review the eligibility of international transcripts
in-house, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that AIU has received all documents needed to make this assessment
up to and including a transcript evaluation. Because of the time it can take for an evaluation to be completed by one of
the approved institutions, AIU recommends students to begin the evaluation process at the time of enrollment.
In the event that the international institution’s transcript was not translated by the institution into English, the student
must provide an official copy of an English translation prepared by a recognized academic translation service.
Translation service information is available from the University Registrar Department. The translations and/or
evaluations are prepared at the student’s expense.
Several transcript evaluation services are available to students. Acceptable evaluations may only come from evaluation
services that are a member of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. or AICE
(Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc.). AIU will consider evaluations and/or recommendations
directly from AACRAO (American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers).
Following is a sample listing of such organizations:
• AACRAO; Office of International Education Services (OIES)
• A2Z Evaluations, LLC
• Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, Inc.
• Academic Evaluations Services, Inc.
• American Education Research Corporation
• Center for Applied Research, Evaluations & Education, Inc.
• Education International, Inc.
• Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE)
• Educational Perspectives, nfp.
• Educational Records Evaluation Services, Inc. (ERES)
• e-ValReports
• Evaluation Service, Inc. (ESI)
• Foreign Academic Credential Service, Inc.
• Foreign Credential Evaluations, Inc
• The Foreign Educational Document Service
11
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Foundation for International Services, Inc.
Global Credential Evaluators, Inc.
Globe Language Services, Inc.
Global Services Associates, Inc.
International Academic Credential Evaluators, Inc.
International Consultants of Delaware, Inc.
International Education Research Foundation, Inc.
International Evaluation Services
Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. International
Education Consultants
Lisano International
SDR Educational Consultants, Inc.
SpanTran Evaluation Services
Transcript Research
World Education Services, Inc. (WES)
AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
1. Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, Inc.
Fax: (310) 275-3528
2. American Education Research Corporation
P.O. Box 996
West Covina, CA 91793-0996
Phone: (626) 339-4404
Fax: (626) 339-9081
Email:aerc@verizon.net
3. Academic Evaluation Services, Inc.
5620 E. Fowler Ave., Suite E
Tampa, FL 33617
Phone: (813) 374-2020
Fax: (813) 374-2023
email: info@aes-edu.org
http://www.aes-edu.org
4. A2Z Evaluations, LLC
216 F Street, #29
Davis, CA 95616
Phone: 530-400-9266
email: info@A2Zeval.com
http://www.A2Zeval.com
5. Center for Applied Research, Evaluations,
& Education, Inc.
P.O. Box 18358
Anaheim, CA 92817
Phone: (714) 237-9272
Fax: (714) 237-9279
email: eval_caree@yahoo.com
http://www.iescaree.com
6. Education International, Inc.
29 Denton Road
Wellesley, MA 02482
Phone: (781) 235-7425
Fax: (781) 235-6831
email: edint2@verizon.com
http://www.educationinternational.org
12
7. Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
P.O. Box 514070
Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470
Phone: (414) 289-3400
Fax: (414) 289-3411
email: eval@ece.org
http://www.ece.org
8. Educational Perspectives, nfp.
P.O. Box 618056
Chicago, IL 60661-8056
Phone: (312) 421-9300
Fax: (312) 421-9353
email: info@edperspective.org
http://www.edperspective.org
9. Educational Records Evaluation Service, Inc.
601 University Avenue, Suite 127
Sacramento, CA 95825
Phone: (916) 921-0790
Fax: (916) 921-0793
email: edu@eres.com
http://www.eres.com
10. e-ValReports
3213 W. Wheeler St., #287
Seattle, WA 98199
Phone: (206) 257-4249
Fax: (206) 687-7944
email: brad@e-valreports.com
http://www.e-valreports.com
11. Evaluation Service, Inc.
333 W. North Avenue, #284
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: (847) 477-8569
Fax: (312) 587-3068
email: info@evaluationservice.net
http://www.evaluationservice.net
AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
12. Foreign Academic Credential
Service, Inc.
P.O. Box 400
Glen Carbon, IL 62034
Phone: (618) 656-5291
Fax: (618) 656-5292
http://www.facsusa.com
13. Foreign Educational Document Service
P.O. Box 151739
San Diego, CA 92175
Phone: (619) 265-5810
email: info@documentservice.org
http://www.documentservice.org
14. Foundation for International Services, Inc.
505 5th Avenue South, Suite 101
Edmonds, WA 98020
Phone: (425) 248-2255
Fax: (425) 248-2262
email: info@fis-web.com
http://www.fis-web.com
15. Global Credential Evaluators, Inc.
P.O. Box 9203
College Station, TX 77842-9203
Phone: (800) 707-0979
Fax: (979) 690-6342
email: gce@gceus.com
http://www.gceus.com or
http://www.gcevaluators.com
16. Globe Language Services, Inc.
305 Broadway Ste. 401
New York, NY 10007
Fax: (212) 693-1489
18. International Academic Credential
Evaluators, Inc.
P.O. Box 2465
Denton, TX 76202-2465
Phone: (940) 383-7498
Fax: (940) 382.4874
email: staff@iacei.net
http://www.iacei.net
19. International Consultants of Delaware, Inc.
3600 Market Street, Suite 450
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 243-5858
http://icdeval.com
20. International Education Research
Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 3665
Culver City, CA 90231-3665
Phone: (310) 258-9451
Fax: (310) 342-7086
email: information@ierf.org
http://www.ierf.org
21. Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
International Education Consultants
7101 S.W. 102 Avenue
Miami, FL 33173
Phone: (305) 273-1616
Fax: (305) 273-1338
Fax: (305) 273-1984 (Translations)
email: info@jsilny.com
http://www.jsilny.com
22. Lisano International
P.O. Box 407
Auburn, AL 36831-0407
Phone: (334) 745-042523.
17. Global Services Associates, Inc.
409 North Pacific Coast Highway, # 393
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Phone: (310) 828-5709
Fax: (310) 828-5709
email: info@globaleval.org
http://www.globaleval.org
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AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
23. SDR Educational Consultants, Inc.
2600 Gessner, Suite 270
Houston, Texas 77080
Phone: (713) 460-3525
Fax: (713) 460-5344
Email: info@sdreducational.org
24. SpanTran Educational Services, Inc.
2400 Augusta Drive, Suite 451
Houston, TX 77057
Phone: (713) 266-8805
Fax: (713) 789-6022
email: info@spantran-edu.org
http://www.spantran-edu.org
25. World Education Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 5087
Bowling Green Station
New York, NY 10274-5087
Phone: (212) 966-6311
Fax: (212) 739-6100
email: info@wes.org
http://www.wes.org
The Admissions Department should inform students who may have pursued postsecondary educational study
internationally that the applicant’s assistance is required in requesting these documents. The student is
required to request translation for any non-English documents and is responsible for all translation costs incurred.
If it is impossible for the institution the student previously attended to release a document, the student may be requested
to send official records (such as student certified copies of transcripts or grade reports) to University Registrar Department
for verification. After the documents are authenticated, the original documents will be returned to the student.
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AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
Academic Information and Academic Term Processes
ACADEMIC SUPPORT/TUTORING
The Learning Center is designed to provide support and tutoring assistance for students to master basic skills in
order to function in upper level courses. Additional tutorial support for upper-level courses may be available on an
appointment basis.
While all students may use the Learning Center and its services, primary consideration is given to students who are
studying or working on academic projects; socializing is discouraged. Keep your voice quiet, so as not to disturb
others. Pagers and cellular telephones must be turned off when visiting the Learning Center. Eating and drinking
are not permitted. These rules apply equally when Learning Center services are used outside the Center (i.e. in a
fashion lab, the classroom, etc.)
Violation of Learning Center policies may result in the loss or restriction of tutoring or visitation privileges. Such
decisions shall be made at the discretion of the Director of Academic Support Services. Serious offenses will be
addressed by the administration.
ACADEMIC ADVISING
1. Academic Operations Coordinators provide academic advising during registration to assist students with the
selection of courses appropriate for the student’s specific goals and interests.
2. Students are also encouraged to take academic concerns to their Program Chair.
CLASS ATTENDANCE
AIU courses emphasize group interaction in the classroom and rely on the collaborative effort and shared expertise
of peers. Prompt arrival at each scheduled in-class session is mandatory. Absent students do not gain the benefit of
class involvement, nor do they contribute to the learning of other students in the class. Consistently late students
also disrupt the flow of educational activities.
Attendance at all scheduled class sessions is required of each student. Scheduled class sessions will be noted in the
syllabus; and each student is expected to be present, on time, and prepared for each class session. Class attendance
records will be maintained by each instructor. In addition, a percentage of the student’s grade may be determined by
class participation.
Occasional circumstances may arise that cause students to miss a class session or to arrive late for a class session.
Students should refer to the course syllabus for instructor policies related to class attendance/participation.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
The goal of AIU is to provide students with learning experiences that will assist them in achieving their goals of a
degree and a career. Students are expected to perform as professionals in their respective fields which includes
reporting to work regularly, on time, and prepared to contribute.
Research has shown that student attendance is directly related to success within a course. Students who attend and
actively participate in a class are more likely to succeed. To this end, American InterContinental University has
adopted the following attendance policy:
•
15
Students in their first term of study MUST attend classes in their first AND second week. Failure to attend in
BOTH weeks may result in the student’s cancellation for the term.
AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
•
Continuing students who register during the drop/add week may be subject to a late registration fee if they have
not registered prior to this period.
•
Students are expected to communicate with the respective faculty, in advance, when an absence will occur. It is
at the discretion of the faculty member to accept late assignments or to allow make-up work due to absences. To
this end, each course syllabus clearly delineates expectations regarding absence notification of faculty by
students, class participation and acceptance of late work.
•
When a student misses more than 20% of the scheduled hours for a course, he/she may be withdrawn from the
course by the respective instructor and will receive the appropriate grade based on the AIU grading policy. The
instructor may consider extenuating circumstances (including contact with the instructor, status in the course,
and documentation of emergency absences) in determining the student’s status in the course. Guidelines for
such consideration must be included in the course syllabus. Students who are dropped due to excessive
absences are still responsible for full payment and must pay for the course again when retaken in a future term.
•
Late arrivals (tardies) or early departures from classes will be counted, on a prorated basis, in course absences.
The instructor must identify how these absences will be counted in the course.
•
As learning cannot take place when the student is absent, the university does not differentiate between “excused”
and “unexcused” absences. A student is either in attendance or absent. However, students are encouraged to
contact faculty prior to any absence.
•
Students are responsible for any missed work when absent. In addition, the student is expected to be prepared
for class upon his/her return.
•
Students who stop attending a class without officially withdrawing are considered in violation of the attendance
policy and will receive the appropriate grade, which may include a grade of “F.”
•
At the discretion of the respective faculty member, class participation, not attendance, may be included in the
course grade. However, students who are absent from class will typically have lower participation grades, as a
student cannot contribute to the learning environment when absent.
•
Students requesting a grade of Incomplete must follow the established guidelines as identified in the University
Catalog.
DIRECTED STUDY PROCEDURE
Directed Study, as described in the University Catalog, is only for exceptional circumstances. It requires prior
approval from the Campus Chief Academic Officer. The university reserves the right to offer courses in a Directed
Study format. The procedures to follow are:
1. A student who wants to obtain permission to enroll in a directed study or independent study course should contact
their Program Chair to determine (a) if there is a need to enroll in a directed study course during a specific term; (b)
if there is an appropriate instructor available to teach the course during a specific term; and (c) if enrollment in the
course will meet U.S. financial aid requirements. Institutional policy requires a student to be in good academic and
financial standing in order to register for courses, including distance education, internship, or directed study
courses.
2. If it is agreed that a directed study is warranted, the student will complete the requisition form and obtain the
required signature from his/her Program Chair and the Campus Chief Academic Officer.
3. Once an instructor is obtained and the request form signed by the Program Chair and the Campus Chief
Academic Officer, the form is submitted to the Registrar. One copy of the approved request form is kept in the
student’s file; a second copy is kept in the instructor’s file.
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AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
4. The instructor is required to meet with the student face to face or through a virtual chat at least once each week
during the term.
5. The instructor is responsible for seeing that the student and Program Chair, have a copy of the syllabus.
FIELD TRIPS
The University sponsors numerous visits each term to local manufacturers, design firms, advertising agencies,
production/post-production facilities, finance centers, museums, etc. This valuable exposure to pacesetters of
relevant industries is not only educational but also exposes students to future career positions and potential
employers. Participation in field trips requires completion of field trip form. A designated staff or faculty member
is present on each field trip to act as supervisor and collect appropriate forms.
Note: The Student Conduct Code contained in this handbook applies to study tours and field trips. In addition,
the penalties and disciplinary procedures outlined in the handbook will apply.
WHO ASSIGNS GRADES?
Faculty members assign grades for the courses they teach based upon student performance. In the simplest of
matters faculty professional judgment determines grades. Grades should not be assigned according to a vote of
colleagues (though a Vice Provost may seek faculty advice in resolving a grade dispute). As long as faculty follow
University policies for grading and do not violate other related policies, there is no reason to reverse a faculty
assigned grade.
The role of the Appeals Board in grade appeals is to rule concerning whether University policy was followed in the
grade appeals procedure. Though the Appeals Board rules to assure university policy is followed in resolving a
grade appeal, it is everyone's responsibility to assure university policy is followed during the grade appeal policy.
Faculty members are authorized to assign final grades for registered students in the faculty member’s course. There
are instances in which an authorized university representative other than the faculty member may assign a final
grade for the student’s record.
Parties authorized by the university to post a final grade for a student are the University Registrar and Registrar
designees, and Academic Affairs Representatives. For instances in which a final grade is posted by a party other
than the faculty member, notification is provided to the faculty member to ensure awareness and transparency.
GRADE APPEAL PROCEDURE SUMMARY
A grade appeal is a situation where a grade received by a student for completion of a course is believed to be
inaccurate or unfair by the student. Many grade appeals can be resolved simply through a discussion with the
faculty member teaching the course. Therefore, students appealing a grade should begin the process by talking with
the instructor of the course where the grade is in question. If after the discussion, the student believes he or she has
received an arbitrary grade, not based upon the course syllabus, the student can then begin the formal grade appeal
procedure.
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AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
To hold all parties, faculty and student alike, accountable and accurate to their statements, a written Grade Appeal
Request Form is completed. This form is a formal written request asking the faculty member to reconsider the
grade decision based upon the argument provided in writing on the Grade Appeal Request Form by the student.
An on-ground Grade Appeal Request Form must be completed, filed and received by the campus Academic Affairs
Department no later than thirty days after the term ends in order to be processed. Grade appeals submitted later
than the thirty days as stated above for online classes and thirty days after the term ends for on-ground classes
cannot be appealed and will remain as originally recorded. The On-ground Grade Appeal Request Form may be
obtained from the Academic Affairs Office.
CAMPUS GRADE APPEAL PROCEDURE
The formal grade appeal procedure follows the local campus Academic chain of command. At each level of grade
appeal review, if the student continues to believe the grade is unjust or unfair, the student can appeal to the next
level. The sequence is:
1. Appeal to the Faculty Member.
2. Appeal to the Program Chair of discipline.
3. Appeal to the Chief Academic Officer. (This is the final Grade Appeal level.)
An On-ground Grade Appeal Request Form must be completed, filed, and received by the Office of Academic
Affairs no later than thirty days after the term ends in order to be processed. The Grade Appeal Request Form may
be obtained from the Office of Academic Affairs or Program Chair’s Office. The form should be completed and
submitted to the Program Chair who will record the date of receipt and submit the form to the appropriate faculty
member or Program Chair, depending on the level at which the appeal has progressed. The faculty member,
Program Chair, or Campus Chief Academic Officer will respond in writing on the form.
If the instructor has not responded to the Program Chair in writing after ten days, the student’s grade appeal may be
moved to the next level of review by the Program Chair without a response from the instructor. The Program Chair
will have ten days in which to respond to the student’s grade appeal in writing. Once this decision has been made,
students can appeal one additional level to the Campus Chief Academic Officer if in disagreement. The Campus
Chief Academic Officer's decision is final and may not be further appealed.
GRADE APPEAL PROCEDURE FOR AIU ONLINE COURSES. (VIRTUAL CAMPUS COURSES)
The policy for submitting grade appeals for AIU online courses is posted in the resource room on the student portal
as well as the appeal form and deadline schedule for submission. Please ensure that the form is filled out accurately
and completely. The Grade Appeal Form must be completed, filed, and received no later than thirty days into the
term following the receipt of the grade. The formal grade appeal procedure follows the local campus academic
chain of command.
APPEALS BOARD
Each AIU campus provides a campus Appeals Board consisting of the Campus President (optional), Campus
Director of Academic Support Services or Academic Affairs representative, Campus Director of Student Experience
or Student Experience representative, and a faculty member. The Appeals Board meets as necessary to review
written student appeals or petitions for reconsideration regarding University decisions and/or actions including student
grievances and satisfactory academic progress. The Appeals Board decision is final and may not be further appealed
by the student. Students wishing to appeal a grade received in class must follow the Grade Appeal Procedure as
described above.
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AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
GRADE APPEALS AND THE ROLE OF THE UNIVERSITY APPEALS BOARD
Grade appeals may not be appealed to the Appeals Board except in cases where the student contends that University
policies or procedures have been violated in attempting to resolve the grade appeal. In such cases, the student may
appeal to the Appeals Board, in writing, either directly or through the Campus Ombudsman's Office, and must
declare that he or she believes that University policies or procedures were not followed in the resolution of the
grade appeal.
The Appeals Board may rule in favor of the student in which case the appeal is sent back to the Campus Chief
Academic Officer with instructions to resolve the appeal by following University procedure. The Appeals Board
may deny the student’s allegation of violation of University procedure at which case the appeal ends.
To submit to the University Appeals Board the contention that University policies or procedures have been violated
in attempting to resolve a grade appeal, contact the Campus Ombudsman at your campus to obtain a copy of the
Student Appeal/Complaint Form. The completed form should be returned to the Campus Ombudsman's Office.
GRADING SYSTEM AND APPLICATION OF GRADES AND CREDITS
Students should consult the University Catalog for information on the grading system and application of grades
and credits.
GRADUATE EXIT PROCESS
Each candidate for graduation will be reviewed through a process initiated by the University for clearance from the
departments listed below. No student will be awarded a final degree until these clearances have been completed.
The exit process requires approval from the following areas:
•
Financial Aid
•
Student Financial Services Office
•
Library
•
Registrar’s Office
GRADUATION FEE
Undergraduate & Graduate Programs $150
A non-refundable graduation fee will be charged to the student’s account during their final term. The graduation fee
covers one diploma and diploma cover, two official university transcripts available at the student’s request, and costs
related to the production of the ground and virtual graduation ceremonies. In order to participate in a ground
graduation ceremony, each eligible student must complete the entire registration process by the published deadline
and purchase regalia before the commencement date. Students who do not register by the deadline and receive a
registration confirmation from the university will forfeit the opportunity to participate in a ground graduation
ceremony. Regardless of ceremony participation, all graduates will receive their diploma at their home address
approximately 6-8 weeks following their final term (provided all financial, academic, and graduate file obligations
are met). Students receiving the military tuition rate are exempt from the graduation fee.
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AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
PARTICIPATION IN THE GRADUATION CEREMONY
There are ground Commencement Ceremonies held each year, typically in the spring or summer at various AIU
campuses. All students who have met the requirements below are encouraged to participate. Students interested in
participating in the Commencement Ceremony location of their choice should register for the ceremony that
coincides with the completion of their last academic term.
In order to participate in the ceremony, all candidates for the Associates, Bachelors and Masters degrees must have
completed the full number of required credit hours within one full term for ground campuses or two calendar
months for the online campus after the date of ceremony. Students planning to register for the Commencement
Ceremony must be on track to satisfy all academic requirements of their program. Students who are in a withdrawn
or dismissed status at the time of the ceremony are ineligible to participate in the Commencement Ceremony.
Students who do not complete the requirements of their program have not officially graduated from the university,
regardless of ceremony participation.
INCOMPLETE GRADE PROCEDURE (I)
To receive an Incomplete (I) the student must petition by the end of the ninth week of a ten week course to request
an extension to complete the required course work. All course weeks at AIU end on Sunday at 11:59:59 p.m.
Central time. It is the responsibility of the student to know and comply with the due date for the submission of an
incomplete grade request. If a student is unsure of the exact date the incomplete form must be submitted, he/she
may speak with any of the following university staff: Academic Operation Coordinator, instructor, or Program
Chair. The student must be satisfactorily passing the course at the time of petition.
An agreement must be made with the instructor, in writing, as to whether an Incomplete is justified and the
conditions wherein the Incomplete will be removed. Students complete a letter in writing including an explanation
for the request, date of the request, and the student’s signature. The instructor reviews the request and approves or
rejects the student’s request. The respective Program Chair approves this grade in consultation with the course
instructor. The Campus President will approve Incomplete grades for courses taught by Program Chairs.
If approval for the Incomplete is granted, a Request for an Incomplete Form (available from the Registrar or
Program Chair) with all required signatures, is submitted to the Registrar. No Incomplete grades will be assigned
without the appropriate paperwork submitted to the Registrar. Copies will be given to the instructor, student, and
Program Chair. If the request is denied and a student withdraws from the course, the student will receive a W for
the course. Incomplete grades that are not completed within two weeks after the end of the course will be converted
to the grade earned by the student for all coursework submitted and will affect the student’s CGPA.
INCOMPLETE GRADE PROCEDURE – AIU ONLINE
To receive a grade of Incomplete (I) the student must petition, no later than the final day for the course to request
an extension to complete the required course work. All course weeks at AIU end on Sunday at 11:59:59 PM CST. It
is the responsibility of the student to know and comply with the due date for the submission of an incomplete grade
request. If a student is unsure of the exact date the incomplete form must be submitted, they may speak with any of
the following university staff: Academic Operations Coordinator or Campus Director of Academic Support Services
(branch campus), Student Services Advisor, Student Services Manager, Student Manager Specialist, Instructor, or
Program Chair. A determination is made by the instructor, in writing, as to whether an ‘I’ is granted. The instructor
reviews the request and approves or rejects the student’s request. Approved requests are routed to the Academic
Affairs department and must include demonstration of the faculty member’s awareness of the student’s
circumstances and desire for an incomplete. If request is denied, student can appeal to the Program Chair. The
Student Services Advisor or Student Manager Specialist can assist the student with presenting an appeal. Any
request for time beyond the standard incomplete time frame must be made to the Vice President of the Academic
Affairs department. In order to qualify for an incomplete, a student must be able to mathematically pass the class
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AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
which include the potential scores earned for assignments to be submitted as part of the Incomplete duration.
Faculty members reviewing an Incomplete request will conduct an analysis of the student’s academic progress in
the course. Work approved for submission as part of the Incomplete must be completed within 2 weeks after the
end of the session. If the student does not complete the work within the stipulated time, the incomplete will be
converted to the letter grade earned and will affect the student’s CGPA. Students in a potential graduate status are
ineligible for an incomplete grade without the consent of the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
An approved Leave of Absence (LOA) is a temporary interruption in a student's academic attendance for a specific
period of time in an ongoing program.
A student attending American InterContinental University Atlanta must submit a written request for a Leave of
Absence (LOA) to the Registrar. Requests must be made in advance of the requested time off unless there have
been unforeseen circumstances that prevented the student from making the request in advance.
•
A standard LOA request must be made within 5 days of the student's Last Date of Attendance, or within the
first 5 days of the term, if the student completed the prior term
•
The LOA request must be made in writing. If a phone request is received an interim approval may be made
pending receipt of the signed request within 7 days.
•
An extenuating circumstance LOA may be considered when there are unforeseen circumstances and the request
is submitted after the 5 calendar day time frame. However, in all cases, the request must be received no later
than 15 days.
If a student requests a Leave of Absence and is unable to submit the appropriate documentation within his allotted
time frame, the student will be withdrawn for non-submission of required documentation.
Upon returning from LOA, the student must return to the same classes at the same point in the term as when the
LOA began. If the LOA is effective midsession, then any previously earned grades will transition into the course
upon return. At AIU, the LOA is a minimum of one quarter and cannot exceed 180 days. Students may request
multiple LOAs, but the total number of days the student remains on LOA may not exceed 180 days during a
consecutive 12-month time frame. Failure to return from an approved leave of absence will result in withdrawal
from the school, and such action may have an impact on aid, loan repayment and exhaustion of the loan grace
period. Students in a LOA status may not receive further financial aid disbursements until returning to active status.
Contact the financial aid office for more information about the impact of a LOA on financial aid. The Registrar's
Office is available to answer any other questions that may arise.
INTERNSHIPS
Any student interested in Internship opportunities should consult their Program Chair and the Internship Handbook.
NORMAL ACADEMIC LOAD
The normal academic load is no more than 18 credits per term. Students wishing to carry additional hours above
the normal academic load must first meet with their Academic Operations Coordinator to obtain Program Chair
approval and complete the Overload Approval Form. The completed form must then be signed/approved by the
Student Financial Services Department. The completed Overload Approval Form with all appropriate signatures is
forwarded to the Chief Academic Officer for final approval prior to being routed to the Registrar’s Office.
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AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
ONLINE CLASS OPTIONS
AIU provides student opportunities for online learning through Virtual Campus and Hybrid class options. Hybrid
class options combine in-class instruction with online learning. Students are provided access to online options
through the Student Portal. Tools available to the student include technical support, an online library, and student
orientation.
As an institution, AIU maintains that the ability to communicate, to conceptualize and to demonstrate appropriate
behavioral skills is necessary for rewarding and productive careers in team-based, high-performance work
environments. AIU Online’s alternative delivery modalities are designed to develop these skills and outcomes for
students using lectures and course content via rich multimedia presentations; interacting one-on-one and in groups
with instructors and fellow classmates, via email, online chats and discussion boards; and completing group
projects while developing a network of contacts, friendships and relationships with likeminded, career-focused
students from around the world.
As a minimum, new students must have access to a computer and the Internet and must attend the online
orientation prior to beginning coursework.
AIU-Atlanta students taking advantage of blended learning opportunities by enrolling in online classes are highly
recommended to take a minimum of one on-ground class during that same term.
REGISTRATION
There is a registration period to register for classes and receive housing clearance (if applicable). Students are
notified of the registration dates through numerous sources. Registration calendars are available in the Academic
Affairs Department. A late registration fee may be applied if a student is not registered by the end of the late
registration period. Please refer to the Tuition Sheet Addendum in the catalog for further information.
Registration procedures are published and distributed to students through the student portal, Academic Departments,
and other sources. Students register with their Academic Operations Coordinators. Financial clearance from Student
Financial Services must be obtained prior to registering. Any student wishing to take course overloads (above
normal academic load) must receive permission from the the student's Program Chair. An approval form must be
completed and signed off by the Program Chair, Financial Services and by the Chief Academic Officer and routed
to the Registrar’s office. It is the responsibility of the student to register in a timely manner.
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS
Entering students without college transfer credit or proficiency credit for college level English or Math will be
required to take UNIV 103, Academic and Professional Success, during their first term of study at the campus.
During this course, students will be assessed in the areas of math, reading and English.
Students who require assistance to obtain college level skills in math, reading, and English will be encouraged to
complete a learning plan that will be developed in collaboration with the Campus Director of Academic Support
Services and faculty as indicated by their assessment outcomes. Faculty and staff, including online staff and campus
Learning Center staff, will implement concurrent academic activities to improve math, reading and English
proficiency. Successful completion of these focused activities will support students to improve their academic
performance along with their persistence towards graduation. Failure to successfully complete all assigned activities
may impact the student’s ability to succeed in English, math and program courses.
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AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE DEPARTMENT
All new students (undergraduate and graduate) participate in a mandatory orientation program at the beginning of
their first term of study at AIU. The Student Experience Department coordinates the orientation program. AIU
faculty and staff participate in orientation, which is designed to make transition into college life easier and more
enjoyable. Areas given special attention include academic advisement and program education, university services
and facilities, rights and responsibilities of students and opportunities for student involvement. Attendance is
mandatory and those who are unable to attend due to emergencies, will participate in a make-up Orientation.
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AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
Financial Services and Scholarship Information
In addition to the sources of student funding outlined in the AIU Catalog, following are additional funding sources
available for student degree programs at AIU:
CASH PAYMENT OPTIONS
AIU allows students the opportunity to make arrangements to pay for either a portion of their program or their entire
program by check, money order, Automated Clearing House (ACH) auto debit or Visa/MasterCard/Amex/Discover.
A student financial services advisor will work with each student to establish a payment plan and draft a promissory
note that the student will be required to sign. The signed promissory note and the first scheduled payment will be
required in accordance with the established payment plan.
EMPLOYER REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM
The Employer Reimbursement Program is designed to enable students to maximize the benefit of the tuition
reimbursement programs offered by their employer. AIU will work with students to minimize or even eliminate the
out-of-pocket cost to the student while they are awaiting reimbursement from their employer. With appropriate
authorization and documentation, AIU can bill the student’s employer directly.
PROGRAM FINANCING POLICY STATEMENT
24
•
Students are responsible for all charges as published in the AIU Tuition Schedule.
•
Arrangements for payment of all charges must be made prior to the first day of each quarter. AIU reserves the
right to remove a student from class or administratively withdraw the student from the University at any point
in time for not fulfilling their financial obligations to the University defined as follows:
•
Student has not made satisfactory payments on any outstanding payment plan(s) or balance.
•
Student has not satisfactorily completed or provided all required University documents.
•
Students who participate in an Employer Reimbursement Program or are paying cash for all or a portion of
their education are responsible for all amounts as noted in the signed Promissory Note.
•
All financial obligations must be met in order to qualify for graduation.
•
Requests for transcripts will not be honored if any outstanding charges are not paid.
•
In the event of withdrawal from the University, all outstanding balances must be paid at the time of
the withdrawal.
AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
General Policies
ACCESS POLICY TO AIU FACILITIES
Only students who are currently enrolled at American InterContinental University are entitled to utilize classrooms,
computer labs, and the library. All prospective students, alumni, and students not currently enrolled must seek
approval from the Campus President to utilize the above resources.
Alumni are allowed and encouraged to utilize the Career Services Department for career assistance.
SECURITY PROCEDURES AT AIU ATLANTA
To help insure student safety while on the AIU Atlanta campus, the campus has implemented the following
security procedures:
Student and Employee IDs
•
A Security Guard will be stationed on the first floor during campus operational hours as posted at the
beginning of each term. Every AIU student and employee must carry their ID badge in a visible location.
Students may obtain IDs from the IT Help Desk on the 3rd floor.
1st and 2nd time student/employee arrives without a valid AIU ID
•
Student must show a valid picture ID and will receive a temporary ID.
•
If student does not have a valid picture ID,
– Students will be asked to wait until their identity and status is confirmed by a staff member of the
Student Experience department and/or Registrar's office.
– Employees must have their managers sign them in.
•
Student’s name will be entered on a security tracking log.
3rd time student/employee arrives without a valid AIU ID
•
Students and employees will be denied access to the building until they obtain a replacement ID.
•
The first replacement ID is free.
•
The second replacement ID is $25.00.
BOOKSTORE
The Student Bookstore is located on the 1st floor of the campus building. The bookstore stocks textbooks that are
scheduled to be used in the upcoming term, as well as required school, art, fashion and media supplies. The
University makes every effort to purchase textbooks at competitive prices in order to keep costs to the student as
affordable as possible.
Textbooks in original condition and packaging may be returned for refund or exchange with RECEIPT ONLY
through the first two weeks of the term. Refunds will be made in accordance to the form of payment received.
Also, the campus offers students the opportunity to sell textbooks through a third party vendor. Appropriate posting
areas are provided, so that students may post messages if they wish to buy, sell, or trade textbooks with fellow or
other students.
The bookstore accepts cash, school credit and credit cards.
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AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
COURSE MATERIALS FOR STUDENTS TAKING COURSES FROM AIU ONLINE
Students use various required course materials including textbooks, electronic books (e-Books), supplies, and
software in online courses. Words of Wisdom, LLC, provides a custom suite of these required materials to students
on behalf of AIU Online. Costs for these materials are included in the online course fee (see Tuition Schedule for
online course fees). At the University‘s discretion, books may be delivered in an electronic (e-Book) or standard
textbook format. Students not wishing to use e-Books are responsible for any additional charges associated with
purchasing standard text books.
Every effort is made to ensure that these materials are delivered on time using express courier delivery and tracking
services. The shipping address to which a student‘s course materials will be sent is verified by Words of Wisdom,
LLC shortly before each session, offering students the opportunity to verify and/or update his/her shipping address.
Please note that incomplete, incorrect and PO Box addresses could delay receipt of course materials. If course
materials are not received within three business days before the session starts, the student should contact Words of
Wisdom, LLC. Students shall be responsible for following warning labels placed on software, and following all
installation and use instructions provided by software manufacturers.
As AIU Online course offerings continue to grow for AIU ground students, the University is dedicated to leveraging
new technology to enhance its degree program delivery. In an effort to move toward this new and exciting area,
select AIU Online courses will use e-Books. e-Books are electronic versions of standard text books which offer
significant advantages to AIU‘s online students that include readability, portability, availability and efficiency. This
technology makes things possible that could never be attempted with traditional standard text books.
Students enrolled in e-Book courses will be required to accept the e-Book policy located on the Virtual Campus;
which states that the student agrees that by accessing e-Books provided as course material by AIU Online, he or she
will abide by the terms and conditions of the e-Book Agreement, which states that the Student will not copy, alter,
or reproduce their e-Books in any form with the intent of distributing or selling any part of the content, directly or
indirectly and that the Student understands that these are security requirements necessary to protect e-Book copyrights.
Words of Wisdom Customer Service Contact Information
Via phone: 866-590-2486
Via e-mail: aiubooks@wordsofwisdombooks.com
CAMPUS CLOSURE
The University will be closed on the holidays listed below. Announcements relating to campus closure
for any other reason and when university operations will resume will be recorded on the Campus Hotline.
Dial 404-965-6579 for information about campus closings.
New Year’s Day
Martin Luther King Day
Memorial Day
4th of July
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day & Friday following
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
CAMPUS EVACUATION PLAN
The management of the Campus has outlined a comprehensive Emergency Response Guide. The building management
company maintains proper functioning of the electric exit signs and the burglar and fire alarm systems. Maps
outlining exit routes from the building have been installed in key locations throughout the University.
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AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
Fire Evacuation Plan
The action plan to follow for the evacuation of the campus building due to a fire alarm, or in the event of a fire,
are outlined below:
1. All students and employees should evacuate the building immediately. People should remain calm and move
quickly. Notify others on your way out.
2. Take important personal items.
3. All personnel and students are expected to be familiar with floor layouts; maps are posted in the hallways of the
building. Everyone should know the most efficient routes to emergency exits and know where the red colored
manual pull alarms are located.
4. Walk quickly to the nearest safe exit.
5. The red colored manual alarms should be activated.
6. Use the stairways on each floor. (Marked by the red EXIT signs.) Do not take the elevators.
7. All personnel and students should meet at Safe Refuge Area. Do not congregate on the sidewalks immediately
adjacent to the building.
Bomb Evacuation Plan
The action plan to follow for the evacuation of the campus building due to a bomb threat is outlined below:
1. All students and employees should evacuate the building immediately. People should remain calm and move
quickly. Notify others on your way out.
2. This information must be reported by the campus Facilities Coordinator to the police department, fire
department, ATF, FBI, campus security and other appropriate agencies. The Facilities Coordinator also reports
this information to the appointed Floor Wardens.
3. Use the stairways on each floor. (Marked by the red EXIT signs.) Do not take the elevators.
4. If there is something that looks suspicious it should not be touched. The location and description of the
suspicious item should be reported to the Facilities Coordinator. The Facilities Coordinator will alert the
appropriate authorities.
5. Reentry into the building is not permitted until the police/bomb squads have determined that the suspicious item
is either removed or found not to be threatening and the building is declared safe for reentry by one of the AIU
management staff.
Tornado Preparedness
AIU continues to operate as usual during a tornado watch condition. In the event that the National Weather Service
issues a tornado warning, the campus President will decide whether to declare the campus closed.
If the campus is declared closed, staff, faculty, and students should make certain that desktops are cleared, if there is
time. All electrical equipment should be disconnected. Any item that is glass, heavy, or sharp should be secured.
All employees and students will be notified through e-mail, or by radio stations including 750 WSB Radio AM,
B98.5 FM, KISS 104.1FM, 97.1 JAMZ and 95.5 The Beat, that AIU is open, once the Tornado warning has been lifted.
Hurricane Preparedness
AIU continues to operate as usual during a hurricane watch condition. In the event that the National Weather
Service issues a hurricane warning, the Campus President will decide whether to declare the campus closed.
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AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
COMMUNICATION
AIU stresses that open communication among faculty, staff, and all students is essential. Students are encouraged to
address their questions and concerns to the faculty or staff member directly involved. However, if at any time a
student believes that further discussion is required, he/she is welcome to make an appointment with the appropriate
member of campus Administration.
•
The Program Chair concerning faculty and classroom issues.
•
For all financial aid issues, please call 1-855-844-8407.
•
The Student Accounts Department for issues concerning your student account.
•
The Director of Student Experience concerning student development, health and disability services, student
records, code of conduct issues, campus security, and referral to campus support services.
•
The Campus President/Academic Affairs Department concerning the course delivery methodology, specific
academic policies or issues, student advisement or faculty-related issues not addressed to the student’s
satisfaction by the pertinent Program Chair;
•
The Campus Director of Admissions concerning admissions;
•
The Career Services Department concerning career counseling, part-time employment during enrollment, and job
placement issues.
•
The Campus Ombudsman helps to provide student information about University policies, regulations, and
procedures and also works to guide students through the University grievance process for effective conflict
resolution when appropriate.
Good communication among all parties will result in the efficient and effective operation of the program and
maximum benefit to the learning process. If a student is unable to schedule a meeting in person, the University
encourages the use of e-mail to ask questions or arrange an appointment with any AIU faculty or staff member.
To facilitate an effective response, we suggest that students identify the following information in their requests:
•
Detailed question, concern, or purpose of any requested meeting;
•
If a meeting is requested, please include suggested times that are convenient; and
•
Student’s class and session.
OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN/GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
The Campus Ombudsman is available for students to assist with the resolution of high-level student concerns or issues.
Many issues can be resolved through discussion, and students are encouraged to make contact with the appropriate
instructor or staff member at the first indication of a problem or concern. If this fails to yield a satisfactory
resolution, students may submit their complaint verbally or in writing to the appropriate Department Supervisor.
If this fails to yield a satisfactory resolution, students may file a written appeal with the Campus Appeals Board
through the Campus Ombudsman’s Office or with the Campus Director of Student Experience.
Students wishing to meet with the Campus Ombudsman should contact the Office of the Ombudsman to schedule
an appointment. The Atlanta Campus Ombudsman, Pat Hawkins, can be reached by calling (404) 965-8118 or via
email PHawkins@aiuniv.edu.
Grade Appeals should be addressed to the Academic Affairs Department by following the grade appeal procedure
in this Student Handbook.
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AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
DRESS CODE
Students and all other individuals on campus property are required to adhere to standards of dress, hygiene and
physical appearance compatible with an effective learning environment. Wearing clothing or footwear that is
distracting, disruptive, provocative, revealing, profane, vulgar, offensive, obscene, or which endangers the health
and safety of any person is prohibited on University property.
Dress code violations should be reported to the instructor or Program Chair. The University may require an offending
student or other individual to change his or her dress or appearance if the offending person’s attire violates this dress
code. Formal disciplinary action can result from a subsequent violation of this policy.
University officials shall exercise appropriate discretion in implementing this policy, including making reasonable
accommodations on the basis of individuals’ religious beliefs or medical conditions.
HOURS OF OPERATION
The campus facilities are accessible as follows:
Monday - Thursday 7:00AM-11:00PM
Friday 7:00AM-6:00PM
Saturdays 8:00AM - 6:00PM
Campus hours will vary during break week and holidays. Campus operational hours are posted at the beginning of
each term. Please refer to the Student Portal or Student Experience department with any questions about campus
hours.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
In the event that the University closes due to inclement weather, students should refer to their Student Portal or call
1-404-965-6579 for campus closure updates. Students will also be notified by phone or e-mails on file.
Students may also refer to the Atlanta news channels (Channel 2 News, Channel 11 News or Channel 46 News).
SMOKING, EATING, DRINKING
Smoking is not permitted in the campus building. The designated smoking area is located outside at the
loading/delivery platform. Food and drink are allowed only in the student lounge and outside the campus building.
Please dispose of trash properly.
STUDENT MAIL
The University cannot accept personal mail for students. Mail must be received by students at their local residence
and/or permanent address. Always keep the University apprised of address and/or name changes.
STUDENT PARKING
Parking permits are located in the Library. Permits are issued once for a students' duration on campus. Students are
encouraged to utilize the mass transit system, MARTA. The campus also has a shuttle that picks up from the
MARTA station closest to the University. You can obtain more information about the shuttle schedule and the
MARTA station the shuttle picks up from by contacting the Student Finance or Student Experience departments.
STUDENT PORTAL
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AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
The Student Portal provides the ability to access a variety of information online including:
•
Academic Information – schedules, grade history, course offerings, download and printout forms.
•
Planning upcoming schedules.
•
Account balances and billing activity.
•
Financial aid, including types of financial aid available, instructional step-by-step “how to apply” process,
FAFSA application and more.
•
University personal profile.
•
Student events.
•
Campus contacts.
•
Online version of this handbook.
•
Access to the Library's online presence, including the Cybrary for online academic research
The University encourages AIU students to become familiar with the Student Portal. It should become a regular
“cyberspace” stop for students on a daily basis. The Student Portal is where important announcements and other
information relevant to students are posted.
TELEPHONE
Students are not allowed to use staff or administration telephones. No telephone messages will be taken for
students, except in case of an emergency. Cellular phones and beepers must be turned off during class, including
team participation time. A warning by the instructor is recommended for the first failure to respect the rights of
classmates. The penalty for not following the rule a second time is up to the discretion of the classroom or team
room instructor.
VANDALISM
Destruction of public or private property while on University property will result in charges for damages, fines,
disciplinary action and/or referral to law enforcement authorities.
VISITORS
Students are welcome to speak with a Campus Admissions Advisor for arranging tours of the AIU facility for their
family and/or friends. See the Learning Environment Preservation Policy in this handbook, regarding AIU’s visitor’s
policy.
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AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
Campus Health and Safety Procedures
HEALTH AND SAFETY
It is the responsibility of AIU to provide its students with a safe environment for study. AIU is concerned about the
safety and welfare of its students and employees. Therefore, AIU has implemented a security policy for the
protection of students, staff and faculty. This policy is in compliance with the Student Right-to-Know and Campus
Security Act. The University maintains a log of all crimes committed and reported on its campuses. Statistical data
are also updated annually.
EMERGENCIES
All Crimes must be reported to the University within 24 hours of the incident being reported. A crime is defined as
a violation of the U.S. Federal or State law.
Call 9-1-1 to report all emergencies, including fire, injuries requiring medical assistance, bomb threats, hazardous
materials, disruptive student(s), violations or crimes of U.S. Federal or state laws or any other incident
REQUIRING RAPID RESPONSE. Provide all information requested including name, location, nature of the
emergency and your contact information. Also,
31
•
Notify AIU Campus Security at 404-965-6424. Campus Security will complete the Security Report Form. A
copy will be provided to the Campus Director of Student Experience. If the Campus Security cannot be
immediately reached, call the campus main telephone number 404-965-6500.
•
The Campus Incident Report Form and Security Report Form will be kept on file for one calendar year. If
necessary, additional information concerning the crime will be attached to the completed Campus Incident
Report Form and Security Report Form. All reported crimes are kept on file in the Campus Director of Student
Experience Office. A summary of this information is available to students and parents upon request.
•
Victims or witnesses to crimes may report crimes on a voluntary, confidential basis to the Campus Director of
Student Experience. The Campus Director of Student Experience will assist you in filling out a Campus
Incident Report Form that will be kept confidential and on file for one calendar year. If deemed necessary, the
Campus Director of Student Experience will contact the appropriate parties and/or law enforcement agencies if
they have not already been notified.
•
The Campus Director of Student Experience will notify the Campus President of all serious crimes immediately
once a Campus Incident Report Form is completed.
•
If a crime is seen as a continuous threat to the AIU Atlanta community, defined by the AIU Atlanta Cabinet,
then students, faculty, and staff will be notified in writing via mail within 10 business days and notices
regarding the incident(s) will be posted throughout the campus building.
•
In cases of sexual offenses, students have an option to report the offense to the appropriate law enforcement. Call 911
in the event of an emergency. Go to a place safe from further attack and call 911. If a student first reports an incident
to a University official other than the Campus Director of Student Experience, the University official is directed to
immediately contact the Campus Director of Student Experience. In turn, it is the student’s option to seek assistance
from the Campus Director of Student Experience. Students have the option to seek assistance from the University
personnel for notifying the proper authorities.
•
In the case of a sexual offense, students are instructed to preserve evidence related to the crime. This includes
preserving any torn clothing, hair, or blood, and not showering. Seek immediate medical attention and professional
counseling. The Campus Director of Student Experience is available for counseling referrals to outside agencies.
AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
•
An annual campus crime report is posted on the student portal and is available from the Campus Director of
Student Experience. It is also in the “Student Right-to-Know” handout. This report contains the crime statistics
for the campus and facilities, as well as non-campus buildings and public property. In addition, the crime
statistics are prepared from information received from the Atlanta Police Department. The crime statistics can
be viewed at http://ope.ed.gov/security.
•
Students engaged in officially recognized organization events at off-campus locations, including but not limited
to student organizations and off-campus housing facilities, are monitored for criminal behavior. In the event
that a crime does occur, the student reports to the Campus Director of Student Experience. The Campus
Director of Student Experience will report the crime to the appropriate police department or call 911 in the
event of an emergency. The Campus Director of Student Experience assists the student in filing out a Campus
Incident Report Form that will be kept on file in the Campus Director of Student Experience’s Office for one
calendar year.
NON-EMERGENCIES
To Report non-emergency incidences, such as theft of personal property or school property, or other incidents that
do not require Rapid Response.
•
Notify AIU Security at 404-965-6424. Campus Security will complete the Security Report Form. A copy will
be provided to the Director of Student Experience. In the event that you think your property has been stolen,
first verify with the Campus Director of Student Experience to see if your property has been turned in.
•
The Campus Incident Report Form and Security Report Form will be kept on file for one calendar year. If
necessary, additional information concerning the crime will be attached to the completed Campus Incident
Report Form and Security Report Form. All reported crimes are kept on file in the Campus Director of Student
Experience’s Office. A summary of this information is available to students and parents upon request.
Any questions regarding campus crime reporting procedures should be directed to the Campus Director of Student
Experience. In either Emergency or non-emergency incidents, student disciplinary recommendations will be made
to the Campus President by the Campus Director of Student Experience and/or the Campus Ombudsman. These
recommendations by the Campus Director of Student Experience and/or the Campus Ombudsman may include
withdrawal from the University.
The Campus Director of Student Experience will maintain all documentation on file.
Conduct decisions/recommendations made by the Campus Director of Student Experience and/or the Campus
Ombudsman for withdrawal from the University may be appealed to the University Appeals Board.
AIU reminds all students that they are ultimately responsible for their own actions regarding their safety
and welfare.
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AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
Computing and Network Resources
ACCEPTABLE USE OF COMPUTING AND NETWORK RESOURCES POLICY
American InterContinental University provides Computing and Network resources to a large number of faculty,
staff, and students. As members of the AIU community, and in accordance with the Acceptable Use of Computing
and Network Resources Policy, all users have the responsibility to use these resources in an effective, efficient,
ethical, and legal manner. Ethical and legal standards that apply to Computing and Network resources derive
directly from standards of common sense and common courtesy that apply to the use of any shared resource.
AIU’s Computing and Network resources are intended to support AIU’s educational mission. All members of the
American InterContinental University community who use computing and network resources are responsible for the
integrity of those resources. University information technology resources are to be used in a manner that is consistent
with the instructional, research, and administrative objectives of AIU, including use for study, instruction, research, the
discharge of official university business, and other university-sanctioned activities. Use of Computing and Network
resources is limited to members of the American InterContinental University community. Users of these resources are
expected to act responsibly to maintain the integrity of the University Computing and Network resources.
In no event shall AIU be liable for any damages, whether direct, indirect, special or consequential, arising out of the
use of technology resources (i.e., the Internet, campus servers, etc.), accuracy or correctness of databases or
information contained therein or related, directly or indirectly, to any failure or delay of access to technology
resources. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the users own risk. AIU reserves the right to
remove user access to technology resources to prevent further unauthorized activity as specified in this document.
It is the objective of AIU to maintain access for its community to local, national and international sources of
information and to provide an atmosphere that encourages legal/ethical access to knowledge and sharing of
information. Further, it is the policy of AIU that the Computing and Network resources will be used by members of
its community in accordance with policy and regulations established by AIU, and applicable laws. In accordance
with the above policies, AIU works to create an intellectual environment in which students, staff, and faculty may
feel free to create and to collaborate with colleagues both at AIU and at other institutions, without fear that the
products of their intellectual efforts will be violated by misrepresentation, tampering, destruction and/or theft.
Access to the Computing and Network resource infrastructure both within AIU and beyond the campuses, sharing
of information, and security of the intellectual products of AIU, all require that each and every user accept
responsibility to protect the rights of the community.
AIU’s Computing and Network resources must not be used to produce, view, store, replicate, or transmit harassing,
obscene, or offensive materials. This includes, but is not limited to, material from the Internet, screen savers, etc. In
addition, printed copies of such material, including those from magazines, are not permitted in the school. (See also
the section in this handbook, Student Rights and Responsibilities – Offensive Materials.)
No student should bring open or closed food/liquid into the computer labs/rooms - users can be held responsible for
repairs/replacement of computer and other lab equipment in the event of damage.
All Computing and Network resources are shared and cannot be guaranteed to always be available (i.e., resources
can break down or require upgrading, electricity can be out, equipment may otherwise be unavailable, or supplies
may be temporarily depleted). User stored data on the network can be unavailable or not retrievable. Students are
responsible for backing up their data to media such as memory stick, CD, ZIP, or floppy disk, or other future
storage media the University may offer and support. Students may also be requested to log out or relinquish
resources to allow other students use of the resources (i.e., after a fair amount of lab use time based on lab load and
available resources).
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AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
Do not view anyone else’s data (files, e-mails, etc…) without the creator/owners explicit consent. Presume such
data is private and confidential.
Note: As a user of AIU provided resources, AIU reserves the right to view/investigate your data.
Be sensitive to the inherent limitations of shared network resources. No computer security system can absolutely
prevent a determined person from accessing stored information that they are not authorized to access.
Students are expected to promote efficient use of network resources consistent with the instructional, research, public
service and administrative goals of the University. Show consideration for others and refrain from engaging in any
use that would interfere with their work or disrupt the intended use of network resources. Students should especially
avoid wasteful and disruptive practices, such as sending chain letters, broadcast messages or unwanted material.
E-mail and other network resources may not be used for commercial purposes or for personal financial gain.
E-MAIL POLICY
The following guidelines apply to the use of e-mail at AIU campuses. Failure to follow these established guidelines
could lead to administrative action or withdrawal from AIU Programs. If AIU students and faculty conduct unethical
and illegal practices, AIU administration will take swift action against all violators to enforce the highest quality
standards for the welfare of students and faculty.
Access to and the responsible use of modern information resources is essential to the pursuit and achievement of
excellence at American InterContinental University. The University encourages appropriate use of e-mail to enhance
productivity through the efficient exchange of information in furtherance of quality education and the campus mission.
Messages sent as electronic mail should meet the same standards for distribution or display as if they were tangible
documents or instruments. Identify yourself clearly and accurately in all electronic communications. Concealing or
misrepresenting your name or affiliation to dissociate yourself from responsibility for your actions is never
appropriate. Alteration of the source of electronic mail, message or posting is unethical and possibly illegal.
Do not view anyone else’s data (files, e-mails, etc..) without the creator/owner’s explicit consent. Presume such data
is private and confidential.
SOFTWARE CODE OF ETHICS
Unauthorized duplication of copyrighted computer software violates the law and is contrary to AIU’s standards of
conduct. We disapprove of such copying and recognize the following principles as a basis for preventing its occurrence:
34
•
We will neither engage in nor tolerate the making or using of unauthorized software copies under any circumstances.
•
We will only use legally acquired software on our computers.
•
We will comply with all license or purchase terms regulating the use of any software we acquire or use.
•
We will enforce strong internal controls to prevent the making or using of unauthorized software copies,
including effective measures to verify compliance with these standards and appropriate disciplinary measures
for violation of these standards.
AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
AIU HELP DESK RESOURCES
In the event that a student needs assistance with the computing and network resources at AIU Atlanta, that student
has the convenience of visiting the on-site Help Desk for support. The Help Desk is open during normal hours of
operation of AIU and its main purpose is to provide excellent student services support and assistance.
Technical Services Department Information: (subject to change)
Hours of Operation:
7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Office Phone number:
Email Address:
35
Monday through Thursday
Friday
Saturday
404.965.6599
helpdesk.atl@aiuniv.edu
AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
Library Resources and Services
AIU LIBRARY
The AIU campus library provides print and electronic collections that strengthen and support the major educational
programs of the Institution and general education. Professional librarians are available to facilitate research and study
strategies and to provide quality reference services and online search instruction.
Each AIU campus library provides electronic access to the collection catalog, resource databases, and the Internet.
The resource databases contain full-text articles from thousands of major newspapers, trade journals, academic
periodicals, magazines, and international publications. Discipline-related databases furnish valuable industry
information useful for course-related projects and job search opportunities related to each program major.
Special collections are maintained for the academic design programs including fashion forecasting materials used
by industry experts. Each campus library maintains policies developed to benefit the local student body and
collection development. Facilities have been designed to allow comfort and promote active usage of the resources
by students and faculty.
The campus has a Librarian who works with the University Administration to develop and make available an
outstanding collection as well as to offer instructional programs which develop library users’ skills.
Periodically, the Library offers orientation sessions regarding the resources and use of the library. Students may have
additional input regarding improved services of the campus library by completing periodic library surveys.
The Cybrary 2.0 is an online learning resource committed to facilitating the lifelong learning and achievement of
the University community, which includes the AIU campuses. This “virtual library” contains a collection of full-text
journals, books, and reference materials, links to Web sites relevant to each curricular area, instructional guides for
using electronic library resources and much more.
The “virtual” collection is carefully selected to support students as they advance through their programs of study
and include quality, full-text, peer-reviewed articles from scholarly journals and full-text electronic books.
Instructional materials for students and faculty are designed to enhance information literacy skills.
Students will find the Cybrary 2.0 a useful addition to the physical library of their home campus. Students are
strongly encouraged to become familiar with the Cybrary 2.0 – both its holdings and how to access them – so as to
better utilize these resources in completing their research assignments. Many of the materials in the Cybrary 2.0
will also benefit students in their own academic and personal development.
HOW TO ACCESS CYBRARY 2.0
Cybrary 2.0 is available to all faculty, students, staff and alumni of AIU campuses.
1. AIU Atlanta users go to https://my.atlanta.aiuniv.edu/mycampus
2. Enter User ID and Password for Student Portal
3. Click on the Library tab
4. Click on the "find articles and e-books" link under e-Resources.
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AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
CHECKOUT PRIVILEGES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Active students and alumni must present a current AIU Student ID in order to check out library materials.
The checkout period for books is two weeks. For media items (CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks), the period is one
week and may be renewed if not already reserved. All items must be returned by the end of each academic term,
and may not be checked out through term breaks. Items may be renewed by phone or in person without bringing
them to the library as long as the items are not already overdue. You must bring overdue items to the library for
renewal. The library is not responsible for notifying borrowers that materials are overdue. Students are responsible
for all items checked out of the library under their name and card number. If a book is not returned by the date due,
registration for subsequent terms will be prohibited and borrowing privileges suspended until the item is either
returned, replaced or payment is made to replace the item.
OVERDUE FEES AND REPLACEMENT COSTS
There are no daily fees accrued for overdue items. However, the charge for lost or damaged items is the retail price of
the most current edition as listed in the Baker & Taylor online website. Out-of-print items not listed in Baker & Taylor
are charged at $40.00. Library patrons are responsible for the replacement costs of items returned in damaged
condition, including but not limited to missing or torn covers/pages and water damage. This charge is administered at
the discretion of the Librarian.
MATERIALS NOT AVAILABLE FOR CHECKOUT
Some library materials are available for use in the library or on campus premises only.
•
Reference Books – consist mostly of directories or heavily used items.
•
Reserve Books – are placed on hold by instructors to be available for everyone in a class.
•
Magazines, Newspapers, & Fashion Forecasting – may only be used in the library because they must be
available for everyone. Please photocopy any needed information.
APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR IN THE LIBRARY
Primary consideration is given to students who are studying or conducting research; socializing is discouraged.
Keep your voice quiet, so as not to disturb others. Unauthorized removal or destruction of library resources,
equipment, or other property is forbidden. Pagers and cellular telephones must be turned off when visiting the
library. Eating and drinking are not permitted. Violation of library policies may result in the loss or restriction of
borrowing or visitation privileges. Such decisions shall be made at the discretion of the Librarian. Serious offenses
will be addressed by the administration.
LIBRARY PERSONAL PROPERTY SEARCH POLICY
Anyone entering the library may be subject to search at any time without cause. To protect the health, safety, and
welfare of University students, faculty and staff, and to ensure against theft of University property, AIU staff may
conduct random and unannounced searches of bags, purses, backpacks, luggage or other personal property of any
person entering the library. Any student failing to cooperate with a search will be denied access to the library and
subject to discipline under the Student Conduct Code.
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SCANNERS AND PRINTERS
For student convenience there is a printer available in the library, and a scanner that can save documents
to a USB drive.
HOURS
The library is located on the 1st floor of the Building. The library is open six days per week during the academic term.
Library Hours:
Monday – Thursday
7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday
7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday
Hours are determined at the beginning of each term.
The library is open with reduced hours during term breaks. Call the library at 404-965-6533 to confirm current
library hours.
ALUMNI USE
Alumni may visit the library and utilize materials on the premises. Due to limited quantities and the uniqueness of
the collections, checkout privileges for alumni are restricted to three items at a time.
Items are eligible for a single renewal, unless requested by a current student, staff, or faculty member, in which case
the item will be recalled.
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AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
Student Code of Conduct
HONOR CODE
The administration, faculty, and Student Government Association (SGA) believe strongly in the concept of an
Honor System. This belief is based on the knowledge that in competitive professional environments, primary
emphasis is placed on originality and integrity of ideas and work. All members of the AIU academic community,
including faculty, students, and administration, are expected to assist in maintaining the integrity of the University;
which includes reporting incidents that violate the Statement on Academic Honesty. Also to this end, students are
expected to adhere to the Honor Pledge; which reads as follows:
As a student of American InterContinental University I pledge that all tests taken by me, and that all work
submitted by me, will be original and solely the results of my own efforts.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY VIOLATION: UNIVERSITY POLICY
This policy applies to all students attending the University.
Violation Level
Number of Violations
Penalization
Instructional
Management
n/a
none
Egregious*
1
Zero (0) on assignment
Email communication from
Academic Services Management
Egregious*
2
Zero (0) on assignment
and an administrative “F”
grade for the course
Direct communication by
Academic Services Management
3
Zero (0) on assignment, an
administrative “F” grade
for the course, and withdrawal
from the University
Egregious*
Communication to the student
Direct communication
by the faculty member
Email communication from
Campus Director of Academic
Support Services
DEFINITION OF “INSTRUCTIONAL MANAGEMENT” ACADEMIC INTEGRITY VIOLATION
Any situation below is applicable:
•
It does not include enough original thought for an authentic assessment of student capability
– Paper contains in-text citations and references at the end of the material, but bears a high percentage within
the Turnit In® Report.
•
It does not include distinction of directly quoted information, and/or does not include citations, but does have
references used.
– Paper contains reference list at the end of the material, but does not include in-text citations.
•
It does not include references used, but does include distinction of directly quoted information, and/or does not
include citations.
– Paper contains in-text citations within the paper, but does not contain a reference list.
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•
It does not include distinction of directly quoted information, and/or does not include citations, and/ or
references for sources used.
– Paper contains no in-text citations within the paper or references at the end of the material.
DEFINITION OF “EGREGIOUS” ACADEMIC INTEGRITY VIOLATION:
•
Two instances of Instructional Management constitute one egregious academic integrity violation; after two
instances of Instructional Management all subsequent violations are considered egregious
•
It has been purchased (e.g., www.Brainmass.com)
•
It includes false references (e.g., student cites work as coming from Stephen Ambrose’s Citizen Soldiers but
material really comes from www.wikipedia.com/military.)
•
It is another student’s assignment (from AIU or any other institution)
– In the entirety, it would be egregious and responded to by Academic Services administration
– In part, it would be egregious with apparent paraphrasing/wordsmithing and with the same sources (i.e.
though it is possible students use the same sources the students’ writing style and mechanics should differ)
•
Using unauthorized notes during an examination as prompts or cues to improve one’s score
•
Using unauthorized electronic devices during an examination
•
Having someone else take an examination in a student’s place
•
Copying from another student’s examination
•
Submitting a term paper or project that was not the result of the student’s own efforts, but the result of someone
else’s efforts and passed off as the submitter’s own work
•
Having someone else rewrite a rough draft
•
Sharing/giving graded or ungraded work to another student
•
Handing in as original work sketches, artwork, projects, examinations, costumes, etc. that were designed,
prepared or completed by someone else
The University takes all violations very seriously. As such, any occurrence that is found and is not covered by the
above stated policy will be reviewed by Academic Services administration
*Academic Services administration may investigate any academic integrity issue which is reported and at its discretion
may create and review an academic integrity case for immediate withdrawal due to the severity of an offense.
All violations are cumulative across campuses. After three (3) violations at the undergraduate level, a student may
be withdrawn from the University. After two (2) violations at the graduate level, a student may be withdrawn from
the University. Violations do not carry over from the undergraduate level to the graduate level. In the event that a
blended learner or campus transfer is found in violation of the Academic Integrity Policy, the home campus
Academic Affairs and Student Experience Departments would be made aware of all infractions of the Academic
Integrity Policy. The home campus will determine the enrollment status and penalty level. The home campus is
defined as the campus of the student’s current, active enrollment.
For the Online Campus only: Each facilitator should include a rubric of writing and citation criteria as part of the
class expectations posted to the course. Assessments of writing and citation should be based on the posted rubric.
Please note that exclusive use of similarity scores as criteria for identifying possible violations of academic
integrity is inappropriate. Students are to be assessed based on content and contextual use of sources. Program
Chairs and Lead Faculty will present additional information as part of recurring faculty meetings.
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AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY APPEAL PROCEDURE SUMMARY
An academic integrity appeal is initiated when a sanction imposed by the Office of Academic Integrity for an
assignment or assignments found to be in violation of the academic integrity policy is believed to be unjust or
unfair by the student. Therefore, in matters where a student wishes to appeal, the student initially confers with a
staff member in the Office of Academic Integrity to clarify the basis for the finding of a violation. Following the
discussion, if the student believes the decision was unjust or unfair the student can initiate the formal academic
integrity appeal procedure.
FORMAL ACADEMIC INTEGRITY APPEAL PROCEDURE
At each level of review, if the student continues to believe the decision rendered is unjust or unfair, he or she may
appeal to the next level. The formal academic integrity appeal procedure follows the local campus academic chain
of command as listed below:
1. Appeal to a staff member of the Office of Academic Integrity.
2. Appeal to the Program Chair for classes taken at a branch campus or Manager of Academic Integrity for classes
taken online.
3. Appeal to the Vice Provost (This is the final appeal level.)
At the first level, students from the online (main) campus should send an email to the Office of Academic Integrity
within 30 days after the decision is rendered to appeal the academic integrity sanction. Students from a branch
campus should contact the Program Chair. If the matter remains unresolved, the student may escalate the appeal
within seven (7) days after the decision from the staff member is sent to the Manager of Academic Integrity for
classes taken online and to the Program Chair for classes taken at a branch campus. If the matter remains
unresolved, the student may then appeal to the Vice Provost within seven (7) days after the decision from the
Manager of Academic Integrity is sent in the form a letter explaining why the student disagrees with the finding of
a violation and including information that would warrant a change in the finding. The decision of the Vice Provost
is final.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY APPEALS AND THE ROLE OF THE UNIVERSITY APPEALS BOARD
Academic integrity appeals may not be appealed to the Appeals Board except in cases where the student contends
that University policies or procedures have been violated in attempting to resolve the appeal. In such cases, the
student may appeal to the Appeals Board, in writing, either directly or through the Campus Ombudsman's Office,
and must declare that he or she believes that University policies or procedures were not followed in resolution of
the academic integrity appeal.
The Appeals Board may rule in favor of the student, in which case the appeal is sent back to the Vice Provost with
instructions to resolve the appeal by following University procedure, or the Appeals Board may deny the student’s
allegation of a violation of University procedure in which case the appeal process ends.
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STUDENT CONDUCT CODE
Overview
As noted in the AIU catalog, AIU is an academic community committed to the educational and personal growth of
its students. Behavior that infringes upon rights, safety or privileges, or that impedes the educational process is
unacceptable and may lead to sanctions up to and including withdrawal from the University.
AIU believes strongly in promoting the development of personal, professional and social responsibility.
AIU also believes in a humanistic approach to discipline conducive to academic pursuits. However, AIU recognizes
that its responsibility for the protection of personal and institutional rights and property is a primary focus of the
disciplinary process.
Therefore, University administration reserves the right to develop any policy or take any action(s) deemed
appropriate to maintain the safety and well-being of any or all students. Student conduct offenses may be related
to persons, property, campus operations, and welfare, health or safety of students, faculty and staff.
Students are encouraged to share personal experiences while participating in classes at AIU. However, students must
be aware that should he/she disclose to any AIU faculty members or staff information that may cause harm to
themselves or others, faculty members and staff are required to report such information to the Program Chair,
Campus President, or Campus Director of Student Experience.
Courteous behavior and professional conduct, appropriate to a professional environment, is to be displayed at all times.
Inappropriate conduct and/or communication, violations of the University’s Academic Honesty policy, or violations
of the Computing and Network Use policy will not be tolerated and may be a cause for sanctions or withdrawal.
Every student is subject to federal and state law and respective county and city ordinances. The conviction of a
student for any criminal offense which interferes with the orderly operation of the University or which the
Administration feels would endanger members of the University community shall be subject to disciplinary action.
In either Emergency or Non-Emergency incidents, student disciplinary recommendations involving student conduct
violations will be made to the Campus President by Campus Director of Student Experience and/or the Campus
Ombudsman. These recommendations by the Campus Director of Student Experience and/or the Campus Ombudsman
may include withdrawal from the University.
Conduct decisions made by the Campus Director of Student Experience may be appealed to the Appeals Board for
review.
A. Offenses Related to Persons
An offense related to a person is committed when a student:
1. Intentionally or knowingly and without authority or consent, limits or restricts the freedom of a person to move
about in a lawful manner;
2. Threatens (by any means), intimidates or uses physical or sexual force in a manner that endangers the health or
safety of another person or which reasonably causes another person to be fearful of physical or emotional harm; or
3. Intentionally harasses another person. Harassment includes, but is not limited to, impeding another persistently or
wronging or bothering another persistently.
4. Engages in any activity related to other persons which is prohibited by law or court order.
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B. Offenses Related to Property
An offense related to property is committed when a student:
1. Knowingly and without consent or authorization possesses, removes, uses, misappropriates, or sells the property
or services of another person or of the University;
2. Intentionally or negligently damages or destroys property owned or in the possession of another person or
of the University;
3. Obtains the property of another person by misrepresentation or deceptive means;
4. Enters or uses the facilities or property of another person or the University without consent or authorization; or
5. Commits a computer-related offense.
C. Offenses Related to the Operation of the University
An offense related to the operation of the University is committed when a student:
1. Engages in illegal, obscene or indecent conduct on University property or at University sponsored events;
2. Forges, alters, possesses, duplicates, or uses documents, records, keys or identification without consent or the
authorization of appropriate University officials;
3. Fails without just cause to comply with the lawful order of a University official acting in the lawful performance
of his/her duties and authority;
4. Engages in solicitation in or on University property or involving the use of University property unless such
solicitation is approved by appropriate University officials; or
5. Intentionally acts to impair, interfere with, or obstruct the orderly conduct, processes, and functions of the University.
D. Offenses Related to Welfare, Health or Safety
An offense related to welfare, health or safety is committed when a student:
1. Uses, possesses, or manufactures, without University authorization, firearms, explosives, weapons, unregistered
fireworks, illegal chemical or biological agents or other dangerous articles or substances injurious to persons
or property;
2. Falsely reports a fire, activates emergency warning equipment, or communicates false information regarding the
existence of explosives or hazardous materials on University property;
3. Abuses, removes, or damages fire and safety equipment; fails to vacate a building or facility when a fire alarm
is activated;
4. Fails to leave a building, streets, walks, driveways or other facilities of the University when directed to do so by
an official of the University having just cause to so order; or
5. Uses, possesses, distributes, sells, or is under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, hallucinogens, dangerous drugs,
or controlled substances, except as permitted by law.
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DISREGARD OF THE STUDENT CONDUCT CODE: PENALTIES AND PROCEDURES
Courteous behavior and professional conduct, appropriate to a business environment, is to be displayed at all times.
Inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated, and may be a cause for withdrawal. Students violating the student
conduct code may be brought to the Appeals Board for possible withdrawal from the University.
The Campus President has full power and authority to prescribe rules and regulations to govern student life and to
take emergency measures to protect the health and safety of students and/or university employees. The Campus
President has responsibility for administering discipline regarding student conduct, which will be exercised through
the established procedures stated below as prescribed or approved by the Campus President.
Every student is subject to federal and state law and respective county and city ordinances. The conviction of a
student for any criminal offense, which interferes with, the orderly operation of the University or which the
administration feels would endanger members of the University community shall be subject to disciplinary action.
Note: The Campus President reserves the right to develop any policy or take any action(s) deemed appropriate to
maintain the safety and well being of any or all students.
STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ASSEMBLY
The University recognizes the rights of all students to seek knowledge, debate ideas, form opinions, and freely
express their views. But that right must not interfere with the same rights and freedoms of others. Also, the
University recognizes the right of freedom of assembly, but student gatherings must not disrupt or interfere with the
operation of the institution. Any recognized student organization, after receiving approval of time and space from a
member of the Campus Management Team may hold group meetings in campus facilities. The use of public address
and sound equipment systems is prohibited outside the University facilities. Any use of this equipment inside the
University facilities must maintain a reasonable sound level.
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
The University believes in freedom of expression as defined by the Constitution of the United States. The existing
laws, state and federal, insofar as applicable to institutions, shall be observed. Freedom of expression carries with it
the responsibility for seeing that the essential order of the University is preserved. The basic freedom of students to
hear, write, distribute and act upon a variety of thoughts and beliefs is respected. The Campus President of the
University has the final responsibility relating to all materials published or distributed on campus; however, he or
she may exercise this authority and responsibility through a staff or faculty member.
Note: Display of unauthorized posters, flyers, advertisements, etc. is not permitted.
POLICY AND PHILOSOPHY ON DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE
American InterContinental University believes strongly in emphasizing the development of each individual’s
acceptance of his/her own personal and social responsibility. The University also believes in providing an atmosphere
that is conducive to academic pursuits. In recognition that personal problems such as the use of alcohol and drugs do
exist, which adversely affect the development of an individual and his/her academic pursuits, American InterContinental
University has developed a drug and alcohol prevention program in order to ensure a drug-free environment. Any
violation of these policies will result in appropriate disciplinary actions up to and including expulsion in the case of
students and termination in the case of employees, even for a first offense. Violations of the law will also be referred
to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. Relevant literature is updated and distributed on an annual basis via
the student portal and is also available in the Student Experience Department.
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American InterContinental University strictly prohibits the possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages on its
property, and adheres to the enforcement of the State of Georgia laws regarding underage drinking. (One must be
21 years of age to legally consume alcoholic beverages in the State of Georgia. American InterContinental
University strictly prohibits the possession, use, and sale of illegal drugs and adheres to the enforcement of federal
and state drug-laws on its property.
The aforementioned substances refer to alcohol and to all illegal substances with the exception of medication
prescribed to an individual under the care of a physician.
The property of American InterContinental University includes the University campuses as applicable. Universitysponsored activities include activities organized by the Student Experience Department, field trips, study tours or
functions such as fashion shows and the graduation ceremony.
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT PRESERVATION POLICY
All AIU faculty, staff and students are expected to create a learning environment committed to an effective learning
process. Any behaviors and/or events determined to be detrimental to success in the classroom or any related
academic pursuit are prohibited (including but not limited to conducting unauthorized tours, having unauthorized
guests/visitors/children on campus, usage of cell phones/pagers/radio headsets in library or class, etc.).
Visitors are not permitted in the classrooms, team rooms, or non-instructional areas of the campus facility unless
approved in advance by an appropriate faculty member, Program Chair or other duly constituted campus authority.
Authorized guests to the campus are not allowed past the reception area without an official escort. It is the students’
responsibility to meet visitors in the reception area at a prearranged time. Unsupervised guests are not allowed on
any University property (including but not limited to classrooms, library, lounge and common areas, etc.).
Disciplinary action may be taken should a violation of this policy occur. AIU is not responsible or liable for injuries
or harm caused by the intrusion of unauthorized or unsupervised visitors on AIU campuses or at AIU functions.
STUDENT PROJECTS
Any student projects that are left on the property of the University must be picked up according to instructions. Any
property must be reclaimed within one term or the projects will become the property of the University.
The University has the right to photograph projects for the purpose of keeping a permanent record of the work the
student completed while enrolled.
USE OF IMAGES AND WORKS
As stated in the Student Enrollment Agreement - AIU may use the student's name, voice, image, likeness, and
biographical facts, and any materials produced as a student without further approval or payment, unless prohibited
by law. Further, the university reserves the right to forego permission to tape, photograph for use in any manner or
medium in connection with any advertising, publicity or other information relating to AIU. The university will
credit the student for all published submissions.
STUDENT BELONGINGS
The University will not be held responsible for the loss of any personal possessions that a student brings to campus
property. In addition, any item a student leaves with a faculty or staff member for safekeeping will not become the
responsibility of the University or the individual faculty or staff member.
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ABANDONED PROPERTY
Any personal property which is left on campus will be held for 30 days in an unsecured storage facility. Any items not
claimed by the end of the 30 days will be sold, destroyed, discarded, maintained for use by the University, or donated to
charity.
OFFENSIVE MATERIALS
AIU’s professional environment requires that all students respect the following policy concerning offensive materials:
AIU’s Information System, photocopiers, media equipment, or other resources must not be used to produce, view,
store, replicate, or transmit harassing, obscene, or offensive materials. This includes, but is not limited to, material
from the Internet, screen savers, etc. In addition, printed copies of such material, including those from magazines,
are not permitted in the school.
As in the workplace, there is “zero-tolerance” for any students who violate this policy, and immediate withdrawal
may result. Students must recognize that personal opinions as to what constitutes “offensive material” may vary but
the following details describe what is typically understood to be offensive. Staff or students using AIU facilities
who find materials being displayed to be offensive have a duty to act assertively by informing University personnel.
Offensive material includes, but is not limited to the following:
46
•
Pornographic, nude, semi-nude or other similarly lewd images;
•
Material displaying excessively violent or graphic content;
•
Material of racist or similarly demeaning content; or
•
Any material that in general is understood to be socially and/or culturally offensive.
AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
Student Clubs and Organizations
INTRODUCTION
Belonging to an organization or club introduces AIU students to new friends and enriches the University
experience. Extracurricular activities also foster leadership development, improve people skills, and encourage
characteristics employers look for and qualities that last a lifetime. Participation shapes leadership skills while also
building an impressive resume.
Valuable educational experience may be gained through active participation in officially recognized campus
activities and organizations. All students are encouraged to participate in one or more organizations to the extent
that such involvement does not interfere with maintaining high academic achievement.
BELONGING TO AN ORGANIZATION
Students are encouraged to join clubs and organizations because of the benefits they will gain. To gain the most
benefits, students should consider their reasons for joining the group and should expect additional responsibilities.
Rewards:
•
Meeting people and making new friends.
•
Widening interests while having fun.
•
Developing qualities of leadership.
•
Opportunities for a wide variety of experiences.
•
Personal growth and expanded horizons.
•
Gaining the skills needed to be a team player.
Responsibilities:
47
•
Attend meetings regularly.
•
Be punctual.
•
Be supportive and creative.
•
Speak up and out. Your input is valuable and important for the growth of the organization.
•
Accept majority decisions.
•
Be prepared to complete any job you accept.
•
Be friendly to new members.
•
Communicate with the group if you need help with a task.
•
Joining a club or organization means teamwork!
AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
EXPECTATIONS AND POLICIES FOR STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
American InterContinental University considers student organizations to be an important component of the total
educational experience. Each organization contributes and is expected to have a lasting effect on its members and
the campus community. The following expectations are presented to guide the student organization in conjunction
with the mission of the Student Experience Department.
•
Each organization is expected to provide impetus for high academic achievement or professional development
for its members.
•
Each organization shall provide an opportunity for personal development through leadership positions,
programs and approved social functions.
•
Each organization is expected to consider a method for giving service to others through community service
projects and outreach programs.
•
Each organization is expected to promote American InterContinental University through active participation in
all campus events and positive relationships with other University organizations.
•
Each organization shall develop a clear definition of its goals and ideals and select a plan to achieve these goals.
•
A designated staff or faculty member shall act as an advisor for each organization. The advisor is available to
the organization for general advisement, while the officers and members are responsible for the planning and
organizing of group activities.
•
Organizations must register with the Student Experience Department. This registration ensures official
recognition as a student organization of the University.
•
Each organization must provide a Constitution or Statement of Purpose with their registration form.
•
Activities must be consistent with the club or organization's stated purpose, may not cause a disturbance, and
may not interfere with the regular operation of the University. Club meetings should not be during class
instruction hours. Clubs are requested to make a brief written report each year, containing a brief summary of
the past year's activities and any plans for the upcoming year. A copy should be given to the Campus Director
of Student Experience. The Campus President of the University reserves the right to disband any student
organization that violates the rules and regulations of the University as set forth in official publications.
Students are reminded to refer to the Student Handbook for Student Conduct Code: Penalties and Procedures.
POLICY FOR FORMING CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Students enrolled at the University are free to organize and are encouraged to join associations that promote their
common interests, so long as the following apply:
•
The purposes, principles, and policies of the organization are consistent with the general philosophies and
principles of American InterContinental University.
•
Membership in the organization is open to all currently enrolled University students in good standing without
regard to age, color, creed, national origin, handicap, marital status, race, religion, or gender.
•
Statements of the purpose, criteria for membership, rules or procedures, and a current list of officers are filed
with the office of Campus Director of Student Experience.
•
Only those individuals who hold bona fide membership in the organization determine the policies and actions
of the organization.
•
A faculty or staff advisor has been approved by the Campus Director of Student Experience.
•
The Campus President of the University has approved the written request of the organization for recognition.
The Campus President of the University reserves the right to deny approval to any organization. Students are
entitled to a written statement from the administration regarding approval or denial.
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STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA)
All students enrolled at American InterContinental University are encouraged to become involved with SGA. The
SGA shall act as an organized voice for all the students of the University, to relate views and suggestions to
administrators and organized governing bodies of the University; to improve the students’ academic, social and
cultural welfare; to promote students’ rights and responsibilities; and to assist the University in operating more
effectively and efficiently in the interest of students. The SGA shall also operate to disseminate information on
behalf of the University to the student body. The SGA officers are elected by and represent the leadership of the
student body. Elections are held each spring, and officers and senators will serve one full year. Members also serve
on committees within SGA--Service, Public Relations, and Special Events. Each Senator is required to be a
member of a committee. Additional committee members are appointed upon the receipt and review of applications.
The SGA advisor will review the performance, participation and GPA of the SGA Officers, Senators, and
committee members each term.
DEPARTMENTAL CLUBS
AIU departmental clubs are available for most majors at AIU. Consult your Program Chair for verification and
membership requirements.
Fashion Association
The purpose of the Fashion Association is to provide members opportunities to gain practical, hands-on experience
in the field of fashion design and fashion marketing; to provide professional growth through workshops, seminars,
and educational tours; to provide members opportunities to meet with experts in the fashion industry; and to
disseminate fashion ideas and information.
Media Society
The Media Society is an organization for Media Production students. The purpose of the society is to provide
opportunities for members to gain a greater understanding of the industry and exposure to future career positions
and potential employers through monthly meetings and workshops.
Criminal Justice Student Association
The Criminal Justice Student Association (CJSA) is open to all students enrolled at AIU but specifically geared
towards students majoring in the Criminal Justice program. The CJSA participates in a variety of events: quarterly
field trips, social events and community service initiatives. CJSA is also a vital link in assisting students in finding
internship opportunities in the field of Criminal Justice.
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HONOR SOCIETIES
Alpha Chi
Purpose:
Alpha Chi is a coeducational society whose purpose is to promote academic excellence and exemplary character
among college and university students and to honor those who achieve such distinction.
For more information on Alpha Chi, please contact the Academic Affairs department.
Beta Pi Chapter Atlanta of Kappa Beta Delta
Purpose
The purposes of this society shall be to encourage and recognize scholarship and accomplishment among students
of business, management, and administration; and to encourage and promote aspirations toward personal and
professional improvement and a life distinguished by honorable service to humankind. This organization is
exclusively for charitable and educational purposes.
Membership
Membership shall be limited to those of high scholarship and of good moral character. Kappa Beta Delta does not
discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion or gender in
the administration of membership or other programs. Candidates for associate degrees must rank in the upper
20 percent of the school at the time of invitation to membership and must have completed at least half of the
program credit hours, all of the general education courses, and at least two courses related to the degree program in
which they are enrolled. Membership into Kappa Beta Delta is by invitation only, and students who accept their
invitation to join must pay a one-time fee of $40.
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AIU Atlanta • Student Handbook • Effective August 2015
MU EPSILON Chapter Atlanta of Delta Mu Delta Honor Society, an International Society in Business
Purpose
The purpose of the society shall be to encourage higher scholarship and to recognize and reward scholastic
achievement in business programs.
Membership
Undergraduates and candidates for the baccalaureate degree who have completed one half and not more than three
quarters of the work required for the degree must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.8 or better on a
scale of 4.0, and must be in the top 20 percent of the school academically. Undergraduates and candidates for the
baccalaureate degree who have completed three quarters or more of the work required for the degree must have a
cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.73 or better on a scale of 4.0 and must be in the top 20 percent of the
school academically.
Graduate students in a master’s degree program who have completed at least one-half of the work required for the
master’s degree must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.73 or better on a 4.0 scale, and must be in
the top 15 percent of the school academically. Membership into Delta Mu Delta is by invitation only, and students
who accept their invitation to join must pay a one-time fee of $80.
If you have any questions, or want more information about student clubs, organizations, activities and leadership,
contact the Campus Director of Student Experience.
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