Academic Regulations

Student Responsibilities

Each student is responsible for compliance with regulations contained in this bulletin.  Failure to read and comply with regulations does not relieve the student of his or her responsibilities toward the school and the program of study.

Attendance Requirements

1.  All students are expected to attend every scheduled class.  Instructors must be informed in advance of any absences.  Student attendance is used as a criterion in grading the overall performance of a student.
2.  Failure to comply with course attendance requirements may cause a student's grade to be lowered.
3.  The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services requires F‑1 visa students to enroll full‑time for 3 consecutive quarters (9 months) of study per year with a minimum of 12 units per quarter for undergraduate students and 9 units per quarter for graduate students.

5.1 Vacation and Leave of Absence

         1. A written request for a vacation or leave of absence must be submitted to the admissions office for approval by the Director of Admissions and the Dean.
         2. F‑1 students are eligible for a 3-month vacation after completion of three consecutive quarters of study.
         3. F‑1 students who transfer from the English Language Center to the School of Business are eligible for a one month vacation before entering a degree program if they have been enrolled for a minimum of 6 months in the English Language Center. 
         4. F‑1 students who transfer from the English Language Center to the School of Business and have been enrolled for less than six months in the English Language Center are not eligible for a one month vacation before entering the School of Business.

Request for Medical Leave of Absence

         Any F‑1 visa student who requests a medical leave of absence must first make the request in writing by completing the University's Leave of Absence form. The student must provide a signed written statement from the doctor which describes the nature of the student's problem. The doctor must state that the student cannot attend school, how long the student will be unable to attend school, and state what treatment the student would receive during his or her absence from school.  To maintain a full‑time status with the University, a leave of absence may not extend for more than one quarter.

ADDING & DROPPING A CLASS

Adding a Class

         Only registered students may add a class.  The registered student must complete an "add slip" obtained from the Admissions Office. Classes may be added through the third week of the quarter. A student is permitted to take a maximum of five classes per quarter.  The add slip must include the student’s name, signature, date, course name, course number, and the instructor’s and the Dean’s signatures.  After the slip is completed, the student delivers it to the business office and pays the add‑fee. The Registrar will indicate the added class on the class roster within five working days.

Dropping a Class

         The registered student must obtain a "drop slip" from the Admissions Office. Classes may be dropped through the eighth week of the quarter.  Non‑attendance is not an indication of withdrawal.  A student who fails to officially drop a class is subject to a failing grade.  An F‑1 visa student must maintain a full‑time status throughout the entire quarter.

Requests for Graduation

         Candidates for graduation must complete the request form available in the Administration Office one quarter prior to graduation.  The Faculty Council must approve all requests before a recommendation for graduation is made to the President and Board of Trustees.

Withdrawal from the University

         To withdraw from the University, the student must follow the drop procedure outlined above and also complete the Student Checkouts Form issued in the Admissions Office.

Auditing a Class

         A student may audit an undergraduate course provided the student has paid the required fees and fulfilled the required prerequisites for the course.  Students who audit an undergraduate course do not receive credit for the course.  However, the student may request that the teacher evaluate the student's work and progress throughout the completion of the course.
         A student may audit a graduate course provided that the student has paid all tuition and fees and has fulfilled all of the prerequisites necessary to be enrolled in the graduate level course.  Students who audit a graduate level course do not receive credit for the course.  However, the student may request that the teacher evaluate the student's work and progress throughout the completion of the course. 

Repeating a Course

         A student may repeat a course for the purpose of improving a grade.  Both the original grade and the repeated course grade will be included on the student's transcript.  However, only the higher grade will be computed in the cumulative grade point average.  After the degree has been granted the student may repeat a course but not for the purpose of improving a grade.

Academic Probation

         A student whose quarterly grade point average falls below the minimum standard (2.0 for undergraduates overall course work while at CIU and 3.0 for graduates in their required courses) is automatically placed on academic probation.  It is the student's responsibility to bring his or her grade point average up to the University's standard within 3 quarters of study.

Student Discipline

         If a student has not brought his or her grade point average up to the minimum standards described above after three quarters of probation, the student is disqualified and must reapply before being considered for readmission.

Criteria and Process of Academic Disqualification from the University

         If a student's grade point average is below the University's minimum standard (2.0 for undergraduates) for a period of  three consecutive quarters of enrollment, a notice will be sent to the student informing him or her of his or her disqualification from attending the University and the reason for the action.
If the student believes an error has been made, the student must notify the Dean immediately upon receiving the disqualification notice.  If the Dean determines an error has been made, the Dean will notify the student in writing that the disqualification has been withdrawn.

Academic Dishonesty

         Maintenance of academic integrity and quality education is the responsibility of both the student and California International University.  Academic dishonesty is considered a serious offense which diminishes the quality of scholarship and injures those who depend on the integrity of the degrees offered at California International University.  Academic dishonesty includes cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, and plagiarism. 

  • Cheating is the unauthorized use of shared study aids, examination files, and other related materials and forms of assistance during any academic exercise.
  •  Fabrication is the falsification or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise.
  • Facilitating academic dishonesty is intentionally helping or attempting to help another to commit an act of academic dishonesty.
  • Plagiarism is intentionally or knowingly representing the words, ideas, or work of another as one's own in any academic exercise.

 

Disqualification Due To Academic Dishonesty

         It is the responsibility of the faculty members to establish the policies and procedures with regard to examinations and other academic exercises in the course syllabus.  Students are obligated to comply with the course requirements as set by the instructor.  If an instructor finds a student is cheating, falsifying information, facilitating academic dishonesty, or plagiarizing another's work, the instructor will notify the Dean in writing.  The student will be directed to see the Dean for counseling.  In the event that the student continues his or her dishonest behavior, a hearing will be held with the student, the instructor or instructors, and the Dean.  A decision to suspend, expel, or apply other disciplinary action by the Dean in consultation with the president and the instructors will be provided to the student in writing with the reasons supporting the action. 

Conduct Policy

         Only the Administration, state or federal officials can dismiss students.  Students may be expelled, suspended, placed on probation, or given lesser penalties for the following behavior:
1. Cheating or plagiarism in connection with an academic program.
2. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of campus documents, records, or identification, or knowingly furnishing false information.
3.  Misrepresenting oneself or an organization as being an agent of the University.
4. Obstruction or disruption of the school's educational process or other functions, on or off campus.
 5.  Physical abuse, on or off campus property, of any member of the campus community or members of his or her family or the threat of such physical abuse.  
6. Theft of, or non‑accidental damage to, campus property, or property in the possession of, or owned by, a member of the campus community.
7.  Unauthorized entry into, unauthorized use of, or misuse of campus property.
8.  Distribution, use, or possession of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs on campus.
9.  Possession or use of explosives, dangerous chemicals, or deadly weapons on campus property or at a campus function.
10. Engaging in lewd, indecent, or obscene behavior on campus property or at a campus function.
11.  Disobedience of university officials or designated agents in the performance of their duties.
12. Harassment of any university employee, student, or guest.
13.  Soliciting or assisting another to do any act which would subject a student to disciplinary action.
14. Conducting a social, political, religious, or commercial activity not previously approved by the Administration.

Student Grievance Procedures

         Student grievances should first be brought to the instructor, administrator, or staff member involved with the problem.  In the event that the problem is not satisfactorily resolved, the student must see one of the following persons:

  • For admissions applications, tuition, immigration:  Director of Admissions
  • For admissions counseling, the library, or financial aid:  Dean McIntyre or President Park
  • For program requirements, academic counseling, or classroom instruction:  Dean McIntyre or Dr. Park
  • For registration, transcripts, and graduation:  Dean McIntyre

Student Petitions

         In the event a problem remains unresolved, the student may petition the president to hold a special review of the matter.  To submit a petition, the student must have complied with the following procedure:
1.  Discussed the issue with the person directly involved in order to reach an agreement.  If discussion with the person directly involved is not possible the student may go to the administrator directly in charge of the function in question.  (See the student grievance procedures above.)
2.  Presented the problem to the administrator directly responsible for the function in question, i.e., the Director of Admissions for refunds, the Dean for grades, the President for financial aid.

  • Complete the petition request form available in the Dean's office.  The President, Dean, and Director of Admissions will consider the matter and develop recommendations.  The President will make the decision.

All decisions made by the President are final.  If the issue has not yet been resolved satisfactorily, the State of California provides the student with the following option:

Any questions or problems concerning this institution which have not been satisfactorily answered or resolved by the institution can be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education, Sacramento, CA 95814.
   

The Policy‑Making Process

         The Board of Trustees oversees the affairs of the corporation, the sole purpose of which is to sponsor and operate California International University.  The President of the University serves at the pleasure of the Trustees and is responsible for the administration of all University policies and procedures.
         The Administrative Staff Council reviews school administrative policies and procedures. The Council provides recommendations to the President in the implementation of state and federal education requirements in such areas as, assessment of tuition and fees, refund policies, personnel qualifications, institutional facilities, and immigration regulations.
         The Faculty Council reviews the University's academic programs, policies, and procedures. The Council provides recommendations to the President on the implementation of academic requirements in such areas as degree program admissions requirements, curriculum development, academic standards, and faculty qualifications.
         The students participate in the policy‑making process by completing course and program evaluations at the end of each quarter and upon completion of their programs. Students may also provide suggestions to the Dean or other members of the Faculty Council for programs and services.
         CIU maintains a dedicated staff of administrators and faculty to ensure the proper and effective implementation of institutional policies and procedures for the benefit of all of the students at California International University.