Academic Calendar	Coop Program UWL	Registration
Academic Forgiveness Policy	Credit/No Credit Courses	Repeating Courses
Academic Integrity	Dean's List	Sex Discrimination, Harassment, Misconduct
Academic Policy Exception	Examinations	Student Bereavement
Academic Standing	Grades and Incompletes	Student Records
Alternative Credit	Grade Appeal	Student Right to Know
Attendance Policy	Grade Point Average	Technology (Use of)
Audit	Independent Study	Transcripts
BC Students  in Trad Sections	Internships	Transfer Credit Policy
Classification of Students	Leave of Absence	UG Student Enrollment in GR Courses
Contact Hours	Military Deployment and Training	Withdrawal

 

Academic Calendar

http://www.viterbo.edu/registrar/academic-calendar
Regardless of delivery methods, the academic year is divided into two semesters, each 15 weeks in length plus a final exam week. The summer session typically runs 14 weeks.

Academic Forgiveness Policy for Reentry Students

Students who reenter Viterbo University after at least two years’ absence and whose cumulative grade point average is below a 2.5 at the time of re-entry may petition for academic forgiveness of previous Viterbo coursework. This petition will be reviewed by the Academic Standing Committee, and convened by the Director of Academic Advising and Career Development, which will decide whether academic forgiveness will be granted.

Academic forgiveness means that:

• All credits earned in semesters in which academic forgiveness is granted will be treated as earned or not earned, similar to grades of CR/NC, and will not count towards the student’s GPA.  Grades of C or better translate to earned credits, whereas grades of CD or below translate to no credit.  Since all credits below a C are lost when academic forgiveness is granted, students should carefully consider whether it is in their best interests to petition for academic forgiveness.  Once academic forgiveness is granted, the decision is final. On the student’s transcript, all grades earned prior to reentry will remain but be identified by the statement “academic forgiveness policy applied to the above.”
• A new cumulative GPA will begin from the semester of reentry to Viterbo
• Students who are granted academic forgiveness are eligible to graduate with academic honors; however, the original grades of the forgiven coursework will be used in the grade point average (GPA) calculation for academic honors.

In order to be granted academic forgiveness a student must:

• Have been readmitted to Viterbo University and in been continuous attendance since reentry
• Have completed, since reentry, at least 16 but not more than 45 credits of graded coursework
• Have an overall GPA of at least 2.0 since reentry
• Apply to the Director of Academic Advising and Career Development for academic forgiveness.  The online form can be found on the Office of the Registrar webpage.

A student will be granted academic forgiveness no more than once.  The criteria for entry into specific programs are independent of this policy.

Academic Integrity

All members of the Viterbo University community are expected to conduct themselves in an ethical manner and adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity. Furthermore, Viterbo University students are expected to adhere to a standard of academic honesty befitting their enrollment in this Catholic Franciscan university. They will not engage in plagiarism, cheating, lying, or stealing, nor will they tolerate those who do so. Fundamental to the principle of independent learning and professional growth is the requirement of honesty and integrity in the conduct of one’s academic life. Academic dishonesty in any form is a serious offense against the academic community. Each academic program will review the standards of academic integrity and have students acknowledge their acceptance of the standards.

Academic Integrity Policy

Viterbo University students, faculty, and administration share the responsibility of maintaining a standard of academic honesty. The faculty must create an atmosphere in which students may display their knowledge. This atmosphere includes sufficient safeguards to control dishonesty including an orderly testing room, restrictions on text messages, etc. Students are responsible for understanding and refraining from academic misconduct.

Academic Misconduct Policy

Academic misconduct is any activity that may compromise the academic integrity of the university, or subvert the educational process. Examples of academic misconduct include, but are not limited to:

• Violating course rules as contained in the course syllabus or other information provided to the student; violating program regulations as established by departmental committees and made available to students;
• Knowingly providing or receiving information from others during examinations; or possessing or using unauthorized materials during examinations;
• Knowingly providing or using assistance in the laboratory, on field work, in scholarship, or on a course assignment when said work was to be completed individually;
• Submitting plagiarized work for an academic requirement. Plagiarism is the representation of another’s work or ideas as one’s own whether intentional or unintentional; it includes the unacknowledged paraphrasing or word-for-word use of another person’s work, and/or the inappropriate unacknowledged use of another person’s ideas. Each student is responsible for understanding plagiarism and the consequences of committing plagiarism. The Viterbo University library offers information about plagiarism and how it can be avoided. Viterbo students are strongly encouraged to complete an online tutorial on avoiding plagiarism, which is available at www.indiana.edu/~istd.
• Submitting substantially the same work to satisfy requirements for one course or academic requirement that has been submitted to satisfy requirements for another course or academic requirement, without permission of either the instructor of the course for which the work is being submitted or the supervising authority for the academic requirement;
• Falsifying or fabricating laboratory results, research results, or any other assignments;
• Serving as, or enlisting the assistance of a substitute for a student in the taking of examinations;
• Altering grades or marks in an effort to change the earned grade or credit;
• Altering university forms or records, or using such forms or records without authorization; or
• Engaging in activities that unfairly place other students at a disadvantage, such as taking, hiding, or altering resource material, or manipulating a grading system.
• A faculty member who suspects a student of academic misconduct shall follow these steps:
  • Notify the student in writing of the allegation.
  • Contact the program director (graduate program) and/or the department chair or dean of the college (undergraduate program)
  • Contact the Vice President for Academics to notify that office that the student is involved in an allegation of academic misconduct and to discover if the student has previously violated the academic integrity policy.

Procedures for Unintentional Violations of Academic Misconduct Policy (undergraduate/graduate)

If the student has not previously committed academic misconduct, the faculty member shall determine whether this academic misconduct is intentional or unintentional. Unintentional academic misconduct occurs when a student attempts to acknowledge, quote, and/or cite sources but does so inadequately or incorrectly. In determining if the misconduct is intentional or unintentional, the faculty member may consult with the student and/or program director. Students may have only one report of unintentional academic misconduct; more than one unintentional offense shall be treated as intentional academic misconduct.

If the faculty member determines that the misconduct is unintentional, the faculty member:

• Must provide a written warning that the continuation or repetition of academic misconduct will be cause for additional disciplinary action; and
• May award a failing grade on the assignment; or
• May require the student to resubmit the corrected assignment or complete an alternative assignment. The faculty member shall determine the grade for the resubmitted or alternate assignment.

In determining the appropriate sanction, the faculty member shall consider all pertinent facts, including the nature of the offense, mitigating and aggravating circumstances, and the student’s response to the event. The faculty member shall notify the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness that the misconduct was determined to be unintentional so that the Vice President for Academic's office may properly monitor all faculty notifications for patterns of academic misconduct.

Procedures for Intentional Violations of Academic Misconduct Policy (undergraduate/graduate)

Graduate Program Procedures

If the faculty member determines that the misconduct was intentional, they shall refer the incident to the director of the relevant graduate program. The director of the program shall collect all pertinent facts, including the nature of the offense, mitigating circumstances, the student’s response to the event, and the failure of the individual to comply with past sanctions. The program director shall make the final determination of whether or not academic misconduct occurred and, if so, whether said misconduct was intentional or unintentional.

If the program director finds that the student has intentionally violated the academic integrity policy, the program director will notify the student in writing and make a recommendation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness who shall impose sanction(s). At a minimum, the student shall receive a failing grade in the course. Most cases of intentional academic misconduct at the graduate level will result in either suspension or expulsion from Viterbo University.

Undergraduate Program Procedures

If the faculty member decides that the misconduct was intentional or the student admits the academic misconduct, then one or more or the following sanctions may be imposed by the faculty member:

• Award a failing grade on the test or paper; or
• Require the student to take another test or resubmit the paper;
• Award a failing grade for the class. (This action must have the approval of the dean of the relevant college.)

In the event that the student disputes the allegation of academic misconduct or has previously been found in violation of the academic misconduct policy, the incident will be referred to the dean of the relevant school. Imposing sanctions will be deferred pending the dean’s finding on the allegation. The school dean shall collect all pertinent facts, including the nature of the offense, mitigating circumstances, the student’s response to the event, and the failure of the individual to comply with past sanctions. The school dean shall make the final determination of whether or not academic misconduct occurred and, if so, whether said misconduct was intentional or unintentional.

If the faculty member or college dean meets with a student, the student may have a consultant present. The consultant may provide notes to the student during the meeting, but is not permitted to respond to questions for the student during the meeting. If the student is found to be in violation of the academic misconduct policy, the dean forwards their recommendation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness, or designee, who may impose sanction(s) listed in the Code of Student Conduct.

The student will be notified in writing of the findings by theVice President for Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness and Dean of Students.  A copy of the decision letter will also be sent to the Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students, or designee. This action is required for maintenance of complete disciplinary records.

Procedures for Subsequent Violations of Academic Misconduct Policy (undergraduate/graduate)

If the student’s record shows previous academic misconduct, the matter shall be handled by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness, who may impose one or more of the following sanctions:

• Interim suspension – Suspension from classes, campus facilities, university premises and/or university-sponsored functions, for an interim period pending disciplinary proceedings. A student suspended on an interim basis may discuss with the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness or designee the reliability of the information related to the student’s academic misconduct.
• University suspension – Separation from the University for a specified period of time. The Vice President for Academics may specify conditions for readmission
• University expulsion – Permanent separation of the student from the University.

The Vice President for Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness will communicate the decision in writing to the student. The Vice President for Academics will also send a copy of the letter to the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, or designee.

In accordance with procedures set forth in the Viterbo University Student Handbook, students may appeal any decision for breach of academic honesty to the University Board of Review. (See academic appeals below.) In any appeal case the breach of the academic policy itself takes precedence over the sanction given for the violation. 

Procedural Norms for Academic Appeals

In accordance with procedures set forth in the Viterbo University Student Handbook, students may appeal any decision for breach of academic honesty to the University Board of Review. (See academic appeals below.) In any appeal case the breach of the academic policy itself takes precedence over the sanction given for the violation.

Appeals Process for the Academic Integrity Policy

When a student disputes the charge of breaching the academic honesty policy or the sanction given for the violation:

• The student should address in writing the specific complaint to the individual faculty member and include copies of all communication used in the initial stages of the investigation.
• If the student disagrees with the faculty member’s decision, the student may continue the written complaint and include copies of all communication used in the stages of the investigation to the program director (graduate) or chairperson of the relevant department (undergraduate).
• If the student disagrees with the program director or chairperson’s decision, the student may continue the written complaint and include copies of all communication used in the stages of the investigation to the dean of the relevant college.
• If the student disagrees with the dean’s decision, the student may continue the written complaint and include copies of all communication used in the stages of the investigation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness.

If the informal appeals do not satisfactorily resolve the grade dispute, the student may file a formal, written appeal to the Board of Review.

When called upon, the Board of Review will meet during:

• Fall in-service week in August (To address all spring and first seven-week summer session appeals.)
• The last week in November (To address all summer and first eight-week fall session appeals.)
• The second week in April (To address all fall and first eight-week spring session appeals.)
• Any other times as necessary

Formal grade appeals to the Board of Review must be filed within the first four weeks of the subsequent semester following the finalization of grades in the Registrar’s office. This written appeal shall include:

• A request to the chairperson of the Board of Review to meet to hear the appeal.
• An initial statement of the problem, including both a chronology of events leading up to the informal appeal, and a description of the previous attempts to resolve the dispute with the instructor, chairperson, dean, and Vice President for Academics.
• Submission of a name of a member of the Viterbo University faculty, administration, general staff, or student body to serve on the Board of Review on the student's behalf.

The Board of Review will acknowledge the receipt of the appeal within five working days and notify the student of the next Board of Appeals meeting date.

A copy of the written appeal shall be presented to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness and the aggrieved faculty member, program and/or department by the Board of Review within five working days. The respondents shall in turn present in writing a response with any necessary documentation to the Board of Review with five working days. The vice president for academic affairs shall name a member of the Viterbo University faculty, administration, general staff, and/or student body to serve on the Board of Review on the respondent's behalf.

All parties affected by the appeal shall have a copy of the student’s written grievance no later than three working days before their meeting with the Board of Review. All parties that the Board requests to participate in the hearing will be notified in writing no later than three working days before a meeting convenes.

Any additional evidence deemed necessary by the Board to consider the appeal adequately shall be solicited in writing no later than three working days before the meeting date. All written statements and documentation shall be made available to both the complainant, the respondent, the vice president for academic affairs, and to the president by the chairperson of the Board of Review no later than one working day in advance of the meeting.

The Board of Review may let stand the decision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness, reverse it, or take another course of action, including but not limited to remanding the issue to any previous party in the appeals process. If after thorough review of a grade dispute, the Board of Review finds a serious injustice in the awarding of the grade, it may recommend a grade change to the President of the university. The grade change can be affected only by the action of the President on the specific recommendation of the Board of Review.

The recommendation(s) of the Board of Review shall be submitted to the President and conveyed in writing within 24 hours of the end of the hearing to the student who filed the appeal, the affected faculty member, the affected department's chairperson, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness.

The decision of the Board of Review may be appealed by either party to the President of the university. The appeal must be written and submitted to the President within two weeks of the recommendation by the Board of Review. After considering the appeal, the president shall render a decision, which is final. The President shall notify both parties of the decision within one week of this appeal.

Other than the deadline for initiating the appeals process, all deadlines stated in the appeals process may, given good cause, be lengthened or shortened by the reviewing entity upon the request of either party or at the reviewing entity’s own discretion.

All records and correspondence in such cases will be kept in the office files of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness until graduation.  Students’ academic transcripts shall exclude academic misconduct violations except for cases of expulsion.

Academic Policy Exception

Students seeking an exception to any university academic policy listed in this academic policy section may petition the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness for an exception. The Academic Policy Exception form is found on the registrar’s office Web page. This form cannot be submitted without the permission of the student’s advisor, department chair and college dean.

Academic Standing

Academic Probation

The purpose of academic probation is to assist students’ academic progress. Students whose scholastic performance is below a cumulative GPA of 2.0 are placed on probation. Students whose semester GPA is below a 2.0 for two consecutive semesters may be placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation may take no more than 14 credits in the semester in which they are on probation, and may be required to complete other terms of probation. Students are removed from probation when the cumulative grade point average reaches 2.0 or above and a semester grade point average above a 2.0 is achieved.

Academic Eligibility for Non-Required Co-curricular Involvement

Students who have been placed on academic probation may be restricted from serving on University committees or participating in extra-curricular activities, non-required co-curricular activities, or intercollegiate athletics.

Suspension

Academic
Students on probation who have failed to obtain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 at the end of the term in which they were on academic probation may be academically suspended from the university. Additionally, any student who receives less than a 1.00 semester GPA may be suspended due to insufficient academic progress. Academic suspension may have an impact on a student's financial aid and/or visa status (international student) and students must contact the Financial Aid Office, Business Office, and/or International Admissions to discuss the implications. After a minimum of one full fall or spring semester of non-enrollment a student can petition the Director of Academic Advising and Career Development to be eligible for re-enrollment. Contact the Director of Academic Advising and Career Development to request the Academic Suspension Petition for Reentry form. A suspended student may not enroll for summer courses, nor qualify for a leave of absence.

Appeals Process for Suspension Length
Students who are suspended from the university may appeal the suspension length and ask to return to school in the next semester rather than remain away from the university for the required one semester. In order to appeal the suspension length, a student must submit an Academic Suspension Appeal form to the Director of Academic Advising and Career Development along with any appropriate documentation to substantiate any extenuating circumstances identified in the appeal.  Contact the Director of Academic Advising and Career Development for the Academic Suspension Appeal form. The completed Academic Suspension Appeal form will outline why the student should be allowed to return before the suspension period is completed and why returning would be the best strategy for academic success. Suspension appeals are reviewed by the Academic Standing Committee and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness, and the student may be asked to meet with the committee prior to a decision being made about the appeal. The appeal deadline is two weeks prior to the start of the semester of intended enrollment. The committee and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness will review the appeal and make a decision regarding the student’s readmission within 10 working days. If the appeal is granted, students will be placed on probation and follow the policy set forth for students on academic probation.

Readmission after Suspension
Students who are suspended must sit out for a minimum of one full fall or spring semester (not including summer). Students must apply for readmission by completing the online reentry application and the Academic Suspension Petition for Reentry form to be eligible for re-enrollment. Contact the Director of Academic Advising and Career Developmentto request the Academic Suspension Petition for Reentry form. The petition must be submitted to the Director of Academic Advising and Career Development and should provide evidence of commitment towards academic success. The application deadline is two weeks prior to the start of the semester of intended enrollment. Re-enrollment and readmission to an academic or professional program are not guaranteed. In the first regular semester after readmission, reinstated students will be on academic probation. See the Academic Probation section of this catalog for further details. Reinstated students will follow the catalog requirements for the semester of their readmission and may be subjected, by the Director of Academic Advising and Career Development, to other conditions for their continuance.

Dismissal

Viterbo University retains the right to dismiss a student from the university for grievous acts of academic misconduct. A student dismissed from the institution is ineligible to return to Viterbo University.

Administrative Withdrawal
Viterbo University works to provide a safe and orderly environment in which all qualified students, with or without disabilities, are able to participate in the university’s programs and activities and to pursue their academic, physical, moral and social development.  

The Vice President for Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness and/or the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students reserve the right to take immediate, necessary, and appropriate action to protect the health, safety, and well-being of an individual and/or the university community. A student who does not conduct themselves in a manner compatible with a safe and orderly environment is subject to discipline through the student conduct system. In an unusual case where a student engages in one or more behaviors listed below or exhibits a pattern of such behaviors, the university reserves the right, consistent with applicable law, to require an administrative withdrawal. These behaviors include: 

1. Student engages in, or threatens to engage in, behavior which poses a danger of causing harm to others; 

2. Student indicates that they are unable to complete the academic requirements of the University; 

3. Student exhibits behavior(s) that substantially impede(s) the lawful and/or daily, normal activities of others and/or would interfere with the educational process and the orderly operations of the university. Behaviors include those that are damaging to property or disruptive to the surrounding community and community members and/or significantly impact the university’s human resources in continued management of these incidents. 

Prior to invoking an administrative withdrawal, a student may be given the option to take a voluntary withdrawal.  Reinstatement following administrative withdrawal may require a certification from the student’s treatment provider or other action which satisfies the university that the student’s behavior is compatible with the academic, behavioral and technical standards of the university. 

Students subject to administrative withdrawal may be offered an informal hearing before the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness or designee. This meeting shall consist of a review and explanation for this action with the student. Readmission to the university after administrative withdrawal must be requested in writing and approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness or designee. 

Alternative Credit

http://www.viterbo.edu/registrar/transfer-and-alternative-credit

Viterbo University will accept a maximum of 45 credits from American Council on Education (ACE) recommended work, DSST Exam (formerly DANTES), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Advanced Placement Examination, International Baccalaureate, or Credit for Prior Learning towards a bachelor degree. CLEP equivalents are acceptable for students in graduate programs requiring prerequisite coursework. Exam or alternative credit work completed within the last 15 years will be accepted. Of the maximum 45 alternative credits accepted, up to 30 may be for Credit for Prior Learning not otherwise covered by ACT, DSST, CLEP, AP, and IB.

Advanced Placement

Viterbo University participates in the Advanced Placement (AP) Program whereby high school students may enroll in advanced high school courses, take the AP exam and receive college credit (with the appropriate score). The student must be enrolled as a degree seeking student at Viterbo University to receive credit. The Advanced Placement course equivalency policy is on the registrar’s office’s Web page for further information.

American Council on Education

Viterbo University will grant credit for educational experiences evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE). Viterbo University will accept a maximum of 45 credits from American Council on Education (ACE) recommended work, DSST, or College Level Examination Program.

Credit by Examination

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a national program administered through the College Board. Viterbo follows The American Council on Education (ACE) guidelines and recommendations for minimum scores for awarding credit in subject examinations. There is a fee for each examination. Currently enrolled students or incoming students who enroll the subsequent semester may register for exams. Students should visit the Academic Resource Center Web page for information about CLEP test dates. The CLEP course equivalency policy is on the registrar’s office’s Web page for further information.

Credit for Prior Learning

The credit for prior learning program is for students who feel they have significant college-relevant learning from lifetime/work experience applicable toward college credit.  A limit of six credits may be earned by portfolio by master’s degree students and a maximum of 30 credits may be earned by portfolio by bachelor degree students.

To participate in the credit for prior learning program, a student must:

• Be currently enrolled
• Meet with the program director/coordinator/advisor to get instructions and make a plan for completing the application materials
• Complete the Application for Credit for Prior Learning
• Submit the application materials to the program director/coordinator/advisor. The materials will be sent to the appropriate faculty reviewer(s) for evaluation
• The program director/coordinator/advisor will notify the student of the decision of the number of credits the student has been awarded.
• Take the approved Application for Credit for Prior Learning to the Business Office and pay the current fees for each credit approved by the faculty reviewer. The tuition and fees schedule is located on the Business Office web page.

Students who would like to know more about credit for prior learning are encouraged to contact their advisor, program director, or program coordinator. Not all programs accept credit for prior learning.

International Baccalaureate Program

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is recognized by Viterbo University for purposes of admission and course credit. The university awards credit for higher-level IBP examinations (with the appropriate score) according to the respective academic department. The student must enroll as a degree-seeking student at Viterbo University. The IBP course equivalency policy is on the Registrar’s Office’s Web page for further information.

Military Education and Training Transfer Credit Agreement

For Veterans and Service Members, Viterbo University will award up to 9 academic credits for core curriculum coursework and 3 credits for health and wellness coursework, based on competencies learned from military training and experience, based on years of service, and validated by DD214 (military document). Admissions, Military Aligned Students, and Registrar's Offices will review the Joint Service Transcript (JST), Community College of the Air Force transcript, and DD214 document to award eligible military service members credit in accordance with the American Council on Education (ACE) in conjunction with their experience gained for Time in Service (TIS) in the military.

National College Credit Recommendation Service

Viterbo University will grant credit for education experiences based on evaluation by the National College Credit Recommendation Service (CCRS), formerly, the National Program on Noncollegiate Sponsored Instruction (PONSI). National CCRS administers a system that evaluates courses and educational programs conducted by non-collegiate organizations nationwide and recommends to colleges and universities that they grant credit when learning experiences are found comparable to college-level instruction. Viterbo University will accept a maximum of 45 credits from American Council on Education (ACE) recommended work, DSST, or College Level Examination Program.

Retroactive Spanish Credit

http://www.viterbo.edu/spanish/retroactive-credit

Students who enter Viterbo University with advanced preparation in Spanish may receive from three to 12 retroactive credits provided –

• the student takes a placement exam to determine appropriate class level
• a grade of C or better is earned in the student’s first university course above the 101 level

Retroactive credits will appear on a student’s transcript after the grading deadline of the term in which the first university course above the 101 level was completed and the minimum grade was achieved. The retroactive credits granted may be used toward fulfilling the B.A. degree requirement as well as toward the Spanish major or minor requirements.

A student who has received college credit for a Spanish course taken while in high school (through Advanced Placement, Early College Credit Program, or other cooperative agreements between secondary and post-secondary schools), or received Viterbo transfer credit for a course taken at another college or university may not take the placement exam or be awarded retroactive language credits.

Additionally, students who are to some extent bilingual in Spanish and English because they grew up in a home or environment where Spanish is spoken are encouraged to take the Spanish placement test for Heritage Speakers (even if they have never studied Spanish formally) and to contact Dr. Jesus Jambrina (jejambrina@viterbo.edu) to discuss language placement and eligibility for up to 9 retroactive credits in Spanish.

Attendance Policy
 

Expectations for Students

• Viterbo University challenges students to be learners who assume responsibility for being a part of a community of scholars. Student presence and participation in the classroom is an important component of this challenge. Furthermore, as part of its mission, Viterbo University offers an education that prepares students for professional employment. Each student is encouraged to develop a professional work ethic that reflects responsibility, initiative, and teamwork. Students who are absent from class miss opportunities to contribute to the learning environment of the classroom and are developing patterns that will not be tolerated in the professional workplace.
• In light of the above, students are expected to attend all classes and notify instructors beforehand of all foreseen absences.
• Absence from class may result in the loss of financial aid, including federal financial aid, and may lead to the requirement to repay financial aid funds to Viterbo University.
• If absence from class is unavoidable due to illness, emergency, jury duty, etc., the student will contact the course instructor or the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students.  The instructor may ask for documentation.
• A student who is not able to attend classes due to military obligations should refer to the Military Deployment policy.
• Regardless of the reasons for absence, the student is responsible for any coursework missed and for any assignment the course instructor may give to make up for the absence.

Expectations for Faculty and Other Viterbo University Officials

• Each faculty member will establish a reasonable attendance policy, which will be stated in the course syllabus and shared at the beginning of the course. If the course requires the student to complete any activity, in or out of class time, that can be performed only at the time specified in the syllabus, the instructor will inform the student of this by the end of the second week of the course.
• Faculty will keep a weekly record of attendance for each student to comply with federal financial aid guidelines.
• A course instructor may issue a failing grade to a student who has missed more than 15% of the classes for the course, and will notify the student of this decision.  Absences caused by attending required co-curricular or extracurricular activities or officially representing Viterbo University in another capacity will not be counted towards this 15%. The Viterbo University official responsible for the student’s activity during such events will notify other instructors of known required absences at least two weeks prior to the event. The notification will be communicated through the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Online Attendance

Attendance is expected in all online courses. Student attendance in an online class is defined as active participation in the course as described in the course syllabus

Guidelines for Online Attendance

• A student who has not logged into their online course during the first three days may be dropped from the course.
• Instructors in online courses are responsible for providing students with clear instructions of the active participation requirements for the class. Instructors will state on the syllabus the specific expectations for active participation.
• Completion of assignments is expected on a weekly basis. If a student has not logged into their online class for a period of seven days of longer, they may receive a failing grade or be administratively dropped from the course.
• Faculty will report students who are not actively participating in their online course through the Starfish Early Alert System.
• Students not able to participate in classes due to military obligations should refer to the Military Deployment policy.

Audit

Students pursuing a degree at Viterbo University may wish to audit a course for personal or professional knowledge. Students who are auditing are not required to complete assignments or take examinations, but auditors are expected to attend classes. If their attendance is unsatisfactory, auditing students will be administratively withdrawn from the course. Students receive no credit for courses that they audit; a grade of “AU” is entered on their records. Audited courses do not count toward students’ degree requirements. To audit a course, students must complete an audit form obtained from the Office of the Registrar. The completed form includes the instructor’s signature, which signifies consent for the student to audit the course. Students must return the completed form to the Registrar’s Office no later than Friday of the first week of class. After the first week of classes, students may not change their course status from audit to credit. In exceptional circumstances a student may change the status of the course from credit to audit. In that case, students must file the paperwork no later than the midpoint of the class. Students may also repeat audited courses for credit in subsequent semesters. Students may not repeat courses for which credit was received as audited courses in subsequent semesters. The tuition and fees for audit courses are the same as for credit courses and count toward total enrolled credits in that semester for billing purposes.

Community members (non-degree seeking students) may also audit a course. The same policies and deadlines apply to non-degree auditors. Interested students should submit an online non-degree student application for initial entrance to Viterbo University. Non-degree students should check the current fee schedule, published in the class schedule, for rate.

Bachelor Completion Students Enrolling in Traditional Undergraduate Course Sections

Students enrolled in a bachelor completion program may enroll in a maximum of three courses offered for traditional undergraduate students.

Classification of Students

• Freshmen—Students whose academic record contains 29 or fewer credits.
• Sophomores—Students who have earned between 30 and 59 credits.
• Juniors—Students who have earned between 60 and 89 credits.
• Seniors—Students who have earned 90 or more credits.
• Non-degree—Students who are not actively pursuing a degree at Viterbo University.
• Graduate—Students pursuing a graduate degree.

Contact Hours

Viterbo defines one credit hour as 750 minutes over 15 weeks. In addition, each credit of a course requires that students spend two hours of work outside of class per week.

Regardless of format, all sections are required to meet the required credit hour standards by any combination of instructional time and outside work. Outside work could include additional outside reading, group work, service projects, field work, clinical rotations, among other learning activities.

Laboratory periods, clinical, internships, and practicums vary in length depending upon the requirements of the course. Normally one credit hour equals no less than 30 actual clock hours.

Minimum class and outside work time are calculated according to the following formula.

[750 + 1800]  X  the number of credits of a course =  the minimum number of minutes of instructional time and outside work required.

For example: a three credit course requires a minimum of 7,650 total minutes.

Cooperative Program with the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Undergraduate students at Viterbo University may enroll in selected courses at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UW-L) as a result of an inter-institutional cooperative agreement. Through the program, students of both institutions have access to broader educational opportunities, and resources of the institutions can be utilized more fully. Under this cooperative agreement, a student may take selected courses, on a space available basis only, at UW-L, during the fall or spring semesters. The selected courses must be courses that are never available at Viterbo University, and the student must be a full-time student at Viterbo University (not including co-op credits) during the co-op semester and enrolled in a traditional undergraduate bachelor degree program. (One charged the tuition plateau between 12-18 credits; not a program offered through bachelor completion or a graduate program.) The approval of the student’s academic advisor is required. Credits earned through this cooperative program are considered to be transfer hours and are not calculated into the student’s grade point average at Viterbo University. Students must complete and return the appropriate form, available from the registrar’s office. The deadline to submit the form is May 1 for fall semester and Dec. 1 for spring semester.

Credit/No Credit Courses

Students may elect to take some courses for credit/no credit.  In such courses, the instructor will submit a letter grade for the student and the registrar will convert that grade as follows: A grade of C or above shall be converted to CR, meaning that the student earned credit towards graduation requirements, and a grade of CD or below shall be converted to NC, meaning that the student earned no credit.  In neither case shall the grade be included when calculating the student’s GPA.  The policy for credit/no credit is as follows:

• Students must register courses as CR/NC during the first 11 class days of the semester
• Students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. (First semester freshmen need the permission of the Director of Academic Advising)
• Students may not ordinarily exceed 18 credits of CR/NC courses (including those courses graded only CR/NC) towards degree requirements
• If a student has reached the maximum of 18 credits, an exception may be made for those courses required by the major and graded only on a CR/NC basis. The exception needs the permission of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness
• Courses counting towards a major or minor, area of concentration or professional education courses may not be taken CR/NC unless so specified by the respective department
• If a student later wishes to major in a field in which a CR/NC course was already taken, and credit was given, the respective department may choose to accept the credit grade, but the credit grade will not be converted to a letter grade
• Departments shall have the option of specifying the CR/NC system of grading for those courses for which they consider such a system more appropriate

Dean’s List

The Undergraduate Dean’s List honors exemplary academic achievement. The Dean’s List will be compiled and published after all grades for the term are calculated; approximately March 15 for fall semester, July 15 for spring semester, and Oct. 15 for summer session. To merit a place on the Dean’s List, a student must achieve a semester grade point average of 3.50 and complete a minimum of six letter-graded credits. The Dean’s List is published in the hometown newspaper for those students who have supplied that information to the university.

Examinations

Each instructor, in the course syllabus, will inform the class of the methods of evaluation to be used. Examinations are one method of evaluation; however, the instructor may decide upon other means of determining how well the student has met the course objectives. Evaluation of the student’s progress is made in each course at mid-semester. It is the responsibility of the instructor to inform the student of their progress. Final examinations are held at the conclusion of the semester and final grades are submitted to the registrar. If the instructor wishes to use some form other than the written examination, the final meeting of the class must be held during the time scheduled for the final examination.

Grades

A student’s scholarship rating in each subject is determined by the results of examinations, the general character of the student’s daily class work, and other methods of assessment of learning. Students view final grades via the online student information system, VitNet. The grading system follows:

A  (4.0 grade points*) - Superior work. This indicates not only high achievement, but also unusual degree of initiative
AB  (3.5 grade points) - Between A and B
B  (3.0 grade points) - Higher achievement than average
BC  (2.5 grade points) - Between B and C
C  (2.0 grade points) - Average and satisfactory work
CD  (1.5 grade points) - Between C and D
D  (1.0 grade points) - Work fulfilling minimum requirements
F  (0.0 grade points) - Failure in the course

W  Withdrawn - Awarded to students who dropped a course after the second week of the semester (full semester class) or after 12.5% of the class has elapsed. In this case, credits count as attempted credits. The W will not be calculated towards grade point average. W grades will not be awarded if a student drops after 70% of the class has elapsed.

CR - Credit Granted (C or better work)
NC - No Credit Granted
AU - Audit (no credit)
I - Incomplete; student has done passing work but must still meet certain requirements before the grade can be determined.
NR - Not Recorded, Not calculated as part of grade point average, awarded with approval from the VPAAIE in extenuating circumstances. Attempted credit.

*Grade points are for each credit

Grade Appeal (Academic Review Process)

When grievances arise in regard to a course grade, the student should first discuss the matter with the individual faculty member. If a satisfactory conclusion is not achieved, the matter may be brought, in turn, to the respective department chairperson, college dean, and then to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness. Matters still in dispute may finally be taken to the Board of Review. Formal, written grade appeals must be filed within the first four weeks of the subsequent semester (fall, spring, and summer) following the finalization of grades in the Registrar’s Office and in accordance with procedures available in the student handbook.

Grade Point Average

The grade point average of a student’s work is the ratio of the grade points to the number of credits attempted. Courses taken under the credit/no credit option, courses with a W or NR grade, as well as courses completed at another institution are not included in the grade point average.

Incompletes

A grade of incomplete is given infrequently and only under unusual circumstances that are beyond the student’s control such as a serious illness or death in the family or unanticipated complications in an original research project. To be considered for an incomplete, the student must have at least 50% of the course work complete and have a passing grade in the course. Students will find the form to request a grade of incomplete on the registrar’s office Web page. The student must seek the approval of the instructor, department chair, and dean or Vice President for Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness. The completed form with approving signatures needs to be submitted to the registrar’s office by the last class period (not the final exam day).

The student is responsible for completing the required course work by the agreed upon deadline. The instructor is responsible for submitting a replacement grade to the Registrar’s Office. If the incomplete grade is not removed and the replacement grade from the instructor is not on file in the Registrar’s Office by mid-semester of the subsequent semester or summer session, the incomplete grade converts to an F.

Independent Study

Independent study is one way Viterbo University students can enjoy individualized learning. Independent study allows students to proceed at their own pace and take more responsibility for their own learning. Since independent study requires initiative and allows for considerable freedom, students should plan the proposed study carefully with help from the directing faculty. The same number of student/faculty contact hours as a regular course must be maintained. The plan must be approved by the academic advisor, department chair, and dean of the discipline of the independent study. Students must complete this form and file it with the Office of the Registrar upon registration, but no later than the end of the first week of classes for the term of the independent study. Students must complete the work of the independent study within the semester they register for the course. Over the course of their Viterbo University career, students may take a maximum of six credits of independent study.

Independent study courses may be of three types:

1. Directed study, research, and/or readings in an area that is not included in the regular course offerings. (The course appears on a student’s transcript with the title Independent Study.)

For undergraduate independent study, the directing faculty member and student will decide if the course should be for lower- or upper-division credit. The student will register for the agreed upon 288 (undergraduate lower division), 488 (undergraduate upper division), or 588/788 (graduate) credit.

2. Departure from the regular credit value of a course, such as independent work on one portion of an existing course. (The course appears on a student’s transcript with the title Independent Study.)

For undergraduate independent study, the directing faculty member and student will decide if the course should be for lower- or upper-division credit. The student will register for the agreed upon 288 (undergraduate lower division), 488 (undergraduate upper division), or 588/788 (graduate) credit.

3. The independent study of a course listed in the current university catalog.

Students may ordinarily undertake this third option only under special circumstances. (The course appears on a student’s transcript by its catalog title prefaced with IS.) Students may not take a course as an independent study if it is listed in the current class schedule. The level of the course will determine what level of independent study the student will register for: 288 (undergraduate lower division), 488 (undergraduate upper division).

Internships

A maximum of 12 internship credits is allowed per fall or spring semester; nine internship credits are the maximum allowed for the summer (a total of 15 credits may be applied to graduation requirements).

Internship Incomplete and Add/Drop Policy

Students may add internship credits after the first week of classes at the discretion of the Intern Coordinator and with the approval of the student’s advisor. Students may begin to accrue hours after credits are registered for and the course has started. Internship hours may not be started prior to the course start date. Students who wish to add internship credits are responsible for checking with the Financial Aid and Business Offices to determine possible financial ramifications. 

Student interns may request a grade of Incomplete if factors beyond their control at the intern site prevent them from completing their hours. The Intern Coordinator will determine the appropriateness of a grade of Incomplete in cases where hours are unfinished due to other factors. Students are responsible for submitting an Incomplete Grade Request to the Intern Coordinator.  

Student interns who wish to reduce their number of intern credits may do so at the discretion of the Intern Coordinator.  Requests must be made in writing to the Intern Coordinator no later than two weeks prior to the last day of classes. Students who wish to reduce the number of internship credits are responsible for checking with the Financial Aid and Business Offices to determine possible financial ramifications. Student athletes who wish to reduce their number of internship credits should check with the Athletics Department to determine possible eligibility ramifications.

Leave of Absence

Undergraduate students are granted a continuous one-year leave of absence upon withdrawing or not being enrolled for any reason. Students will remain in the same catalog for curriculum requirements, provided they return to Viterbo University according to the guidelines specified below.

• If the student returns after three full, consecutive semesters, including summer, they will come into the current catalog at the time of re-entry.
• The student returns to the same program (major) as was declared upon last day of attendance.
• The student is not considered an officially enrolled student when not registered for any courses. The student also is not designated as being on a leave of absence for any official purposes.
• To initiate the reentry to Viterbo, the student is responsible for submitting an application (Apply Online link on the Viterbo home page) to indicate the term of return, as well as confirm/update other demographic information.
• The student is responsible for notifying the registrar’s office of changes in name, address, telephone number, or email address while on leave of absence.
• Financial payments to Viterbo University will be reimbursed on a prorated basis in accordance with University policy.
• The student is responsible for completing a Transfer Course Request form if they decide to complete coursework at another institution during the leave of absence.

Medical Leave of Absence

In the event that a student needs to leave campus for an extended period of medical treatment, either physical or psychological, the Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students may grant them a medical leave of absence that lasts for longer than a continuous year in accordance with the following guidelines.

• If the student returns after three full, consecutive semesters, including summer, they will come into the current catalog at the time of re-entry.
• The student returns to the same program (major) as was declared upon last day of attendance.
• The student is not considered an officially enrolled student when not registered for any courses.
• The request for medical leave must be submitted in writing to the Interim Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students, the Director of Counseling Services or the Director of Health Services at or prior to the time the student is requesting the medical leave.
• Only the Interim Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students may grant medical leave, but they will consider the recommendation of the Director of Health Services, Director of Counseling Services, or other appropriate health care providers.
• There may be financial implications to the decision to take a Medical Leave of Absence.  Therefore, the student is strongly encouraged to talk with the Financial Aid Office regarding specific financial implications.  Financial payments to Viterbo University will be reimbursed in accordance with University policy.
• The student is responsible for completing a Transfer Course Approval form if they decide to complete coursework at another institution during the leave of absence.

In order to initiate reentry to Viterbo after medical leave a student must obtain the permission of the Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students. To obtain permission from the Interim Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students the student will need to:

• Submit a written request to return from medical leave of absence the Director of Counseling Services, the Director of Health Services, or Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students. This request can be in the form of an email or word document stating that, “I (student name) am making a formal request to return to Viterbo University.”
• Receive the necessary medical treatment.
• Provide medical documentation from the appropriate healthcare provider indicating that the student is fit to return to Viterbo.

The Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students will make the decision whether or not to approve the student to reenter Viterbo in consultation with either the Director of Health Services or the Director of Counseling Services, depending on the reasons for the leave. Viterbo reserves the right to require additional consultations between the student and appropriate health care professionals.  Upon obtaining the approval of the Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students, a student may formally apply for reentry according policies outline on the university website.

Military Deployment and Training

Summary: Viterbo University celebrates the contributions made by members of the armed forces and their families.  The following policy applies to students serving in a branch of the armed forces and called to active duty, including state activation of members of the National Guard or military Reserve units. This policy also applies to students who are spouses of activated service members as well as those active in ROTC. 

Primary Contacts: Advising & Career Development  will serve as the main contact for this policy. They can be reached at advising@viterbo.edu.

Policy:

1. DEPLOYMENT AND TRAINING NOTIFICATION

• Deployment / Training orders: Student must supply a copy of their official military orders to the Director of Military Student Success (MSS) within 5 business dates of receipt. The director will work with the student to complete the Deployment/Training Notification Form
• Non-order generating events (i.e. drills, ROTC training). Students who must attend short-term training exercises must supply a copy of their training schedules and complete the Deployment/Training Notification Form in concert with the Director of Military Student Success within the first week of the semester. This will notify instructors of training events.  If a student does not have a copy of their training schedule, they must supply a memorandum for record from their unit commander within the first week of the semester.
• Notification of deployment or training will occur in the following sequence:

2. ENROLLMENT OPTIONS

If a student or the military spouse of a student is called to duty after the beginning of a semester, the student must choose one of the options outlined below before they or their spouse departs for duty.

Students must first complete the Military Deployment/Training Notification Form in concert with the Director of Military Student Success. Every effort will be made, in consultation with faculty and/or deans and department chairs, to accommodate short-term absences due to short-term deployments, ROTC training exercises, and National Guard or reserve drill beginning and ending during the same semester.  Advising and Career Development staff will work with each student to determine if any online or other course enrollment for subsequent terms is possible while the student or their spouse is deployed.

• Withdrawal: The student may work with the Director of Military Student Success to withdraw from the current semester’s courses and/or the University.
• Partial Withdrawal: The student may work with their advisor to withdraw from some, but not all, courses. Please see the refund policy below.
• Continued Enrollment with Accommodation: At the discretion of the faculty members concerned, a student may continue one or more courses using communication means available (Moodle, email, etc.) to request an accommodation or may elect to request an “incomplete” grade in some or all courses in accordance with the Viterbo University Graduate and Undergraduate catalogs. All charges and financial aid pertaining to the courses in which the student continues enrollment will remain.  If a student is requesting accommodation or an incomplete, the student must complete the Enrollment Options section with their course instructors. The section will clearly define the agreed upon accommodation between the student and instructor or the student will indicate that they will apply for an Incomplete grade. NOTE: The student must meet incomplete grade requirements in accordance with the Graduate or Undergraduate course catalogs. A copy of the will be provided to each instructor, the student, Advising and Career Development, and Military Student Success. An electronic copy of the plan will become a part of the student’s academic record. If the student elects to receive an incomplete, the student must meet the Incomplete grade criteria, and apply to receive an incomplete as directed within the Graduate and Undergraduate catalogs.

3. ON-CAMPUS RESIDENCE POLICIES

• Students who will be absent from campus will be expected to move their belongings out of the residence hall unless special arrangements have been made with the Residence Life staff. Arrangements will be formalized, and a copy of residence arrangements will be provided to Residence Life staff and the student.
• Additionally, students are eligible for the prorated refund of housing and meal plan fees based on Residence Life adjustments to the housing and meal plan dates in the university system.
• Residence Life-related questions may be directed to residencelife@viterbo.edu.

4. REFUND POLICIES

• Full Withdrawal Prior to Start of Semester: If a student, or their spouse, is called to duty prior to the beginning of a semester they will receive a 100% refund of all tuition and fees, including deposits and all housing and meal plan charges. Students may elect to have their deposits applied to a future term.
• Full Withdrawal After Semester Start: Students choosing this option will receive a full refund of tuition and fees and the prorated refund of housing and meal plan costs based on residence life adjustments to the housing and meal plan dates in the university system.
• Partial Withdrawal After Semester Start: Students who choose partial withdrawal will receive a 100% refund of tuition and fees only for those courses from which they withdraw and only if their course load drops below the minimum credits in the fee plateau, i.e., drops below 12 credits for undergraduate students. Refund of housing and meal plan fees will be prorated based on residence life adjustments to the housing and meal plan dates in the university system.
  • If a military student or the military spouse of a student is called to duty, they may make arrangements with only some of the student's instructors for grades, or for incompletes that shall be completed by the student at a later date. If such arrangements are made, the registration for those courses shall remain intact and tuition and mandatory fees shall be assessed for those courses. Any course for which arrangements cannot be made for grades or incompletes shall be considered dropped and the tuition and mandatory fees for course refunded.
• Questions about refunds should be directed to the University Business Office (Attn: Student Billing) at businessoffice@viterbo.edu.
  

5. FINANCIAL AID POLICY

• Students will not be responsible for repayment of unearned federal grants to the U.S. Department of Education.
• Perkins and Nursing Loan recipients must request a military deferment from the University Accounting Service.
• Direct Loan recipients should contact their loan servicer to request a military deferment.
• Questions can be directed to Financial Aid at financialaid@viterbo.edu.

6. ACADEMIC RECORD POLICY

• If a military student or the military spouse of a student is called to duty prior to the beginning of a semester, they will have no academic record for that semester.
• If a student or the military spouse of a student is called to duty after the beginning of a semester, and if the student elects to fully withdraw from the University within the first eight weeks (for full semester classes), their records will not reflect a course registered for that semester. A class withdrawn after the first eight weeks (full semester classes) will show the notation: "W”.  There is a prorated drop schedule for less than full semester courses.  Please contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@viterbo.edu for additional information.
• Permission of the instructor is required for each course in which the student wishes to receive an “incomplete” grade.  In addition to submitting the “Request for Incomplete Grade” form, a formalized plan to complete the course will need to be developed by the student and instructor. A copy of this plan will be provided to the instructor, student, advisor, and the program director. An electronic copy of this plan will be a part of the student’s academic file. Please note that institutional incomplete policies apply.

Registration

Registration for subsequent semesters is completed via VitNet, the online student information system. Registration for spring typically occurs in early November and for fall in early April. Students are expected to see their advisor prior to registration to discuss their course selection and obtain their registration time. All coursework must be registered for the term in which the work is done. Students must confirm their enrollment in the business office prior to the beginning of the semester. Students who have pre-registered for classes but decide not to attend Viterbo University must contact the Director of Academic Advising and Career Development of the change in plans prior to the beginning of the semester. Students are liable for all charges until this official notification is made. The registration deadline is Aug. 15 for the fall semester, Jan. 1 for the spring semester, and May 1 for the summer session.

Adding/Dropping Classes

Schedule changes (add or drop) may be made via the VitNet Self-Service online system during the first week of class (full semester class). After week one, course adds must be approved by the instructor (full semester class). A course may be dropped in the second week of classes (full semester class) or until 12.5% of the class has elapsed. If a student drops a class during this period, no grade will be given and the course will not be considered attempted credit. After week one, all drops must be made through the REG Change of Schedule form.

Maximum Credit Load

Full-time credit load is a minimum of 12 credits for undergraduate students during a traditional fall or spring semester. A student may enroll in up to 20 credits, in any format, in any semester (fall, spring, or summer).

A bachelor completion student may enroll in up to nine credits in a compressed format at any given time in any semester. A traditional student may enroll in up to six credits in a compressed format at any given time in a semester.

Repeating Courses

The following policy applies only to courses that are not repeatable for further credit, and does not override the right of any program/department to set policies that restrict the repetition of their courses:

Students may take a course no more than three times.   Each grade is listed on the permanent record. Unless the course is repeatable for credit, only the last grade is used in computing the grade point average. Repeating courses may affect financial aid, academic progress, and athletics eligibility. Grades from courses repeated at other institutions to replace grades earned at Viterbo University will not be used in computing the grade point average. Students must seek approval before taking a course at another institution.

Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct

http://www.viterbo.edu/sex-discrimination-sexual-harassment-and-sexual-misconduct

Respect of others, responsibility for one's behavior and adherence to standard of conduct are essential to building a safe and healthy university community. Therefore, sexual misconduct will not be tolerated at Viterbo University, as it is a crime and a serious violation of trust, dignity, and rights. Sexual misconduct shows disregard for standards outlined in the Viterbo University Code of Student Conduct, state, and federal law.

At Viterbo University, force, coercion, non-consensual sexual contact, non-consensual sexual intercourse, sexual harassment, stalking, dating violence, domestic violence, and sexual exploitation are considered forms of sexual misconduct. A definition of each term can be found in the headings on the left side of this webpage. Additionally, consent is essential in the prevention of sexual misconduct and requires speech indicating a freely given agreement to have sexual intercourse or participate in sexual activities. Silence, previous sexual relationships, or current relationships are not an indication of consent. The use of alcohol or drugs may limit the capacity to give consent. (A college study with 119 schools participating nationwide reported alcohol involved in nearly 72 percent of rapes. Harvard School of Public Health, 2004).

A student or employee charged with sexual misconduct may be disciplined under the Viterbo University Code of Student Conduct and/or prosecuted under Wisconsin criminal statutes. Viterbo University may pursue disciplinary action independent of the criminal system which may result in removal from the university. Results of campus disciplinary proceedings involving sex offenses are provided to the person filing the report as well as the accused. The Vice President for Student Affairs will assist persons who have been assaulted in making necessary changes to academic schedules, housing assignments, etc. Please be aware of the difference between reporting groups and understand that non-confidential resources are required by law to report the act of sexual misconduct so an investigation can take place.

Resources and Supports

Confidential Viterbo Support Resources

Justin McKnight, Director of Counseling Services	Murphy Center 368	608-796-3808, jsmcknight@viterbo.edu
Amber Weber, Health Services Coordinator	Murphy Center 370	608-796-3806, arweber@viterbo.edu
Fr. Conrad Targonski, Dir. of Campus Ministry and University Chaplin	Campus Ministry Center	608-796-3904, catargonski@viterbo.edu

*These employees will report the incident of sexual misconduct, but will omit any identifying information.

Confidential Community Resources

Mayo Franciscan Healthcare Safe Path	608-392-7804
Mayo Franciscan Healthcare SANE Nurses	608-392-9720
Gundersen Sexual Assault Services	608-775-5950
Gundersen Sexual Abuse Counseling and Support Services	608-775-3845
Great Rivers 211 Information and Referral Hotline	Dial 211 or 1-800-362-8255
New Horizons Shelter for Battered Women	608-791-2600

 

Student Bereavement Policy

Viterbo University recognizes that a time of bereavement can be difficult for a student.  Therefore, the university provides a Student Bereavement Policy for students facing the loss of a family member.

In the event that a student experiences a death of an immediate family member or relative as defined below, the student may be excused from class for funeral leave, subsequent bereavement, and/or travel considerations for 3 academic days, which need not be consecutive. If additional days of excused absence are needed for cultural or other reasons, the student may submit this request to the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students.

Students who opt to use the Bereavement Procedure may be granted up to 3 days of excused absence from class to mourn the loss of immediate family members or relatives. This could include:

• spouse or domestic partner
• parent, step-parent, or parent-in-law
• guardian
• child, step-child
• brother, step-brother or brother-in-law
• sister, step-sister, or sister-in-law
• aunt, uncle
• grandparents
• grandchildren

In the event that a death occurs to a family member or friend that is not specifically covered by the policy, students can communicate the circumstances to the Executive Director of Student Success and Retention to determine on a case by case basis if it is covered by this policy.

Process

To request bereavement leave, a student must notify the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students by email, phone or in person and, upon request, provide documentation. Upon approval, the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students will contact the student’s advisor, and faculty for each of the student’s courses. Additionally, students are encouraged to contact their instructors prior to their absences.

Missed Academic Work

Upon notification of the absence from the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, each faculty member shall excuse the student from class according to this policy and provide an opportunity to complete missed exams, quizzes, and other required work. The student is responsible for all material covered in class and must work with each individual professor to complete any required work.

Leave of Absence Bereavement Procedure

At any point during the student’s original bereavement leave, the student may decide to request a leave of absence, withdraw from classes or seek incompletes for courses. Students are required to work with the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students on any of these requests and each request is subject to university policy as defined in the Viterbo University Undergraduate Catalog. 

Student Records

http://www.viterbo.edu/registrar/ferpa

Right to Privacy

Viterbo University annually informs students of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended.

This act, with which the institution intends to comply fully, was designated to protect the privacy of education records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their education records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings. Students also have the right to file complaints with The Family Educational Policy Compliance Office concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with the act.

Local policy explains in detail the procedures to be used by the institution for compliance with the provisions of the act. A copy of the policy may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar. This office also maintains a directory of records which lists all education records maintained on students by this institution.

Viterbo University hereby designates the following student information as public or “directory information.” Such information may be disclosed by the institution for any purpose, at its discretion—name; address (home, local/campus, and email); telephone listings; date of birth/age; major/minor field of study; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; weight and height of athletic team members; dates of attendance; full-time/part-time status; photograph; registration course schedule; class level; academic level; degrees/academic recognitions/awards received; name/address/occupation of parent/guardian/spouse; and educational institutions or agencies attended. Currently enrolled students may withhold disclosure of directory information under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. To withhold disclosure, written notification must be received in the Office of the Registrar by the end of the second week of each semester and the first week of summer school. Forms requesting the withholding of “directory information” are available through the Office of the Registrar.

Viterbo University assumes that failure on the part of any student to request specifically the withholding of “directory information” indicates individual approval for disclosure.

As of Jan. 3, 2012, the U.S. Department of Education's FERPA regulations expand the circumstances under which your education records and personally identifiable information (PII) contained in such records — including your social security number, grades, or other private information — may be accessed without your consent. First, the U.S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or state and local education authorities ("Federal and State Authorities") may allow access to your records and PII without your consent to any third party designated by a Federal or State Authority to evaluate a federal- or state-supported education program. The evaluation may relate to any program that is "principally engaged in the provision of education," such as early childhood education and job training, as well as any program that is administered by an education agency or institution. Second, Federal and State Authorities may allow access to your education records and PII without your consent to researchers performing certain types of studies, in certain cases even when we object to or do not request such research. Federal and State Authorities must obtain certain use-restriction and data security promises from the entities that they authorize to receive your PII, but the Authorities need not maintain direct control over such entities. In addition, in connection with Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems, State Authorities may collect, compile, permanently retain, and share without your consent PII from your education records, and they may track your participation in education and other programs by linking such PII to other personal information about you that they obtain from other Federal or State data sources, including workforce development, unemployment insurance, child welfare, juvenile justice, military service, and migrant student records systems.

Student Right to Know

http://www.viterbo.edu/institutional-research/

In compliance with the Student Right to Know Act, the graduation/completion rates of full-time, degree-seeking, first-time undergraduate students entering Viterbo University with a completion rate of 150 percent of normal time to complete an educational program must be published.

Technology (Use of)

All semester-based students are given a Moodle, email account, and VitNet account. Moodle is Viterbo University’s online course management software for most programs. The assigned email address is used throughout the length of the student’s time at Viterbo University and is the official means of communication to students. Students are responsible for reviewing all information transmitted to their Viterbo account, and are advised to check it daily.

Transcripts

http://www.viterbo.edu/registrar/requesting-transcript

A transcript is a complete and unabridged copy of all academic work attempted at Viterbo University and work accepted in transfer to Viterbo. Course and grade information contained on the transcript are released only upon written consent from the student as required by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. A transcript will not be mailed as a result of a telephone call, email, or Fax request. Records from other schools will not be photocopied or sent elsewhere. There is a per transcript fee.

The Viterbo University transcript does not include any academic standing notations. The transcript will, however, include a notation if the student has been expelled from the institution.

Transfer Credit Policy

Credits for courses earned at regionally accredited institutions will transfer to Viterbo University with the following conditions:

1. If the awarding institution assigns letter grades, the student must have earned a grade of C or higher in order for the credits to transfer, unless specified in the terms of a transfer credit agreement.*
2. If a student’s intended program at Viterbo University requires a grade higher than a C in any course, and that standard has not been met, the student shall repeat the course.
3. Individual schools or departments may also require that coursework in a student’s major be current with academic and professional standards.
4. If the awarding institution has a competency/ability-based curriculum, then the student will be asked to request a grade equivalency if such is recorded, and the conditions above will apply. If no grade equivalency is available, then documentation that the competency/ability has been achieved will be required.
5. Courses of a remedial or pre-college nature will not be accepted for transfer, except when needed to meet other college-level course prerequisites.

Students enrolled at Viterbo University who wish to take a course at another institution, including study abroad, must obtain prior approval to ensure the course will transfer to Viterbo University. The form for this approval is available on the Registrar Office’s web page.

Students who transfer to Viterbo University to enroll in a traditional undergraduate program having earned a Baccalaureate, Associate of Arts, or Associate of Science degree from a regionally accredited institution prior to enrolling at Viterbo will have the Foundation and Ways of Thinking requirements of the Traditional Undergraduate Core Curriculum waived, with the following exceptions:

1. Courses required by the student’s major
2. Theological Inquiry, Integrating Faith and Practice, and Philosophy and Moral Inquiry

Students who transfer to Viterbo University to enroll in a bachelor completion program must complete the Bachelor Completion Core Curriculum requirements. In addition, students who have earned college credits from a regionally accredited institution without a degree prior to enrolling at Viterbo must complete English composition, oral communication, and math competency for acceptance into a bachelor completion program.

The Office of the Registrar will perform a transfer credit audit as part of the annual report to ensure transfer credit policies and guidelines are being met.

*With the exception of grades awarded/credits earned during the time period of January 2, 2020 through August 1, 2020, Viterbo's Transfer Credit Policy remains in force. Due to circumstances necessitated by COVID-19 (from 1.2.20-8.1.20) which impacted most institutions of higher education, Viterbo University will accept letter grades as well as Credit (CR) and Pass (P) credits for transfer from regionally accredited institutions. All other transfer credit policies remain unchanged, unless specified in the terms of a credit transfer agreement.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

Viterbo University has transfer student articulation agreements with numerous institutions.  A full list is available from the Admission website at http://www.viterbo.edu/registrar/articulation-agreements.