Bachelor of Arts in Human Development

Know Our Rules and Your Rights

Academic Integrity

The maintenance of academic integrity for a quality education is the responsibility of each student at Azusa Pacific University. Cheating or plagiarism, in connection with an academic program, is an offense for which a student may be expelled, suspended, or disciplined. Academic dishonesty is a serious offense that diminishes the quality of scholarship and defrauds those who depend upon the integrity of the educational system.

Academic dishonesty includes:

1. Cheating – Intentionally using or attempting to use, unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise.
   • Students completing any examination should assume that external assistance (e.g., books, notes, calculators, conversations with others) is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the instructor.
   • Students may not allow others to conduct research or prepare any work for them without advance authorization from the instructor.
   • Substantial portions of the same academic work may not be submitted for credit in more than one course without authorization.
2. Fabrication – Intentional falsification or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise.
3. Facilitating Academic Dishonesty – Intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help another commit an act of academic dishonesty.
4. Plagiarism – Intentionally or knowingly representing the words, ideas, or work of another as one's own in any academic exercise.

Student Records Policy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, better known as the Buckley Amendment or FERPA, generally provides that students shall have the right of access to their educational records, and educational institutions shall not release educational records to nonschool employees without consent of the student. Except in certain narrowly defined circumstances, "students" as used in this notice includes former students.

Right of Access

With a few exceptions provided by law, students at Azusa Pacific University may see any of their educational records upon request. In general, access will be granted immediately upon request to the record custodian, but if delay is necessary, access must be granted no later than 45 days after request. Students further have the right, under established procedures, to challenge the factual accuracy of the records and to enter their viewpoints in the records. Students may waive their right of access to recommendations and evaluations in the cases of admissions, application for employment, and nomination for awards. Azusa Pacific University may not require students to sign a waiver of their right of access to their records, but students should be aware that recommendations and evaluations may not be very helpful or candid without a signed waiver.

Transcripts

To request a copy of your transcript, a letter of request or the official Transcript Request form* is required. An original signature of the student is also required on both forms. If a letter of request is sent, the following information is needed:

• Name
• Address
• Social Security Number
• Original signature
• Dates you attended APU
• Address where transcript is to be sent
• Number of copies requested
• Specify deadline, if applicable

Address:
Center for Adult and Professional Studies
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000

Fee: $5 per copy. This can be paid by cash, check, or credit card. The Registrar accepts Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.

Rush Fee: As of July 1, 2005, an additional $20 fee per order

For all mailed transcript rush orders, please mark "RUSH" on the outside of the envelope. Rush requests are given priority attention. If there is a financial obligation to the university, a past due on a Perkins/NDSL loan, a pending grade needed or a current degree to post, we will not be able to release the transcript and/or guarantee rush service.

Express Fee: To have a transcript sent by express mail, the cost is $5 transcript fee, plus $20 rush fee, plus the express delivery fee (determined by the destination). A street address is required; PO boxes cannot be accepted. A pre-paid, addressed overnight envelope may be included with the transcript request, if preferred.

Fax Requests: Fax orders are now accepted. Fax number: (626) 815-5417. All of the information stated above is required plus a credit card number and expiration date for all fax requests.

What can delay or prevent the release of a transcript(s):

• Transcripts will NOT be released until all financial obligations to the university have been met.
• Accounts that have a "past due" on a Perkins/NDSL loan require a release from the Perkins loan officer.
• A pending grade or degree that has yet to be posted can also cause delay.

Online Transcripts: You can obtain an unofficial transcript online through the Internet, as follows:

• Go to the Cougars' Den University Portal.
• Enter your APU Net ID and password. If you do not have your account set up, please call the APU Help Desk at (626) 815-5050 for assistance.
• Scroll down to "My Classes" and click on (unofficial) Transcripts.
• Print an unofficial transcript from this location.

*The downloadable version of this document is provided in a Portable Document Format (PDF). To learn more about PDFs or to install Adobe Acrobat Reader, follow this link.

Disclosure of Student Records

With certain exceptions provided by law, Azusa Pacific University cannot release information concerning students, other than directory information, from their education records to anyone other than university officials without the written consent of the student. Students and alumni applying for jobs, credit, graduate school, etc., can expedite their applications by providing the university with written permission to release specific records and to which parties the releases should be made.

The student's written consent is not required for the disclosure of grades, disciplinary action, or other information to parents of students who are dependents for federal income tax purposes. Parents requesting information regarding dependent students must demonstrate federal income dependency by submitting their most recent federal income tax return.

The university has designated the following categories as directory information, which may, at the university's discretion, be released to the public without consent of the student: student's name and maiden name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study and courses taken, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height (of members of athletic teams), dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, all previous educational agencies or institutions attended, current class schedule, employer, church membership, photographs, and parents' names, addresses, and telephone listings.

It is the general policy of the university not to release directory information regarding its students unless, in the judgment of the appropriate record custodian or other officials with record access, such release either serves a legitimate educational purpose or is not adverse to the interests and privacy of the student. However, the student may request that certain categories of directory information not be released to the public without his/her written consent. Such requests shall be submitted in accordance with the student records policy of the university.

This notice is not intended to fully explain students' rights under FERPA. The Office of the Registrar maintains copies of the official Azusa Pacific University Student Records Policy, which contain detailed information and procedures with regard to these rights. Students may obtain a copy of the written policy upon request to the Office of the Registrar, Azusa Pacific University, PO Box 7000, Azusa, California 91702-7000. Any student alleging failure of the university to comply with FERPA may file a complaint with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Office, United States Department of Education, 4511 Switzer Building, 330 C St. SW, Washington, DC 20201.

Reservation of Rights

Azusa Pacific University reserves the right to change any of its policies without prior notice, including, but not limited to, tuition, fees, unit-value per course, course offerings, curricula, grading policies, graduation and program requirements, and admission standards and policies. The university further reserves the right to refuse admission to any applicant and to disqualify, discontinue, or exclude any student at the discretion of the deans, faculty, administration, or Ethical Standards Committee.

All classes are offered subject to instructor availability and sufficient enrollment.

Security Interest in Student Records

A student may neither graduate nor receive any diploma, grades, certificates, or transcripts until all financial obligations (including student loans wherein collections are administered by the university) have been satisfied in accordance with policies described under "Financial Information." Any diploma, certificates, grades, or transcripts shall be retained by the university as a security interest until all such obligations are satisfied. Release of any such security interest prior to or subsequent to any default by the debtor shall not be considered a binding precedent or modification of this policy.

Social Expectation

It is the aim of Azusa Pacific University that the faith-living-learning environment be as healthy as possible and foster positive qualities of life, promoting sound academic and personal growth experiences. Therefore, Azusa Pacific University expects that students refrain from activities which may be spiritually or morally destructive - in particular, sexual misconduct, smoking, drinking, being under the influence of intoxicants, and using or possessing illegal drugs. These activities are strictly prohibited. In addition, all students are expected to abide by the student standards of conduct listed in the Student Handbook.

Admission to Azusa Pacific University is a privilege. It is expected that students sincerely believe that they can honestly be themselves in this environment without being in conflict with it, seriously desire to discover and explore their relationship to God, and positively contribute to the Azusa Pacific University community.

Statements of Compliance

Azusa Pacific University, in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. The chief judicial officer is the campus coordinating officer for Title IX, and all inquiries should be made to the Office of Student Life, (626) 815-3883.

In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Azusa Pacific University does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the recruitment and admission of students, or in the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by federal laws and regulations. Persons with questions about the Rehabilitation Act may contact the dean of students.

Harassment Policy

Employees of the university work to assist students in the several facets of university life. At no time is it acceptable to engage in a discussion that is less than courteous and professional. It is the university's policy that if at any time an employee or student believes that he or she is being harassed (verbally or in any other manner) by anyone in a public contact or an inquiry situation, he or she should immediately end the conversation and report the matter to his or her supervisor, department chair, or dean.

Internet Acceptable-Use Policy

Azusa Pacific University's domain name (apu.edu) and other university computer, network, and electronic mail systems exist for the primary purpose of transmitting and sharing information for the university's purposes. The use of apu.edu by any member must be consistent with the mission of Azusa Pacific University and is subject to control by the university.

Computer, network, communications, and Internet services exist to promote the purposes of the university. Every attempt to protect privacy will be maintained, but observation of traffic flow and content may be necessary at the university's discretion for security and legal reasons. The end-user who originates traffic will be responsible if the traffic does not conform to this policy.

User Requirements

1. Respect the privacy of others. For example, users shall not intentionally seek information on, obtain copies of, or modify files belonging to other users.
2. Only use your own account and password; never misrepresent yourself as another user.
3. Respect the legal protection provided by copyright and licenses to programs and data.
4. Respect the integrity of apu.edu so as not to interfere with or disrupt network users, services, or equipment. Interference or disruption includes, but is not limited to, distribution of unsolicited advertising, propagation of computer viruses, and use of the network to make unauthorized entry into other computational, communications, or information devices or resources.

Acceptable Uses

1. Use as a vehicle for scholarly or university-related communications
2. Use in applying for or administering grants or contracts for research or instruction
3. Use in activities of research or direct support for instruction
4. Use must be consistent with university standards as defined in its publications.

Unacceptable Uses

1. Use of apu.edu or any other university computing resources for illegal purposes
2. Use of apu.edu or any other university computing resources to transmit or receive threatening, obscene, or harassing materials
3. Sending unsolicited advertising
4. Use for personal for-profit business
5. Use of the network by employees for recreational games during working hours

Enforcement and Violations

Action may be taken by system management, subject to the guidance and authority of the Internet Policy Committee, to prevent possible unauthorized activity by temporarily deactivating any member. Reasonable efforts will be made to inform the member prior to disconnection and to re-establish the connection as soon as an acceptable understanding has been reached. Any disciplinary action deemed necessary will be handled through the dean of the school or college.

Grievance Policy

Azusa Pacific University provides a means by which students may file a grievance for academic and student life issues. The process described below should be used after all informal means have been exhausted. In the area of academics, protocol requires that student concerns or grievances about course content and relevancy, grading, teaching style, and the like, be taken up first with the professor of the given class. Failure to resolve the matter at that point may require a meeting with the appropriate department chair, or finally, the dean of the school or college.

In the event that the informal procedures fail to resolve the problem, the student will indicate in writing the nature of the grievance, the evidence upon which it is based, and the redress sought, and submit the document(s) to the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate and Adult Programs for academic matters or the Office of the Dean of Students for nonacademic matters. Guidelines for this document are listed in section II, 2, 1-7. At that time, a Grievance Committee will be formed and proceed according to the guidelines stated below.

Committee Guidelines and Meeting Format

I. Organization

1. Membership:
   1. For academic grievances:
      1. Vice provost for graduate and adult programs or other individual designated by the provost
      2. Academic dean (not from school or college involved)
      3. One faculty member
      4. One upper-division student
      5. Associate dean of students or designee
   2. For nonacademic grievances:
      1. Associate dean of students or designee
      2. Two faculty members
      3. Two students
      4. Vice provost for graduate and adult programs or other individual designated by the provost
2. Chair:
   1. For academic grievances, the vice provost for graduate and adult programs or designee shall preside.
   2. For nonacademic grievances, the associate dean of students or designee shall preside.
3. Voting: All members have equal vote and there shall be no alternates or substitutes unless one member must disqualify him/herself due to conflict of interest.
4. Meeting Time: The meeting will be scheduled within seven working days following the filing of a written petition.

II. Guidelines

1. Except for grade appeals, the formal grievance procedure shall be initiated only after other attempts to resolve the matter have been exhausted (i.e., conferring with individual instructor, department chair, or staff member as appropriate). The student has no more than 10 working days after meeting with the individual they believe has given them cause for grievance or 15 working days after the incident that occasioned the grievance in which to file his/her written petition. In the case of grade appeals, a written petition must be filed within 60 calendar days after the end of the semester in which the grade is received.
2. The grievance process is initiated by submission of a written petition to the chair of the Grievance Committee. The petition must include:
   1. Names of the parties involved
   2. A clear statement of the nature of the grievance
   3. A narrative of the incident, including:
      1. what occurred
      2. when it occurred
      3. where it occurred
      4. who was present
   4. The evidence on which the grievance is based
   5. Why this constitutes capricious or arbitrary action on behalf of a staff or faculty member
   6. What has been done to resolve the grievance
   7. The desired outcome/outcomes
3. The chair of the Grievance Committee will submit a copy of the grievance to each person who will serve on the Grievance Committee for this incident, as well as to the faculty or staff members involved and the dean of the school or college involved.
4. A meeting of the Grievance Committee will be scheduled to consider the matter within seven working days of the date on which the petition was filed.
5. Meetings of the Grievance Committee shall be attended only by the parties named in the grievance, members of the Grievance Committee, witnesses invited by the Grievance Committee and the dean of the school or college involved. No one other than members of the Grievance Committee may be present during deliberations.
6. The student may not bring legal counsel, nor have a student represent him/her as counsel. The Grievance Committee may not have legal counsel present.
7. No printed materials or notes may be taken from the meeting (other than the official minutes described in section III, 5).
8. Except for communications with the applicable dean and academic chair after the conclusion of Grievance Committee proceedings and communications with the faculty member(s) and student(s) involved advising them of the Grievance Committee's final decision, the parties and committee members may not discuss case outside the meeting.
9. If a committee member is approached prior to a meeting by a student whose case is to be heard, the member should refuse to discuss the issue and should disclose, at the time of the meeting, that he/she has been approached.
10. Any committee member who has a potential conflict of interest, or who holds a bias or preconceived notion as to the facts of the case and has formed an opinion about them, or who may hold ill will toward a particular student, must disclose to the chair the nature of such feelings, bias, or potential conflict. He or she may be excused from participation upon request by such member, or in the discretion of the chair, and replaced by the chair with a substitute committee member of comparable station to the extent possible under the circumstances.

III. Committee Process

1. The grievance procedure shall act as a vehicle for communication and decision making between students, staff, and faculty, and provide, through prescribed procedures, a process through which a student-initiated grievance can be resolved internally within an appropriate department.
2. As noted in section II, 1 above, the student should attempt to resolve his/her grievance informally with the faculty member involved and, if necessary, the appropriate department chair and dean before commencing the formal process. The formal procedure must be initiated within the time limits set forth above; however, the time limit may be extended by the associate dean of students or associate provost, in their sole discretion, upon a showing of good cause.
3. Justifiable cause for grievance shall be defined as any act which, in the opinion of the student, adversely affects the student and is perceived as prejudicial or capricious action on the part of any university faculty or staff member or an arbitrary or unfair imposition of sanctions.
4. The grievance process is initiated by submission of a grievance petition in writing to the associate dean of students in nonacademic matters, or associate provost in academic matters. The petition must contain the names of the parties involved, narrative about the incident, and the remedies requested. The associate dean or associate provost will submit a copy of the grievance to each member of the grievance committee prior to the hearing. Thereupon, the committee will be activated and a meeting will be held to consider the matter.
5. The involved student and faculty or community member may be present at the committee meetings, except during deliberation. The meetings shall be held at times when both parties can be present. If an academic grievance, either party may seek an advisor who must be a faculty member or student in that school or college. The function of the advisor shall not include that of advocacy and the advisor will not have a role in the committee's meetings. Accurate minutes of the grievance procedure shall be written and kept in a confidential file of the committee's proceedings.
6. In cases of conflicting information and/or when additional information is desired, the committee may request testimony from additional witnesses having information pertinent to the grievance.
7. The committee will decide on the matter by vote. Both parties will be notified, in writing, within one week of the decision. The committee's decision shall be final.

International students: Please refer to the International Center website, or call (626) 812-3055 for specific details regarding international admissions requirements, financial information, and other general policies.