optionsstudhandbkword97

8/7/2019 OPTIONSStudHandbkWord97

1/73

FONTBONNE UNIVERSITY

OPTIONS

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.

--William Butler Yeats

Fontbonne University OPTIONS6800 Wydown Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63105

314-863-2220


2/73

The contents of this handbook are provided for the information of Fontbonne UniversityOPTIONS students and are accurate at the time of printing. The University reserves theright to make changes in academic regulations, requirements, programs, policies and/orfinances, and to state the date on which these changes are effective. Any such changesmay be implemented without prior notice.

Some material is drawn from Student Rights and Freedoms, 1992, published jointly bythe National Association of Student Personnel Administrators and eight other

educational associations.

Fontbonne University, July 2005


3/73


4/73


5/73

TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................2GENERAL INFORMATION...........................................................................................................................1

ACCREDITATION..................................................................................................................................1 NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION.................................................................................................1STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY...............................................................................................................2

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS.................................................................................................................2HISTORY.................................................................................................................................................3UNIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT................................................................................................3VALUES ..................................................................................................................................................3COMMITMENT.......................................................................................................................................4PURPOSES...............................................................................................................................................4MISSION STATEMENT FOR BUSINESS PROGRAMS.....................................................................5

ACADEMIC LIFE............................................................................................................................................8ACADEMIC INTEGRITY.......................................................................................................................8ADVISING...............................................................................................................................................8ANNOUNCEMENTS............................................................................................................................10CANCELLATION OF CLASSES ........................................................................................................10CHANGE IN ENROLLMENT..............................................................................................................11

COHORT GROUP DISSOLUTION......................................................................................................11COURSE GUIDES AND SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENTS............................................................11DEGREE APPLICATION.....................................................................................................................12DEGREES, CONFERRING OF ............................................................................................................12DEGREE COMPLETION FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS.................................................................13DEGREE REQUIREMENT EVALUATION........................................................................................13EVALUATIONS OF OPTIONS ...........................................................................................................13GRADING .............................................................................................................................................14GRADE REPORTS................................................................................................................................14GRADES................................................................................................................................................14GRADE POINT AVERAGE..................................................................................................................15GRADUATION HONORS....................................................................................................................16HONORS CONVOCATION..................................................................................................................16INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM RECORDS................................................................................................17LAPTOP COMPUTERS........................................................................................................................17PASS/NO PASS (P/NP) GRADING OPTION......................................................................................17PREREQUISITE COURSES.................................................................................................................17PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT (PLA).........................................................................................18PRIVACY...............................................................................................................................................19STUDY TEAMS....................................................................................................................................19SUPPLEMENTAL COURSES..............................................................................................................23TRANSCRIPTS AND RECORD OF WORK ......................................................................................24UPDATING PERSONAL INFORMATION.........................................................................................24

ACADEMIC REGULATIONS......................................................................................................................25ACADEMIC STANDING......................................................................................................................25Financial Aid Recipients ........................................................................................................................25Required Grades and Minimum GPA.....................................................................................................25

Probation and Dismissal - Undergraduates.............................................................................................26Probation, Dismissal, and Repeated Courses - Graduate Students.........................................................26Suspension..............................................................................................................................................28 Non-Academic Dismissal.......................................................................................................................28APPEALS PROCEDURES....................................................................................................................28ATTENDANCE.....................................................................................................................................28COURSE AUTHORIZATION (Undergraduate Students)....................................................................29COURSE SEQUENCE PARAMETERS...............................................................................................29INCOMPLETE GRADES......................................................................................................................30


6/73

MAKE-UP EXAMINATIONS..............................................................................................................30POLICY EXEMPTION..........................................................................................................................30WITHDRAWALS..................................................................................................................................31

FINANCIAL INFORMATION......................................................................................................................32EMPLOYEE REIMBURSEMENT........................................................................................................32FEES.......................................................................................................................................................32FINANCIAL AID...................................................................................................................................32LAPTOP COMPUTERS........................................................................................................................33PAYMENT.............................................................................................................................................33REFUND POLICY FOR OPTIONS CORE COURSES........................................................................34

STUDENT LIFE.............................................................................................................................................36AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT...........................................................................................................36CLASS REPRESENTATIVES..............................................................................................................36STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES......................................................................................................38KINKEL CENTER FOR ACADEMIC RESOURCES..........................................................................38MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS.............................................................................................................38SMOKING POLICY..............................................................................................................................38STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS............................................................................................................39VETERANS...........................................................................................................................................39

GUIDELINES FOR A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY.................................................................................41

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.................................................................................................................41ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY...........................................................................................................41Sexual Harassment..................................................................................................................................41Retaliation Prohibited.............................................................................................................................42Reporting Procedures..............................................................................................................................42Level I Informal Procedure..................................................................................................................43Level II Formal Procedure...................................................................................................................43Right to Alternative Complaint Procedures............................................................................................44BIO-TERRIORISM PRANKS...............................................................................................................44CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT........................................................................................................44DRUG-FREE COMMUNITY................................................................................................................51DRUG-FREE WORK PLACE...............................................................................................................51FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT....................................................................51

FIRE EQUIPMENT................................................................................................................................53INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY USAGE..........................................................................................53KEYS......................................................................................................................................................55 NON-LIABILITY OF THE UNIVERSITY...........................................................................................55RECORDS..............................................................................................................................................55THEFT....................................................................................................................................................56CRIME AWARENESS AND CAMPUS SECURITY REPORT..........................................................56

EMERGENCIES............................................................................................................................................57FACILITIES...................................................................................................................................................58

ARNOLD MEMORIAL CENTER (AMC)............................................................................................58UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE/OPTIONS BOOKROOM.....................................................................58CAREER MANAGEMENT COUNSELING........................................................................................58CHAPEL & CAMPUS MINISTRY.......................................................................................................59

COMPUTER RESOURCES..................................................................................................................59COUNSELING SERVICES...................................................................................................................60DUNHAM STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER.......................................................................................60FOOD SERVICE....................................................................................................................................61LIBRARY ..............................................................................................................................................61

RESOURCES AROUND CAMPUS..............................................................................................................62ALUMNI ASSOCIATION.....................................................................................................................62I.D. CARDS............................................................................................................................................62LOST AND FOUND..............................................................................................................................62OPTIONS OFFICES & CLASSROOM SITES.....................................................................................62


7/73

PARKING...............................................................................................................................................63PUBLIC RELATIONS...........................................................................................................................64PUBLIC SAFETY..................................................................................................................................64


8/73


9/73

GENERAL INFORMATION

ACCREDITATION

Fontbonne University is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and amember of the North Central Association. Fontbonne is also a member of the followingorganizations:

American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Council of Independent Colleges (CIC)

Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL)

Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)

Independent Colleges and Universities of Missouri (ICUM)

Missouri Colleges Fund (MCF)

National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities

National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA)

Fontbonne is approved to participate in federal and state student financial aid programsand for veteran's educational benefits by the Missouri Department of Veterans Affairs. Inaddition, the U.S. Department of Immigration and Naturalization Services findsFontbonne University's programs acceptable for the enrollment of non-immigrantstudents.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

Fontbonne University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age,gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or disability in employment or in theadministration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other school-administered programs. Furthermore, FontbonneUniversity prohibits retaliation against anyone who opposes unlawful discrimination,assists or participates in an investigation of a complaint of discrimination, or exercises hisor her rights under any law that forbids employment discrimination.

The Fontbonne University coordinator for Title IX and Section 504 of the RehabilitationAct of 1973 and the EEO coordinator for other laws and regulations prohibiting

discrimination:Vice President for Finance and AdministrationFontbonne University6800 Wydown BoulevardSt. Louis, MO 63105Phone: (314) 719-8007Fax: (314) 719-8023

1


10/73

If the allegations of discrimination or retaliation allege involvement of the Vice Presidentfor Finance and Administration, then notification of the complaint shall be made to theUniversity President. The University will thoroughly and promptly investigate allcomplaints and take corrective or disciplinary action when appropriate.

Fontbonne University complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of1974, Public Law 93-380 as amended.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY

Students are responsible for:

Informing themselves about academic regulations and requirements

Fulfilling the curriculum required in the program in which they areregistered

Keeping current regarding program revisions

Maintaining their financial agreements with the University

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

Keep the University catalog given to you when you begin at Fontbonne.

This will be the catalog which governs your degree requirements.

Keep this student handbook, which describes the rules and regulations ofthe OPTIONS programs

Keep course guides, syllabi and supplemental statements even aftergraduation or withdrawal from Fontbonne. (If you wish to attend anotherschool at a later date, the officials of that school may seek more informationabout your courses or degree than is published on your transcript. Thesedocuments will supply this information.)

Keep copies of all submitted course assignments.

2


11/73

HISTORY

The Sisters of St. Joseph were founded in LePuy, France in 1650. During the FrenchRevolution, the sisters were forced to return to their homes and the community wasdispersed. Fontbonne University takes its name from Mother St. John Fontbonne, whore-founded the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1808.

The Sisters of St. Joseph came to the United States in 1836 and established Americanroots at Carondelet, a small community in South St. Louis, Missouri. Five years later, in1841, they opened St. Josephs Academy for Girls.

The CSJ heritage and stability stems from values found in the orders original documentsand repeated in other records through the succeeding centuries. At least eight values canbe identified throughout this long CSJ history--quality, respect, diversity, community,justice, service, faith, and Catholic presence.

It is in the tradition of service and of change, based on the values of the Sisters of St.Joseph, that Fontbonne University was founded. The University was chartered in 1917and held its first classes in 1923. A devotion to the tradition continues to guideFontbonne in the 21st century.

UNIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT

Fontbonne University is a coeducational institution of higher learning dedicated to thediscovery, understanding, preservation and dissemination of truth. Fontbonne seeks toeducate students to think critically, to act ethically, and to assume responsibility as

citizens and leaders. Fontbonne offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in anatmosphere characterized by inclusion, open communication, and personal concern. Theundergraduate programs provide a synthesis of liberal and professional education. As aCatholic University sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Fontbonne isrooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition.

VALUES

Fontbonne University continues the heritage of the Sisters of St. Joseph by fostering thevalues of quality, respect, diversity, community, justice, service, faith, and Catholicpresence.

3


12/73

COMMITMENT

Fontbonne University is committed to:

Achieving educational excellence

Advancing historical remembrance, critical reflection and moral resolve

Encouraging dialogue among diverse communities

Demonstrating care and dignity for each member of the community

Serving the larger community

Preparing competent individuals who bring an ethical and responsiblepresence to the world

PURPOSES

Provide quality educational experiences that are dedicated to thediscovery, understanding, preservation, and dissemination of truth as aCatholic University rooted in the spirit of the Sisters of St. Joseph ofCarondelet.

Strive for excellence in the liberal arts and professional undergraduate andgraduate programs in a diverse atmosphere characterized by inclusion,open communication, respect, and personal concern.

Seek ongoing institutional improvement through assessment, self-reflection, planning, and implementation.

Build a diverse learning community through affiliations and partnershipswith educational and health care institutions, industry, and otherorganizations.

4


13/73

MISSION STATEMENT FOR BUSINESS PROGRAMS

The mission of Fontbonne Universitys business programs is as follows:Fulfilling the mission of Fontbonne University, the businessadministration department and OPTIONS provide academically sound

business programs that are responsive to current and future business needsin a supportive environment that provides individualized attention to adiverse student population to enhance an individuals ethical perspectiveand their overall quality of life, professionally and personally.

The OPTIONS program supports and extends the mission of Fontbonne University andits business programs by providing non-traditional graduate and undergraduate degreeprograms to working adult professionals.

OPTIONS seeks to fulfill its mission by:

Providing degree-completion programs and graduate degree programs thatrequire mastery of learning outcomes.

Providing students with comprehensive and practical education throughcurricular models that are responsive to changing trends and practices in theworld of work.

Providing education in the skills necessary for successful professionalcareer enhancement, including written and oral communication, groupinteraction, problem solving, planning, and decision-making.

The objectives of Gateway curriculum are that, upon completion, students will be able to:

Enter the OPTIONS Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or theOrganizational Studies (BOS) program or continue with other college-levelstudy.

Demonstrate effective intellectual and communication skills.

Critically reflect upon and clarify the values consonant with FontbonnesJudaeo-Christian tradition.

Demonstrate a sense of history.

Demonstrate an understanding of the person through literature and thearts.

Demonstrate an understanding of the person through the physical andsocial environment.

5


14/73

Integrate knowledge from a variety of academic disciplines.

The objectives of the Bachelor of Business Administration program core are that, uponcompletion, students will be able to:

Express ideas clearly, concisely, and logically through effective speech,

written communication, and interpersonal/human relations skills.

Discuss the functional components of business--economics, marketing,accounting, finance, law, management, organizational theory--and theinterrelationship of these functions in the total business enterprise.

Facilitate the human aspects of conducting business within physical andsocial environments, recognizing the increasing diversity of the U.S.workforce and the challenges of conducting business internationally.

Reflect upon and clarify personal and professional value systems, and toapply principles of business ethics to effective planning and decision-making.

The objectives of the Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Studies program core are thatupon completion, students will be able to:

Express ideas clearly, concisely, and logically through effective speech,written communication, and interpersonal/human relations skills

Place the human resource function in the context of organizational goals

Facilitate the maximization of the diverse human resources of anorganization

Reflect upon and clarify personal and professional value systems, and toapply principles of business ethics to effective planning and decision-making.

The objectives of the Master of Business Administration program are that, uponcompletion, students will be able to:

Integrate higher-level components of business and the interrelationship offunctions within an organization that form the total business enterprise.

Apply developed problem-solving abilities and critical-thinking skills toidentify and solve problems.

Apply advanced theoretical concepts to real life business situations.

Express ideas clearly, concisely, and logically through effective speech,

6


15/73

written communication, and interpersonal/human relations skills, recognizingthe increasing diversity of the U.S. workforce.

Apply decision-making skills based upon an understanding of the total

enterprise, its role in the global environment, and business ethics.

Access and utilize current technology to increase managerial ability toachieve short-term and long-range business objectives.

The objectives of the Master of Management program are that, upon completion, studentswill be able to:

Apply knowledge of the discipline of management and its impact onbusiness practices and theory.

Apply knowledge of the behavioral functional area of management--anunderstanding of organizational and individual behavioral styles, humanresource management, organizational behavior, the cultures environmentalconsiderations and communication patterns.

Apply knowledge of the conceptual aspects of management--the ability tothink and use good judgment, to analyze and synthesize information, and theability to apply these skills to solving management problems.

Apply knowledge of the quantitative functions of management andbusiness research.

7


16/73

ACADEMIC LIFE

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

The University community relies upon academic integrity that requires that words andideas that students present as their own truly represent their own work.

Plagiarism, defined as using another writer's ideas or expressions without adequateacknowledgment, undermines the very foundation of education, which is a quest for thetruth. Plagiarism may occur because students do not understand the boundaries oflegitimate scholarship. In brief, the honest use of research material requires that writers:

1. Use quotation marks around (or indent) words of another writer, and citethe source of these words.

2. Cite the source of paraphrased material, even when the paraphrase differssubstantially from the original.

3. Attribute to appropriate sources the ideas of other writers.

The OPTIONS program provides students with the text, A Pocket Style Manualby DianaHacker, as well as a style guide located in the program notebook, which expands uponthe Hacker manual. A more extensive handbook on writing research papers, such as theAPA manual, available in the University bookstore, will provide writers with detailedinformation on citation of sources.

Cheating is a purposeful deception in preparation and/or submission of papers andassignments and in the taking of exams, tests or quizzes.

Individual instructors or departments will set specific policies regarding cheating andplagiarism. In general students can expect to receive a zero on an assignment, exam, testor quiz and perhaps fail a course when cheating or plagiarism has occurred. However,violations of academic integrity have a broader impact on the University, and multipleviolations will result in University review and action.

ADVISING

All students are provided an opportunity to meet with an academic advisor throughouttheir program. The advising will provide students with an understanding of theiracademic status and the requirements they must satisfy for the completion of their degreeprogram.

The academic advisor acts as a guide for undergraduate students in establishing anindividualized academic plan to earn the balance of credit hours needed for graduation.

8


17/73

The development of the plan may entail both team meetings and individual sessions withstudents.

Students whose plans include taking courses at other colleges are required to secureauthorization for enrollment to assure the appropriateness and transferability of the

course(s). This authorization is the only guarantee that a course the student takes atanother institution will fulfill the requirements needed for graduation.

The academic advisor may also provide general information about prior learningassessment opportunities such as portfolio essays, CLEP exams, proficiency exams, andother non-traditional credit alternatives. The academic advisor will refer the student tothe Universitys director of prior learning assessment for specific details.

Advisement may also be required for other academic reasons, i.e. academic progress andcoordinating course schedules. Graduate students who must complete undergraduateprerequisite courses should request advisement.

Students are strongly encouraged to make an appointment when they wish to meet withtheir academic advisor to ensure that the advisor is available to meet with them.

The OPTIONS academic advisors receive a large volume of telephone calls. Every effortis made to return calls within 24 hours. In some cases research is required before the callcan be returned and this may delay returning the call. When students leave a message forany OPTIONS staff person, it is helpful to spell the last name, and to state the programand group number (e.g. MBA 082) and the reason for the call.

The following list of responsibilities belongs to the student rather than the academicadvisor:

To be knowledgeable about prerequisites.

To be knowledgeable about graduation requirements.

To be knowledgeable about and meet deadlines.

To request approval for courses taken off campus.

To initiate necessary contacts with the instructor when requesting a grade

of "I" for a course, and to complete requirements according to deadlines.

9


18/73

ANNOUNCEMENTS

You will receive information from the OPTIONS administration on a periodic basis, mostlikely through your Class Rep. These may be in the form of fliers announcing availablecourses or memos regarding campus news such as changes in facilities hours. When

communications include new University policies or changes in policy a copy will beprovided for each student to add to the student handbook. It is important that studentsread these communications, as they are responsible for keeping up-to-date on currentpolicies.

CANCELLATION OF CLASSES

Acts of GodOn occasion, classes may be canceled due to inclement weather or other circumstances.Classes are generally canceled only when weather is extremely severe. OPTIONS

classes are rarely canceled. However, it is always the students responsibility to makedecisions regarding the safety of his or her own situation.

Do not call the OPTIONS offices to inquire about class cancellations as this ties upthe phone lines. Students are asked to call (314) 719-3682. They will hear a recordedmessage with the status of OPTIONS classes. This line is capable of handling multiplecalls simultaneously. All missed classes must be made up.

Evening Classes

Cancellation of day classes will not necessarily mean the cancellation ofnight classes. The decision on OPTIONS classes will be made by 3:00 p.m.

and any cancellations will be announced on the (314) 719-3682 recording. Cancellation of OPTIONS classes will not be broadcast on TV or radio.

Instructors may use their judgment and dismiss class if weatherdeteriorates during class.

Saturday Classes

Cancellations or snow schedules for Saturday classes will be recorded onthe phone line (314) 719-3682. Cancellations for Saturday OPTIONS courseswill not be broadcast on TV or radio.

The Saturday snow schedule is as follows: Saturday morning classes willstart 45 minutes late and Saturday afternoon classes will start at the regular

time. Instructors may use their judgment and dismiss class if weatherdeteriorates during class.

10


19/73

Instructor TardinessStudents are required to wait 45 minutes beyond the stated starting time of the class for

an OPTIONS instructor, or as long as requested by the instructor. If an instructor doesnot appear for class, the class representative must notify the OPTIONS director of facultyand curriculum within 24 hours at (314) 719-8004. Missed classes must be made up.

CHANGE IN ENROLLMENT

Students wishing to change enrollment (e.g. drop, add, withdraw from a course orcourses, withdraw from the program, change teams) MUST complete a "Student ChangeIn Registration" form. Failure to do so may result in being charged for the course andreceiving a grade of "F."

COHORT GROUP DISSOLUTION

The University reserves the right to dissolve any cohort group with six or fewerregistered members. If their cohort group is dissolved, academic advisors will assiststudents in joining another cohort group either on the Clayton campus or at an off-campus site.

COURSE GUIDES AND SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENTS

All courses in the OPTIONS programs are designed to meet the needs of professionaladults. Course goals, outcomes, assignments, and activities are detailed in the courseguide. The course guide is designed to provide the student, with a concise outline of thecourse, and to ensure that the faculty member delivers the course as designed. Thecourse guide is a guideline for the instructor to follow. The instructor may makeadjustments to the course guide in any area with the exception of course objectives, theassignments due for the first class meeting, and the textbooks listed in the course guide.Instructors are encouraged to supplement the course guide with relevant materials thatprovide currency to the course.

The faculty member will provide students with a Supplemental Statement to the courseguide at the beginning of the course. This Supplemental Statement will include gradingcriteria for the course, as well as any changes in assignments.

11


20/73

DEGREE APPLICATION

Students must complete an application for degree in order for Fontbonne to audit theiracademic records, order diplomas, generate names on the commencement mailing list,and record degrees on transcripts. A non-refundable graduation application fee must bepaid before an application can be processed. If the application is not approved, thestudent must reapply.

All applicants for conferral of degrees must submit their applications to their academicadvisor by August 31 for the December graduation and October 31 for the Maygraduation. Degrees are posted to a students transcript at five different times during theacademic year: August 15, October 30, December, March 31, and May. A degree postingmeans that the transcript states that all degree requirements for graduation have been metand identifies the date of posting. Diplomas are issued in August, December, and May.

Commencement ceremonies are held in December and May. Notification regardingapplications will be distributed through class mailboxes. All graduate students willreceive an application packet through the class mailboxes; undergraduate students mayrequest an application packet in the OPTIONS office. Contact your academic advisor forspecific deadlines.

The Fontbonne University student development personnel will mail commencementinformation to all applicants in early October for December graduation and in earlyMarch for May graduation. If students have applied to graduate and have not receivedinformation from the University, by the date listed above, they should contact theiracademic advisor.

DEGREES, CONFERRING OF

In order to participate in the commencement ceremony, all official transcripts from otherinstitutions must be in the OPTIONS office by April 15 for May graduation andNovember 15 for December graduation. No student may participate in commencementceremonies unless all requirements for the academic degree have been fulfilled by thedate of commencement. Students with a degree posing during an interim period areeligible to receive their diploma and participate in the next commencement ceremony.

A student who completes all the requirements for a degree before formal graduation mayrequest a degree-completion letter from the registrar's office. This letter will serve inplace of a diploma until the degree has been formally conferred.

Diplomas are withheld until all financial obligations have been met and, if financial aidhas been received, until the exit interview has been completed.

12


21/73

DEGREE COMPLETION FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

The maximum completion time for the Master of Business Administration or the Master

of Management degree is six years beginning on the date of the first course of theprogram.

DEGREE REQUIREMENT EVALUATION

All undergraduate students receive an evaluation of their previous college credits withtheir admission letter. This degree requirement evaluation form lists all transferablecredit accepted by Fontbonne University. The form also indicates degree requirementsthat have been met and requirements needed to complete the degree. Students shouldrefer to the University catalog for more information on acceptable transfer credit and

degree requirements. This information is located under Undergraduate ProgramAdmission Requirements and Graduation Requirements in the OPTIONS section ofthe University catalog.

EVALUATIONS OF OPTIONS

The OPTIONS program is evaluated through the use of the following questionnaires:

1. Registration Survey: This instrument is designed to identify the needs andexpectations of students entering the program.

2. Student End-of-Course Survey: This instrument, administered at the endof each course, asks students to evaluate the performance of the facultymember and the quality of the curriculum materials for that course.

3. Faculty End-of-Course Survey: This instrument solicits the facultymember's evaluation of both the curriculum materials and the students'success with the course.

4. Career Services Graduate Survey: This instrument is designed as a follow-up for career information statistics that the government requires allcolleges to compile and publish in aggregate.

5. Student End-of-Program Survey: This instrument is designed to evaluatevarious aspects of the program, rather than a specific instructor or course.This survey asks students to identify the strengths of the program, areasthat need improvements, and outstanding faculty members.

13


22/73

GRADING

At the beginning of each course, instructors will inform students, in writing, of the factorstaken into consideration for grading each course. Methods of grading and evaluations are

included in the instructor's Supplemental Statement. Study team participation andevaluations are one factor used in the final course grade. Instructors are required tosubmit grades to the OPTIONS office within ten calendar days of the end of a course.

GRADE REPORTS

At the end of each course, OPTIONS students will be provided with an online gradereport. All fees must be paid before grade reports are made available. Students who needa printed grade report for employer reimbursement purposes may complete a formrequesting that a printed grade be mailed. After one printed grade report is provided,

additional copies of grade reports will be issued for a fee of $4.00. The OPTIONS staffis not otherwise permitted to provide students with grades.

Online grade reports are accessible through the Fontbonne University Web Page atwww.fontbonne.edu . You will need a password, which may be obtained from the dataentry coordinator on the Clayton campus or the administrative assistant for off-campussites.

The timing of grade reports is as follows:

Instructors have ten calendar days after the completion of a course to turn

in grades.

Grade reports are processed every Friday, after which they areimmediately available for viewing online. (If grades are not posted online, thismeans that the faculty member has not yet turned in the grades.)

GRADES

Fontbonne OPTIONS uses letter grades to indicate the quality of a student's work.OPTIONS uses the following grades for undergraduates:

Grade Interpretation

A, A- Excellent quality and intellectual initiative

B+, B, B- High quality and intellectual initiative, above averageachievement

C+, C, C- Acceptable quality, satisfactory achievement

14
http://www.fontbonne.edu/http://www.fontbonne.edu/


23/73

D Deficient quality, passing

F Failure to meet minimum requirements, not passing

I Incomplete: applies when a student is earning a passinggrade but is prevented from completing the work forserious reasons

W Withdrawal: applies when a student, with proper authorization, withdraws from a course

The following grades can be used for supplemental courses:

P Pass: applies to courses selected for P/NP option; mustattain a grade of D or better

NP No Pass: applies to courses selected for P/NP option; nocredit earned

AU Audit: applies when a student takes a course for no credit

OPTIONS uses the following grades for graduate students:

Grade Interpretation

A, A- Superior graduate work

B+, B, B- Satisfactory graduate work

C Barely adequate graduate work, unsatisfactory grade

F Failure to meet minimum requirements

I Incomplete (see undergraduate explanation)

W Withdrawal (see undergraduate explanation)

GRADE POINT AVERAGE

The grade point average (GPA) is calculated by dividing the quality points earned by thecredit hours attempted. Note that grade point averages are figured on the basis of qualitypoints earned for credit.

The GPA listed on grade reports and transcripts reflect Fontbonne grades only.

15


24/73

Quality points correspond to letter grades as follows:A 4.0A- 3.7B+ 3.3B 3.0

B- 2.7C+ 2.3C 2.0C- 1.7D 1.0F 0.0

The Fontbonne University registrar calculates all grade point averages. Furtherinformation on grade point averages may be requested from the registrar.

GRADUATION HONORS

An undergraduate student who is seeking a first bachelor's degree may earn graduationhonors. These honors, conferred at graduation, reflect the academic excellence of all thework for the entire undergraduate degree. Fontbonne uses the grades for all coursestaken at other colleges and universities, as well as courses taken at Fontbonne through theseventh semester of study. Grades to be considered in this calculation must be receivedin the registrar's office no later than September 30 for the December graduation andJanuary 31 for the May graduation.

Graduation honors are as follows:

Summa cum laude, 3.9 cumulative grade point average or above.

Magna cum laude, 3.8 to 3.89 cumulative grade point average.

Cum laude, 3.7 to 3.79 cumulative grade point average.

The Fontbonne University registrar calculates all grade point averages. Furtherinformation on grade point averages and honors may be requested from the registrar.

HONORS CONVOCATION

Each spring the University recognizes outstanding students in various categories. Thisrecognition is publicly acknowledged at the Honors Convocation. OPTIONS normallypresent awards to an outstanding BBA or BOS, MBA, and MGT student. Selections aremade on the basis of the cumulative GPA, academic excellence and facultyrecommendations.

16


25/73

INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM RECORDS

This section of your program notebook is designed as a place for you to keep thesignificant paperwork that you gather during your program, such as:

Your letter of admission Degree requirement evaluation (BBA and BOS only)

Your group calendar

Your group phone tree

Assessment center credits (e.g. prior learning assessment)

CLEP exam results

Correspondence both to and from the University

Any forms (e.g. course approvals)

Any significant information (e.g. graduation information)

LAPTOP COMPUTERS

MBA students are required to sign a "Laptop Computer Agreement" before being issuedlaptops. The agreement is a legally binding document and students are urged to read itcarefully. Students who withdraw from the program must return their computers andsoftware as stated in the agreement. Withdrawn students reentering the program aregoverned by a separate agreement. Students must make an appointment with thecoordinator of instructional support services (314) 719-3649 in order to return acomputer, pick up a computer, or bring a computer in for repair. (Off-campus studentsmay contact a South County staff member.)

PASS/NO PASS (P/NP) GRADING OPTION

An undergraduate student who has a minimum of 30 credit hours may choose the pass/nopass (P/NP) grading option for selected courses, not to exceed six courses. A studentmay not choose the P/NP grading option in courses required for the major, the BBA orBOS core. A course taken for P/NP cannot meet a general education requirement.

When the University requires a P/NP grading in a course, this course does not count

towards the limit of the six courses, which a student may choose to take for P/NP grade.

PREREQUISITE COURSES

It is the students responsibility to complete any required prerequisite course beforetaking the course that requires it. Students are notified of needed prerequisites in theiradmission letter. Students are advised to register for prerequisite courses that will end

17


26/73

well in advance of the course requiring the prerequisite. Prerequisite courses offered byOPTIONS will be held only when the minimum enrollment is met. Students areresponsible for meeting their prerequisite requirements.

BBA Curriculum

A college course in intermediate algebra or above is required before taking BBA 308Data Development and Analysis. The prerequisite may be satisfied in one of three ways:by completing MTH 101 Intermediate Algebra at Fontbonne, by completing an approvedcourse in intermediate algebra at another institution, or by passing a non-credit algebracompetency test. A minimum grade of C- is required for a prerequisite course. Studentsshould contact their academic advisors well in advance of BBA 308 to discuss thesealternatives and complete the appropriate paperwork.

BOS CurriculumA prerequisite of either Introduction to Psychology or Introduction to Sociology isrequired for BOS 316 Social Psychology and the Workplace. The prerequisite may be

satisfied by completing the course at Fontbonne or another accredited degree-grantinginstitution. A minimum grade of C- is required. Students should contact their academicadvisor to discuss these alternatives and complete the appropriate paperwork.

MBA CurriculumMBA 510 Managerial Accounting requires a prerequisite in financial accounting. MBA515 Managerial Finance requires a prerequisite in financial management. MBA 511Managerial Economics requires a prerequisite of microeconomics or macroeconomics.

Prerequisites for MBA courses may be fulfilled in one of four ways: by completing afour-week, two-credit Saturday course (BBA 342 Accounting, BBA 340 Economics,BBA 344 Finance), by completing the corresponding course with an ongoing BBA group(which entails participating in a BBA study team), by completing an approved course atanother institution, or by passing a non-credit competency test. A minimum grade of C-is required for all prerequisite courses. Students should contact their academic advisorwell in advance to discuss these alternatives and complete the appropriate paperwork.

MGT CurriculumThe courses in the Master of Management curriculum do not require prerequisites.

Gateway CurriculumThere are no prerequisites required outside of the Gateway curriculum.

PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT (PLA)

Fontbonne University offers students the opportunity to earn undergraduate credit fornon-collegiate sponsored learning. Prior learning assessment is a concept based onaccepted principles of adult learning and serves to validate the professional competence

18


27/73

achieved by men and women outside the classroom. Credit for prior learning may beearned as a result of professional training and college-level learning gained throughexperience, military training and/or validated by various tests. A maximum of 48 credithours will be accepted in PLA credit opportunities at Fontbonne. Students may not countPLA credits toward the 44-hour OPTIONS core requirement. The standards and criteria

established by Fontbonne for assessing college-level learning were developed inconformance with guidelines set forth by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning(CAEL). Students should contact their advisor for further details.

Approved PLA credits will be posted to a students transcript after the student hasmatriculated. For students transitioning from the Gateway curriculum to the BBA orBOS core, PLA credits will not count towards the minimum 30 hours of college creditrequired to begin the BBA or BOS program.

PRIVACY

OPTIONS personnel frequently distribute information to individual students through theclass representative mailboxes located in file cabinets in the receptionists area (Clayton)or in the South County office. Please help us ensure that everyones privacy is protectedby only opening envelopes addressed to you. If a member of the group is absent, theclass representative should retain the students mail unless otherwise requested by thestudent to whom the mail is addressed.

If a student wishes to have tests, papers, or other final coursework returned confidentiallyafter a course is completed, the student must provide the faculty member with a self-addressed envelope before the course ends. The students work will then be placed in theenvelope, which will then be placed in the group mailbox. The student may also providethe instructor with a stamped, self-addressed envelope if she or he wants the materialmailed directly home. If no envelope is provided, the material will be placed in the groupmailbox.

OPTIONS personnel do not provide students with student names, addresses, or phonenumbers. Groups are encouraged to develop their own lists, as well as a phone tree to beused when conveying urgent information to group members. Urgent information isgenerally conveyed by the OPTIONS office to the class representative who is responsiblefor activating the groups phone tree.

STUDY TEAMS

19


28/73

Study teams are a critical component of the OPTIONS program educational model andare integrated into each of the program's courses. The teams are comprised of three tofive students each and meet weekly outside of class. Study teams function as mutualsupport mechanisms through which students can learn from the professional expertise oftheir peers.

Both Fontbonne University students and faculty are acknowledged as major learningresources. This concept of shared learning is an integral element of the University'seducational philosophy. Study teams work together on reports, projects, case analysis,and presentations and are expected to share responsibility for self-directed learning andsmall group learning dynamics. Study teams must adhere to the following policies:

1. Study teams must have three to five members.

2. A four-hour meeting is required of all members of the study team each week.

3. Study team meetings must be held in a place conducive to learning that hasthe resources necessary to accomplish the outcomes of the assignments.

4. Each week the study team will complete and return the Study Team WeeklyLog to the instructor.

5. Attendance will be tracked. The instructor will submit to the OPTIONS officea weekly attendance sheet that accounts for both the class meeting and thestudy team meeting. If students miss 50% of the class meetings or 50% of thestudy team meetings (this includes consistently arriving late and leavingearly), they automatically receive a grade of F for the course.

6. The instructor will incorporate study team participation in the final coursegrade as detailed in his or her supplemental statement

7. Providing false information on the Study Team Weekly Log is a violation ofthe Student Code of Conduct.

8. At the beginning of each course each study team will complete a Study TeamRoster which is forwarded to the OPTIONS office.

Each course generally requires a team project in the form of a written and/or an oralreport, usually presented to the class for discussion and critique. Study team assignmentsare awarded a group grade, so the ability to integrate each member's participationbecomes the responsibility of all team members.

The withdrawals and additions of students to their courses may alter study teams.Instructors may alter study teams at any time. Study teams should be flexible toaccommodate such changes.

20


29/73

The Study Team ConstitutionAll study teams must complete a team constitution. The constitution establishes therules, regulations, and expectations of its team members. Each member of the team mustsign the document signifying a commitment to follow the established guidelines asdetailed in the team constitution. A constitution is a living, working document that can

be revised as needed.

Information on writing a team constitution is included in the publication, EffectiveTeamwork, by Michael Maginn, which is provided to each student at the beginning of theprogram.

Handling Uneven ContributionsIt is normal that some team members will provide more input than others based uponexperience and/or capability. Roles may shift as the team moves from one subject area toanother. However, when one student consistently contributes less than other members, itis up to the team to determine the cause. If an individual displays effort but the abilities

do not match those of the other team members, the other members should encourage andhelp the individual. This will strengthen the team, and the end product will be stronger.

Handling the Non-ContributorIf individuals do not accept their share of the work load, or fail to complete work on time,the team should confront the non-contributor with a written statement of consequences,letting the student know s/he is hurting the team, and requesting that the individual carrya fair share of the workload. If this does not work, the team should follow the stepsoutlined under Handling Unresolved Conflicts.

Handling Unresolved Conflicts

Whenever a diverse group of people comes together to work as a team, conflict willoccasionally arise. Conflict most often occurs when one student in a study team isviewed by the other members as not contributing as expected. Responsibility forresolving the conflict belongs to the team. The study team may consult the academicadvisor,class rep, or instructor for clarification of the guidelines concerning study teams.

The following are steps teams may take to resolve conflict:

1. The study team should review their constitution periodically and renew theircommitment to their rules and expectations. Constitutions specify the teamsrules and the type of behavior that members expect from one another.Students should document the consequence for not abiding by the teamconstitution. In essence, the constitution acts as a contract between studyteam members and defines both general and specific expectations forperformance.

21


30/73

2. If this step is unsuccessful, team members may elect to call a special studyteam meeting to confront the individual who is not abiding by the teamsconstitution. The team should re-emphasize to the errant student that theconsequences of continuing with the problem behavior may result in being

dismissed by the team. The team should give the individual a specific timeframe for changing the undesirable behavior. The team should place theirconcerns and the agreed-upon terms in writing at this time.

3. If the conflict among students in a team cannot be resolved after followingthese two steps, the team may elect to dismiss the student from their team.Before beginning the process of dismissing a study team member, the studyteam must notify their academic advisor. When dismissing a study teammember, the team must document, in writing, the non-contributors lack ofperformance and all study team members must sign the document. Next, theteam should discuss with the student the reasons why he or she is being

dismissed, and present the dismissed student with the written statement ofdismissal. Under no circumstances can a team dismiss a member withoutnotifying him or her. In addition, a dismissal should, if at all possible, bemade between courses. The team is to forward the dismissal letter to theiracademic advisor.

4. The dismissed student is responsible for finding membership in another studyteam. Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to continue in the program without membership in a study team. If he or she cannot findanother study team, the student must contact the academic advisor. At this point, the student will either be moved to another OPTIONS group orwithdrawn from the program.

5. If a student believes that a conflict has been resolved in a manner that is basedon unlawful discrimination or harassment, the student should refer to and proceed in accordance with the reporting procedures set forth in theFontbonne University Anti-Harassment Policy, Prohibition of Retaliation, andReporting and Investigation Procedures for Complaints of UnlawfulDiscrimination and Harassment.

Grading of Study Team WorkStudents confidentially complete a Study Team Evaluation Form (located at the end ofeach course guide) at the end of each course. Faculty members are instructed toincorporate the results of these evaluations into the study team grade that they give toeach student. The resulting weighted score is the individual students study team gradecomponent for the course. This practice ensures that study team non-contributors sufferthe consequences and the contributors are given their just due. This practice alsoprovides faculty with an objective way to determine and justify this component of astudents final grade.

22


31/73

SUPPLEMENTAL COURSES

Fontbonne University offers a variety of courses that supplement the BBA or BOScore. Students who need additional courses beyond the BBA or BOS core curricula tocomplete degree requirements may find these courses offered on weekends or evenings

on the Fontbonne campus. Some courses are offered one night per week in an eight-week format; others are in a fifteen-week format.

An OPTIONS Fact Sheet is distributed to BBA and BOS students when the Universitydistributes its semester schedule of course offerings. The Fact Sheet incorporates coursesdesigned expressly for OPTIONS students, as well as courses selected from theUniversity schedule that are likely to interest OPTIONS students. The Fact Sheetgenerally lists only courses that meet once a week in the evenings or on weekends.

In addition, OPTIONS undergraduate students who have completed their major core mayenroll in courses in the Gateway curriculum to satisfy general education and/or elective

credits. These courses meet once a week, generally for five weeks, and incorporate astudy team component, requiring one four-hour study team meeting each week includingthe week prior to the course start. BBA students may also enroll in selected BOScourses, and vice versa, in order to complete elective credits.

OPTIONS students may register for any Fontbonne supplemental course in person at theOPTIONS offices (Clayton or South County) or by contacting their academic advisor.Students may register up until one week before classes begin. Students will receive acopy of their registration form stamped confirmation, confirming their supplementalregistration. Early registration is encouraged as some courses close quickly.

Any questions about which courses meet a particular students graduation needs shouldbe directed to the students academic advisor.

Students enrolled in supplemental courses should check with the financial aid departmentregarding eligibility to receive financial aid.

Books for supplemental courses are sold in the Fontbonne University bookstore in RyanHall on the Clayton campus. Any questions about supplemental course books,instructors, or rooms should be directed to the academic department under which thecourse falls at Fontbonne. The main Fontbonne switchboard number is (314) 862-3456.

When dropping into Gateway, BBA, or BOS courses to earn credits outside the core,students may purchase their books through the OPTIONS bookroom, or they mayprovide their own materials for the course. In either case, various fees apply.

23


32/73

TRANSCRIPTS AND RECORD OF WORK

Graduates will receive one unofficial copy of their final transcript at no charge. Astudent may request additional copies of the transcript for a fee of $4.00.

To protect the right to privacy of all students, each student must make a written requestfor transcripts. A request should be submitted with at least one week's advance notice.Transcripts will not be issued until all indebtedness to the University has been settled infull.

Fontbonne will not release official transcripts from other institutions filed for the purposeof admission to Fontbonne. These become the property of Fontbonne University.

UPDATING PERSONAL INFORMATION

A student who changes name, address, place of employment or telephone number mustfill out an "Updating Personal Information" form and return it to student services. Forlegal reasons the University can only accept this form as authorization to make changesin personal information. Students who have name changes must provide appropriatelegal documentation (e.g. a copy of a marriage license). Failure to properly notify theoffice of changes may delay grades or other important information.

24


33/73

ACADEMIC REGULATIONS

ACADEMIC STANDING

Financial Aid RecipientsFinancial Aid recipients must maintain satisfactory progress in order to remain eligible toreceive aid. Maintaining satisfactory progress requires adherence to the followingpolicies:

1. Attendance: Students may not miss more than 49% of a core course.

2. Maximum Time Frame: Students receiving financial aid are required tocomplete their program within one and a half times the standard programlength. This time frame relates to the major course of study. Electivecourses are handled on an individual basis. Only active attendance is

counted toward the 1.5 times. Time between courses is not counted.

3. Grade Point Average: Students must maintain a minimum grade pointaverage (GPA) throughout the duration of the program. Forundergraduates the minimum GPA is 2.5 in the core and 2.0 overall; forgraduate students it is 3.0.

Students whose GPA falls below the required minimum will be placed on academicprobation. (See section on probation and dismissal.)

Any financial aid funds credited for future courses will be refunded to the lender if

satisfactory progress is not gained to reduce the student's loan debt.

Federal regulations 668.7 state: "In order for a student to be eligible to receive assistanceunder any Title IV programs, an institution shall determine if that student is makingsatisfactory academic progress."

Required Grades and Minimum GPAUndergraduate students must earn a minimum grade of C- in each of thecommunication courses required for an undergraduate degree. According to theFontbonne University catalog, the communication courses include two courses in writtencommunication and one course in verbal communication.

Undergraduate students must earn a minimum grade of C- for each course in theOPTIONS bachelor of business administration (BBA) and bachelor of arts inorganizational studies (BOS) cores, including those that satisfy a general educationrequirement. A student who earns a D or F in a BBA or BOScore course must repeat thecourse and will be automatically withdrawn from the programs capstone course, BBA408 Strategic Planning and Policy Analysis or ORG 412 Seminar in OrganizationalStudies. The course must be repeated successfully before the capstone course. Both the

25


34/73

original and the repeated course will appear on the transcript; however, only the highergrade will be calculated in the GPA.

Additionally, undergraduate students must maintain a minimum of a 2.5 cumulativegrade point average (GPA) in the OPTIONS core curriculum to remain in good standing

and in order to graduate. If students are taking supplemental courses at FontbonneUniversity, a minimum overall cumulative GPA of a 2.0 must be maintained in order tobe eligible for graduation.

Graduate students must maintain a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average(GPA) to remain in good standing and in order to graduate.

Probation and Dismissal - UndergraduatesThe director of academic student services for OPTIONS reviews the academic status ofstudents after grades have been posted for each course in the OPTIONS core curriculum

and at the end of each semester for supplemental courses.

The director of academic student services for OPTIONS will place on probation anystudent whose cumulative GPA falls below the minimum as stipulated above. TheUniversity reserves the right to stipulate a maximum course load and/or specific courseswhen a student is on probation. Probation will ordinarily extend for a period of threeconsecutive core courses or four consecutive supplemental courses. The Universityreserves the right to dismiss a student who does not maintain the minimum academicstandards.

If a student does not remove the probation after the specified time, the University maydismiss the student. With the approval of the executive director and director of academicstudent services for OPTIONS, the University may instead place the student on anextended probation for a course load equivalent to a full semester.

If by the end of an extended probationary period the students OPTIONS core GPA isbelow 2.5, the director of academic student services may dismiss the student from theOPTIONS core program.

Fontbonne ordinarily dismisses a student placed on probation who removes the probation,but then again drops below the minimum 2.0 GPA. A student whose cumulative GPAfalls below 1.0 may, without probation, be dismissed for academic deficiencies.

If the student fails the first course of an OPTIONS program, the student will bewithdrawn from the program.

Probation, Dismissal, and Repeated Courses - Graduate StudentsFor satisfactory progress in a graduate program, a student must maintain a cumulativegrade point average (GPA) of 3.0. To earn a Fontbonne University graduate degree,students must attain a 3.0 final GPA. The following policies apply:

26


35/73

A student who initially earns a C in a graduate course will be allowed to continue in theprogram with the approval of the director of academic student services. However, thestudent must eventually balance that C with an A in order to maintain the required 3.0GPA for graduation.

A student who earns a second C in a graduate course may be dismissed from the programor, with the approval of the director of academic student services may continue in theprogram but must retake one of the two courses in which the C was earned and earn aminimum grade of B-. If the student does not earn the minimum grade of a B-, thestudent will be dismissed from the program.

A student who initially earns a C in a graduate course and who then earns an F in agraduate course will be dismissed from the program.

A student who earns a third low grade (C or F) in a graduate course will be dismissedfrom the program.

A student who initially earns an F in a graduate course may be dismissed from theprogram or, with the approval of the director of academic student services must retake thecourse in which the F was earned and earn a minimum grade of a B-. The student isautomatically withdrawn from the capstone course, MBA 519 or MGT 519. If thestudent fails to earn a minimum of a B-, the student will be dismissed from the graduateprogram.

A student who initially earned an F in a graduate course and who earns a second lowgrade (C or F) will be dismissed from the program.

When a student has initially earned an F or second C in a graduate course, the director ofacademic student services may restrict the number of classes that a student may takebefore retaking one of those classes.

The director of academic student services for OPTIONS reviews the academic status ofstudents after grades have been posted for each course in the OPTIONS curriculum.

The director of academic student services for OPTIONS will place on probation anystudent whose cumulative GPA falls below the minimum as stipulated above. TheUniversity reserves the right to stipulate a maximum course load and/or specific courseswhen a student is on probation. Probation will ordinarily extend for a period of threeconsecutive core courses. The University reserves the right to dismiss a student whodoes not maintain the minimum academic standards.

If a student does not remove the probation after the specified time, the University maydismiss the student. With the approval of the director of academic student services andexecutive director for OPTIONS, the University may instead place the student on anextended probation for a course load equivalent to a full semester.

27


36/73

If the student fails the first course of the program, the student will be withdrawn from theprogram.

SuspensionDegree-seeking students with academic records indicating two unacceptable grades in

major coursework at one time will be suspended from subsequent courses.

Unacceptable grades for undergraduate students are D, F and I. Undergraduate studentswho earn two of these grades in their major (in any combination) are not progressingsatisfactorily toward their degree objective.

Unacceptable grades for graduate students are C, F and I. Graduate students who earntwo of these grades (in any combination) are not progressing satisfactorily toward theirdegree objective.

Academic suspension will be removed and students will be allowed to continue in their

degree program after both of the major courses with the unacceptable grades have beensatisfactorily completed or repeated.

Non-Academic DismissalA student may be dismissed at any time from Fontbonne University for a variety of non-academic offenses. These include, but are not limited to, behavior or attitudes unworthyof a good campus community member (see Student Code of Conduct) or anunsatisfactory financial record.

APPEALS PROCEDURES

An OPTIONS student may appeal academic or non-academic determinations. For anappeal of grades, the student must contact his or her advisor within ten days of themailing of course grades to request an outline of the complete procedures for the appealsprocess. This applies to both OPTIONS and supplemental (non-OPTIONS) courses.The student is expected to attempt to resolve the issue through informal procedures asoutlined in the appeals process before entering into the formal process. Establishedprocedures and timelines must be followed.

ATTENDANCE

OPTIONS classes meet for four hours, one night a week, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Studyteams are required to meet an additional four hours each week outside the class meetingtime. Class meeting and study team attendance at entire sessions is mandatory. Classesstart at 6:00 p.m. Students must manage their schedules in order to arrive at class

on time.

28


37/73

If students miss 50% of the class meetings or 50% of the study team meetings (thisincludes consistently arriving late and leaving early), they automatically receive a gradeof F for the course.

Students are expected to notify the instructor prior to missing a class, except in cases of

emergency when prior approval is impossible. In such cases the instructor should becontacted as soon as possible. The responsibility for notifying the instructor rests withthe student and not with the OPTIONS staff.

The absence will be reflected by lowering the class participation portion of the student'sfinal grade. This is not at the discretion of the instructor.

Students are expected to notify their study team members prior to missing a meeting,except in cases of emergencies when prior notification is impossible. In such cases studyteam members should be contacted as soon as possible.

COURSE AUTHORIZATION (Undergraduate Students)

Once a student has been admitted to the OPTIONS program, explicit authorization isneeded from Fontbonne to transfer all subsequent coursework/tests from other institutionsand Prior Learning Assessments (PLA). Students can receive this authorization bysubmitting a course authorization form to their academic advisor. Please allow fiveworking days for a reply. The course authorization forms are available in the OPTIONSoffice. This authorization is valid for six months from the date of the advisor's approval.

Students are responsible for submitting an official transcript of a course or test to theOPTIONS office in order for that credit to be recorded. Fontbonne University mustreceive official transcripts directly from the awarding institution. If a standardized examwas taken, test score results must be acceptable to the appropriate academic department.PLA credit is processed through the PLA coordinator.

A maximum of 64 semester credit hours can be transferred to Fontbonne from a two-yearcollege. A maximum of three correspondence courses or nine semester credit hours maybe used to meet graduation requirements.

COURSE SEQUENCE PARAMETERS

No student may be enrolled in more than one OPTIONS degree program at a time. AnOPTIONS student may not double-up on courses to further accelerate the program orwhen repeating courses. All courses in the core must be successfully completed beforethe capstone course. A student enrolled in the BBA or BOScores may not enroll in acourse in the Gateway curriculum.

29


38/73

The first course in each program must be successfully completed before completingsubsequent courses in the program. MBA 503 must be completed following MBA 500 asthe second course in the program.

INCOMPLETE GRADES

It is the policy of Fontbonne University to allow the grade of "I" to be given when astudent is passing a course, but for serious reasons is unable to complete one part of thecourse, such as an exam, assignment or project. When emergencies occur, this policygives the student time to complete coursework. Incomplete grades will not be given inorder to allow a student to complete extra credit work or to allow a student to redounsatisfactory work.

The student should request an Incomplete Grade Contract from the academic advisor.The student and the instructor compete and sign the contract. The decision to award an

"I" grade rests solely with the instructor. The instructor will set a completion date for thestudent that falls within the 12-week period after the last night of the course. A grade of"I" that is not converted to a letter grade within 12 weeks automatically becomes an "F."

It is important to note that all necessary communication about an incomplete grade is theresponsibility of the student, not the instructor or OPTIONS administrative staff. Once agrade has been changed from an "I" to an "F" it cannot be protested.

MAKE-UP EXAMINATIONS

It is the responsibility of the student to communicate with the instructor before the make-up exam regarding any specific requirements, restrictions, or allowances. A student mustmake an appointment with the OPTIONS office manager (Clayton) or South County staffto take a make-up exam. The student needs to arrive early enough to allow ample time tofinish the exam before the OPTIONS office closes.

POLICY EXEMPTION

Under extraordinary circumstances, an OPTIONS student may need to request anexemption to a policy. Usually these cases involve medical emergencies, accidents,natural disasters, unexpected business trips and the like. Forms to request an exemptionto a policy may be obtained from the students academic advisor. Requests should bemade within thirty days of the emergency, unless the situation itself prevents this. Thirdparty documentation (such as a doctor's note, an accident report, or a letter from anemployer) must be provided. Scheduled business trips or heavy workloads are normal forOPTIONS students and are not considered emergency situations.

30


39/73

WITHDRAWALS

Students who find it necessary to withdraw for any length of time must submit writtennotification. Withdrawal request forms ("Student Change in Registration") are availableat the OPTIONS office. In an emergency, a student may write a letter of request. The

date of receipt of written notification is the date used in determining the grade issued andif any tuition refund is due. Financial aid participants will be asked to complete a loanexit interview and to notify their lender of the withdrawal date. MBA students whowithdraw must return their laptop computers and software in accordance with their signedlaptop computer agreement.

If a student does not submit written notification of withdrawal, never attends a course,and the non-attendance is documented by the instructor on the weekly attendance sheets,OPTIONS personnel will void the students registration in that course. Non-attendancein an OPTIONS core course constitutes a break in the students program registration withFontbonne University and results in an administrative withdrawal from the entire

remaining program. Financial aid recipients must complete a loan exit interview andnotify their lender of the withdrawal date. MBA students must immediately make anappointment with the coordinator of instructional support services and return their laptopcomputers and software in accordance with their signed laptop computer agreement. Thestudent must reapply for admission before registering for another course. Tuition andfees of the new OPTIONS group will apply.

Withdrawal DeadlinesStudents may withdraw from OPTIONS core courses anytime within the first 50% andbefore the beginning of the next class session and receive a "W" on their transcripts. Anywithdrawal after the second half of the course has met will result in a grade of F on thetranscript.

ReadmissionStudents who wish to apply for readmission after dropping out for more than 60 days orwithdrawing from the program for any length of time must submit a readmit form,requiring approval of the academic advisor, director of academic student services,accounting and financial aid personnel. Joining a new group may warrant a revisedprogram and a higher tuition rate. The requirements of the new core program will apply.

If studies have been discontinued at Fontbonne University for 12 months or more, thedegree requirements and policies in effect at the point of re-entry will apply.

If considerable time elapses since the student achieved degree-seeking status and if thedegree requirements have changed substantially since the student began the program,Fontbonne University may invoke more recent degree and/or other requirements.

31


40/73

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

EMPLOYEE REIMBURSEMENT

Many corporations and institutions offer tuition reimbursement to their employees.Students should contact their companys personnel office to receive information aboutcompany policy.

All students receive a grade report at the completion of each course. All fees must be paid before grade reports are released. Most companies require the grade report forreimbursement purposes. It is the responsibility of the student to file all necessary formsand reports with their company. Students must contact the OPTIONS accountingdepartment if their employer requires a paid receipt.

If direct corporate reimbursement to OPTIONS will be used, appropriate arrangements

must be made in advance of the course start with the OPTIONS accountants.

FEES

Educational Resource FeeThe Educational Resource Fee charged for each class covers any books, course guides,software or other materials issued, as well as University fees. The fee amount isguaranteed for each group through program completion. It is essentially a budget-billingplan and is calculated by projecting the anticipated total costs for the entire program anddividing by the number of courses in the program. This method allows students to budget

effectively and to be insulated against unexpected price increases during the program.Parking FeeAll vehicles parked on campus must display a valid Fontbonne parking permit. Carswithout permits may be ticketed, "booted," or towed at the owner's expense. Permits maybe purchased from the OPTIONS accountants. Further information about parking permitfees and parking regulations may be found in the most current parking regulationsbrochure published by the Fontbonne University department of public safety.

Parking tickets must be paid or a hold may be placed on grade reports and transcripts.Questions regarding parking regulations and tickets should be directed to the Fontbonne

director of public safety at (314) 719-8024. The OPTIONS staff has no authority overticketing or parking regulations.

FINANCIAL AID

The OPTIONS financial aid office at Fontbonne University exists to provide monetaryassistance to students who could not otherwise enroll without such support. These

32


41/73

monies include Title IV aid from the federal government such as the Pell Grant, SEOG,and state aid in the form of Missouri grants. In addition, the financial aid office certifiesapplications for Title IV Loans (i.e. subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford and alternativeloans), vocational rehabilitation assistance and veteran's benefits.

As a financial aid recipient, ongoing contact with the OPTIONS financial aid office isvery important in order to help students meet their obligations under different aidprograms. To prevent problems with student financial aid dollars:

1. Read all information sent by the financial aid office.

2. Keep the financial aid office up-to-date on any changes, e.g. address,name, employment.

3. Notify the financial aid office of any change in enrollment status (e.g.course drops, adds, suspension, withdrawal, or enrollment in supplemental

courses).

4. Complete the exit interview (a federal requirement) upon completion ofthe OPTIONS core program. Diplomas are withheld until the exitinterview is completed.

5. Call the financial aid office with any questions regarding financial aid.

6. Meet all financial aid deadlines.

LAPTOP COMPUTERS

If an MBA student withdraws before completing the OPTIONS MBA program and doesnot immediately return the laptop computer and software as stipulated in the laptopagreement, the student will be billed for the amount indicated in the agreement.

PAYMENT

Accounts are due and payable according to the OPTIONS payment schedule selected bythe student, either payment on a course-by-course basis or payment made according to asemester plan.

Students are advised of financial obligations for the program at the time of registration.A schedule of payments and analysis of fee structures, along with the dates, is outlined.Students are expected to meet these obligations according to the schedule. A servicecharge will be assessed on all past due balances and for any checks returned due to non-sufficient funds.

33


42/73

Students who consistently fail to make payments may be dismissed from the program andwill not be allowed to return until their account is current. For MBA students, theamount due will include the price of the laptop computer and software if not returned.Re-admittance t

optionsstudhandbkword97

Documents