Academic policies

Grading scale

Final course grades are reported on the scale below. The grade point average is computed by dividing total quality points by total credit hours attempted for which a grade point value is assigned.

Attendance and participation

Attendance in online courses is recorded through documented academic activity: posting to a graded discussion, submitting an assignment, completing a quiz or examination, or attending a scheduled synchronous session. Logging into the learning management system alone does not constitute attendance. A student who records no academic activity for fourteen consecutive days is administratively withdrawn and receives a grade of WNA.

Satisfactory academic progress

Progress is evaluated at the end of every term. Undergraduate students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher; graduate students must maintain 3.0 or higher. All students must complete at least sixty-seven percent of credit hours attempted and may not exceed one hundred fifty percent of the published program length. A student who fails to meet these standards is placed on academic probation for one term. Failure to return to good standing at the end of the probationary term results in academic dismissal.

Withdrawal and leave of absence

A student may withdraw from a course or from the University by submitting written notice to the Registrar. Withdrawal prior to fifty percent completion of the term is recorded as W and is not computed in the grade point average; withdrawal after that point is recorded as WF and is computed as 0.0. A leave of absence of up to one hundred eighty days may be granted once per academic year for a documented reason; the student returns to the same point in the program.

Course repeats and incompletes

A course may be repeated to improve a deficient grade; the highest grade earned is used in the grade point average, and all attempts remain on the transcript. A grade of I may be assigned when a student has completed the majority of coursework and requests additional time for documented cause. Outstanding work must be submitted within thirty days of the end of the term, after which the grade converts to F.

Graduation requirements

To graduate, a student must complete all credit hours required by the program, achieve the minimum cumulative grade point average, satisfy the capstone or certificate core requirement, submit a petition to graduate to the Registrar, and settle all financial obligations to the University. Diplomas and final transcripts are released after the Registrar verifies completion.

Student conduct and academic integrity

Students are expected to conduct themselves professionally in all instructional settings. Plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, falsification of records, misuse of institutional credentials, harassment, and the undisclosed use of generative artificial intelligence in graded work are prohibited. Sanctions range from a reduced grade on the assignment to dismissal from the University, determined by the Chief Academic Officer.

Student records and privacy

The University maintains a permanent academic record for every enrolled student. Records are released to third parties only with the student's written authorization or as required by law. Students may inspect their record and request correction of factual errors by contacting the Registrar. Official transcripts are issued upon written request and payment of the transcript fee.

Student grievance procedure

A student with a complaint should first raise the matter with the course instructor. If unresolved within ten business days, the student may submit a written grievance to the Chief Academic Officer, who issues a written determination within fifteen business days. The President reviews appeals and issues a final institutional decision.

Students who remain unsatisfied may contact the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400, toll-free (888) 224-6684.