Irwin Graduate Student Handbook - The American …

[Pages:26]Student Handbook

Richard D. Irwin Graduate School Degree Programs (v4/wj_ja_jm)

Revised 5/2021

The policies and procedures appearing in this handbook have been approved under the authority of The American College of Financial Services Board of Trustees and constitute the official policy of The American College of Financial Services (The College). All students pursuing coursework through the Richard D. Irwin Graduate School should familiarize themselves with the contents of this handbook. The policies presented herein outline both student rights and responsibilities. The contents of the handbook may change as necessary to strengthen The College's procedures and processes. The College reserves the right to revise this handbook at any time. All students pursuing designation studies at The College are responsible for knowing and abiding by the terms of this handbook. Questions related to the handbook may be directed to the Office of the Registrar at The American College of Financial Services, 630 Allendale Road, Suite 400, King of Prussia, PA 19406, registrar@theamericancollege.edu, or by calling 610-526-1324.

Revised 5/2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................... 3 WELCOME .................................................................................................................................... 6 ACCOMMODATIONS .................................................................................................................. 6 NONDISCRIMINATION .............................................................................................................. 6 THE CODE OF ETHICS OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES .. 6

Enforcement of the Code of Ethics ........................................................................................................ 6 The Professional Pledge.......................................................................................................................... 6 The Canons .............................................................................................................................................. 6 ACCREDITATION ........................................................................................................................ 7 Length of Programs ................................................................................................................................ 7 FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS ...................................................................................................... 7 Course Refund......................................................................................................................................... 7

Refunds for GS Courses.........................................................................................................................................8 Continuing Education Filing Fees ......................................................................................................... 8

FINAL EXAMS ............................................................................................................................. 8 Availability............................................................................................................................................... 9 Exam Rescheduling................................................................................................................................. 9 Exam Retakes .......................................................................................................................................... 9 Testing in Webinar Courses................................................................................................................... 9

METHODS OF COURSE DELIVERY ........................................................................................ 9 Webinar Class Attendance and Lateness.............................................................................................. 9

REQUIRED STUDENT INFORMATION ................................................................................ 10 STUDENT PRIVACY INFORMATION .................................................................................... 10 GPA CALCULATION ................................................................................................................. 10

The Calculation ..................................................................................................................................... 11 GRADE SCHEMES..................................................................................................................... 11 FILE A GRIEVANCE ................................................................................................................. 11 STUDENT GRADE APPEAL PROCESS .................................................................................. 12 GRADUATE ACADEMIC STANDING ..................................................................................... 12

Revised 5/2021

Good Academic Standing ..................................................................................................................... 12 Academic Warning ............................................................................................................................... 13 Academic Probation.............................................................................................................................. 13 Academic Suspension and Readmission ............................................................................................. 13 Notification of Probation or Suspension. ............................................................................................ 13 PROGRAM COMPLETION ....................................................................................................... 13 DEGREE AND DIPLOMA AWARDING .................................................................................. 14 TRANSCRIPTS............................................................................................................................ 14 Transfer of Credit Decisions ................................................................................................................ 14 Transfer of Credit (Domestic).............................................................................................................. 14 Transfer of Credit (International)....................................................................................................... 15 Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)....................................................................................................... 16 GRADUATE SCHOOL APPLICANT INFORMATION........................................................... 16 Course Registration (Except Residency)............................................................................................. 17 DEGREE PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS ................................................................................... 17 Master of Science in Financial Planning? (MSFP?) .......................................................................... 17

Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................................17 The Mission..........................................................................................................................................................17 Target Audience ...................................................................................................................................................18 Program Learning Objectives ..............................................................................................................................18 Degree Requirements ...........................................................................................................................................18 Master of Science in Management (MSM) ......................................................................................... 19 Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................................19 The Mission..........................................................................................................................................................20 Target Audience ...................................................................................................................................................20 Program Learning Objectives ..............................................................................................................................20 Degree Requirements ...........................................................................................................................................21

GRADUATE CERTIFICATES AND DESIGNATION DESCRIPTIONS............................... 21 Certified Family Business Specialist Certificate ................................................................................ 21 Estate Planning and Taxation Certificate........................................................................................... 21 Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy? (CAP?) Designation ............................................................... 22 Accredited Estate Planner? (AEP?) Designation ............................................................................... 22

ACADEMIC SUPPORT/LEARNING RESOURCES ................................................................ 22 Discussion Forum Rules of Conduct ................................................................................................... 22 Illegal Downloading and/or Distribution of College Materials......................................................... 23

Revised 5/2021

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES............................................................................................. 23 Instructional Assistance........................................................................................................................ 23 Contacting Faculty ................................................................................................................................ 24

LIBRARY SERVICES ................................................................................................................. 24 Digital Resources ................................................................................................................................... 24 Library Guides ...................................................................................................................................... 24

COLLEGE POLICIES ................................................................................................................ 24 GENERAL CONTACT INFORMATION .................................................................................. 25

Revised 5/2021

WELCOME

Welcome, and thank you for selecting The American College of Financial Services!

ACCOMMODATIONS

Students requiring special accommodations are served by the Office of the Registrar, which can be contacted at (888) 263-7265. The Office of the Registrar is available to assist students, faculty, and College support staff in reaching a joint determination of academic accommodations for students with verifiable disabilities where appropriate. Inquirers should submit a detailed email to The College's Office of the Registrar at registrar@theamericancollege.edu.

NONDISCRIMINATION

The American College of Financial Services does not discriminate because of race, religion, sex, disability, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or ethnic origin in its admission policies, educational programs, activities, or employment policies. It respects its students right to privacy and is committed to safeguarding student personal information. For more information, contact registrar@theamericancollege.edu.

THE CODE OF ETHICS OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

To underscore the importance of ethics for our program completers, all Richard D. Irwin Graduate School students must adhere to The College's Code of Ethics, which consists of the professional pledge and the canons.

Enforcement of the Code of Ethics

The College's certification officer, the Registrar, faculty, and a senior management advisor (Certification Committee) are empowered by the board of trustees to enforce The College's Code of Ethics. The Office of the Registrar will investigate any complaints or reports of violations, which may originate with state insurance commissioners, other public and judicial bodies, individuals, and established institutions or organizations. In certain instances, The College itself may initiate action based on apparent violations, as recommended by the Academic Program Committee.

The Professional Pledge

"In all my professional relationships, I pledge myself to the following rule of ethical conduct: I shall, in light of all conditions surrounding those I serve, which I shall make every conscientious effort to ascertain and understand, render that service which, in the same circumstances, I would apply to myself."

The Canons

I. Conduct yourself at all times with honor and dignity.

Revised 5/2021

II. Avoid practices that would bring dishonor upon your profession or The American College of Financial Services.

III. Publicize your achievements in ways that enhance the integrity of your profession. IV. Continue your studies throughout your working life so as to maintain a high level of

professional experience. V. Do your utmost to attain a distinguished record of professional service. VI. Support the established institutions and organizations concerned with the integrity of

your profession. VII. Participate in building your profession by encouraging and providing appropriate

assistance to qualified persons pursuing professional studies. VIII. Comply with all laws and regulations, particularly as they relate to professional and

business activities.

ACCREDITATION

The College's accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) extends to the Richard D. Irwin Graduate School degree programs, which are transferable as graduate coursework to other accredited colleges and universities. Note that The College is in "candidacy" status for the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and it will only apply to select and approved programs.

Length of Programs

Richard D. Irwin Graduate School programs range in length from 10 to 12 courses. The duration of the programs is approximately 2?3 years for most student. Most students progress through their declared program one course at a time, taking anywhere between a year and a half to 3 years to complete the program. Others progress more rapidly, completing entire programs in a little over 2 years.

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

Students are responsible for the payment of all financial obligations upon enrollment. Course materials will not be shipped and access to online materials will not be made available until any balance due is paid. Degrees will not be awarded to any student who has a balance due.

Course Refund

The College will refund course tuition less a cancellation fee if a student requests the refund within 30 days after enrolling in the course, or in the case of a live onsite or webinar class, before the third class date if sooner. After this date, students are responsible for paying the full rate. Those enrolling in a course program, where all courses are purchased at once, will be subject to separate refund arrangements communicated at the time of enrollment. All refund requests should be emailed to the Student Experience Office.

Revised 5/2021

Fees are subject to change at any time without notice. Fees may not be credited to another student. Most companies have educational reimbursement plans; contact your company for details. The College also is an eligible institution under The Higher Education Act of 1965 (as amended). This status allows you to take advantage of the lifetime learning credit under the Internal Revenue Code. Consult your tax adviser to see if you qualify. Discount or pricing adjustment requests will be accepted within 30 days of the date your enrollment was processed for fulfillment. We are unable to honor discounts or issue refunds for enrollments processed beyond that timeframe. Discounted pricing cannot be combined with any other offers, coupons, discounts, or promotions. We reserve the right to correct any incorrect pricing/charges that may have occurred.

Refunds for GS Courses

The College will refund course tuition less a $125 cancellation fee if a student requests the refund within 30 days of signing up for the course or, in the case of a live onsite or webinar class, before the third class date, whichever is sooner. All requests for refunds must be made in writing to the Office of Admissions and Enrollment, The American College of Financial Services, 630 Allendale Road, Suite 400, King of Prussia, PA 19406 or by calling 888-263-7265.

Continuing Education Filing Fees

The continuing education (CE) filing fees are included in the tuition cost. Students must request CE upon registration into a course. Students requesting CE credits are required to take an Examination On Demand (EOD) to receive CE credit. For more information concerning CE processing, see The American College of Financial Services website.

FINAL EXAMS

The course final exams can be taken at Pearson VUE Testing Centers or through Pearson VUE's OnVue online test delivery system. Students must wait at least 2 business days after registering for the course before attempting to make an appointment. When scheduling an appointment at a testing center, we suggest that students schedule their exam to be taken at a Pearson VUE Professional Center as these centers are owned and operated by Pearson VUE. The vendor contact information for scheduling at a testing center or online is as follows:

? 866-EXAMTAC (1-800-466-0450) ? tac Once an appointment is scheduled, a confirmation will be sent via email to the student. If testing at a center, the student should confirm the date and time of the exam appointment with the vendor headquarters at least 2 business days before the scheduled exam date.

Revised 5/2021

 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download