2015 2016 Student Handbook - Walden University

[Pages:425]Walden University

2015?2016 Student Handbook

September 2015

Welcome to the Student Handbook

Information in this version of the Walden University Student Handbook is effective as of August 31, 2015, unless otherwise noted.

Section 1. Introduction Section 2. About Walden University Section 3. Student Expectations and Responsibilities Section 4. Academic Calendar, Admission, and Enrollment Section 5. Tuition and Financial Aid Section 6. Academic Progress and Grading Policies Section 7. Learning Modalities and Resources Section 8. Student Support Services

Walden University practices a policy of nondiscrimination in admission to, access to, and employment in its programs and activities. Walden does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion or creed, marital status, disability, national or ethnic origin, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or other legally protected status.

Walden is committed to providing barrier-free access to its educational services and makes appropriate and reasonable accommodations when necessary. Students requesting accommodations per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must contact the Office of Disability Services at disability@waldenu.edu.

Walden University publications, including the Catalog and Student Handbook, represent current curricula, educational plans, offerings, requirements, tuition, and fees. These may be modified or discontinued from time to time in the university's sole discretion to carry out the university's purposes and objectives. Neither the provisions of this document, nor the acceptance of students through registration and enrollment in the university, constitutes a contract or an offer of a contract.

? 2015 Walden University

2015?2016 Walden University Student Handbook (September 2015)

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Contents

Welcome to the Student Handbook ................................................................................................ ii

What's New? (September 2015) ..................................................................................................... v

Section 1. Introduction.................................................................................................................... 2

A Message for Students .................................................................................................................. 3 Welcome to Walden University 2015?2016 ............................................................................... 3

About the Student Handbook.......................................................................................................... 4 Navigation ................................................................................................................................... 4 Content ........................................................................................................................................ 4 Walden Offices............................................................................................................................ 4

How to Use This Handbook............................................................................................................ 6

Where to Look ................................................................................................................................ 7

Section 2. About Walden University .............................................................................................. 9

About Walden University............................................................................................................ 9 History ....................................................................................................................................... 10 Vision, Mission, and Goals ....................................................................................................... 13 University Values ...................................................................................................................... 14 Values ........................................................................................................................................ 14 Social Change............................................................................................................................ 21 University Outcomes................................................................................................................. 21 Accreditation ............................................................................................................................. 22 Licensure ................................................................................................................................... 23 Legal Information...................................................................................................................... 26 Walden Awards and Honoraria ................................................................................................. 30 Walden Awards ......................................................................................................................... 32

Section 3. Student Expectations and Responsibilities .................................................................. 34

Student Conduct and Responsibilities....................................................................................... 34 Student Guidelines for the Classroom....................................................................................... 47 Walden's Grading Policy ........................................................................................................... 53

Section 4. Academic Calendar, Admission, and Enrollment........................................................ 58

Academic Calendar and Registration Policies .......................................................................... 58 Registration Policies.................................................................................................................. 68 Admission Policies .................................................................................................................... 69 Admission Requirements .......................................................................................................... 70 Post-Admission Transfer of Credit Review Students may request a Post-Admission Transfer of Credit review in the following instances:................................................................................ 140 Enrollment Requirements........................................................................................................ 143 Enrollment Options ................................................................................................................. 144

2015?2016 Walden University Student Handbook (September 2015)

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Student Enrollment Verification ............................................................................................. 147

Section 5. Tuition and Financial Aid .......................................................................................... 148

Payment Deadlines and Policies ............................................................................................. 157 Financial Aid ........................................................................................................................... 165 Financial Aid Programs........................................................................................................... 178

Section 6. Academic Progress and Grading Policies .................................................................. 210

Academic Progress .................................................................................................................. 210 Master's Along the Way ......................................................................................................... 241 Withdrawing From the University .......................................................................................... 241 Undergraduate Academic Renewal ......................................................................................... 243 Grading.................................................................................................................................... 244 Degree Audit, Completion, and Graduation............................................................................ 247 Grade Appeal........................................................................................................................... 249

Section 7. Learning Modalities and Resources........................................................................... 255

Instructional Delivery Models................................................................................................. 255 Learning and Research Resources........................................................................................... 255 Instructional Delivery Models................................................................................................. 255 Learning and Research Resources........................................................................................... 261

Section 8. Student Support Services ........................................................................................... 390

Academic Advising Team ....................................................................................................... 390 Academic Integrity and Student Affairs.................................................................................. 391 Admissions .............................................................................................................................. 391 Alumni Relations..................................................................................................................... 391 Bursar ...................................................................................................................................... 393 Center for Degree Acceleration............................................................................................... 394 Center for Research Quality .................................................................................................... 394 Center for Student Success...................................................................................................... 396 Academic Skills Center ........................................................................................................... 396 Career Services........................................................................................................................ 397 Library ..................................................................................................................................... 398 Writing Center ......................................................................................................................... 399 Disability Services................................................................................................................... 399 Faculty Services ...................................................................................................................... 401 Financial Aid ........................................................................................................................... 405 International Student Support.................................................................................................. 406 Scholarships and Awards ........................................................................................................ 408 Ombudsperson......................................................................................................................... 409 Registrar .................................................................................................................................. 410 Student Assistance Program .................................................................................................... 410 Student Support Team ............................................................................................................. 411 Technology Policies ................................................................................................................ 411

2015?2016 Walden University Student Handbook (September 2015)

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What's New? (September 2015)

This page will list policies and procedures that are either new or have had significant revisions recently. All items are effective as of August 31, 2015, unless otherwise noted. The dates listed after each item indicate when a change was entered into the handbook and took effect.

Academic Residencies and Requirements Accreditation Bursar College of Health Sciences College of Management and Technology College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Conditional Admission Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans Federal Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) Loans Federal Pell Grants Field Experience in MSN Office of Military Services Transfer Maximum by Program (Chart) Verification Policy

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Section 1. Introduction

A Message for Students About the Student Handbook How to Use This Handbook Where to Look What's New? (September 2015)

2015?2016 Walden University Student Handbook (September 2015)

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A Message for Students

Welcome to Walden University 2015?2016 ________________________________________

Dear Student,

Welcome to Walden. We are proud of our mission of social change and are committed to your success.

Your dedication to learning and professional growth is illustrated by your choice to attend Walden. As your partner in this journey, we support you in using your education to make a positive impact in your community, profession, and society.

Although you will undoubtedly experience many challenges and rewards on your educational journey, please know that faculty and staff are here to assist you at every step. At Walden, we continually look for ways to improve the educational process for our students.

The Student Handbook is your reference for all policies and procedures, and the most recent version will always be your guide. Consult the "What's New?" page of the handbook regularly to see recent changes to university policies or procedures. The academic year during which you were admitted establishes your program of study, and you are subject to the degree requirements described in the catalog for that term. The catalog also has a "What's New?" page to keep you updated on new programs and courses or significant changes in existing programs and courses. We encourage your feedback about the catalog and handbook by sending your comments to catalog@waldenu.edu.

We also recommend that you take advantage of our wide range of support services specifically designed for online learning. Our academic advisors, student support team, library, and academic skills center are available to offer advice and assistance. Your myWalden portal provides a detailed description of other services and information that will benefit you throughout your time with us.

We look forward to a successful year as you pursue your education at Walden.

Sincerely,

Eric Riedel, PhD Chief Academic Officer

2015?2016 Walden University Student Handbook (September 2015)

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About the Student Handbook

Navigation

Student Handbook: Select from the topics listed on the left navigation pane. For more information, click the "Help" button (upper right) or select the "How to Use This Handbook" link. Catalog: To access the Catalog, select "2015-2016 Catalog," from the drop-down menu in the upper-right corner of this page and then click "Go." University Guidebooks: On the drop-down menu in the upper-right corner of this page, select "University Guidebooks" and then click "Go."

Content

The Walden University Student Handbook is the primary resource for academic policies and procedures, academic and student resources, and financial services policies for Walden students. The handbook is available only on this Web site.

Students who are admitted for, and enrolled during, the 2015?2016 academic year are subject to the policies and procedures described in this Walden University Student Handbook. The university reserves the right to change any provision, offering, requirement, or fee at any time within the student's enrollment period. Students can keep up to date on new or revised policies and procedures by accessing the What's New? page.

Neither the provisions of this Walden University Student Handbook nor the acceptance of students to the university through the admission, enrollment, and registration processes constitutes a contract or an offer of a contract. The university further reserves the right to require a student to withdraw from the university for cause at any time.

Walden Offices

Academic Offices 100 Washington Avenue South, Suite 900 Minneapolis, MN 55401 Phone: 1-612-338-7224 or 1-800 WALDENU (1-800-925-3368) Fax: 1-612-338-5092

Walden University website:

Administrative Offices 650 S. Exeter Street Baltimore, MD 21202 Phone: 1-866-4WALDEN (1-866-492-5336) Fax: 1-410-843-8104

2015?2016 Walden University Student Handbook (September 2015)

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