Policies+&+Procedures


 * Policies and Procedures **

=**A**=


 * Accreditation **

CU currently offers Unaccredited Degrees. We are currently in the process of of obtaining accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council. In order for a university or college to recieve accreditation from most accrediting bodies in the U.S., institutions must have students. Here's the problem. How can you attract students without an accreditation? CU is addressing this issue by calling itself a higher education social network, a medium that attracts people to socialize, but in the case of CU, socialize to educate.

CU is not a traditional online university. CU is a social network devoted to connecting instructors to learners resulting in learners acquiring useful knowledge, gaining new skills, or earning a degree. Learners are welcome to take courses from any instructor, but learners who wish to earn a degree must submit unofficial transcripts from previous schools, and proof of completion of college level english and college level math.
 * Admission Criteria**

**Advising**
Academic advising is integral to fulfilling the teaching and learning mission of higher education. Through academic advising, students learn to become members of their higher education community, to think critically about their roles and responsibilities as students, and to prepare to be educated citizens of a democratic society and a global community. Academic advising engages students beyond their own world views, while acknowledging their individual characteristics, values, and motivations as they enter, move through, and exit the institution.

There is no formal admissions process. Learners need to create a profile on the Instructors and Learners page. If learners wish to pursue a degree they must do the following:
 * Application And Admissions Process**

You Wish To Earn An Associates or Bachelors Degree
 * [|Create a profile for yourself]
 * All Learners must complete Developmental Math and English courses or [|show proof of English and Math proficiency]
 * Choose degree program
 * Choose course(s) on degree program
 * Search our [|Course Blog] and our Course Catalog for available courses
 * E-mail centraluniversity@gmail.com with instructors name and course name
 * Pay for course(s)
 * Confirmation and payment information will be sent via e-mail
 * Course information will be sent

Earn A Masters Degree Students must submit proof of completion of any Bachelors Degree from any accredited college or university. After we confirm your degree, do the following. Confirmation will be sent by e-mail:
 * [|Create a profile for yourself]
 * Send proof of completion of Undergraduate degree
 * Search our [|Course Blog] and our Course Catalog for available courses
 * E-mail centraluniversity@gmail.com with instructors name and course name
 * Confirmation and payment information will be sent via e-mail
 * Pay for the course(s)

=**B**= =**C**=

**Credit (C)/ No Credit (NC)**

Upper Division Students, (students who have above sixty units) shall have the option of taking a maximum of 12 semester units as long as the units are not in the major or in support of, preparation for or prerequisite to the major. General Education courses are letter grades only.

**Definition of Credit**

Credit is defined as hours spent per week online, communicating with instructors and fellow learners, as well as completing assigned tasks. Instructors create and coordinate their courses based on three hours (3 units) of activities for their students.

=D =


 * Degree Requirements **

**Description Of Degree Programs**  **Bachelor’s Degrees-** These are 120 units. Be aware that in order to make degrees competitive and uphold standards, you may need to have certain program meet certain accreditation guidelines—though this may not be necessary. These degrees are usually finished within 2-4 years.  **Masters Degrees-** This is a research related degree that shows mastery of knowledge. These degrees are usually 36 units.

RequirementsTo earn degrees, users must complete required courses with instructors who have earned PhD or Master's Degrees. Also students must pass Developmental English and Math courses or show proof of college-level English and Math proficiency by: Passing grade of C or better in college level English and Math courses from a college/university or; Scores of 550 and above SAT Math and Verbal. Scores 3 and above in ACT Math and English or; Advance Placement Test Score 3 or above in English and Math.


 * Choosing Courses/Degree Path**

Learners can either choose courses to improve skills or gain job-related skills or earn a degree. If learners choose to earn a degree, they can follow a degree template and complete appropriate courses.

=E= Electives are classes that you take for your major and minor that are of your choice but may vary during your major. Electives need a letter grade and not for Credit No Credit. =F= =G=


 * General Education (GE)**

There are numerous areas of learning that are brought together at any college or university, yet CU General Education Program incorporates the development of skills, obtaining knowledge, and utilizing knowledge through the examination of issues, facts, and ideas. All who earn undergraduate degrees should have similar educational experiences, as they become university learners. Combining major, minor, and elective courses, the General Education curriculum should assist students attain those attributes to become a "worldly" learner.


 * General Education Policies **

For Bachelors Degrees, learners must complete all of the following GE Requirements:

//Basic Skills: 6 Units//

College English: 3

Critical Thinking: 3

//Math & Science: 9 Units//

College Level Math: 3

Physical Science: 3

Life Science: 3

//Arts & Humanities: 9 Units//

Arts Appreciation: 3

Humanities: 3

//Research Writing: 3//

//Social Sciences: 9 Units//

Human Nature: 3

History: 3

Social Issues: 3


 * Total is 33 Units**


 * Grading Policy**

A, B, C, D, F Letter Grades A, B, C, D, F, shall be the basic grading system and shall apply to all course work acceptable toward a degree program except for those courses in which it is mandatory or permissible that Credit/No Credit grades be used.

A+= 4.3 A=4.0 <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A-= 3.7 <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">B+= 3.3 <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">B= 3.0 <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">B-= 2.7 <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">C+= 2.3 <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">C= 2.0 <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">C-= 1.7 <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">D+= 1.3 <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">D= 1.0 <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">D-= 0.7 <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">F= 0

"I" (Incomplete) Grades
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The letter"I" (Incomplete) means that a portion of required course work has not been completed and evaluated in a certain time period due to reasons and that there is still a possibility of earning credit. The student cannot reenroll in the course. It is the responsibility of the learner to bring all information to the attention of the instructor (regarding the unforeseen reason(s) for requesting an Incomplete) and to work with the instructor to complete the remaining course requirements. A final grade is assigned when the work agreed upon has been completed and evaluated.

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">An "I" must normally be made up within one calendar year immediately following the end of the term during which it was assigned.

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Failure to complete the assigned work will result in an "I" being converted to an F.

=<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**H** = <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Holds- These are restrictions on registration. Holds are a result of Academic Probation or non payment. =<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**I** =

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Instructor Policies**

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Learner Instructor Relationship

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Learners will be treated with the utmost respect. Without learners, universities and colleges would be non existent. Instructors will go above and beyond to enable all learners to produce the best possible outcomes in classes.

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sexual Advances

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sexual advances, innuendo, and vocabulary will not be tolerated. If reported and proven, instructor memberships will be terminated, and the local authorities will be contacted.

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Course Turnaround

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Returning material to students is a very important component in online education. It gives learners a continual progress report in their courses. Instructors will return work to learners between 4-6 days. =<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**J** =

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Judicial Process**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 1.1em;">Once a complaint is given to an Academic Advisor it will directed to either the president of CU or a designated CU official and they will determine whether or not there is sufficient evidence to warrant initiating disciplinary action.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 1.1em;">Once it is determined that there is sufficient evidence a letter will be sent to the student requesting the student to contact the official to set up an informal phone conference to discuss the alleged violation. If an agreement can be reached as to an appropriate resolution of the matter, it will be closed and the terms of the resolution shall be put in writing in a settlement agreement and signed by the student charged and the administrator. Once the settlement agreement is signed by the student, the case is then closed and the terms of the settlement agreement are final.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 1.1em;">If a resolution can not be resolved at the informal conference, the learner will recieve a 50% refund of all monies paid to CU. Individuals may continue as a student at CU, or they may go elsewhere.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 1.1em;">If a student fails to schedule an informal conference then a hold will placed on the student's record, and the Office of Student Conduct & Ethical Development will initiate the formal hearing process.

=<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**K** = =<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**L** = =<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**M** = =<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**N** =

Non-Discrimination Policies
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">CU does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status, medical condition, national origin, race, religion or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, transgender and veteran's status. This policy applies to all CU Leaners, faculty and staff programs and activities.

=<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**O** =

**Online Environment**
**How Do Online Courses Work?**

Online courses—also known as distance delivery courses—use a personal computer and a modem to connect participants from across the country and around the world via the Internet. Online courses at CU are offered on various platforms from simple e-mail to interactive web pages Desire2Learn, an online course delivery tool that allows students and instructors to interact with each other as a learning community on the Web.

Generally speaking, in an online course, you can expect to:
 * connect via the Internet with a personal user name and password
 * participate in a course with set start and end dates (many classes have been developed with a structure similar to traditional on-campus courses with due dates tied to assignments, readings, and other course-related activities)
 * proceed through course requirements together with your class, but be able to access the course at a time of day that is convenient to you
 * make a time commitment that is about the same as for an on-campus course

Is Online Learning Right for Me?
Learning at a distance requires a different set of resources than traditional face-to-face learning.

Whether it’s face-to-face or online, a typical three-credit course offered over six weeks requires approximately 20 hours of time per week (in the classroom and outside of class). Such a course is equivalent to a half-time load. Online instruction provides a level of flexibility that students find attractive. Also, with appropriate effort, the level of student-to-student and student-to-teacher interaction can exceed that of a face-to-face class. However, success in this environment requires a personal commitment and responsibility that is often much greater than that required in a face-to-face class. Before registering for an online course, think carefully about whether or not you have what it takes to be successful.

=<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**P** =

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Probation**

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When learners cumulative CU grade point average goes below a 2.00, learners are placed on Academic Probation. Learners will not be able to enroll in courses until they receive advising from a designated adviser or faculty. =<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Q** = =<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**R** =

You Just Wish To Learn Something New or Update Skills
We welcome all learners to take any available course to obtain skills, learn something new, or earn a degrees. Here are the steps needed to enroll in any course through CU: You Wish To Earn An Associates or Bachelors Degree Earn A Masters Degree Students must submit proof of completion of any Bachelors Degree from any accredited college or university. After we confirm your degree, do the following. Confirmation will be sent by e-mail:
 * [|Create a profile for yourself]
 * Search our [|Course Blog] and our Course Catalog for available courses
 * E-mail centraluniversity@gmail.com with instructors name and course name
 * Confirmation and payment information will be sent via e-mail
 * Pay for the course(s).
 * Course information will be sent
 * [|Create a profile for yourself]
 * All Learners must complete Developmental Math and English courses or [|show proof of English and Math proficiency]
 * Choose degree program
 * Choose course(s) on degree program
 * Search our [|Course Blog] and our Course Catalog for available courses
 * E-mail centraluniversity@gmail.com with instructors name and course name
 * Pay for course(s)
 * Confirmation and payment information will be sent via e-mail
 * Course information will be sent
 * [|Create a profile for yourself]
 * Send proof of completion of Undergraduate degree
 * Search our [|Course Blog] and our Course Catalog for available courses
 * E-mail centraluniversity@gmail.com with instructors name and course name
 * Confirmation and payment information will be sent via e-mail
 * Pay for the course(s)

=<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**S** =


 * Student Behavior Policies**


 * **Complete All Assignments** - To receive a letter grade and credit for the course, all assignments must be completed.
 * **Be Prepared**- Most courses are writing based, so be prepared to write. Though not all courses are all English Composition courses, the expectation is that all students will have the knowledge of the following: Basic Grammar, Sentence Construction, and Essay Building. If severe deficiencies are found, school officials will be notified.
 * You should have a computer that is at least a Pentium III with at least 64 MB of RAM
 * You are comfortable with your basic PC skills
 * You should be able to create and manipulate documents (formatting, copying, pasting, attaching and retrieving them)?


 * **Respect yourself and others**- This means that everyone is expected to give 100% effort in class. Respect yourself enough to do the best that you can and seek out extra help when it is needed. This also means that you should show respect to your classmates and your instructor by participating in class discussions and activities.
 * **Harrassment-** Online harrassment, mental abuse, and sexual advances will not be tolerated. If proven, student will receive an F, and the school and law enforcement authorities will be contacted.

**Syllabus Set Up**
All CU Course Syllabus must have the following elements:

**Course Introduction**
Course introduction contains a summary of the course. Though this is a summary, it should be detailed enough for learners to get a clear picture of expectations.


 * Course Outcomes **

This sections clearly explains course expectations.


 * Instructor Information**

This section details the instructor's contact information which should include the following: Name and Degrees E-mail Address Contact Phone


 * Availability**

This section explains when instructors can be contacted for individual attention in form of phone conversations or possible one on one meetings if nessessary

**Course URL**
An accessible link to the course is created for this section. http://centraluniversityinstructorsites.wikispaces.com/melbrownsociology1

Required Reading & Material
This section has the list of course reading and needed material for the course. All text, websites, journal, etc, need to be written in American Psychological Association styling 2012 edition. = =

** Policies **
This section should include the following from CU's Policies & Procedures:


 * Student Behavior Policies**


 * Non-Discrimination Policies **

** About the Online Environment **
Your online course offers several advantages to the traditional classroom, including the ability to communicate electronically with students and with your instructor, and links to a rich array of internet links.Consistent communication with fellow classmates and the instructor are keys to success when taking online courses

** Writing and Research Tools **
As an online student, you have access to a wealth of Web resources compiled to provide fast, easy access to information that supports your online learning experience. Organized by subjects, the Purdue Owl link assists students in several ways: help for writing and research, study skills, language learning, and library reference materials. You can find citation guides to help you prepare bibliographies for your assignments.

**Discussion Board**
Students will post weekly responses to questions. Simply click the Discussion Tab to begin. When posting, please type your full name after the response. All responses need to be between 400-600 words.

**Graded Assignments**
Please allow 2-3 days for grading assignments.

** Grading **
These writings are designed to spark conversation as well have student critically analyze an issue. There are 23 weekly discussion questions over a 10 week period. Each question is worth 5 points.
 * Discussion Responses **

The goal of this activity is to enable student to perform basic sociological research. There are 9 research essays worth 10 points each.
 * Research Essays **

The goal of the final research project is get the student to utilize all knowledge gain from the course to create a research project. This is worth 20 points
 * Final Research **


 * Total Points= 225 **

225-202= A 201-180= ** B ** 179-157= C 156-112= D  111 or below= F

All assignments have suggested due dates. Though there are no true assignment deadlines, please pace yourself accordingly. Weekly assignments, can only be turned in //one at a time//. To begin, start with week 1 under Course Plan. Good luck! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.


 * Mel Brown **

Course Plan

 * Week 1 **


 * Suggested Due Date: **


 * Week 2 **


 * Suggested Due Date: **


 * Week 3 **


 * Suggested Due Date: **


 * Week 4 **


 * Suggested Due Date: **


 * Week 5 **


 * Suggested Due Date: **


 * Week 6 **


 * Suggested Due Date: **


 * Week 7 **


 * Suggested Due Date: **


 * Week 8 **


 * Suggested Due Date: **


 * Week 9 **


 * Suggested Due Date: **


 * Week 10 **


 * Due Date: **

=** T **=


 * Transfer Credit **

Undergraduate Transfer Credit- CU will allow 60 semester units and 90 quarter units from any accredited community college. Community College units can not be used to cover upper division courses (courses listed as 100 or above).

CU can accept all units from college-level courses from accredited four-year colleges and universities, but to earn a CU undergraduate degree, learners are required to complete 30 units. Four-year college units can cover up to 9 units of upper division courses.