Policies & Procedures
Academic Warning or Probation
If the student falls below the criteria on the SAP listed in the catalog, he/she will be placed on a probationary period (the period specified in the SAP). Any student having to repeat courses will have to pay $35.00 per course. At the end of the probationary period, students who have not met the specified requirements may be terminated from the university. Those who meet the requirements will have their probationary status removed.
Probation is an administrative status indicating that a student is at risk of termination from the program. Students on probation are closely monitored and required to meet regularly with academic advisors to assess their progress. They may also be required to attend additional course sessions. Students placed on probation will be notified in writing and provided academic advising to help improve their grades.
Suspension & Dismissal
After completing a minimum of one term, students may apply for readmission. If approved, they will return on academic probation. If a suspended student fails to achieve the minimum required cumulative average during the probationary period, they will get dismissed from the university and not eligible for readmission.
Any appeals regarding failure to maintain satisfactory progress must be submitted in writing to the Vice President of Academic Affairs within 15 days of receiving the notice of dismissal. Students will be notified of the decision in writing. The maximum allowable time for the student to complete their program is 1.5 times the program's standard duration. A student not meeting these criteria will be terminated for failing to make satisfactory progress.
Appeals Process
Any appeals of the actions described above must be made in writing to the Vice President of Academic Affairs for consideration of the appeal. The Vice President of Academic Affairs will have the final authority to decide whether to accept the student's appeal within 5 days. If the students want their appeal granted, they need to showcase evidence of satisfactory academic progress.
Student Conduct Policy
Academic Misconduct
All forms of academic misconduct including cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, or facilitating academic dishonesty.Plagiarism
All work submitted by a student must represent the student's original endeavor. When using outside sources as references, the student should identify the source to clarify the extent to which the source is used. The University considers plagiarism and falsification of documents a serious matter that will result in appropriate sanctions, including loss of full or partial credit for the work, suspension for a specific period, or expulsion from the program.Other Forms of Dishonesty
Other forms of dishonesty include but are not limited to fabricating information, furnishing false information, or reporting a false emergency to the University.Forgery or Alteration
Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any University document, record, key, electronic device, or identification.Unauthorized Entry or Use
Unauthorized entry to, possession of, receipt of, or use of any University services, equipment, resources, or properties, including the University's name, insignia, or seal.Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Submission to or rejection of this conduct explicitly or implicitly interferes with a person's educational performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment. The University condemns such behaviors and will respond to any such reports strictly.Stalking Behavior
Stalking behavior occurs when an individual repeatedly engages in activities directed at another person, including making threats intended to instill fear for the safety of the person and their family. The university will assess whether the threat causes serious alarm or torment and whether it serves any legitimate purpose. If the threat is deemed unreasonable and without valid cause, it will be addressed accordingly.Obstruction or Disruption
Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, or other University activities.Failure to Comply
Failure to identify to, or comply with the directions of, a university official or other public official acting in the performance of their duties while at official University functions; or resisting or obstructing such University or other public officials in the performance of or the attempt to perform their duties.Unauthorized Distribution of Course Materials
Selling, preparing, or distributing course lecture notes, video, or audio recordings of any course material for commercial purposes unless authorized by the University in advance and explicitly permitted by the course instructor in writing is prohibited. The unauthorized sale or commercial distribution of course notes or recordings by a student means violating these policies whether it was the student or someone else who prepared the notes or recordings.Copying for Commercial Purpose
Copying for any commercial purpose handouts, readers, or other course materials provided by an instructor as part of the University course unless authorized by the University in advance and explicitly permitted by the course instructor or the copyright holder in writing.
Modifications
Birchwood University reserves the right to modify academic policies, regulations, courses, fees, and other matters of policy and rule when deemed necessary and with due notice. Students will be given advance notification of such changes.
Non-Discrimination
Birchwood University admits students of any race, colour, sex, age, marital status, nondisqualifying disability to the extent of the law, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to the student at the university and does not discriminate in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, or another university- administered programs.
Penalties For Misconduct
The Vice President of Academic Affairs may impose penalties for violations of university policies or campus regulations, whether such violations are also violations of law and whether proceedings are or have been pending in the courts involving the same acts.
If, because of an official appeal, it is determined that the student was improperly disciplined, the Vice President of Academic Affairs shall, at the student's request, seal the record of the hearing and remove any reference to the disciplinary process from the student's record. In such a case, the record of the hearing may only be used in connection with legal proceedings.
Whether or not the hearing is conducted, the University may provide written notice to a student regarding their alleged behavior and its violation of University policy or campus regulations. The notice will also inform the student that, if repeated, such behavior will be subject to the disciplinary process. Evidence of the prior alleged behavior, as detailed in the written notice, may be introduced in a subsequent disciplinary action.
When a student is found in violation of University policies or campus regulations, any of the following types of student disciplinary actions may be imposed. The sanction imposed should be appropriate to the violation, considering the context and seriousness of the offense.
Warning/Censure
A written notice or reprimand to the student indicating that a violation of university policies or campus regulations has occurred. Continued or repeated violations may lead to further disciplinary action, such as Disciplinary Probation, Suspension, or Dismissal.Disciplinary Probation
A specified period during which a student must demonstrate conduct that adheres to university standards. Misconduct or violation of probation conditions may result in Suspension or Dismissal.Loss of Privileges and Exclusion from Activities
Exclusion from participating in certain university privileges and activities for a specified period. Violating conditions of the exclusion or further violations during the sanction period may lead to Probation, Suspension, or Dismissal.Suspension
Temporary termination of student status for a specified period, with reinstatement contingent upon meeting certain conditions. Violating conditions of Suspension or university regulations during the suspension period may lead to Dismissal.Dismissal
Permanent termination of student status, with readmission only possible under exceptional circumstances. Dismissal is final, and the student is no longer considered part of the university community.Restitution
A requirement for the student to reimburse the university or other affected parties for damages or costs incurred as a result of the violation. Restitution can be in the form of monetary payment or service to repair or compensate for damages.Revocation of Awarding of Degree
Revocation of a degree that has already been awarded, subject to approval by the University Governing Board. This sanction is typically imposed if the student was found guilty of significant misconduct after graduation.
Anti-Hazing
At Birchwood University the practice of hazing is prohibited. Hazing is defined as any action taken or situations created to intentionally produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule.
Emergency Closure
In the event of an emergency, Birchwood University's administrative office will be closed as determined by Orange County due to inclement weather or natural disaster (hurricanes, etc.).