Policies and Procedures

UNIVERSITY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Adherence to MEU policies is necessary to assure continuous program achievements, institutional distinctions, and educational excellence. These policies provide fair, just, structured and reliable processes to determine and validate student achievement.

REFUND POLICY

Students who register but do not attend classes or who withdraw from MEU for any reason after attending classes will not receive a refund or credit unless they officially withdraw under the procedures set forth in this publication. 

MEU will issue a refund of monies paid by the student when:

1. The student withdrawal takes place within five (5) calendar days after signing an Enrollment Agreement and making an initial payment
2. Cancellation after the third (3rd) business day, but before the first day of class, will result in a refund of all monies paid except for the registration fee.
3. Students voluntarily withdraw before, on or during the drop/add week. The Drop/Add period is the first five days of classes (Monday through Friday) prior to the close of business.
4. Cancellation of the contract by the student must be made in writing by certified mail or in person.
5. If the college does not accept the enrollment prior to the start of classes, all monies paid by the student to the University except for the application and registration fees.
6. If a student withdraws from a class due to a class cancellation, the student is entitled to a full refund.

There will be no refund issued after the drop/add period ends. Refunds will be made within 30 days of withdrawal, termination, or receipt of cancellation notice. Should student disciplinary measures require a withdrawal; the refund schedule will still apply.

DROP/ADD POLICY

Students may make schedule changes by filing a drop/add request form with the Registrar During the drop/add period. The end of the first week of classes is the last day for adding and changing courses. Please see the academic calendar for specific dates. Students who drop individual courses during the drop/add period specified in the Academic Calendar will receive a total refund for the tuition and fees for the course. Students who drop individual courses after the drop/add period specified in the Academic Calendar and who are still enrolled in the University ARE NOT entitled to a refund or credit for the dropped courses. To drop an individual course or courses but remain enrolled in the University, students must obtain a change of status from the Registrar.

STUDENT TERMINATION

A student’s enrollment can be terminated at the discretion of the institution for insufficient academic progress, non-payment of academic costs, or failure to comply with rules and policies established by the institution as outlined in the catalog and the Enrollment Agreement. 

LIBRARY USE 

The MEU library is fully online. Students will receive an access code to become a library user. The library fees are program-based $300.00 for undergraduate programs and $350.00 for graduate programs. The Campus library provides support services, library assistance, and reading materials. Library assistance and support is available onsite and online.

COMPUTER USE

All computer users are responsible for using the facilities and computer resources in an effective, efficient, ethical, and lawful manner. Computing resources include all computers, related equipment, software, data, and local area networks for which the University is responsible. The computing resources of MEU are intended for legitimate business ONLY. All users must have proper authorization for the use of the University’s computing resources. Users must apply standards of acceptable academic and professional ethics and conduct. Users have a responsibility not to abuse the network and resources and to respect the privacy, copyrights, and intellectual property rights of others. Computer hardware and software are the property of Messiah Emmanuel University, and the student is responsible for taking precautions against importing computer viruses or doing any other type of harm to the computer. It is prohibited to copy university-purchased or leased software.

EMAIL AND INTERNET USE

All email communications sent or received at the university should be considered official university correspondence. Such correspondence is subject to standards of good taste, propriety, courtesy, and consideration. The university under certain circumstances, such as an internal investigation, may retrieve emails, as they are subject to subpoena and discovery in legal proceedings. Respect for others’ privacy dictates that students should not try to access another individual’s messages without the individual’s permission. It is expected that all individuals using MEU’s computers will use good judgment in determining the sites visited and the amount of time spent using the Internet.

The appropriate agents will address inappropriate conduct and violations of this policy. In cases where a user violates any of the terms of this policy, the University may, in addition to other remedies, temporarily or permanently deny access to all University computing resources, and appropriate disciplinary actions may be taken.

DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM (e-Learning)

MEU uses CANVAS LMS for virtual learning and online resources. An online orientation is required to develop learner competence for e-learning. Students will be expected to participate in class discussions, and threads, and submit homework and projects as assigned.

HARDWARE/SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS:

The material needed for students (syllabus, PPT’S, PDF’S, links, tailor-made activities, etc.) is posted on the platform once the course begins. The distance learning platform requires specific features in order to “carry out” different tasks. Students should meet the following standards in hardware and software applications:

TECHNICAL SUPPORT:

Technical support on the use of the platform is available throughout the course and provides information about course activities and how to use the platform tools. Technical support responds to student contacts within 8 hours.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the objective standard followed to measure and appraise a student’s progression in completing the chosen program of study as expressed in the enrollment agreement. The assessment of a student’s progress is conducted every semester by the Registrar’s Office. A student, who does not satisfy the SAP standard, faces academic probation, restricted class load status, or involuntary withdrawal from the program. Unmet satisfactory academic progress also affects scholarship eligibility.

SAP is based on three criteria: (1) Qualitative Criterion Applies to the evaluation of the Cumulative Grade Point Average(CGPA), (2) Quantitative Criterion measures the differences in attempted and concluded coursework at the level of study, and (3) Maximum Timeframe (MTF) of the credit hours earned determines the actual period for progressing in the sequence plan of study. The academic records are reviewed on a semester basis when the final grading is completed. A cumulative review of the courses taken is conducted to verify that the academic progress is acceptable or unacceptable.

In the event of unsatisfactory academic advancement, the student is placed on warning, suspension, or involuntary withdrawal, and notified by an electronic correspondence.

Qualitative Criterion: Students must maintain a satisfactory GPA by the second term of enrollment and sustain the GPA standard for the degree level with all subsequent terms. Undergraduates must maintain a 2.0 GPA. Graduate students must maintain a 3.0 GPA. A student’s grade point average (“GPA”) is computed by dividing the sum of all grade points earned at the University by the total number of credits in all courses for which grades “A” through “F” were received. The calculation of the GPA will include the grade or grades earned by the student during each course in which enrolled in a program of study. Grades “A” through “C-” are considered passing grades. Grades “W” and “I” indicate that no grades were earned for the course. A “W” grade indicates that the student withdrew from the course. An “I” grade indicates that the student was passing the course but failed to complete all the required coursework. The instructor, in his/her discretion, may grant an “I” grade instead of an “F”, pending completion of the course work by the student within a specified time arranged by the instructor and tell to the student. It is the student’s responsibility to follow up with the instructor to complete the coursework. If the coursework is not completed by the arranged time, the “I” grade becomes an “F”. For students receiving transfer credit from other institutions, a grade of “T” will appear on their transcript. Courses for which a “T” is given will not be used in computing the student’s grade point average. 

Courses in which a “W” or “I” or “T” or “P” grade was received will not be used in computing a student’s GPA. Grades transferred from another college or university are not used in computing the student’s grade point average.

A student may repeat a course to improve the overall cumulative grade point average. If a student has an “F” and repeats the course and receives a better grade, for example, an “A”, then only the “A” is counted in the calculation of the cumulative grade point average. Credits attempted and earned for the second attempt are counted in lieu of those earned for the initial attempt.

A student who has successfully completed a course but wishes to improve the grade received in the course may also repeat the course. If the course is repeated, the grade earned for the last time the course is taken replaces the previous grade when the overall GPA is calculated. All grades for all courses attempted will remain on the student’s transcript.

A student may only transfer courses with a final grade of “C” or higher. Credit attempts and grades earned in the student’s new program of study will count toward determining satisfactory academic progress.

Quantitative Criterion: The student is required to complete at least 66.7% of attempted coursework at the current level of course sequencing. The assessment takes account of the number of credits attempted along with transfer hours, withdrawals, incompletes, repeated courses, grades, and unearned credits.

The criterion entails a calculation of the credit completion percentage. The credit completion ratio or percentage is calculated by dividing the total number of credit hours successfully completed by the student in his or her program by the total number of credit hours attempted by the student.

For the purposes of calculation, credit hours attempted by the student include: 

• All courses taken while the student is enrolled in his or her program of study, or
• A different program of study, if:

1. The subject matter of a course or courses in that different program of study is substantially the same as a course in his or her current program of study
2. Course or courses count toward the satisfaction of any of the coursework requirements in the current program

Maximum Time Frame: Maximum Time Frame (MTI) is a predetermined period to complete the required number of credits for the declared degree. The student is obligated to complete the plan of study within a designated time period. A review is conducted to determine if the student may or may not exceed the maximum time frame established by MEU. The MIT policy stipulates a maximum timeframe for the degree completion can be no more than 150% of the credits required to complete the degree at MEU. For example, 150% of 120 credits for an undergraduate degree is 180 credits as well as 150% of 42 credits for a master’s degree is 63 credits.

The student should stay on track and avoid conditions that contribute to time extensions such as:

• Deviation from the number of hours taken per semester
• Deviation in the recommended course sequence
• Course Withdrawals
• Repeated courses §“Incomplete” Grades
• Program or major changes
• Probation or suspension
• Grade appeal process
• Earning more than one degree at a time

An approved leave of absence will not be counted in the calculation of the maximum time frame. MEU policy and procedures for unsatisfactory SAP results entail the following:

1. Students are evaluated after the completion of every course and the end of each academic semester.
2. If a student fails a course before the semester ends, the student is placed on academic probation
1. A. The student will remain on academic probation until:
   1. The student retakes the failed course and fails it again; or,
   2. The student takes another course (before retaking the first course) and fails it.
2. If the student takes the course a second time and passes it, the student is removed from academic probation.
3. If the student fails the course for a second time, the student is academically dismissed from the college.
4. If the student takes another course (before retaking the first course) and fails it, the student is academically dismissed.
3. At the end of a semester, any student whose cumulative grade point average (CGPA) is below 2.0 or whose successful completion rate is less than 75% of all credits attempted will be placed on academic probation.
   1. The student will have one semester to raise his or her CGPA to 2.0 or higher and, if applicable, improve their completion rate to 75% or better.
   2. Any student who fails to earn the minimum CGPA or the required completion rate by the end of the probationary semester will be academically dismissed from the college.

The successful student must demonstrate the completion of the SAP requirements:

1. CGPA of 2.0 or higher at the end of the student’s second term of enrollment, and at the end of each subsequent term thereafter.
2. Percentage of the total cumulative credit hours attempted in the program of study.
3. If on academic probation, the percentage of coursework attempted with a grade of “C-” or better in all courses attempted during the semester earned a CGPA of 2.0 or higher.
4. Percentage of completion of attempted coursework is no less than 66.7%

COURSE LOAD

Undergraduate Programs – Full-time students are those students who are registered for at least 12 credit hours in the fall and spring semesters. Three quarter-time students are those who are registered for a minimum of 9 credits and a maximum of 11 credits. Half-time students are those who are registered for a minimum of 6 credits and a maximum of 8 credits. Less than half-time students are those who are registered for a minimum of 1 credit and a maximum of 5 credits. In the summer semester, those students who are registered for at least 12 credit hours will be deemed full-time students.

Graduate Programs – Full-time students are those students who are registered for at least 8 credit hours in the fall and spring semesters. Half-time students are those who are registered for a minimum of 4 credit hours. Less than half-time students are those who are registered for a minimum of 1 credit and a maximum of 3 credits. In the summer semester, those students who are registered for at least 9 credit hours will be deemed full-time students. Students who drop courses during a semester and reduce their course load will be classified in accordance with their reduced course load.

ATTENDANCE

Students are expected to attend all scheduled University classes for the courses that they are registered for and to achieve the goals set forth by each class instructor. Attendance is taken routinely. Enrolled students are permitted no more than 3 “free” absences in one semester. Students missing 4 or more classes over the course of the semester will receive a one-letter grade deduction from their final course grade; missing more than 6 classes will result in failure of the course regardless of grade average. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange to make up work missed because of an absence.

STUDENT TARDINESS 

A student is considered tardy if the student comes to class 5 minutes late. A student can be tardy up to 15 minutes after class has started. After 15 minutes the student will be considered absent. A student is considered to have left the class early if the student leaves before the end of class time. With three lateness or having left the class early three times, the student accumulates one full absence. If the student leaves early and misses half of the class period, it is considered a full absence. When a student has more than 6 lateness or has left class early 6 times, the instructor will contact the Program Director to request an intervention session with the student. The goal of the intervention session is to develop and implement an intervention program to help students learn new ways to manage time.

SYSTEM OF EVALUATION

For every course offered at MEU, the professor is to provide to the students at the beginning of the course a course syllabus that contains the following written information: (i) the method of evaluation and (ii) course requirements and value towards the final grade.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Students may request a leave of absence from their academic program in cases where personal circumstances temporarily disable them from achieving progress. Leaves of absence are granted with the reasonable expectation that the student will return from the leave. The University may grant leave of absence to a student who did not provide a request earlier due to unforeseen circumstances. In these cases, the University will determine the beginning date for the approved leave of absence and will collect the request from the student later. 

All requests for a leave of absence must be made in writing, signed, and dated. The Registrar will evaluate all requests on a case-by-case basis; these must include the reason for the student’s request and are subject to further documentation before receiving authorization. All documentation will remain confidential at the Registrar. Notification of authorized leave of absence will be issued to the student, including the scheduled date for return. This notification will also be made available to concerned departments.

Students must return to the MEU by the date for which the period for the authorized leave of absence ends. If a student fails to enroll in the semester following the last term in the authorized leave of absence, the student will have failed to maintain continuous enrollment and will be treated as a withdrawal. After two consecutive semesters of non-enrollment, students must follow the procedures for readmission, outlined in this catalog. A student returning from a leave of absence is required to resume training at the same point of the academic program that he or she began.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Academic Integrity Policy requires that all members and attendees of the University conduct themselves in an honest, reputable, and trustworthy manner. Therefore, cheating, plagiarism, dishonesty, fraudulent,and other wrongful acts are unacceptable and contrary to academic integrity. MEU will not tolerate dishonorable actions from students, faculty, staff, and administrators.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY, CHEATING, AND PLAGIARISM

Cheating is defined as the attempt, successful or not, to give or obtain aid and/or information by illicit means in meeting any academic requirements, including examinations. Cheating includes falsifying reports and documents. Plagiarism is defined as the use, without proper acknowledgment, of the ideas, phrases, sentences, or larger units of discourse from another writer or speaker. Plagiarism includes the unauthorized copying of software and the violation of copyright laws.

Students are responsible for knowing the policies regarding cheating and plagiarism and the penalties for such behavior. Failure of an individual faculty member to remind the student as to what constitutes cheating and plagiarism does not relieve the student of this responsibility. Students must take care not to provide opportunities for others to cheat and inform the faculty member if cheating or plagiarism is taking place.

An incident of Cheating or Plagiarism upon which a faculty member may take action will be an event that the faculty member witnesses or has written evidence to support. A faculty member must observe this evidence directly and may not act solely on the report of another party.

Any faculty member discovering a case of suspected cheating or plagiarism should make a responsible effort to confront the student with the evidence within five (5) working days. If the student can explain the incident to the satisfaction of the faculty member, no further action is warranted.

If the student denies cheating and the faculty member continues to believe cheating has occurred, the faculty member will send an Academic Dishonesty Form to the coordinator of the appropriate area of study. This form is available in the office of the Executive Director. The Executive Director will hold a hearing in which the faculty member will present the evidence against the student. The Executive Director will decide who, in addition to the above, may be present at the hearing. The Executive Director will determine whether the evidence indicates that cheating/plagiarism has taken place.

If the student has admitted or has been found guilty of cheating or plagiarism, the following records will be kept:

• The faculty member will send an Academic Dishonesty Form to the Executive Director
• The Executive Director will inform the student in writing that these forms have been sent.
• Records of the incident will be kept in the Office of the Executive Director.

The record shall be destroyed upon graduation or other forms of separation from the University if no further incidents of cheating or plagiarism occur. If the records, in the Office of the Executive Director, indicate that the student has committed two offenses, both incidents become part of the student’s permanent academic record. The faculty member shall decide how the student will be graded for the course in which cheating, or plagiarism occurred. 

The student may be required to resubmit the assignment or take a new examination. The student may receive a failing grade on the assignment or examination in question. The student may receive a failing grade for the course.

For a second or subsequent offense, the student shall be subject to suspension or dismissal from Messiah Emmanuel University. The student may appeal any of the above decisions in writing to the Executive Director within thirty (30) working days.

DISCIPLINARY STANDINGS

A student’s status regarding discipline is regulated by the following definitions.

GOOD STANDING: The status of good standing indicates that a student has been duly enrolled in the University and is eligible to participate in all activities of the University. A student is presumed to be in good standing unless the student engages in an established misconduct. 

WARNING: This status indicates that a student has been through the judicial process due to the seriousness of his/her conduct and has been cautioned that further behavior of the same or similar type will cause further disciplinary action by MEU. 

DISCIPLINARY PROBATION: This status indicates that the student’s behavior has raised serious questions concerning the student’s status as a member of the University community. The student will be given a stated period during which his/her conduct will establish whether he/she is to be returned to good standing by having met definite requirements in behavior or whether he/she is to be suspended or dismissed from MEU. The Executive Director may impose the sanction of disciplinary probation on a student. A statement of offense and decision will be placed in the student’s file if while on disciplinary probation a student is found responsible for a further infraction of university policies/regulations, the student will be subject to the possibility of suspension/expulsion from MEU.

SUSPENSION: The status of suspension indicates the suspension/separation of the student from MEU for a stated time due to serious or repeated violations of the rules or for undesirable conduct on the part of the student. A student will be permitted to re-register for courses after a semester probation period. The Executive Director may impose suspension. A statement of offense and decision will be placed in the student’s file.

EXPULSION: This status, the most serious disciplinary action taken by the University, indicates the immediate, involuntary, and permanent separation of a student from MEU because of established gross misconduct on the part of a student. After notice of expulsion, a student must leave the campus immediately. The expelled student does not have the privilege to apply for readmission to MEU. A statement of offense and decision will be placed in the student’s file. A student’s transcript will include documentation of expulsion. A student dismissed for disciplinary reasons at any time shall not be entitled to any claim or refund. 

A student may appeal any of the above decisions in writing to the Executive Director within thirty (30) working days. Appeals are handled on a case-by-case basis. MEU will retain disciplinary records for one year after graduation. The University reserves the right to keep records for a longer period if so, as specified in the sanction letter.

CODE OF ETHICS

MEU is an ideal forum for self-expression, voicing disagreement, and challenging accepted traditions. However, while the goal of the MEU is to educate and encourage, it also must curtail behavior that adversely affects others; and therefore, must be delivered in a civil, ethical, and moral manner. The Christian doctrine serves to guide the determination and implementation of the code of ethics.

The following are examples of misconduct for which students and/or student organizations are subject to disciplinary action. The list should not be considered inclusive.

1. Dishonesty, such as cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to the University.
2. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of university documents, records, or identification.
3. Theft of and/or damage to property of the University, of a member of the University community, or of a visitor to the University.
4. Unauthorized entry to, or use of, University facilities, which are locked, closed to student activities or otherwise restricted as to use.
5. Tampering with fire equipment, exit lights, fire alarms, or any other Safety equipment or structures.
6. Disorderly, lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct or expression on university-owned property or at university-sponsored or supervised activities.
7. Abusive behavior: Any action or situation which produces mental or physical discomfort for any member of the University community, or which places the individual or group in danger of physical or mental injury. This behavior includes but is not limited to:

1. Dishonesty, such as cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to the University.
2. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of university documents, records, or identification.
3. Theft of and/or damage to property of the University, of a member of the University community, or of a visitor to the University.
4. Unauthorized entry to, or use of, University facilities, which are locked, closed to student activities or otherwise restricted as to use.
5. Tampering with fire equipment, exit lights, fire alarms, or any other Safety equipment or structures.
6. Disorderly, lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct or expression on university-owned property or at university-sponsored or supervised activities.
7. Abusive behavior: Any action or situation which produces mental or physical discomfort for any member of the University community, or which places the individual or group in danger of physical or mental injury. This behavior includes but is not limited to:
1. Sexual Harassment – inappropriate or unwelcome sexual attention to coerced sexual relations or sexual assault (also see policy on Sexual Harassment).
2. Verbal Harassment – statements incorporating abusive, obscene, or threatening language.
3. Physical Harassment – use of, or threatened use of, physical force or violence.
4. Stalking – willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly following or harassing another person.
5. Any harassment based on race, ethnicity, gender, disability, religion, or sexual orientation.
8. Forging, altering, possessing, duplicating, or using documents, keys, records, or identifications without consent or authorization.
9. Failing to comply with a judicial sanction, including violation of specific probationary statutes.
10. Purporting to or representing another person, an organization, or the University improperly without the consent or authority.
11. Lying or perjuring to university officials.
12. Attendance during the commitment of a violation of the University student conduct code constitutes permission or condoning of the act.
13. Possessing, consuming, dispensing, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs in violation of the State of Florida Law or MEU policy.
14. Violating the University smoking tobacco use policy in specified facilities.
15. Soliciting/selling for personal or organizational profit without the proper consent of university officials.
16. Disruption of the normal activities of the institution, including physical violence or abuse of any person or conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of persons, the deliberate interference with academic freedom and freedom of speech.
17. Possession of weapons, which include firearms (or replicas), guns, slingshot devices, grenades, knives, explosives, flammable materials, or any other instrument that may be used to cause injury to the body or damage to property.
18. Violation of other published University policies, rules, or regulations.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE

MEU is dedicated to the well-being of students, faculty, employees, administrators, and visitors. In demonstration of its concern with the misuse of alcohol and other drugs, it is the policy to prevent substance abuse through education and prevention. Alcoholism and drug abuse are recognized as an illness or treatable disorders, and it is the policy to work with members of the MEU community to provide channels of education and assistance. However, it is the responsibility of the individual to seek assistance. The university also recognizes that the possession and/or use of certain substances are illegal, and MEU is obligated to comply with local, state, and federal laws. While on campus or engaged in any university-related activity, members of the community must be in a fit condition to perform appropriately. Being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is prohibited and may subject the individual to disciplinary action, including the possibility of dismissal.

TOBACCO USE POLICY

The University wants to promote a healthful and clean work environment for students, employees, staff, and visitors. In accordance with Florida’s Clean Air Act (FCIAA), smoking is prohibited in all University buildings. This includes, but is not limited to, any classroom, laboratory, library, faculty office, administrative office, dining facility, or any other facility owned or controlled by the University. Students found in violation of this policy may be subjected to disciplinary action as deemed necessary.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

MEU attempts to protect the school from sexual harassment. Not only is sexual harassment a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, but it also undermines the integrity of the business and academic environment. Sexual harassment includes but not limited to: 

1. Unwelcome or unwanted sexual advances. This includes unwelcome physical contact or sexual advances considered unacceptable by another individual.
2. Requests or demands for sexual favors. This includes subtle or blatant pressures or requests for any type of sexual favor, accompanied by an implied or stated promise of preferential treatment or negative consequences concerning one’s student status.
3. Verbal abuse that is sexually oriented or considered unacceptable by another individual, as well as sexually derogatory comments. This includes commenting about an individual’s body or appearance when such comments go or other tasteless sexually oriented comments or innuendoes or actions that offend others.
4. Engaging in any type of sexually oriented conduct that would unreasonably interfere with another’s performance.
5. Creating an environment that is intimidating, hostile, or offensive because of unwelcome or unwanted sexually oriented conversations, suggestions, requests, demands, physical contacts, or attention.

Sexual harassment by employees to students is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: 

• Submission to such conduct is made to appear to be a term or condition of enrollment, attendance, or participation in a class.
• Submission to or rejection of such conduct affects academic decisions.
• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a student’s academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive academic environment.
• Unwelcome physical contact, including but not limited to, patting, pinching, or touching; or
• Offensive or demeaning sexual remarks, jokes, or gestures.

Students aggrieved by a violation of this policy may file a grievance by reporting the conduct to any University Administrator. Allegations of sexual harassment of or by a student, faculty member, or any other personnel will be promptly and thoroughly investigated. 

MEU recognizes sexual harassment as an insidious practice and will not tolerate sexual harassment in any manner or form. Persons sexually harassing others will be dealt with swiftly and vigorously. Any individual who violates any portion of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge.

ANTI-HAZING POLICY

In compliance with Florida law, MEU defines hazing as any act whether physical, mental, emotional, or psychological, which subjects another person, voluntarily or involuntarily, to anything that may abuse, mistreat, degrade, humiliate, harass, or intimidate him or her, or which may in any fashion compromise his/her inherent dignity as a person. Hazing is inherently in conflict with the purpose and goals of the University. Therefore, such conduct will not be tolerated. Every effort will be made by MEU to guarantee that hazing will not victimize students.

STUDENT RECORDS

Students should be aware that student records submitted to the University become the property of the University and shall not be released to third parties. The university reserves the right to use the records, as it deems appropriate. A hold shall be placed on the records of any student who owes an obligation to the University. A student may not register or receive a transcript from the University until the obligation is paid in full to the University and the hold is properly removed. Removal of a hold may take approximately two (2) business days.

STUDENTS’ RIGHT TO KNOW

The University has policies that ensure that students have access to records as provided under federal and state law. MEU follows the Student Right to Know Act (PL 101-542). The following policies describe student rights in this regard. Please contact the Registrar for further questions regarding a student’s rights to access his/her records.

TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS

Provided a hold does not exist, a student may request a transcript from the Registrar by completing and delivering a transcript request form. The University will release the transcript to the student. Transcript requests may be made in person or by mail. The University will charge $25.00 for official transcripts, and $5.00 per non-official transcript. Official and non-official transcript requests may take approximately five (5) to ten (10) business days to process.

AMENDMENT OF RECORDS

A student who believes that information contained in his or her records is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the privacy or other rights of the student, may request that the MEU official who maintains the records amend them. The University will decide whether to amend the education records of the student in accordance with the request within a reasonable period of receipt of the request. The Registrar has the responsibility to consult with appropriate officials of the University for further determination or confirmation. If the University decides to refuse to amend the education records of the student in accordance with the request, it will inform the student of the refusal, and advise the student of the right to a hearing.

COMPLAINTS and GRIEVANCES

All complaints must be documented in writing, specifying the basis for the issue. The complainant must enumerate the problem, identify the offender(s), and submit the complaint in a sealed envelope to the Director of Student Services. The official of the university will respond to the complaint within 30 days of receipt. Complaints may be withdrawn, but MEU reserves the right to continue investigating as it was made aware of a possible act of concern. Any attempt(s) at retaliation shall be treated as a separate allegation. The Complaint Officer will investigate the complaint and contact all parties involved before issuing a final report within 60 days of the submission. Individuals have five days to appeal. Such appeals shall be directed to a higher university authority, which will re-evaluate the determination as deemed appropriate.

If any student deems it necessary to file a grievance against an MEU employee, he or she must report such an incident to the Executive Director. Every effort will be made to protect the privacy of any parties involved. The student is entitled and encouraged to have an informal discussion with the Executive Director as a first step. If an informal conversation does not result in a satisfactory resolution, or if you are not comfortable speaking about the matter with the Executive Director, then the student should discuss the situation with the President. In cases of discrimination or sexual harassment, MEU encourages the student to go directly to the President. Any complaint that is not in writing, that is, a verbal complaint, is considered an informal complaint.

After an informal discussion, if the student wishes to file a formal grievance, he/she may submit such in writing to the Executive Office. However, before filing a formal charge, the complaining party should first make a good-faith effort to meet and confer with the party against whom he or she has a complaint to resolve the matter. The formal report should contain a statement of the problem or complaint, the facts and details of the situation, pertinent dates, and the names and positions of the parties involved. The grievance must be signed and dated. Also, students may withdraw a complaint at any time during the complaint process. A withdrawal must be made in writing to the Executive Director. Upon receipt of a written formal complaint by a student, the Executive Director will consider the complaint. After such an investigation, the Executive Director will decide as to whether the grievance has merit as alleged. If the alleged grievance is deemed justified, MEU will take whatever steps it deems appropriate to correct any grievance suffered by the complaining student.

If it is determined that such grievance has appropriate support, the persons or departments that are responsible for such violation will be dealt with in an appropriate manner by the supervisors or directors of such persons or programs, in accordance with applicable provisions, if any, of contracts, employment regulations, faculty and employee handbooks, or the like.

Students with unresolved matters may contact the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400 Toll-Free Telephone Number 888-224-6684.

HEARING PROCEDURES

Should the request for a change in the student’s records be denied, the student may appeal the decision to the Executive Director within thirty (30) days and ask for a hearing. The Executive Director shall designate a hearing committee, which will include one administrator other than the one who has denied the request and two faculty members of MEU. The decision of the Hearing Committee shall be final, except that the final appeal to the President of the University remains open. The challenge to be considered in such hearings may extend only to the material in the respective University file, e.g., it may extend to the correct recording of a grade, but not to the appropriateness of the grade. Students, dissatisfied with the results of a hearing may place a statement in the education record in question commenting upon the information therein, and/or setting forth any reason for disagreement with the University’s decision not to correct or amend the record. Such a statement shall become a part of the information contained in the education record and will be disclosed with it.

STUDENT SERVICES

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the University student services are in place to assist students with their various needs. The goal of effective and worthwhile student services is to assist students and to directly involve the students in the affairs of the institution, fostering a sense of community among students, faculty, and administration.

ACADEMIC ADVISING: As previously mentioned, MEU is an institution that emphasizes not only academic and professional growth but also personal development and the nurturing of each student. Coordinators serve as liaisons between students, faculty and staff. Student Services assists with faculty interest to advise and mentor students with regard to academic and professional decisions. In addition, Student Services fosters professional and personal relationships to promote student success. As such, the students should feel comfortable, if the need arises, to seek advice from a faculty member and/or Student Services with regard to academic, personal, or professional matters.

PLACEMENT SERVICES: Student Services works along with faculty to prepare students for graduation and the pursuit of occupations and professions. Students will receive information about employers, job fairs, career resources, resume-building, networking, and interviewing techniques. MEU does not guarantee employment.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: MEU does not discriminate based on disability in the admission or access to, or operations of, its programs or activities. Accommodations are granted on a case-by-case basis for those students who are eligible by showing sufficient documentation of disability in compliance with all Federal and State Laws. MEU currently provides handicapped access in its classrooms and facilities. Requests for other accommodations must be made to the Student Services Within the first two weeks of each semester with appropriate documentation. Documentation received may be questioned if proper credentials are not provided, or if the diagnosis is without supporting data. 

MEU maintains all records as confidential. Upon review of the documentation, the Executive Director will develop a letter of acknowledgment of the disability and the appropriate accommodations that will be provided to the student. The student’s professors must notify them of the authorized adjustments. In case the adjustments do not work, the student must notify the Executive Director to ensure timely arrangements. 

Students who require extra time for testing may take examinations under the supervision of the Executive Director, in agreement with the course professor. Students should allow two to three weeks for the processing of additional aids or educational materials. The University provides these auxiliary aids and services on an individual basis. These aids and services may include, but are not limited to registration assistance, approval of reduced course load, letters to instructors outlining accommodation needs, note takers, testing accommodations, classroom and other facility accommodations, and assistance with accessibility issues. 

MEU will consider the dates of requests for adjustments in the evaluation of grade appeals. Students should keep in mind that arrangements are provided to aid in the completion of course requirements, not to provide excuses for missing assignments or other coursework. 

APPEAL DISABILITY DOCUMENTATION DECISION: The student may appeal any decision related to a requested accommodation or auxiliary aid to the Executive Director. Such an appeal must be made in writing to the Executive Director not later than ten (10) days following the decision as to a requested accommodation or aid. Any position paper, brief, medical documentation, or other written material, that the student desires to be reviewed by the Executive Director, shall be submitted together with the notice of appeal. The Executive Office shall investigate and respond to the notice of appeal in writing, stating the decision, together with the reasons for either affirming or reversing the previous decision as to an accommodation or auxiliary aid.

CAMPUS SAFETY AND SECURITY

Safety is a campus-wide priority. Security personnel and procedures are maintained for safety precautions, communication modes via text, audio and email, and information to direct and protect students, faculty, staff, and visitors during emergencies, weather hazards, or other threats of harm.