Undergraduate Handbook

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Studies utilizing other students or their College of Allied Health Sciences records must be approved by the Dean of the College.  Student participation in studies is voluntary. Studies involving students must be approved through the university Institutional Research Board (IRB).

Whenever human subjects are involved in a student’s studies, the proposed study will be reviewed by the University of Cincinnati Institutional Review Board.  Students seeking to conduct a research study involving human subjects are advised to consult with their faculty advisor or department head.

Students enrolled in College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS) courses are required to adhere to policies of the University, CAHS, program department, and clinical agencies while engaged in course-related activities. It is the student’s responsibility to understand and follow the specific policies of their program and meet the requirements set forth by the clinical agency.  Failure to do so may impact program progression and completion.  Students should contact their program director with questions. 

Faculty members may choose to set appropriate attendance policies for their classes. These policies should be outlined clearly in the course syllabus. Students who will be absent from a class meeting or other required experience because of pre-scheduled events should notify their faculty as early in the term as possible. 

Students absent because of illness or emergency should notify their faculty as soon as possible upon their return to classes. If an illness or emergency will require extended absence, the student or his/her representative should contact the Director of Student Affairs. The Director will disseminate the information to the student’s faculty. Students may be asked to provide supporting documentation. 

Excused absences are at the discretion of the individual faculty members. Faculty are not required to excuse absences, even with supporting documentation.

Students representing an official University or College organization, group, or athletic team who plan to attend an event which necessitates absence from regular class meetings or other required experiences must obtain approval from the appropriate faculty.  Whenever feasible, faculty will attempt to facilitate the student’s participation in the event and may choose to arrange make-up of the missed experiences.

The College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS) participates in and supports the First Year Experience program, designed to help students immerse themselves and transition into their academic experience at UC. Establishing the basics is a crucial first step toward success and cultivating a strong foundation to learn and grow in various ways and be positioned as future leaders among communities and in the nation.  All CAHS students are enrolled in a first year seminar or course that touches upon college success skills,  finding balance between academic & student life, creating a sense of belonging in the UC community, and making connections with professors and academic advisors. We want to enhance your college experience in and out of the classroom.

First-year students also participate in the Learning Communities program. Learning Communities are a diverse group of students with shared academic interests (for example the same major) interacting in two or more courses. Learning Communities help students obtain reserved seats in high-demand courses; establish close relationships with faculty; explore  areas of academic interest; build life-long friendships with classmates; achieve academic goals; and  experience the feel of a smaller university with the benefits of attending a large university. Typically, students who are enrolled in a learning community, achieve higher grades and have increased exposure to university resources.  Learning Communities are hands-on and infuse community-based projects in the diverse community of Cincinnati. Students enroll in Learning Communities during Bearcats Bound Orientation.

Students who have a term grade point average of 3.4 or higher and are enrolled for six credit hours or more are included on the Dean’s List for that term.  Students receiving Dean’s List honors will receive a congratulatory letter emailed to them from the Office of Student Affairs.

The university latin honors are given to students during graduation. 

Students are expected to make continuous progress toward program completion.  Academic standing is based on two criteria:

1. Cumulative University grade point average (G.P.A.), and 
2. Mastery of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values prerequisite to success in a professional role as evidenced by performance in academic programs and professional settings.

In general, courses in which a D+, D, or D- grade is received may not be used to meet professional requirements. A maximum of nine credit hours of D+, D, or D- work may be allowed with the approval of the program director. All required courses in the major area must be passed with a grade of C- or higher.  Departments may have higher individual standards.  Consult the departmental offices for policies specific to each program.

If a student does not complete a prerequisite CAHS course with a grade of C- or better, the student may only continue with selected courses requiring that prerequisite with the consent of the program director. Refer to course descriptions and the Enrollment Services website for a complete listing of courses and prerequisites.  Any student enrolled in a required course for which prerequisites have not been met may be subject to administrative withdrawal from the course. A student administratively withdrawn from a course is responsible for any financial risk/loss that may be associated with the withdrawal.

A student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA) is computed by dividing the total number of quality points earned by the total number of credit hours taken.  Each letter grade (except grades of NP and W) is assigned quality points (QP).  Quality points are then multiplied by the number of credit hours for the course. To calculate the GPA, add all QPs and divide this sum by the total number of credit hours attempted. View the registrar’s grading scale webpage for more information about calculating your GPA. 

The minimum GPA required for good academic standing and eventual graduation from the College is 2.5 for undergraduate students (2.25 for undergraduate students in Online Learning programs).  Higher averages are required for progression, retention, and graduation in some programs. Only courses taken at the University of Cincinnati count towards a student’s cumulative UC GPA.

Mastery of the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values prerequisite to success in professional roles is evaluated by performance in courses of study, capstone projects, and clinical settings.

Students must demonstrate:

• the ability to perform in a professional manner as documented by University and/or field supervisors;
• effective oral and written communication skills;
• effective critical thinking and problem solving skills;
• a receptive attitude toward learning indicated by attendance in University classes and field experiences.

Student progress is reviewed at the end of each term by the Office of Student Affairs.  Students who are in academic difficulty will be notified via email by the Office of Student Affairs. 

In pursuit of its teaching, learning and research goals, the University of Cincinnati aspires for its students, faculty and administrators to attain the highest ethical standards as defined by the Center for Academic Integrity as “a commitment, even in the face of adversity, to five fundamental values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility”.

The University Rules, including the Student Code of Conduct, and other documented policies of the department, college, and university related to academic integrity will be enforced. Students are required to review the Student Code of Conduct to become familiar with academic integrity policies and definitions of misconduct. Any violation of these regulations, including cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, aiding or abetting academic misconduct, or violating ethical or professional standards will be dealt with upon on an individual basis according to the severity of the misconduct. Dishonesty in any form may result in a failing grade in a course and/or suspension or dismissal from a program (e.g. graduate or undergraduate).

College of Allied Health Science students will be held to the highest ethical standards, critical to building strong character required of healthcare professionals. To ensure alignment of this incentive, the CAHS has implemented mandatory reporting of suspected academic integrity violations and a “Two Strikes Policy” that supplements the UC Student Code of Conduct.

• Students are expected to report all instances or knowledge of misconduct.
• Cases of academic misconduct will be formally reported by faculty.
• Students will be afforded due process for allegations as outlined in the policy.
• Students found to be responsible of an academic integrity violation can be required to meet with the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and scheduled by the student within 10 business days from the final decision of the college.
• All CAHS academic programs use the “Two Strikes Policy”; any student who has been found responsible for 2 cases of academic misconduct can be dismissed from the College.

The following summary is intended to simplify and explain the rules and guidelines of the College of Allied Health Sciences’ Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.  Our advisors are prepared to assist you in gaining an understanding of these rules and guidelines and encourage you to make an appointment using My Bearcat Network should you need additional clarification or have questions. Students will progress through the following stages:

Good academic standing is when the student’s cumulative University Grade Point Average (UC GPA) is a 2.5 or higher. Students who have attempted less than 30 UC semester hours will be in Good Standing even if their UC GPA is below 2.5. Once a student has attempted 30 or more semester hours, all University academic rules apply. 

Academic Alert is an academic performance notification sent to students after their most recent semester who have attempted less than 30 UC semester hours and their most recent semester UC GPA or cumulative UC GPA is below 2.5. Students in this circumstance will receive an Academic Alert email.  This email is intended to serve as a reminder that continued below-average academic performance may result in Academic Probation, and possible Academic Suspension.  An Academic Alert is not the same as being placed on Academic Probation; it is simply a way to alert the student that academic improvement is necessary. 

Academic Warning is an academic performance notification sent to students after their most recent semester who have attempted at least 30 UC semester hours and their most recent semester UC GPA falls below 2.5, but their UC cumulative GPA is over 2.5. Students in this circumstance will receive an Academic Warning email.  This email is intended to serve as a reminder that continued below-average academic performance may result in Academic Probation, and possible Academic Suspension.  An Academic Warning is not the same as being placed on Academic Probation; it is simply a way to alert the student that academic improvement is necessary. 

Academic Probation is the result of two conditions: (1) the student must have attempted at least 30 UC semester hours, and (2) the student’s cumulative UC GPA has dropped below 2.5. While on Academic Probation, the student must earn a semester GPA of 2.5 or higher. The student will remain on Academic Probation each semester until the UC GPA reaches 2.5 or higher. At that time, the student will be returned to Good Academic Standing. Academic Probation is not posted to the student’s official university transcript. A student may not graduate from the University of Cincinnati while on Academic Probation.

Academic Suspension is the result of two conditions: (1) the student is on Academic Probation, and (2) the student fails to earn a semester and cumulative UC GPA of 2.5 or higher. This is reviewed at the end of every semester. The length of the Academic Suspension is one academic year. 

Students who are suspended from CAHS with a cumulative UC GPA < 2.0 are also subject to the university’s suspension policy which restricts enrollment while they are suspended.

A student who returns after the mandatory suspension period will be placed on Academic Probation. The student will remain on probation until the cumulative UC GPA has increased to 2.5 or higher. At that time the student will be returned to Good Academic Standing. 

Per University policy, readmission after the mandatory one year Academic Suspension is not automatic but requires both the student to submit an Application for Readmission by UC’s posted deadlines and with the approval of the college. At the college’s discretion, college approval may require the student to satisfy certain specified conditions. A student may not graduate from the University of Cincinnati while on Academic Suspension.

“Each college establishes its own criteria, conditions, effective dates of academic suspension and appeal procedures.  There are, however, certain University of Cincinnati policies guiding what happens during the period of suspension.  With its written authorization, students may register as non-matriculated students, normally for no more than nine credits per term.  Students enrolling for more than their authorized credit load will be administratively withdrawn from all courses.  Enrolling in courses while on suspension does not ensure readmission to the college.  If readmission does occur, the college will determine whether or not to accept credit for those courses taken while on suspension.”

A suspended student will be denied registration privileges from all CAHS courses without permission of the department. A student suspended from CAHS may transfer to another college within the University of Cincinnati if they are eligible for admission. 

Program Dismissal is the result of two conditions: (1) the student has been readmitted to the College of Allied Health Sciences following Academic Suspension, and (2) the readmitted student fails to earn a semester GPA of 2.5 or higher. As stated above, a student who has been reinstated after Academic Suspension is on Academic Probation and will remain so until the student’s UC GPA has increased to 2.5 or higher.  A student on Academic Probation following Academic Suspension, who fails to earn a 2.5 semester GPA, will face Program Dismissal from the College of Allied Health Sciences. 

Once the readmitted student returns to Good Academic Standing (cumulative UC GPA 2.5 or higher), if the cumulative UC GPA ever drops below 2.5, the student is subject to Program Dismissal. The student’s CAHS program is closed noting Program Dismissal. 

Students who are dismissed from CAHS with a GPA < 2.0 may also be subject to the university’s Academic Dismissal policy which denies all future registration privileges at the University. 

This policy does not apply to students in on campus programs taking online classes.

Good academic standing is when the Online Learning student’s cumulative University Grade Point Average (UC GPA) is a 2.25 or higher. Online Learning students who have attempted less than 16 UC semester hours will be in Good Standing even if their UC GPA is below 2.25. Once a student has attempted 16 or more semester hours, all University academic rules apply. 

Academic Alert is an academic performance notification sent to Online Learning students after their most recent semester who have attempted less than 16 UC semester hours and their most recent semester UC GPA or cumulative UC GPA is below 2.25.  Students in this circumstance will receive an Academic Alert email.  This email is intended to serve as a reminder that continued below-average academic performance may result in Academic Probation, and possible Academic Suspension.  An Academic Alert is not the same as being placed on Academic Probation; it is simply a way to alert the student that academic improvement is necessary. 

Academic Warning is an academic performance notification sent to Online Learning students after their most recent semester who have attempted at least 16 UC semester hours and their most recent semester UC GPA falls below 2.25, but their UC cumulative GPA is over 2.25. Students in this circumstance will receive an Academic Warning email.  This email is intended to serve as a reminder that continued below-average academic performance may result in Academic Probation, and possible Academic Suspension.  An Academic Warning is not the same as being placed on Academic Probation; it is simply a way to alert the student that academic improvement is necessary.

Academic Probation is the result of two conditions: (1) the Online Learning student must have attempted at least 16 UC semester hours, and (2) the Online Learning student’s cumulative UC GPA has dropped below 2.25. While on Academic Probation, the Online Learning student must earn a semester GPA of 2.25 or higher. The Online Learning student will remain on Academic Probation each semester until the UC GPA reaches 2.25 or higher. At that time, the Online Learning student will be returned to Good Academic Standing. Academic Probation is not posted to the student’s official university transcript. An Online Learning student may not graduate from the University of Cincinnati while on Academic Probation.

Academic Suspension is the result of two conditions: (1) the Online Learning student is on Academic Probation, and (2) the Online Learning student fails to earn a semester and cumulative UC GPA of 2.25 or higher.  This is reviewed at the end of every semester. The length of the Academic Suspension is one academic year. 

Online Learning students who are suspended from CAHS with a cumulative UC GPA < 2.0 are also subject to the university’s suspension policy which restricts enrollment while they are suspended.

An Online Learning student who returns after the mandatory suspension period will be placed on Academic Probation. The Online Learning student will remain on probation until the cumulative UC GPA has increased to 2.25 or higher. At that time the Online Learning student will be returned to Good Academic Standing. 

Per University policy, readmission after the mandatory one year Academic Suspension is not automatic but requires both the student to submit an Application for Readmission by UC’s posted deadlines and with the approval of the college. At the college’s discretion, college approval may require the student to satisfy certain specified conditions. An Online Learning student may not graduate from the University of Cincinnati while on Academic Suspension.

“Each college establishes its own criteria, conditions, effective dates of academic suspension and appeal procedures.  There are, however, certain University of Cincinnati policies guiding what happens during the period of suspension.  With its written authorization, students may register as non-matriculated students, normally for no more than nine credits per term.  Students enrolling for more than their authorized credit load will be administratively withdrawn from all courses.  Enrolling in courses while on suspension does not ensure readmission to the college.  If readmission does occur, the college will determine whether or not to accept credit for those courses taken while on suspension.”

A suspended student will be denied registration privileges from all CAHS courses without permission of the department. An Online Learning student suspended from CAHS may transfer to another college within the University of Cincinnati if they are eligible for admission. 

Program Dismissal is the result of two conditions: (1) the Online Learning student has been readmitted to the College of Allied Health Sciences following Academic Suspension, and (2) the readmitted Online Learning student fails to earn a semester GPA of 2.25 or higher. As stated above, an Online Learning student who has been reinstated after Academic Suspension is on Academic Probation and will remain so until the Online Learning student’s UC GPA has increased to 2.25 or higher.  An Online Learning student on Academic Probation following Academic Suspension, who fails to earn a 2.25 semester GPA, will face Program Dismissal from the College of Allied Health Sciences. 

Once the readmitted Online Learning student returns to Good Academic Standing (cumulative UC GPA 2.25 or higher), if the cumulative UC GPA ever drops below 2.25 , the student is subject to Program Dismissal. The Online Learning student’s CAHS program is closed noting Program Dismissal. 

Online Learning students who are dismissed from CAHS with a GPA < 2.0 may also be subject to the university’s Academic Dismissal policy which denies all future registration privileges at the University. 

Students will be fully informed of all decisions affecting their status in the College of Allied Health Sciences and each student has a right to appeal.

If the student wishes to appeal a probation, suspension, or dismissal decision, the student must notify the Office of Student Affairs in writing within five (5) working days of notification of their status. It is the student’s responsibility to provide clear and concise rationale for the suspension to be reconsidered and to provide supportive data.  A student who requests and is permitted to maintain course enrollment during the appeal process is responsible for any financial risk/loss that may be associated with subsequent course or program withdrawal.

If the Office of Student Affairs upholds the original decision of probation/suspension/ dismissal, the student may appeal to the Office of the Dean.  A student may be accompanied by a faculty member or other individual selected by the student to serve as an advocate or support person during meetings regarding reconsideration of a decision.  The advocate serves strictly in an advisory capacity to the student.

The faculty reserves the right to recommend the withdrawal of students whose work, conduct or any other circumstances make it inadvisable to remain in the College of Allied Health Sciences. Students should review their program policies and the UC Student Code of Conduct.

Students who wish to return to the College of Allied Health Sciences after an absence of one academic year or longer must submit an Application for Readmission. Deadlines for submission of this application are listed on the registrar’s readmission website.  Students who have attended another College or University since leaving UC will be required to re-apply to UC as a transfer student through the Admissions transfer website. 

Readmission is contingent upon students meeting minimum program requirements, availability of clinical sites, and college resources.

The Office of Student Affairs will determine re-admissibility of former students in collaboration with the program director of the student’s desired major.  Data from college records and data submitted at the time of re-application will be considered.  An applicant seeking readmission must be able to achieve a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (2.25 for online learning students) within one full-time (minimum of 12 credit hours for on-campus students and minimum of 9 credit hours for online learning students) academic term or two part-time terms (at least 12 credit hours total for on-campus students and 9 credit hours total for online learning students).  A student’s failure to achieve a 2.5 GPA (2.25 for online learning students) will result in suspension from CAHS. The Office of Student Affairs will notify the applicant of their decision and the terms of readmission, if appropriate.

Policies
Student Grievance Policy
Student Grievance Policy Flowchart 
Student Grievance Policy Form

To be eligible for graduation, a student must fulfill all program requirements with at least a 2.5 university GPA (2.25 for Online Learning students) and a minimum of 120 semester credit hours (or 180 quarter hours). Students must be matriculated in the College of Allied Health Sciences for at least the last two semesters/three quarters preceding graduation. Students must earn at least 30 credits while matriculated in the College of Allied Health Sciences. Students with incomplete grades or grades below a C- in required courses will not be certified for degree completion without the written authorization of their department chair.

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