Academic policies

ADMISSIONS POLICY

Students are eligible for admission on the basis of graduation with a diploma from accredited high schools, successful completion of the GED, or transfer in good standing from accredited colleges. Students participating in the Military Education Program (MEP) are eligible for admission on the basis of active duty status. Students should contact their local MEP Site Location to apply for the program.

Recruitment Policy:

In compliance with the DoD MOU, Vincennes University representatives are forbidden to participate in high-pressure recruitment tactics, such as:

• Making multiple unsolicited contacts (3 or more), including contacts by phone, email, or in-person
• Engaging in same-day recruitment and registration for the purpose of securing Service member enrollments

Additionally, Vincennes University does not provide any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing enrollments or federal financial aid (including TA funds) to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting, admission activities, or making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance.

In order to graduate, all students, whether baccalaureate or associate degree level, must achieve a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA (C average) exclusive of hours marked W (Withdrawal) and developmental courses. In order to receive a degree in a particular major course of study at the Associate level, the number of required hours may exceed sixty.

Credits toward graduation will be accepted from accredited transfer institutions of higher education; CLEP general examinations or subject examinations; USAFI, ECE, or DANTES courses or tests; service school courses and military science credits in accordance with the ACE Guide; and, College Board Advanced Placement Program.

All students must earn, from the University, a minimum of 30 semester hours of credit toward a baccalaureate degree, 15 semester hours of credit toward an associate degree, and 50% of the semester hours of credit toward a certificate.

All candidates for graduation must (1) file a Petition for Graduation with the Registrar through their MEP Advisor as soon as possible in their final semester and (2) clear all University obligations.

If students have grievances involving University professors or staff members, they are to process such grievances through the University administrative structure. The student should first discuss any grievance thoroughly with the professor or staff member. If the grievance is not resolved, the student should discuss such with the faculty or staff member's immediate supervisor. Any unresolved grievances can be processed through the administrative structure to the President, if necessary. The resolution of student grievances will be transmitted to the student and through the administrative structure to all involved parties.

1. The student should meet with and discuss the matter thoroughly with the professor or staff member attempting to reach resolution immediately, but no later than 30 calendar days after the incident(s) has occurred.
2. If resolution is not achieved and the student wishes to pursue his/her grievance, the grievance must be filed in written form with the direct supervisor of the faculty or staff member. The grievance must be filed within one week after the meeting with the faculty or staff member, subject to the availability of the parties involved.
3. The supervisor receiving the grievance will do the following within three weeks:
   1. Inform the faculty or staff of the receipt of the grievance.
   2. Investigate the situation, which may include but not be limited to requesting a statement of circumstances relevant to the grievance from the faculty or staff member, a conference with either or both parties, additional documents and other information relevant to the situation.
   3. The supervisor makes a ruling regarding the grievance within one week after the requested documents are received and conferences concluded.
4. If either party wishes to appeal the ruling, a statement of appeal must be filed with the direct supervisor of the person making the previous ruling within one week of the postmark of the letter containing the original grievance decision.
5. The hearing process is repeated with the addition of information from the original supervisor. If the appeal is filed by the faculty or staff, the student will be duly notified.
6. The grievance may be continued by either party through the administrative structure to the President.

NOTE: Covered Individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or Chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits.

A covered individual can attend or participate in their course of education at Vincennes University during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides the institution with a Certificate of Eligibility or Statement of Benefits, obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), for entitlement under Chapter 33, or VA Form 28-1905 for Chapter 31 authorization, and ending on the earlier of the following dates:

1. The date on which payment from VA is made to the institution.
2. 90 days after the date that the institution certified tuition and fees following the receipt of a Certificate of Eligibility.

Vincennes University will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institution facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under Chapter 31 or 33.

To be covered by this policy, the student must:

1. Submit a Certificate of Eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance to the School Certifying Official.
2. Complete a Request for Certification form to use their entitlement.

Additionally, if there is a difference between the student’s financial obligation to the institution and the amount of the VA’s education benefit disbursement, an additional fee may be imposed if the difference is not paid by the beginning of classes for the given semester.

Please note: GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at WWW.BENEFITS.VA.GOV/GIBILL.

During the first 60 percent of the period of enrollment a student earns TA funds in direct proportion to the length of time he or she remains enrolled. A student who remains enrolled beyond the 60 percent point will earn all aid for the enrollment period.

SCHEDULE FOR RETURN OF UNEARNED TA

All withdrawals from MEP courses must be requested, approved, and processed through the student’s respective MEP Site Location advisor or Site Director. Withdrawals may be initiated by the student, the course instructor, or a University administrative staff member.

Refunds

Students who drop one or more courses during the first three business days of an 8-week term will receive a 100 percent credit adjustment of tuition; during the fourth through the sixth business days of a term, a 75% credit adjustment; during the seventh through the ninth business days of a term, a 50% credit adjustment; during the tenth through the twelfth business days of a term, a 25% credit adjustment; and no credit adjustment thereafter.

A Regional Director or Administrative member of the University may exercise the right to grant 100% refunds of tuition charges upon withdrawal, superseding the schedule outlined above, if deemed appropriate.