ATSU Policies

University Student Handbook

The ATSU University Catalog and University Student Handbook both contain policies relevant to all students. Please check the ATSU Student Handbook for additional information and as referenced throughout this Catalog. The ATSU Student Handbook may be accessed by selecting the University Student Handbook from the drop-down menu at the top of any page.

Prohibition of Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation

ATSU Policy #90-210

Purpose

The purpose of this general order is to provide an employment and a learning environment at A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (“ATSU” or “University”) free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and ensure compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization of 2013, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and all other applicable national, state, and local laws. Discrimination, harassment, or retaliation by anyone—managers, administrators, supervisors, co-workers, students, or non-University personnel, including clients, vendors, and suppliers—on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law, is a violation of University policy and prohibited by ATSU. This policy ensures compliance with law, emphasis on a fair and equitable learning and work environment, and fair process for all concerned.

This policy, and excerpts from it, appears within many ATSU publications, both online and in print. For the most up-to-date version of this policy, refer to atsu.edu/prohibition-of-discrimination-harassment-and-retaliation.

Policy

ATSU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, and retaliation are forms of discrimination prohibited by ATSU under this policy.

Any person who witnesses or has knowledge of incidents of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or any other situation prohibited by this policy, should report such information to persons listed in this general order. All who make a good faith report are protected from adverse action or retaliation under provisions of this policy and by ATSU Policy No.10-216: Whistleblower. Good faith reports, even if erroneous, will not result in punitive action. Deliberately false and/or malicious accusations of discrimination and harassment are just as serious an offense as discrimination or harassment and will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. If ATSU has actual knowledge of reports by multiple individuals regarding discrimination, harassment, or retaliation by the same respondent, the Title IX coordinator (or designee) will initiate investigation into the reports, regardless of the participation level of one or more of the reporting parties.

Internal complaints regarding potential violations of the Clery Act, Title IX, or Title VII

To report violations of ATSU’s nondiscrimination policies, request information, or for assistance filing a police report, all ATSU community members may contact: 

Dr. John Gardner, Title IX Coordinator
800 W. Jefferson St., Kirksville, MO, 63501
660.626.2113 or johngardner@atsu.edu

Alternately, the following deputy Title IX coordinators are available at ATSU campuses.

To anonymously and confidentially report situations or behavior prohibited by this policy, call the 24-hour service at 1.855.FRAUD-HL or use the secure online reporting form at fraudhl.com. Reference company ID (“ATSU”) when making a report.

Crime reporting options

If you are in an area without an identified ATSU facility, please contact 911 to report a crime or seek police assistance.

On-campus, confidential resources available for students

ATSU Behavioral Health & Wellness Counseling Services 

Regulatory complaints regarding potential violations of the Clery Act, Title IX, or Title VII may be directed to:

Resources

Off-campus counseling and victim support are available through:

• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800.656.4673
• Mesa Victim Services Unit (Arizona): 480.644.4075
• Santa Maria Rape Crisis Center Hotline (California): 805.928.3554
• St. Louis Regional Sexual Assault Hotline (Missouri) - 314.531.7273
• Employees may access the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) by calling 877.622.4327 or by visiting mycigna.com

Policy definitions

Advisor: A person selected by the complainant or respondent to be present at interviews or the hearing process. Advisors may not answer questions on behalf of their party. Advisors pose questions on behalf of their party in the hearing setting. Advisors may not contact the other party except in the hearing setting. The Title IX coordinator can provide an advisor for a party if the party so desires. A party may request from the Title IX coordinator for more than one advisor if there is a support need, including a disability accommodation. Evidence from a healthcare professional, or similarly situated expert, of a support need will be required. Advisors will present themselves in a professional manner. Investigators, hearing board chairs, and other institutional officials may remove an advisor from the process if the advisor’s behavior is abusive, belligerent, or otherwise inconsistent with a professional nature. A party will be able to replace their advisor if removed.

Appellate panel: A group of trained ATSU employees from the Grievance and Equity Response Team (GERT) who reviews appeals of findings from the Title IX Grievance Process or General Discrimination Grievance Process.

ATSU community member: A person participating in or attempting to participate in an ATSU education program as an employee, student, prospective student, alumni, or similarly positioned individual.

Coercion: Coercion is unreasonable pressure for sexual activity. Coercive conduct differs from seductive conduct based on factors including the type and/or extent of the pressure used to obtain consent. When someone makes clear they do not want to engage in certain sexual activity, wants to stop, or does not want to go past a certain point of sexual interaction, continued pressure beyond that point can be coercive.

Complainant: An ATSU community member who alleges their educational or employment rights were infringed upon based on class-based (race, sex, gender, etc.) discrimination or harassment.

Investigation: A process conducted by unbiased investigators to gather and synthesize evidence while providing analysis of the credibility of evidence. In the General Discrimination Grievance Process, investigator(s) will make a determination of in violation or not in violation of policy. In the Title IX Grievance Process, the investigator(s) will not make a determination of in violation or not in violation, but instead, determine the facts to be considered by the hearing panel.

Consent: Consent is knowing, voluntary, and clear permission by word or action to engage in sexual activity. For consent to be valid, there must be a clear expression in words or actions that the other individual consented to that specific sexual conduct. Reasonable reciprocation can be implied. For example, if someone kisses you, you can kiss him/her back (if you want to) without the need to explicitly obtain his/her consent to being kissed back. Consent can also be withdrawn once given, as long as the withdrawal is reasonably and clearly communicated. If consent is withdrawn, that sexual activity should cease within a reasonable time. Consent to some sexual contact (including kissing or fondling) cannot be presumed to be consent for other sexual activity (including intercourse). A current or previous intimate relationship is not sufficient to constitute consent.

Finding: The determination of the hearing panel (Title IX Grievance Process) or investigators (General Discrimination Grievance Process) regarding a violation of policy based on the preponderance of the evidence standard.

Force: Force is the use of physical violence and/or physical imposition to gain sexual access. Force also includes threats, intimidation (implied threats), and coercion intended to overcome resistance or produce consent (e.g., “Have sex with me, or I’ll hit you.” “Okay, don’t hit me, I’ll do what you want.”). Sexual activity that is forced is, by definition, non-consensual, but non-consensual sexual activity is not necessarily forced.

Silence or the absence of resistance alone is not consent. Consent is not demonstrated by the absence of resistance. While resistance is not required or necessary, it is a clear demonstration of non-consent.

General discrimination: Discrimination or harassment not defined or covered under Title IX regulations and the Title IX Grievance Process.

Grievance and Equity Response Team (GERT): A team of trained ATSU employees who serve as advocates, investigators, hearing panel members, and appellate panel members within the grievance process. GERT membership is maintained and trained by the Title IX coordinator.

Hearing panel: A group of trained ATSU employees (usually three) from the GERT who hear and conduct a proceeding to determine a finding regarding a formal complaint of discrimination in the Title IX Grievance Process.

Incapacitation: A person cannot consent if they are unable to understand what is happening or is disoriented, helpless, asleep, or unconscious for any reason, including by alcohol or other drugs. Incapacitation occurs when someone cannot make rational, reasonable decisions, because they lack the capacity to give knowing/informed consent (e.g., to understand the “who, what, when, where, why, or how” of the sexual interaction). Incapacitation is determined through consideration of all relevant indicators of an individual’s state and is not synonymous with intoxication, impairment, blackout, and/or being drunk. This policy also covers a person whose incapacity results from a temporary or permanent physical or mental health condition, involuntary physical restraint, and/or the consumption of incapacitating drugs. Incapacitation should be evaluated from the ability of the respondent to know of the incapacitation.

Preponderance of evidence: The standard of evidence used in this policy. This standard indicates it is more likely than not of a finding of either in violation or not in violation of policy.

Recipient: The institution receiving federal funding. In this policy, the recipient is ATSU.

Respondent: Party accused of violating ATSU policy.

General overview of grievance processes

The general overview of grievance processes is a simplified guide. For specific information about each process, please review the actual processes, Title IX Prohibited Conduct and Grievance Process and General Discrimination Prohibited Conduct and Grievance Process below.

1. Initial review of formal complaints. Formal complaints of discrimination and harassment made under this policy will be reviewed under a multi-pronged approach.
   1. Formal complaints will be reviewed to consider whether they are sex (including pregnancy), gender, or sexual orientation based in nature. Formal complaints which could be sex (including pregnancy), gender, or sexual orientation based in nature will be considered initially under the Title IX Grievance Process. Formal complaints which are not sex (including pregnancy), gender, or sexual orientation based will be routed to the General Discrimination Grievance Process.
   2. Sex (including pregnancy), gender, or sexual orientation formal complaints routed to the Title IX Grievance Process will be reviewed as to whether they fall under Title IX Final Rule published in the Federal Register, May 19, 2020.
   3. If a sex (including pregnancy), gender, or sexual orientation formal discrimination complaint at any point is dismissed as a potential violation under the Title IX Grievance Process (See Title IX Prohibited Conduct and Grievance Process.), it will be reviewed as a potential violation under the General Discrimination Grievance Process (See General Discrimination Prohibited Conduct and Grievance Process.).
   4. Components of discrimination or harassment, which indicate a potential violation of both the Title IX and General Discrimination Grievance Process, will be considered under the Title IX Grievance Process. If no Title IX violation is found, the complaint may be considered under the General Discrimination Grievance Processes.
   5. Promotion and progress boards are not involved in the hearing, investigation, sanctioning, or appeal process of formal complaints of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on class.
2. Title IX Grievance Process summary
   1. Any formal complaint routed to the Title IX grievance process will be reviewed first to determine if there are grounds for immediate dismissal (See Title IX Prohibited Conduct and Grievance Process B.2.). If the formal complaint is dismissed under the Title IX Grievance Process, it may be reviewed under the General Discrimination Grievance Process.
   2. If there are no grounds for dismissal, there will be notice of investigation provided to both the complainant and respondent.
   3. Both parties will have opportunities for supportive measures.
   4. A formal resolution process will begin, which includes an investigation by an impartial investigator(s), a hearing before an impartial hearing panel of one to three panel members, the opportunity to present witnesses and evidence, the opportunity to cross-examine the other party’s witnesses, and the opportunity to appeal.
   5. Parties have the opportunity to move from a formal resolution process to an informal resolution process in some instances based on the nature of the complaint.
   6. In the formal resolution process, the hearing panel decides on policy violation(s) and sanctions.
   7. Both parties have the opportunity to appeal a dismissal or a finding. If an appeal has standing under the policy, an appellate panel will rule on the appeal. Written notice will be provided to the parties following the appellate panel report.
3. General Discrimination Grievance Process summary
   1. A discrimination and harassment complaint, which is not sex (including pregnancy), gender, or sexual orientation related or dismissed under the Title IX Grievance Process, will be reviewed under the General Discrimination Grievance Process.
   2. Initial steps include a meeting between the investigator and the complainant and implementation of reasonable supportive measures, as requested.
   3. If it is determined that if all alleged facts are true there would still be no policy violation, the complaint will be dismissed, and the investigator will produce a report stating such conclusion.
   4. If there is a determination of a potential policy violation, notice will be provided to the respondent and appropriate supportive measures provided.
   5. An investigation by an unbiased investigator(s) will begin.
   6. Written notice to both parties of the investigation findings, including determination of responsibility, sanctions, and available appeal procedures, will be provided to both parties. Both parties have the right to appeal the decision of the investigator to an appellate panel, provided the appeal has standing under this policy. The appellate panel’s decision will be communicated to the parties in writing.

Title IX Prohibited Conduct and Grievance Process

This process applies to ATSU community members in their dealings with each other within the educational program of ATSU. If through this process, any University employee or student is found in violation of this policy, then they will be subject to corrective action up to and including termination or dismissal. University employees or students may be disciplined, up to and including termination or dismissal, for engaging in behavior disrespectful, disruptive, or otherwise prohibited by this policy, regardless of whether such behavior constitutes harassment prohibited by law. Patient complaints related to discrimination or harassment will be addressed under ATSU Policy No. 30-103: Patient Complaints.

1. Prohibited conduct under Title IX
   1. Prohibited conduct includes unwelcome conduct, whether verbal, non-verbal, physical, or visual, based on or relates to an individual’s sex (including pregnancy), gender, or sexual orientation, which occurs within the U.S. as a part of the recipient’s program or activity to a person who participates in a recipient’s program or is attempting to participate in a recipient’s program and such conduct has the effect of creating a hostile environment, constitutes quid pro quo harassment, or constitutes sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking.
      1. Hostile environment
         1. Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive it effectively denies a person equal access to the recipient’s education program or activity or alters the conditions of employment from both a subjective (the alleged victim’s) and an objective (a reasonable person standard) viewpoint.
         2. Determination of whether an environment is “hostile” will be based upon circumstances, including:
            1. Conduct’s frequency;
            2. Conduct’s nature and severity;
            3. Whether the conduct was physically threatening;
            4. Whether the conduct was humiliating;
            5. Conduct’s effect on the alleged victim’s mental or emotional state;
            6. Whether the conduct was directed at more than one person;
            7. Whether the conduct arose in the context of other discriminatory conduct;
            8. Whether the conduct unreasonably interfered with the alleged victim’s educational or work performance;
            9. Whether the statement is an utterance of an epithet, which engenders offense in an employee or student or offends by mere discourtesy or rudeness;
            10. Whether the speech or conduct deserves the protections of academic freedom or the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution; and
            11. Whether the conduct impacts the educational or work environment, regardless of the location of the actual harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.
         3. Examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to, jokes, epithets, slurs, insults, negative stereotyping, written or graphic material (including emails), or any threatening or intimidating acts denigrating or showing hostility toward an individual and relate to sex (including pregnancy), gender, or gender identity.
         4. Prohibited behavior also includes any unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature, including sexual advances and propositions; requests for sexual favors; sexual jokes, comments, suggestions, or innuendos; foul or obscene gestures or language; display of foul, obscene, or offensive printed or visual material; unwelcome physical contact of a sexual nature, including bodily contact with the breast, groin, or buttocks; patting, pinching, hugging, or brushing against another individual’s body; and any other unwelcome verbal, non-verbal, physical, or visual conduct of a sexual nature where:
            1. Submission to such conduct is an explicit or implicit condition of employment or education; or
            2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for employment-related or academic related decisions, including promotion, discharge, performance evaluation, pay adjustment, discipline, work assignment, or any other condition of employment or career or academic development; or
            3. Such conduct has the effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, abusive, or offensive working or educational environment.
      2. Quid pro quo harassment
         1. An employee of the recipient conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the recipient on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct;
         2. A person having power or authority over another constitutes sexual harassment when submission to sexual conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of rating or evaluating an individual’s educational or employment progress, development, or performance. This includes when submission to such conduct would be a condition for access to receiving the benefits of any educational or employment program. 
      3. Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking
         1. Sexual assault, defined as:
            1. Sex offenses, forcible – Any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the complainant, including instances where the complainant is incapable of giving consent. This includes attempts to commit any of the following acts.
            2. Forcible rape – Penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the complainant.
            3. Forcible sodomy – Oral or anal sexual intercourse with another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will, or not forcibly or against the person’s will (non-consensually) in instances where the complainant is incapable of giving consent because of age or because of temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
            4. Sexual assault with an object – To use an object or instrument to penetrate, however slightly, the genital or anal opening of the body of another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will, or not forcibly or against the person’s will (non-consensually) in instances where the complainant is incapable of giving consent because of age or because of temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
            5. Forcible fondling – The touching of the private body parts of another person (buttocks, groin, breasts) for the purpose of sexual gratification, forcibly and/or against that person’s will (non-consensual), or not forcibly or against the person’s will in instances where the Complainant is incapable of giving consent because of age or because of temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
            6. Sex offenses, non-forcible – Non-forcible sexual intercourse. This includes attempts to commit any of the following acts.
               1. Incest – Non-forcible sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by state law.
               2. Statutory rape – Non-forcible sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent where the violation occurs.
         2. Dating violence, defined as: Violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the complainant. The existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on the complainant’s statement and with consideration of the length of the relationship, type of relationship, and frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. For purposes of this definition,
            1. Dating violence includes, but is not limited to, sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse.
            2. Dating violence does not include acts covered under the definition of domestic violence.
         3. Domestic violence, defined as:
            1.  A felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed against the complainant by a:
               1. Current or former spouse or intimate partner of the complainant;
               2. Person with whom the complainant shares a child in common;
               3. Person who is cohabitating with, or has cohabitated with, the complainant as a spouse or intimate partner; or
               4. Person similarly situated to a spouse of the complainant under the state or local domestic or family violence laws.
               5. Any other person against an adult or youth complainant who is protected from that person’s acts under state or local domestic or family violence laws.
            2. Domestic violence does not apply to those who are roommates, but do not meet other components of the definition.
         4. Stalking defined as:
            1. Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to:
               1. Fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others; or
               2. Suffer substantial emotional distress.
            2. For the purposes of this definition:
               1. Course of conduct means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person, or interferes with a person’s property.
               2. Reasonable person means a reasonable person under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the complainant.
               3. Substantial emotional distress means significant mental suffering or anguish that may, but does not necessarily require medical or other professional treatment or counseling.
         5. Additional sex-based complaints of discrimination or harassment, which are mandated by state law, federal court decisions, or state court decisions to have a hearing as a part of the grievance process, will follow the Title IX Prohibited Conduct and Grievance Process.
2. Title IX grievance procedures
   1.  Any individual, who feels s/he has witnessed or experienced behavior prohibited by this policy or who has questions, concerns, or information regarding violations of this policy, should immediately report the circumstance(s) or incident(s) to their supervisor or one of the contact persons described in this policy. Once a report is shared with the Title IX coordinator or deputy Title IX coordinator, the complainant will be notified in writing of their ability to file a formal complaint. All University employees are required to report any knowledge of violation of this policy, with the limited exception of licensed professional mental health counselors and other persons with a professional license requiring confidentiality who are working within that license.
      1. Those doing confidential research approved by ATSU’s Institutional Review Board are not required to report instances of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation reported to them within the specific scope of research. However, researchers must contact the Title IX coordinator to receive guidance on providing the research subject with information on reporting and access to supportive measures and interim remedies.
      2. If a complainant does not wish for a formal complaint to move forward, the Title IX coordinator (or designee) may move forward and submit a formal complaint if there is a compelling risk to health or safety of individuals or the community based on a risk assessment. The risk may be based on pattern, predatory behavior, abuse of minors, use of weapons, and/or violence.
   2. Upon receipt of a formal discrimination or harassment complaint based on sex, the Title IX coordinator (or designee) will conduct an initial assessment of the formal complaint to determine whether it indicates a possible violation of this policy. If a report is made, the Title IX coordinator (or designee) will review the report in an initial meeting with the complainant. Objectives of this initial meeting will be to reduce the report to writing, stop the harassment, prevent its recurrence, and take steps to remedy its effects in the interim.
      1. A report must be made in writing to the Title IX coordinator or a deputy Title IX coordinator to initiate an initial assessment, which may lead to an investigation.
      2. A complainant may receive supportive measures without submitting a formal complaint in writing. Supportive measures include, but are not limited to, academic, housing, co-curricular activity, and employment adjustments, temporary no-contact orders, and other steps to stop the behavior and prevent its occurrence in the interim.
      3. The Title IX coordinator (or designee) will review the formal complaint to determine if there is a need to dismiss it as a Title IX violation and refer it to the General Discrimination Grievance Process.
         1. Mandatory dismissal under Title IX will occur because:
            1. Alleged behavior did not occur within the U.S.
            2. Alleged behavior did not occur within the education program or activity (including buildings or property controlled by recognized student organizations), and/or the respondent is not within ATSU’s jurisdiction.
            3. Alleged behavior did not meet the definition of sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, domestic violence, or dating violence in the policy.
            4. Complainant was not participating or attempting to participate in the educational program or employment of the recipient.
         2. Discretionary dismissal by ATSU may occur when:
            1. Complainant wishes to withdraw the formal complaint (if the complainant notifies the Title IX coordinator, in writing, of this wish).
            2. Respondent is no longer enrolled or employed by the recipient.
            3. There are specific circumstances preventing ATSU from gathering evidence sufficient to reach a determination as to the formal complaint or allegations therein.
         3. If a federal or state court requires a hearing for sex- or gender-based offenses, then dismissal under B.2.c.1 and B.2.c.2 do not apply.
   3. Reports are reviewed, investigated, and heard by GERT members. In some instances, an outside party may be contracted to complete some or all of the roles in the grievance process.
      1. GERT is made up of the Title IX coordinator, deputy Title IX coordinators, and other employees trained to serve in a variety of roles within the grievance process.
      2. GERT members receive annual training. This training may include the following topics, processes, and skills, but is not limited to: 1) Training topics: definition of sexual harassment, scope of the recipient’s education program or activity, impartiality, how to avoid prejudging of facts, conflicts of interest, bias, issues of relevance as it relates to questions and evidence (specifically as how it relates to sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior), 2) Processes: how to conduct an investigation, hearing, appeal, and an informal resolution, and 3) Skills: ability to use technology in a live hearing, writing of investigative reports, and writing of hearing and appeals decisions.
      3. GERT members are required to attend annual training. Training is posted on atsu.edu/titleix.
   4. If, following initial review of the complaint, it is determined no potential policy violations exist, the Title IX coordinator (or designee) will produce a report stating such conclusion, including all elements of the initial meeting and supportive measures taken.
   5. If, after an initial meeting between the Title IX coordinator (or designee) and a complainant, it is determined any part of this policy may have been violated, the complainant may choose to utilize a formal or informal process to address the complaint:
      1. Whether a formal or informal complaint, the respondent and complainant will receive notice of the accusations with:
         1. Applicable policies with specific sections of violation identified
         2. Notice of details of allegation(s)
         3. Identities of parties involved
         4. Date(s) of incident(s)
         5. Location(s) of incident(s)
         6. A statement that the respondent is presumed not in violation of policy
         7. Access to applicable policies
         8. A reminder of the expectation for truthfulness in the process
      2. Informal resolution - Typically used for less serious offenses and when the respondent is willing to accept responsibility for some or all of the alleged violation(s). The complainant and respondent must agree to informal resolution in writing.
         1. An informal resolution is available to the parties at any time up until a determination has been made within a formal process.
         2. Any party involved within an informal resolution may stop it at any time up until an agreement is achieved and request a formal resolution process.
         3. Informal resolution process:
            1. Parties engage in a dialogue regarding the accusations through a trained facilitator (often the Title IX coordinator). This may be in person, through shuttle diplomacy, or some other manner.
            2. Respondent may accept responsibility for all or some of the allegations.
            3. Sanctions and remedies are determined by the parties through dialogue and not by ATSU.
            4. Parties come to a written resolution which will be maintained on record by the Title IX coordinator.
         4. Both parties may have an advisor of their choice present for the informal resolution.
         5. ATSU will provide both parties in an informal resolution with written notice of the reported misconduct and any sanctions or remedies that may result from the process.
         6. If an informal resolution process is initiated and then stopped, information shared during the informal resolution discussion or process may not be used in the formal resolution process.
         7. Parties who begin an informal resolution and request to return to a formal resolution for any reason will not be able to return to the informal resolution process.
         8. An informal resolution cannot be conducted between an employee and student. Informal resolutions may only be utilized in employee/employee or student/student complaints.
         9. Parties who reach an agreement through an informal resolution waive their appeal rights.
         10. A resolution within the informal resolution process is made with the agreement of non-disclosure, and the resolution is binding. Either party who violates the resolution may be in violation of additional policies. Once the agreement is made, there cannot be a formal process resolution.
      3. Formal resolution - Investigation and a hearing before neutral, impartial panel members, subject to appeal and final determination. Remedies to restore those impacted will be implemented upon a finding of a policy violation.
         1. Investigation
            1. Length of investigations is based on a number of factors and variables, including nature and detail of complaint received, complexity of investigation, and cooperation level of parties and witnesses.
            2. Investigations will be completed within a prompt and reasonable timeframe dependent on the context and facts related to the complaint.
            3. Parties will be regularly updated as to projected timeline for completion of the investigation. During the process, parties will be given timely notice of any meetings at which either or both may be present. Parties will have equal opportunity to present witnesses and provide evidence. Both parties have the opportunity to have an advisor of their choice. If either party does not have an advisor during the investigative process, ATSU will provide an advisor for the party, if the party wishes. During the hearing process, an advisor is required and will be provided to the parties if they do not have one. It is advised supervisors of the parties should not be advisors. If a supervisor of the respondent is the advisor of choice for either party, the supervisor will not be involved within the sanctioning process. Parties’ advisors may not contact investigators, Title IX coordinator, hearing panel members, or appellate panel members directly. All contact should be initiated and carried out by the parties themselves.
            4. Investigators will be assigned from the GERT in an effort to provide the most fair and impartial process. In some circumstances, investigators may be third party consultants.
            5. If a respondent withdraws from the University during the investigation process, the respondent will not be permitted to re-enroll until disposition of the case, and a notation will be placed on their transcript.
            6. At the conclusion of the investigation process, the investigation report and evidence collected will be submitted to the Title IX coordinator (or designee), in order to share the report with the parties and provide the report and evidence for the hearing panel.
               1. A draft of the investigative report will be provided to the parties. The parties will have 10 business days to respond in writing to the draft report.
               2. After receiving responses to the draft report or waiting 10 business days and there is no response, investigators will review additional material provided by the parties and compile the final investigation report.
               3. The final investigation report will be provided to the parties, who will have 10 business days to respond to the final investigative report in writing prior to the beginning of the hearing process.
               4. In addition to the final report, parties will receive all evidence collected in the investigative process.
         2. Hearing
            1. The hearing will be conducted live. Hearings may be conducted virtually or in person depending on case circumstances. Parties will be notified of the hearing time and date no fewer than 10 business days in advance. Notification will include a description of violations of policy; date, time, and location of the hearing; rules of the hearing, and hearing panel members. Rescheduling of the hearing is at the hearing panel chair’s sole discretion. In the case of multiple respondents, there may be joint or separate hearings, and the notice will so indicate.
            2. The panel chair will conduct the hearing.
            3. The hearing panel will be selected from GERT, who have not previously been involved in the case and have no known bias. ATSU may utilize third party consultants as hearing panel members and chairs. Any objections to hearing panel members must be raised in writing to the Title IX coordinator no fewer than five days prior to the hearing. Removal or changing of a hearing panel member is at the discretion of the Title IX coordinator (or designee).
            4. Prior to the hearing, a pre-hearing conference will be offered to both parties. The pre-hearing conference will discuss procedural expectations with the parties, answer questions, and resolve any contested areas of process. Issues of relevance regarding lines of questioning and evidence are best decided in the pre-hearing conference rather than during the hearing. The pre-hearing conference will not be recorded.
            5. Hearing panel will review the witness testimony, investigator report, and other submitted evidence in order to make a decision of the respondent being in violation or not in violation.
            6. Hearing will proceed at the scheduled time, unless rescheduled by the panel chair. Absence of parties, witnesses, or advisors will not postpone a hearing.
            7. Both parties may choose to submit an impact statement. The impact statement must be provided to the Title IX coordinator at least one day prior to the hearing. The impact statements will be held by the Title IX coordinator; if the respondent is found responsible at the hearing, impact statements will be provided to the hearing panel for its use during the sanctioning phase.
            8. Hearing panel will begin the hearing with an assumption of not in violation on behalf of the respondent. As evidence is introduced, the hearing panel will evaluate credibility of the evidence until all evidence is presented to develop a finding.
            9. Hearing panel will use “preponderance of evidence” standard of evidence when determining whether there is a violation of policy.
            10. Order of the hearing:
                1. Welcome and explanation of the process
                2. Presentation of investigative report by the investigator
                3. Witnesses for complainant and complainant’s testimony
                4. Witnesses for respondent and respondent’s testimony
                5. Witnesses requested by hearing panel
                6. Conclusion of hearing and notification of timeline for finding
            11. The hearing panel may create time limits for different aspects of the hearing process including how long an advisor has to question a party or witness, presentation of the investigative report, opening or closing remarks, etc. Time limits should be equal between the parties.
            12. Investigators will present their investigation report during the hearing. The investigative report will not make an indication of findings, but share evidence found during the investigation. Investigators are not to share an opinion regarding whether or not a violation occurred.
            13. Parties are entitled to provide witnesses at the hearing. Parties may submit witness lists. Any witness lists must be submitted to the Title IX coordinator no fewer than five business days in advance of the hearing. Witnesses, not submitted five business days prior to the hearing, may not be permitted to participate. The hearing panel chair will notify all parties of the shared witness list no fewer than two business days prior to the hearing. The investigator must have previously questioned all witnesses (If an in-person or virtual questioning is not possible, written response to questions may be accepted as an investigator interview.). It is the parties’ responsibility to ensure their witnesses are present at the hearing.
            14. Hearing panel will ask its questions of each witness prior to direct questioning and cross-examination by the parties’ advisors. If a party’s advisor does not arrive for the hearing, ATSU will provide an advisor to conduct direct and cross-examination questions provided by the party.
            15. Parties, by their advisors, may question their own witnesses and cross-exam witnesses submitted by a different party. Advisors for parties will conduct questioning, and not the parties themselves. Advisors are to submit their questions from a seated position and in a professional tone. Parties, witnesses, or advisors who behave in a non-professional manner may be removed by the hearing panel chair. Witnesses may only be present for the part of the hearing in which they are questioned. The decision makers may consider testimony and evidence provided at the hearing or within the investigative process. The panel may consider evidence collected during the investigation including interview summaries, transcripts, document evidence, or other evidence regardless of whether a party or witness submits to direct or cross examination. A party or witness’ willingness to submit to cross examination or direct examination may impact the credibility analysis by the hearing panel.
            16. The hearing panel chair will communicate a process to parties, advisors, and witnesses regarding whether a question is relevant and, therefore, whether a party should answer. The hearing panel chair has absolute discretion to determine which questions are relevant and may decline to pose or permit certain questions based on relevance. Rationale for not permitting certain questions must be provided within two business days to the submitting party. Questions are usually not allowed because of lack of relevance, repetition, or because they are abusive in nature.
            17. Parties and witnesses are encouraged to respond to the hearing panel chair’s approved questions submitted by the advisors and hearing panel. A party does not need to be present for an advisor to ask direct and cross-examination questions of witnesses or other parties.
            18. Each party also has the opportunity to refer the hearing panel to inculpatory evidence (evidence indicating the respondent violated policy) or exculpatory evidence (evidence indicating the respondent did not violate policy) which has already been submitted during the investigation. Evidence submitted during the investigation will be available to the hearing panel and does not need to be resubmitted during a hearing. Evidence should be submitted during the investigation period and not during the hearing period. The hearing panel chair has the right to deny admittance of evidence not submitted during the investigation or to refer the case back to the investigation stage.
            19. Unless the Title IX coordinator (or designee) determines it is appropriate, no one will present information or raise questions concerning: (1) incidents not directly related to the possible violation, unless such incidents evidence a pattern; (2) sexual history of the parties (Though there may be a limited exception with respect to pattern, sexual history between parties, or where evidence regarding the complainant’s sexual history is offered to prove a person or persons ,who are not the respondent, engaged in the reported misconduct, if relevant); or (3) character of the parties. While previous conduct violations by the respondent are not generally admissible as information about the present allegation, investigators may supply the hearing panel with information about previous findings to consider as possible evidence of pattern and/or predatory conduct. There will be no observers of the hearing and no more than one advisor per party at the hearing. If a party has need for a supplemental advisor related to a disability or language translation, it may be allowed based on a review of documentation. The need for a support advisor related to a disability or language translation must be arranged prior to the hearing with the Title IX coordinator (or designee).
            20. The hearing will be recorded only by the Title IX coordinator (or designee) and only for potential use in appeals. There are to be no other recordings by the parties or anyone else. If there is an appeal, the recording may be reviewed by the parties and their advisors in a controlled setting to be determined by the Title IX coordinator (or designee). No copies of the recording will be provided.
            21. Deliberations will occur with only the hearing panel and the Title IX coordinator (or designee) present. The Title IX coordinator (or designee) is only present to clarify questions. The hearing panel will make the final decision. Deliberations are not recorded.
            22. Simultaneous written notice to the parties describing hearing findings, including determination of responsibility and sanctions and available appeal procedures, will occur within five business days of the hearing. Any delay within the notification of findings and sanctions will be communicated to the parties simultaneously.
      4. All ATSU employees who are not named as respondents must cooperate fully with any investigations and hearings.
         1. Exception - Employees acting under a professional license, which provides privilege (i.e., behavioral health & wellness counselors)
         2. Employees who have a professional license, which provides privilege, but are not acting under that license, do not have privilege (i.e., a healthcare provider serving in a professor role).
         3. Academic information protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is available to investigations as legitimate educational interest.
      5. Complainant, respondent, and appropriate officials will be given timely and equal access to information to be used during informal and formal disciplinary meetings and hearings.
      6. Complainants and respondents are able to gather their own evidence and may discuss the allegations in the process of gathering evidence.

General Discrimination Prohibited Conduct and Grievance Process

This process applies to all University employees and students in their dealings with each other and to all University employees and students in their dealings with third parties. Patient complaints related to discrimination or harassment will be addressed under ATSU Policy No. 30-103: Patient Complaints. If through this process, any University employee or student is found in violation of this policy, then they will be subject to corrective action up to and including termination or dismissal. University employees or students may be disciplined, up to and including termination or dismissal, for engaging in behavior disrespectful, disruptive, or otherwise prohibited by this policy, regardless of whether such behavior constitutes harassment prohibited by law. 

1. General discrimination prohibited conduct
   1. Prohibited conduct includes unwelcome conduct, whether verbal, non-verbal, physical, or visual, that is based on or relates to an individual’s race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law, and has the effect of creating a hostile environment which:
      1. Has the effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or student’s performance.
      2. Has the effect of otherwise adversely affecting an individual’s employment or educational opportunities.
   2. A hostile environment is any situation in which there is harassing conduct sufficiently severe, pervasive, or objectively offensive to alter the conditions of employment or limit, interfere with, or deny educational benefits or opportunities, from both a subjective (the alleged victim’s) and an objective (a reasonable person’s standard) viewpoint.
   3. Determination of whether an environment is “hostile” will be based upon circumstances, including:
      1. Conduct frequency;
      2. Conduct’s nature and severity;
      3. Whether conduct was physically threatening;
      4. Whether conduct was humiliating;
      5. Effect of conduct on the alleged victim’s mental or emotional state;
      6. Whether conduct was directed at more than one person;
      7. Whether conduct arose in the context of other discriminatory conduct;
      8. Whether conduct unreasonably interfered with the alleged victim’s educational or work performance;
      9. Whether the statement is an utterance of an epithet, which engenders offense in an employee or student, or offends by mere discourtesy or rudeness;
      10. Whether the speech or conduct deserves the protections of academic freedom or the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
      11. Examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to, jokes, epithets, slurs, insults, negative stereotyping, written or graphic material (including emails), or any threatening or intimidating acts denigrating or showing hostility toward an individual and relate to race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
2. Discrimination, harassment, and retaliation grievance procedures
   1. Any individual who feels they have witnessed or experienced behavior prohibited by this policy or who has questions, concerns, or information regarding violations of this policy must immediately report the circumstance(s) or incident(s) to their supervisor or one of the contact persons described within this policy.
   2. Upon receipt of a discrimination, harassment, or retaliation report, the University will conduct a prompt, thorough, and impartial review, evaluating all relevant information and documentation relating to the report.
      1. If a report is made, ATSU’s Title IX coordinator (or designee) will review the report in an initial meeting with the reporting party. Objectives of this initial meeting will be to reduce the report to writing, stop the harassment, prevent its recurrence, and take steps to remedy its effects in the interim.
      2. If, following the initial review of the complaint, it is determined no potential policy violations exist, the Title IX coordinator (or designee) will produce a report stating such conclusion, including all elements of the initial meeting and interim remedial steps taken.
      3. Interim remedial steps may include academic or work adjustments, no contact orders, temporary suspension of the responding party, or any other reasonable measure to facilitate the end and prevention of harassment or discrimination.
      4. If, after an initial meeting between ATSU’s Title IX coordinator (or designee) and a reporting party, it is determined any part of this policy may have been violated, a full investigation will be conducted. Investigators from GERT will be assigned. Investigators will be appropriately trained and will not have a conflict of interest or bias against the reporting or responding party. In some instances, an outside party may be contracted to complete some or all of the roles in the grievance process.
      5. Parties will be regularly updated as to projected timeline for completion of investigation. During the process, the reporting party and responding party will have equal opportunity to present witnesses and provide evidence. Reporting party, responding party, and appropriate officials will be given timely and equal access to information to be used during informal and formal disciplinary meetings and hearings.
      6. All ATSU employees, who are not named as responding parties, must cooperate fully with any investigations.
         1. Exception - Employees acting under a professional license which provides privilege (i.e., behavioral health & wellness counselors).
         2. Employees who have a professional license, which provides privilege, but are not acting under that license, do not have privilege (i.e., a healthcare provider serving in a professor role).
         3. Academic information protected under FERPA is available to investigations as legitimate educational interest.
      7. Investigators use “preponderance of evidence” standard when determining whether or not there is a violation.

Sanctions

1. Sanctions are determined by the hearing panel (within the Title IX Grievance Process) or recommended by the investigators (within the General Discrimination Grievance Process).
2. Sanctions for student violations of ATSU Policy No. 90-210 may include, but are not limited to a reprimand, disciplinary warning to be added to the student’s permanent file, educational sanctions, required counseling, limitations in activities, probation, suspension, dismissal, revocation of diploma, student organizational sanctions, and other context appropriate sanctions.
3. Sanctions for employee violations of ATSU Policy No. 90-210 may include, but are not limited to, disciplinary warning to be added to the employee’s permanent file, performance management improvement process, required counseling, probation, additional training, suspension with or without pay, loss of annual pay increase, loss of oversight or supervisory responsibility, demotion, dismissal, and other context appropriate sanctions.
4. ATSU community members who share employee and student status may be sanctioned under either or both status.
5. Sanctioning is guided by the ATSU Policy No. 90-210 sanctioning guide.

Appeals

1. Parties will have the right to appeal within five business days of receiving the findings and sanctions or the report’s dismissal. If the appeal is not timely or substantively eligible, the original decision will stand, and the decision will be final. The party requesting the appeal must show error per the grounds below and sanctions are presumed to have been decided reasonably and appropriately. The only grounds for appeal are:
   1. A procedural irregularity affecting the outcome of matter.
   2. To consider new evidence, unavailable during the original hearing or investigation, which could substantially impact the decision in the matter. A summary of this new evidence and its potential impact must be included.
   3. Investigators or hearing panel members had a conflict of interest or bias affecting the outcome of the matter.
2. Parties will be provided the evidence which is relevant or directly related to the finding in an electronic format. The evidence is not to be printed or transferred to other parties. The parties may request their advisor receive access to the evidence as well.
3. Appeals must be submitted for review to the Title IX coordinator (or designee) to determine standing. Appeals with standing will be forwarded to a panel of trained GERT member(s) or third party consultant(s).
4. If an appeal is determined to have standing, the other party will have the opportunity to review the appeal and provide a written response within three business days. If some or all of an appeal is determined to not have standing, the appealing party will receive notice and explanation. A decision to deny an appeal because of a lack of standing is not appealable.
5. Upon receipt of a written appeal, an appellate panel consisting of up to three GERT members (or outside consultant(s)) will be selected to rule on the appeal.
   1. Appeals decisions are to be deferential to the original hearing body, making changes to the finding only where there is clear error and to the sanction only if there is a compelling justification to do so. An appeal is not an opportunity for appeals officers to substitute their judgment for that of the original hearing body merely because they disagree with the finding and/or sanctions.
   2. Any sanctions, excluding termination, employment transfer, or expulsion, imposed at the conclusion of an investigation will remain in effect during the appeals process. Termination, employment transfer, expulsion, or dismissal will be treated as a suspension from the conclusion of the application of sanctions to the conclusion of the appeal process. If employment termination, employment transfer, or expulsion are upheld in the appeal process, such sanction will be instituted immediately at the conclusion of the appeal.
   3. The appellate panel will rule on the appeal within 15 business days. Any extension of time beyond 15 business days will be communicated to both parties along with an updated timeframe for the ruling. If an appeal is granted, direction will be provided by the appellate panel regarding next steps. Appellate panel may:
      1. Remand case to the original hearing panel.
      2. Remand case to a new hearing panel.
      3. Remand case back to the original investigators.
      4. Remand case to a new set of investigators.
      5. Make no change to the decision or sanction.

Amnesty

1. Amnesty for drug/alcohol possession and consumption violations
   1. ATSU strongly encourages students and employees to report potential violations of this policy. Therefore, good faith reporters to appropriate authorities regarding potential violations will not face University disciplinary action for their own drug/alcohol possession or consumption in connection with the reported incident.
   2. Amnesty for persons making a report in good faith does not include substance abuse counseling and/or rehabilitation, which may be necessary for employees or students with clinical responsibilities or patient contact.

Free speech and academic freedom

1. Faculty and other academic appointees, staff, and students of the University enjoy significant free speech protections guaranteed by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
2. This policy is intended to protect members of the University community from discrimination, not to regulate protected speech.
3. This policy will be implemented in a manner recognizing the importance of rights to freedom of speech and expression.
4. The University also has a compelling interest in free inquiry and collective search for knowledge, and thus, recognizes principles of academic freedom as a special area of protected speech.
5. Consistent with these principles, no provision of this policy will be interpreted to prohibit conduct legitimately related to course content, teaching methods, scholarship, or public commentary of an individual faculty member or the educational, political, artistic, or literary expression of students in classrooms and public forums.
6. Freedom of speech and academic freedom are not limitless and do not protect speech or expressive conduct violating federal or state anti-discrimination laws.

Record retention

ATSU will maintain copies of the following documents/records relating to this policy in accordance with ATSU’s record retention schedule.

1. Each discrimination investigation report and evidence gathered;
2. Final determination letters and disciplinary sanctions imposed upon respondent;
3. Audio or audiovisual recordings or transcript of live hearings;
4. Remedies provided to complainant in order to restore or preserve equal access to education programs or activities;
5. Any appeal and the result therefrom;
6. Informal resolution agreements;
7. Supportive measures offered in response to a report or formal complaint of sexual harassment;
8. Written basis explaining ATSU was not deliberately indifferent in its response to reports for formal complaints of sexual harassment, which is often a conclusion of the investigation report and hearing panel report;
9. ATSU will retain all materials used to train Title IX coordinators, investigators, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process;
10. Documentation for reasons why supportive measures were not provided and why it was reasonable in light of known circumstances.

Responsibility

1. All ATSU employees: Employees are required to report instances of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation to the Title IX coordinator or deputy Title IX coordinators and cooperate fully in an investigation when not named as a respondent.
2. All ATSU employees and students:
   1. Employees and students are required to comply with the requests of the Title IX coordinator (or designee) in implementing supportive or interim measures and sanctions.
   2. Employees and students who are not named as responding parties must cooperate fully with investigations and hearing panels.
3. Title IX coordinator: Responding to and monitoring all complaints of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation from students, employees, members of the public, or beneficiaries is the responsibility of the Title IX coordinator or their designee.
4. This employee is responsible for facilitating appropriate sex- and gender-based harassment and discrimination awareness, prevention, training, monitoring, reporting, investigation, and resolution at ATSU.

Admissions Policies

Advanced Standing

Advanced Standing may be granted to individuals enrolling in select professional, post-professional or graduate programs. Advanced Standing, if granted, is based on a review of prior learning that may include successfully completed academic coursework at another degree-granting institution; other relevant programs/courses taken in the workplace, from professional organizations or in other training contexts where appropriate certification is available; and/or documented applicable work experiences.

A maximum of 65% of the total number of credits toward the degree may be granted for advanced standing (unless otherwise stated in an institutional agreement). Specific credit maximums, advanced standing requirements, and required documentation vary by program.

To be considered for advanced standing, submit the completed Advanced Standing Credit Form (pdf)  to the program director with all required supporting documentation. Check the catalog for specific program requirements/forms/portfolio instructions.

In order for advanced standing applications to be considered, the following criteria must be met for each type of prior learning required by a program:

For academic coursework (for each course considered unless otherwise stated in an institutional agreement):

• Official transcript documenting successful completion of course(s).
• Course syllabi or copy of course catalog with course description.
• Course is a professional or graduate level course from a college or university accredited by a U.S. Department of Education institutional accreditor.
  • Graduates of non-US accredited universities may need transcript/syllabi review by a recognized external agency and/or program-administered testing to establish equivalency. See program-specific requirements in catalog.
• Course clearly meets the defined goals and objectives of a specific course being offered by ATSU.
• Student earned a minimum of a B in the course.
• Course was taken no more than 7 years prior to the transfer of credit application completion date.
• Course must be equivalent to or greater than the amount of credit assigned to the specified ATSU course.

For other courses or programs:

• Continuing education course/seminar/program descriptions, proof of completion and certification awarded.

For work experience:

• Letter from employer/s specifying nature and extent of program-related work experiences.

The appropriate ATSU program director will review the application and make a determination within 30 days of receiving the completed application packet. Once a decision is made by the program director, the application and all accompanying materials will be forwarded to the Enrollment Services Office for final review. Once signed and approved by Enrollment Services, the advanced standing status will be processed.

Transfer Credit

In order for the Transfer and Associated Academic Credit Request (pdf)  to be considered, the following criteria must be satisfied:

• Submit the completed transfer of credit application to the program chair and include the following:
  • Course syllabi or copy of course catalog with course description.
  • Official transcript documenting successful completion of transfer course(s).
• Course is a graduate level course from a college or university accredited by a U.S. Department of Education institutional accreditor.
• Course clearly meets the defined goals and objectives of a specific course being offered by ATSU.
• Student earned a minimum of a B in the course.
• Course was taken no more than 7 years prior to the transfer of credit application completion date.
• The transferring course must be equivalent to or greater than the amount of credit assigned to the specified ATSU course.
• No more than 45% of the program’s total credits can be accepted as transfer credit (unless otherwise stated in an institutional agreement).

The appropriate ATSU program director will review the application and make a determination within 30 days of receiving the completed application packet. Once a decision is made by the program director, the application and all accompanying materials will be forwarded to the Enrollment Services Office for final review. Once signed and approved by Enrollment Services, the transfer credit will be processed.

Transferability of ATSU Credits

The transferability of credits earned at A.T. Still University of Health Sciences is at the discretion of the receiving college, university, or other educational institution. Students considering transferring to any institution should not assume that credits earned in any program of study at A.T. Still University of Health Sciences will be accepted by the receiving institution. Similarly, the ability of a degree, certificate, diploma, or other academic credential earned at A.T. Still University of Health Sciences to satisfy an admission requirement of another institution is at the discretion of the receiving institution. Accreditation does not guarantee credentials or credits earned at A.T. Still University of Health Sciences will be accepted by or transferred to another institution. To minimize the risk of having to repeat coursework, students should contact the receiving institution in advance for evaluation and determination of transferability of credits and/or acceptability of degrees, diplomas, or certificates earned. 

Re-Admission Policy & Procedures

In most instances, students withdrawing from ATSU, regardless of the reason, must apply for re-admission. To apply for re-admission, the applicant should submit the Application for Re-Admission (pdf)  to Enrollment Services at least one month in advance of the time the applicant wishes to re-enroll (three months are preferred). The Admissions Committee will consider the applicant and may ask for letters of reference, medical documentation, etc., and will review the student’s credentials on file with ATSU Enrollment Services. The Admissions Committee has the right to conduct interviews, secure documentation, evaluate past grades/performance, etc. Since the reason each applicant left is unique, the information required by the Admissions Committee may vary. The Admissions Committee has the right to reject an applicant’s request for re-admission. The Admissions Committee will consult with the dean of the college/school to establish placement and academic conditions for re-admission. If a background check is required for your program of study, a new background check will be required.

Former students who have been withdrawn or dismissed from ATSU for greater than two years may be required to complete the admission process used for all new applicants.

Criminal Background Checks

Criminal background checks are required for students enrolling in residential programs or online programs that require a background check. Background checks are conducted by a vendor selected by ATSU. The student is responsible for the cost of the criminal background check directly to the vendor. Failure to comply with this mandate will result in denial to matriculate. Matriculants with a positive criminal background screen will be reviewed. Any arrests, fines, charges (pending and/or dropped), or convictions that occur after a criminal background check is filed must be reported to the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs within 5 days of the occurrence. A new background check is required if a student defers their admission, takes a leave of absence, or withdraws for any reason and one year has elapsed. If a current ATSU student is admitted to a new program and it has been a year or more from the last date of the previously submitted background check, a new background check is required. The criminal background check policy development and approval is shared by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and the President of Missouri Campus or the President of the Arizona & California Campuses.

Additional background checks may be required for clinical rotations and are at the expense of the student.

Enrollment Services will provide a letter of verification of background check completion for matriculation purposes up to one year from the date of the background check reviewed for matriculation upon student request.

Student Policies

Code of Academic Conduct

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting the learned and honorable profession which they are entering. This code is directed to the expectation of academic honesty. While students have an obligation to assist fellow students in meeting the common goals of education, they have an equal obligation to maintain the highest standards of personal integrity.

In general, violations of the Code of Academic Conduct shall initially be investigated and handled by the Dean of the College/School or their designee. The following will be considered violations of the institution’s Code of Academic Conduct:

• Cheating, in general, on any required academic activity. This includes, but is not limited to, collaborating with another student or students during an academic exercise without the consent of the instructor, claiming credit for the work or efforts of another without proper citation, failing to submit one’s own work or efforts, submitting the work of others as one’s own, attempting to have oneself represented by another person in group activities (including discussion forums and work groups), falsifying or creating records to complete an academic exercise, including clinical requirements (falsification of histories, physicals, laboratory tests, rotation records, etc.), internships, assignments, etc.;
• Failure to appear before the University when called to offer testimony, and failure to testify fully and truthfully during any such appearances;
• Misrepresenting facts for the purpose of gaining admission, enrollment, or academic advancement, or aiding another person in such misrepresentation;
• Providing or receiving unauthorized assistance during any test or examination, representing or attempting to have oneself represented by another in the taking of an examination, preparation of a paper, or other academic activity;
• Plagiarizing, or presenting the work of another as one’s own. This includes copying of another person’s ideas or words, interspersing one’s own words within another’s work, paraphrasing another’s work without appropriate attribution, fabricating sources of data, and other uses of another’s ideas or words without acknowledgment;
• Misuse of University technology and networking resources;
• Misusing confidential materials. It is an offense to knowingly or recklessly procure, distribute, or receive any confidential materials such as pending examinations, tests/quizzes, or assignments from any source without the proper, written consent of the course instructor.
• Submitting academic work for which academic credit has already been earned, when such submission is made without instructor authorization;
• Failure to report any of the above violations to the appropriate Dean, College/School Administrator, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs or their designee. 

Professional Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct

Copyright Infringement Policies and Sanctions (Including Computer Use and File Sharing)

The use of copyrighted materials for instructional purposes must be done in compliance with U.S. copyright law. For information on the correct use of copyrighted materials, please see the A.T. Still Memorial Library Copyright Guide.

Unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials, unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, and illegal downloading or unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials using the University’s information technology system, are considered violations of the institution’s Code of Academic Conduct. Students found guilty of such behavior are to subject to sanctions including, but not limited to, reprimand, probation, suspension, dismissal, disciplinary consultation, as well as other sanctions deemed appropriate by the University.

Unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials, including unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, may subject students to civil and criminal liabilities, which are summarized below.

Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement.

Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or “statutory” damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For “willful” infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also asses costs and attorneys’ fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505.

Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense. For more information, please see the website of the U.S. Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov.

Code of Behavioral Standards

The Code of Behavioral Standards is located in the ATSU University Student Handbook , which can be accessed by selecting University Student Handbook link under the header University on the ATSU University Catalog   homepage. 

Student Address/Location Policies

Determining Student Location

To comply with federal and state laws and regulations, consumer protection requirements, and state authorization requirements, A.T. Still University (ATSU) determines the location of its prospective and current students using the following methods.

Determining Location for Campus-Based Programs

For students enrolled in residential programs, location is automatically determined by the state in which the campus is located (e.g., Arizona, California, or Missouri). For the purposes of professional licensure disclosures, even if a prospective student in the recruitment or admission process has not yet physically relocated to the state where the program is located, they are still considered to be in that state due to the nature of the academic program.

Determining Location for Online Programs

Prospective students who apply or express interest in a distance education program are located in the state listed in their local address at the time of application for inquiry. The student’s location may change if the student’s address changes during the recruitment process or subsequent to their matriculation.

Verifying State of Legal Residence

All students must verify their state of legal residence in the Anthology Student Portal prior to matriculation, in compliance with State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA). Failure to comply may result in a hold on the student’s record until the verification has been completed. Additionally, students are required to verify their address information every six months. 

Update Address/Location

ATSU defines location as the local address at which the student resides. ATSU requires students to update address/location every 6 months. This update will occur through a prompt immediately after authenticating to the ATSU Portal. Students need to provide both local and permanent addresses and phone numbers. The information collected will be used in instances of a medical or other emergency or if a student is deemed missing. To restrict your contact information to only those who need to know the information (University staff, emergency response personnel, etc.) students may do so by placing a restriction on directory information. To learn more about directory restrictions visit the FERPA Policy section on the ATSU Enrollment Services website. 

Address/location updates can be made at any time by following the instructions located on the ATSU Enrollment Services website.

Absence Policies

Short Term Absence

Students who anticipate missing class for a scheduled medical or personal event, or experience an unexpected emergency absence of 5 consecutive class days, must work directly with the Dean’s/Designated Office for approval and to make arrangements to make-up any work missed. For program specific information please refer to instructions located in the school section of the catalog.

Extended Absence – Contract Required

For students who request consideration for a longer absence (defined as a period of time from 6 to 15 consecutive class days) the Extended Absence may be considered.

This request must first be approved by the individual program’s dean or designee. Please note a signed contract is required to complete the process. This contract provides structure, uniformity, and communication between student, faculty, program administration, and all Student Services departments.

The contract must be signed and approved by all parties at least 14 days prior to the anticipated absence, or within 48 hours of the onset of an emergency or unexpected circumstance.

No more than one extended absence contract is allowed within a 30-day period. Multiple requests for extended absence contacts within the same academic term will require additional review by the program Dean.

Any absence that will extend beyond the 15th day will require request for approval under the Student Leave Policy. If the official Student Leave request is not approved and the student does not return within the time frame outlined in the Extended Absence Contract, the student will be administratively withdrawn from the program and must re-apply for admission.

The required form may be found here: Extended Absence Request Form (pdf)   

Student Leave Policy

For students who anticipate being unable to participate in all course requirements or activities for a period of time beyond 15 consecutive class days, the student must petition for a leave. Leave approval is subject to individual program policies.  A Dean may petition on the student’s behalf for a leave for students who are experiencing personal or medical circumstances but refuse to petition for a leave and they believe it is in the best interest to go on leave when they have been determined to be a potential threat to themselves or others.

A leave may be requested for medical (physical or mental), including maternity, personal, military deployment (a copy of military orders must be provided), or other, which must be specified. When requesting a medical leave, the student must include documentation from their healthcare provider identifying the condition and anticipated time needed for the leave.

If approved, a leave may be granted for up to 1 year. If the student does not return within the time frame outlined in the leave, the student will be administratively withdrawn from the program and must re-apply for admission. Students taking leave for medical reasons must provide a medical release prior to their return.

In order to return from the leave, a student must notify Enrollment Services of their intent to return in writing within a time frame specified by the Dean. Enrollment Services will then work with the program to facilitate the return to classes or clinical rotations.

The student will not be eligible for financial aid while on leave and no enrollment will be reported to defer student loans. An Enrollment Services appointment will be required prior to leave approval.

Leave Approved-approved for an institutional leave of absence of more than 15 days. 

A leave notation will appear on the transcript for the term in which the leave began.

The required form may be found here: Student Leave Request Form (pdf)    

Withdrawal from School

Students withdrawing from their program must fill out the program withdrawal form located on the ATSU portal. Upon form submission, the student’s program has two business days to contact the student to discuss the withdrawal.  After two business days, the withdrawal will be processed with an official withdrawal date recorded as the initial submission date of the withdrawal form.

Withdrawal (Official): student notifies the University of their intent to withdraw.

Withdrawal (Unofficial): student fails to participate during census week and is withdrawn due to non-attendance.

Reasons why a student might withdraw may include: 

• Medical Withdrawal
  • Students may have a medical reason that requires a withdrawal. Students may apply for re-admission. The Admissions Committee will determine acceptance, and the dean of the college/school will determine placement in the event of acceptance.
• External Graduate Student Fellowship Withdrawal 
  • Students who have completed the first two years of a residential program may request to leave ATSU to pursue educational opportunities, such as PhD programs or research fellowships, grants, etc. Advanced study withdrawal may be considered by the Dean of the College/School for a maximum of one year with renewal. Re-admission is guaranteed provided: (1) the student has remained in compliance with ATSU’s Codes of Academic Conduct and Behavioral Standards while on leave; (2) the student makes satisfactory academic progress at the sponsoring institution, and (3) the student meets the technical standards for admission. Applicants for an advanced study withdrawal will be required to supply appropriate documentation as determined by the University. Students seeking Advanced Study Withdrawal should initially meet with the Dean of the College/School to discuss the appropriateness of the request. For additional information and required paperwork, please see the External Graduate Student Fellowship Policy located in the ATSU section of the University Catalog.
• Military Withdrawal
  • Students whose military obligations may necessitate a period of absence from the academic program when they are called to extended active duty. Re-admission is guaranteed pending proof of compliance with minimal technical standards and the Codes of Academic and Behavioral Conduct. A committee comprising of the Dean of the applicable school, the university CFO, and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs will determine the appropriate actions needed when a Service member ceases their attendance due to a military service obligation. This decision will take into consideration the unique circumstances for each individual Service member. A copy of military deployment orders must be provided.
• Personal Withdrawal
  • Students who wish to voluntarily leave ATSU for personal reasons. Students withdrawing from ATSU must apply for re-admission.
• Administrative Withdrawal
  • A.T. Still University reserves the right to administratively withdraw students for non-compliance with University policy; non-attendance or participation as required by the student’s academic program; failure to fulfill financial, academic or legal obligations; or failure of the student to initiate the official withdrawal process.
  • Students who are administratively withdrawn will be notified of the action in writing by the University official initiating the withdrawal.

Violations of the University’s Code of Academic Conduct or Code of Behavioral Standards will not be addressed under the Administrative Withdrawal policy.

Please refer to the University Student Handbook – Disciplinary Sanctions section for additional information.

Following is an outline of the grade assigned to students who withdraw. Questions concerning this policy should be directed to Enrollment Services.

Student Health Insurance

A.T. Still University requires all students enrolled in a residential program to maintain active health insurance coverage. All ATSU students must either enroll in the ATSU student sponsored health plan or submit a waiver to receive approval for use of another acceptable health coverage plan. 

HSA Consulting, Inc. (HSAC) is the group administrator for the student health plan and will verify waiver information to ensure all students are in compliance with A.T. Still University health insurance requirements. As the group administrator HSAC will assist students with plan questions, address changes, claims assistance and obtaining ID cards.  

For more information on details of the plan, University requirements, enrollment, or completing the waiver process; please visit: app.hsac.com/atsu.

HSA Consulting, Inc. is available by phone, 888.978.8355, or email atsu@hsac.com, for any additional questions regarding the waiver/enrollment process or the student health insurance plan.

Failure to maintain continuous health insurance coverage may result in disciplinary action including possible suspension and/or dismissal.

Enrollment & Academic Records Policies

Transcripts and Student Records

Permanent education records maintained by the University are the responsibility of the Registrar. Transcripts of academic records will contain only information regarding academic status. In cases where disciplinary action leads to the student’s ineligibility for re-enrollment into the University (suspension or expulsion), disciplinary action will become a part of the permanent academic record. Disciplinary records or information from such records will be made available to persons outside of the University only on the formal written request of the student involved or as otherwise allowed by law or regulation.

Academic records and financial aid records or information from such records will be used by University personnel who have legitimate responsibility for this student’s personal welfare and when necessary to the discharge of their official duties.

Per ATSU Policy No. 10-209, ATSU Record Retention Policy, ATSU academic transcripts are maintained permanently by the University and admission application records are maintained for 5 years after graduation or last day of attendance.

Financial assistance records will be maintained by the University only so long as the student (or graduate) has a promissory note or notes outstanding through a University loan program. Except for the purpose of official audits, financial assistance records will be made available to persons outside the University only upon the formal written request of the student (or graduate) involved or as otherwise allowed by law or legislation.

Student health records will be maintained by the University as prescribed by professional ethics and federal and state laws.

In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), students will be permitted to review their educational records within 45 days of written request to Enrollment Services. Also, students may restrict disclosure of directory information by completing a “Nondisclosure of Directory Information Form” available from Enrollment Services. The FERPA restriction will remain in effect until Enrollment Services is notified in writing to remove the restriction. The following items are designated as “Directory Information”: name, primary address, telephone number, email address, dates of attendance, class year (if applicable), enrollment status (i.e. full-time/part-time), previous institution(s) attended, program(s) of study, awards, honors, degree(s) conferred (including dates), class roster, class schedule, photographs, expected graduation date, and limited release of date of birth. DOB will only be released to official agencies as required for matching student records or as a validation of positive identification when furnished by a person making an inquiry.

In compliance with FERPA regulations, an official or unofficial transcript of record will be transmitted to a second or requesting party only on written request of the current or former student. The required transcript release may be authorized through the National Clearinghouse’s online transcript services website: http://www.getmytranscript.org. If a student who has completed more than one academic program at ATSU submits a transcript request, the transcript records for all programs will be issued.

All employees of ATSU are required to read and sign the ATSU Staff Handbook which addresses FERPA. Annually employees are asked to review FERPA and the online FERPA tutorial during the annual employee training. In addition, Enrollment Services will periodically send FERPA reminders and information through a variety of distribution methods.

Students failing to fulfill financial obligations to the University before graduation may result in a registration hold for future courses and referral to a third-party collections agency.

Questions concerning records and grades should be brought to Enrollment Services, 660.626.2019 or enrollmentservices@atsu.edu.

Matriculation, Census, & Student Status

Matriculation

A student is considered matriculated at ATSU when a faculty/staff member confirms the student has been in attendance during the first week of the term. At that time, the student’s status is changed to active in the Anthology Student system and they will be considered officially enrolled within the University.

Census

In accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 668.21), all institutions must establish when students began attendance by documented participation at the beginning of each term in order to receive Title IV aid. This time period is referred to as census, which is defined as a period of time during the first week of a term in which faculty and staff determine if a student has participated and begun the semester. Participation must be an approved form of academic engagement, as defined by the Department of Education (34 CFR 668.22 (I)). If census is not established by the end of the day Sunday, of the first week, all Title IV funds must be returned and the student will be withdrawn from their course(s). As a graduate institution, ATSU is not an attendance taking institution.

Student Status

After a student has been accepted to ATSU, but prior to census, the student status in Anthology Student is Future Start. While students are in a Future Start status, they will be registered in courses and remain in this status until census is confirmed at which time the status will be promoted from Future Start to Active.

Students in a Re-Entry status were previously enrolled, inactive for a term, and now is preparing to return to active enrollment.

Extended students needs additional time beyond the typical program length to complete the degree requirements.

Decelerated students have their pace of progression slowed to allow additional focus on academic success. The decelerated schedule of courses results in a longer period of enrollment. Decelerated students may be withdrawn in some cases and will re-enter with the next cohort.

ATSU Credit Hour

This policy sets forth the definition for determining credit hours at A.T. Still University. The purpose of this policy to provide consistency within each program in the calculation of credit hours for didactic (including online), laboratory, and clinical courses. ATSU has adopted the semester credit hour. This policy is in adherence with the Higher Learning Commission Policy FDCR.A.10.020-Assignment of Credits, Program Length, and Tuition.

In calculating credit hours, one hour of credit is awarded for:

• 15 instructional hours with anticipated student activity of 2 additional hours per instructional hour for reading, preparing assignments, etc. which is equivalent to 45 hours of student activity.
• 30 course lab hours.
• 1 week of clinical rotation.
• 60 research hours.

Enrollment Status

This policy sets forth the definitions for determining student enrollment status. Eligibility to receive federal financial aid and in-school loan deferment requires students to be enrolled at a minimum of half-time status. Federal guidelines permit graduate schools to establish their own enrollment status definitions.

Enrollment status for programs following the ATSU semester system:

• Full-Time: 9 credit hours or more per semester
• 3/4 Time: 7-8 credit hours per semester
• 1/2 Time: 5-6 credit hours per semester
• Less than 1/2 Time: 4 credit hours or less per semester

Enrollment status for programs utilizing the quarter system:

• Full-Time: 9 quarter credit hours per term
• 1/2 Time: 5 quarter credit hours per term

Continuous Enrollment

Students must maintain continuous enrollment until completion of all graduation requirements. Maintaining continuous enrollment and payment of the associated tuition charge acknowledges both the student’s own academic efforts in completion of degree requirements without having to reapply to the University and the student’s use of University resources, including facilities and faculty services.

Continuous enrollment must be for a minimum of one-hour credit in the appropriate course designated by the department or school. When no suitable credit registration is available, students may fulfill the continuous enrollment requirement by registration in Continuous Graduate Enrollment CGE700, for no academic credit. Tuition for CGE700 will be charged at the rate of $400/per quarter or $800/semester. The appropriate charge will be assessed for each quarter/semester that the student maintains enrolled until all degree requirements are completed. Tuition assessed under this policy will not be pro-rated. Leave of Absence statuses are not considered enrolled and therefore will not be charged this fee.

Good Standing

A.T. Still University students are considered in good academic standing if their Anthology “School Status” is listed as Active, Active-Fellowship, NDS-Attending, or reported as defined specifically by the requesting body.  A student’s status may be verified by contacting Enrollment Services at enrollmentservices@atsu.edu.

ATSU Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

A Post-Baccalaureate Certificate is an award that requires completion of an organized program of study beyond the bachelor’s degree. It is designed for individuals who have completed a baccalaureate degree, and may wish to pursue a doctoral degree or master’s degree in the future. Certificates at ATSU require at least 3 courses and a minimum of 9 credit hours.

ATSU Concentration

This is a subset of courses within a program that allows students to focus on a specific area of study. To satisfy a specific concentration, courses must be chosen from a restricted list.

Grading

The following grades affect a student’s grade point average (GPA).

The following grades do not affect a student’s grade point average (GPA).

Note: For residential cohort based programs, modules completed will have grade earned while modules not completed will receive W grade up to 60% of the registration period.

ATSU programs utilize the following grading scale; effective June 1, 2018. This includes the 2018 incoming classes at ATSU-ASDOH, ATSU-ASHS, ATSU-KCOM, and ATSU-MOSDOH. Students that were enrolled prior to June 1, 2018 will continue to be graded using the grading scale found in the 17-18 Catalog. Students that return after withdrawing from their program or switch classes for any reason will be graded using the new University grading scale.  

Remediation refers to when a student has failed a portion of a course and is allowed a second attempt. If the remediation opportunity is passed, the student will earn a final grade no higher than a RC or RP (Remediation C or Remediation Pass).

When a student repeats a course(s), upon completion of the course(s), the most recent grade will be calculated into the GPA, regardless of the prior grade earned. See the Financial Policies  section of the ATSU Catalog for information related to repeat coursework and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for Title IV, Federal Direct Loan, and Federal Work-Study eligibility. 

ATSU Incomplete Grade Policy

A grade of Incomplete (I) is a temporary grade that may be assigned at the instructor’s discretion due to extenuating circumstances such as illness, military obligations, and/or a death in the family. A student must have completed 60% of the course and be passing to be eligible for an incomplete. When an instructor issues an incomplete grade, the student will have a maximum of 4 weeks post-course to complete all course requirements. If additional time is necessary, the Extended Incomplete Grade Agreement Form (pdf)  must be completed and submitted to Enrollment Services. The Incomplete must be completed by the end of the following semester.  Courses that are not assigned a grade within 4 weeks, and do not have an Extended Incomplete Form on file, will be assigned an ‘F’ for the course. See the Financial Policies section of the ATSU Catalog for information related to Incomplete grades and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for Title IV, Federal Direct Loan and Federal Work-Study eligibility.

In Progress (IP) can be assigned if a course requires more than one term to complete. The course is registered and awarded financial aid in only one term. Examples in which an IP may be used include: thesis, comprehensive exams, board exams, dissertation, rotations, preceptorships, clerkships. The IP designation is determined by course, not student.  IP should be submitted at the end of the term in place of a grade and does not require a form. All IP’s must be resolved within one academic calendar year (2 semesters) of being posted or will result in an automatic failure. See the Financial Policies section of the ATSU Catalog for information related to In Progress grades and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for Title IV, Federal Direct Loan and Federal Work-Study eligibility.

Class Rank

For programs that offer class rank, Enrollment Services will provide students this information within the Anthology Student Portal 30 days after a semester is completed.

Course Drop

Residential Programs

Course drops must be approved and submitted by the Program Chair and submitted prior to the last day to withdraw.

Online Programs

Students are encouraged to contact the academic program to review their academic plan and options when dropping a course. To drop a course, the student must submit the ATSU add/drop form located in the ATSU portal, under Resources > Academic Resources.  A student is not considered officially dropped from a course until this form is submitted. The date of the drop will be the date the form is submitted.

Following is an outline of the grade assigned to students who drop a course.

• Last day to withdraw without a W appearing on the transcript: First week of the registration period
• Last day to withdraw (W grade will be assigned): Up to 60% of registration period

Questions concerning this policy should be directed to Enrollment Services.

Academic Appeals

The individual professional and graduate programs of ATSU, through their faculty and established school procedures, retain principal responsibility for assessing student performance. Disputes concerning unsatisfactory progress evaluations should be reconciled through the processes and procedures described by the school. Appeals of academic decisions are as follows:

Course Grade Appeals

Students who wish to file an academic appeal concerning a course grade must do so by contacting the instructor/course director in writing within 14 calendar days from posting of the final grade in the Anthology Student Portal.

A student may appeal the decision of the instructor/course director to the academic chair for review if new or significant information is revealed after the instructor/course director’s decision or if the student believes that due process (the administration of justice according to established rules and principles) was not followed. The appeal must be submitted to the academic chair in writing within 14 calendar days of receipt of the instructor/course director’s decision.

A student may appeal the decision of the academic chair for failing grades only to the Dean or Dean’s designee for review if new or significant information is revealed after the academic chair’s decision or if the student believes that due process was not followed. The appeal must be submitted to the Dean or Dean’s designee in writing within 14 calendar days of receipt of the academic chair’s decision.

The final level of appeal for a failing course grade is the Dean of the school. The decision reached by the Dean or Dean’s designee represents the highest level of due process available in the University for appealing a failing course grade.

All responses to appeals will be provided by ATSU within 7 calendar days.

Promotion and/or Dismissal Decision Appeals

Each school outlines the process for appealing a promotion or dismissal decision. The highest level of appeal within the school is the Dean or Dean’s designee. Should a student wish to appeal a Dean’s decision regarding promotion or dismissal, a formal appeal may be made to the President of respective campus. 

The respective campus President’s review of such appeals, however, shall be limited to matters of process, procedure and fairness.

Grounds for Appeal to the President

A formal appeal may be brought to the respective campus President if based upon one or more of the following grounds:

1. Procedural error or violation of official policy during the decision-making process or judgments improperly based upon non-academic criteria.
2. New information not available for consideration when the promotion or dismissal decision was rendered and sustained during due process within the School or College, up to and including the Dean’s decision.

Process for Appeal to the President

1. The appeal must be in writing, and must be received by the respective campus President’s office within 7 calendar days of receipt of the Dean’s decision letter.
2. The appeal must be signed and clearly describe the decision in question and must state (from the list above) the specific grounds justifying the appeal. All documentation supporting the appeal must be provided by the appellant at the time of written notification of appeal to the respective campus President. If the grounds for appeal are other than those stated above, the appeal will not be considered and the student will be informed of such in writing within 7 calendar days of the receipt of the appeal.
3. The respective campus President may request additional information/documentation from the Dean and/or the appellant as he/she deems appropriate and, at his/her discretion, may interview the student and such other persons as the respective campus President desires. Should the respective campus President request additional information or interviews, the decision deadline will be moved to 7 calendar days after receipt of requested information.
4. The respective campus President, after review and consideration of the materials submitted and any oral presentations by the parties, shall render the final decision and notify the student in writing within 7 calendar days.
5. The student may be allowed to register for courses during the pendency of the appeal, understanding that he/she will be dropped retroactively if the dismissal is upheld.

The decision reached by the respective campus President represents the highest level of due process available in the University for the appeal of promotion or dismissal decisions.

External Graduate Student Fellowship Policy

Fellowships can enhance the educational experience of graduate students by allowing them to pursue studies according to their own interests and needs. An approved external graduate student fellowship application must be on file prior to beginning the fellowship. No fellowships will be allowed to count retroactively. In order to apply for an approved external fellowship, a student must be in good academic standing and have completed the first two years of a residential program. All A.T. Still University policies apply while on fellowship. Fellowship applications are available in the Dean’s Office. A student may select from the following fellowship status options and must designate the selected option on the external fellowship application. Students are responsible for understanding all potential implications their selection may have on their academic status, financial aid, and associated charges.

Options:

• Receive ATSU academic credit: Fellowship information must be supplied to the dean of the college or school who will determine ATSU fellowship credit hours based on a number of factors including: length of time in weeks, estimated contact hours, and fellowship deliverables. All fellowships receiving ATSU academic credit will receive a Pass/Fail grade. The dean may consider the fellowship as a substitution for elective requirements. Tuition will be charged based on program specific billing. Once credit hours have been determined, please contact the Controller’s Office for billing questions. Students receiving ATSU academic credit may be financial aid eligible. Once credit hours have been determined, please contact Enrollment Services for financial aid questions. Please check with your program to determine if the fellowship will have any impact to your estimated graduation date requiring an extended schedule.
• No ATSU academic credit received but remains as an active ATSU student: Fellowship information must be supplied to the dean of the college or school who will approve the student’s time away and establish a deadline for re-enrollment in ATSU coursework. If the student does not return within the specified time frame, the student will be moved to a withdrawn status. The student will be assessed a $100 retention fee per semester or a $50 retention fee per quarter or block. The student is enrolled in a 0 credit continuous graduate enrollment course and does not meet the minimum half-time enrollment requirements to be considered for financial aid. Please contact Enrollment Services for questions regarding loan repayment. If the student receives academic credit for the fellowship at another academic institution, the student may submit a transfer credit request to the dean of the college or school and the credit may be considered for transfer to ATSU and designated on the student’s ATSU transcript. The final transfer of credit will be processed upon re-enrollment in ATSU coursework. If the student does not receive academic credit for the fellowship, the student may submit fellowship information to the dean of the college or school and the dean may approve a notation on the ATSU transcript that the student was not enrolled for the specified period of time due to an external fellowship. The notation will appear upon re-enrollment in ATSU coursework.
• No ATSU academic credit received and withdraws from ATSU: Fellowship information must be supplied to the Dean of the College/School who will approve the student’s time away and place the student in an inactive status. A time frame for re-enrollment will be stated and if the student does not return within the specified time frame, the student will be moved to a withdrawn status. A student in an inactive status is not considered enrolled and cannot be considered for financial aid purposes. Please contact Enrollment Services for questions regarding loan repayment. If the student receives academic credit for the fellowship at another academic institution, the student may submit a Transfer Credit Application to the dean of the college or school and the credit may be considered for transfer to ATSU and designated on the student’s ATSU transcript. The final transfer of credit will be processed upon re-enrollment in ATSU coursework. If the student does not receive academic credit for the fellowship, the student may submit fellowship information to the dean of the college or school; and the dean may approve a notation on the ATSU transcript that the student was not enrolled for the specified period of time due to an external fellowship. The notation will appear upon re-enrollment in ATSU coursework. A student must formally withdraw by submitting the withdraw link (Please refer to the Withdrawal from School section for additional information).

The A.T. Still University External Graduate Student Fellowship Application  must be completed and submitted for any of the above options to be put into effect.

Textbooks

There are differences between ATSU’s schools in the methods by which textbooks are secured. Due to these variables, students should communicate directly with their program for textbook information.