ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE POLICIES AND
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
NKU respects the integrity and total development of its students and recognizes the educational importance of all co-curricular experiences in which students participate. It also joins with the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Bill (34 CFR Part 86) in offering programming for students about alcohol and substance abuse.
NKU prohibits unlawful possession, use, or distribution of drugs and alcohol on its property or as part of its activities. A clear statement of unacceptable conduct and consequences related to substance abuse is found in NKU's student handbook, Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities, and is restated below.
Students may be accountable to civil authorities and the University for acts that constitute violations of law and of this code. Those charged with violations are subject to University disciplinary proceedings pending criminal proceedings and may not challenge University proceedings on grounds that criminal charges for the same incident have been dismissed, reduced, or not yet adjudicated.
The following misconduct is subject to disciplinary action: unauthorized distribution, or possession for purposes of distribution, or use of any controlled substance or illegal drug, as defined by Kentucky Revised Statutes, Chapter 218A, on University premises or at University-sponsored activities manifested under influence of a controlled or other intoxicating substance to the degree that there is danger to self, others, or property, or there is unreasonable annoyance to persons in the vicinity; and aiding and abetting any conduct described above.
The legal drinking age in Kentucky is twenty-one. Individuals are responsible for knowing the laws applying to substance abuse in the Commonwealth. In particular, individuals should be aware of legal consequences for violation of the legal age, use of false identification, drunk driving, and sale or distribution of illicit drugs.
Recognizing that alcohol and drug abuse is a serious problem in our society, NKU offers a variety of educational and assistance programs to the student population. An alcohol/drug abuse awareness week is held twice annually. An Alcoholics Anonymous meeting is held weekly on campus. Residence hall programs on drug and alcohol abuse are held annually. Alcohol/drug training sessions are held annually for residence hall assistants. Information and literature on substance abuse are available in the Student Health Office, University Center 300. Students who may have alcohol or other substance-abuse problems can be assisted for confidential evaluation and referral to appropriate community agencies.
The Women's Center is a resource center for faculty, staff, and students. The office staff is available to assist with and conduct programming for university classes, residential hall activities, and campus-wide events. The focus of this office is to create a drug-free environment by raising awareness of drug and alcohol issues and promoting healthy life choices.
Early recognition, intervention, and treatment for substance abuse are necessary to avoid compromises in physical and mental health. Health risks associated with substance abuse include but are not limited to physical dependence, psychological dependence, tolerance, alterations in the immune system, digestive problems, liver complications, neuropsychological complications, nutritional deficiencies, certain cancers, cardiovascular complications, nasal septal deterioration, respiratory complications, an increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, placenta transfer resulting in low birth weight, mental retardation, congenital malformation, and neonatal addiction.
In addition, moral deterioration and deterioration of personal relationships, impaired learning, violence, injuries, accidents, drunk driving, acquaintance rape, and unwanted pregnancies may result. Without early intervention and treatment, death may occur.
For further information on substance abuse, phone the Counseling Office, University Center 320, at 859-572-6373.
The University Schedule of Classes lists the dates when a student may add a course or withdraw from a course after completing registration. Drop/add may be accomplished via Norse Express for Students, or in person at the Registrar Service Center, AC 301. Drop/add transactions are not official unless processed by one of these methods. The regulations below apply to regular courses in fall and spring semesters. They also apply to all short courses, especially summer offerings, in a time sequence proportional to the length of the session. When adding courses, see course-load policy for allowable limits.
Students may withdraw from one or more courses only during the semester in which the course or courses are taken. The following procedures apply:a. During the first three weeks of the term, official course withdrawals will not be reflected on the student's transcript. An instructor may initiate a withdrawal for any student who does not attend classes during this three-week period.
b. From the fourth week through the tenth week or equivalent, official course withdrawals will be assured a grade of W (withdrawal). The W will appear on the student's transcript but will not be computed in the grade point average (GPA).
c. Course withdrawals after the tenth week or equivalent will not usually be allowed. In circumstances beyond the student's control, a W may be granted with approval of the instructor, the appropriate chairperson, and the student's dean whose college offers the course. In cases not approved, the student will receive the grade of F (failure).
d. Students withdrawing completely from school after the tenth week need only the approval of the dean of the student's major on the late withdrawal form.
e. The instructor may not issue a W as the final grade for students who did not withdraw prior to the tenth week or equivalent of classes or who are not covered by exceptions listed above.
f. A student who for two consecutive semesters registers for 9 or more semester hours and completely withdraws each semester will not be permitted to register for courses at NKU unless he/she petitions the Registrar in writing.
g. The above regulations apply to fall, spring, and summer semesters.
h. The last dates to add or withdraw from a course will be printed in the Schedule of Classes.
i. A student in the military reserves called into active status on an emergency basis who cannot complete course work for a given semester
2. may elect to receive the grade earned to-date in each course or receive a W in each course with a full refund if call-up is during the 13th or 14th week of the semester, or
3. will receive the grade earned to date in each course if call-up is in the 15th or 16th week of the semester.
The student should present his or her orders at the Registrar Service Center or fax them to 859-572-6094. If the student does not yet have written orders, he or she will have 60 days in which to present the orders. A family member or friend may bring a copy of the orders in the student's absence. If this deadline is not met, the student's grades would revert to F, and he or she will not be eligible to receive a refund.
In the situation in which the student has a choice, he or she must take either the grades or W in all courses.
ACADEMIC APPEALS
Appeals to academic regulations are defined in the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities. See http://www.nku.edu/~deanstudents/Rights-Contents.htm for information and procedure.
ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPT REQUEST
All requests for academic transcripts must be signed by the student and submitted to the Office of the Registrar. For specific information on requests for transcripts, please phone the transcript information line at 859-572-5556.
ACADEMIC COMMON MARKET
The Academic Common Market allows out-of-state students to pay instate tuition while studying selected academic programs that are not available in their home states. The list of programs included in the Academic Common Market is revised periodically to reflect the changing needs and offerings of participating states. The 15 states that participate in the Academic Common Market are Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. For more information, contact the Academic Common Market Institutional Coordinator, Administrative Center (AC) 505, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099, 859-572-6578.
1. The curricular requirements stated in the catalog in effect when a student enters the University as a degree-seeking student, or in any subsequent catalog chosen, must be met. If a student chooses a subsequent catalog, this intention must be in writing to the Office of the Registrar, AC 301. The student must satisfy all institutional and program requirements for the desired degree under any subsequent catalog selected.2. If a student's progress toward a degree is interrupted for four or more academic years from the last time he or she was regularly enrolled, all curricular requirements, both institutional and program, of the catalog in effect upon re-entry to the University must be met.3. Except in unusual circumstances, the requirements of one catalog may be followed for no more than eight consecutive academic years from the time the student first enrolled. For all institutional and program requirements for a degree, the student will normally follow the catalog succeeding the one just expired unless the student designates in writing, to the Office of the Registrar, AC 301, a more recent catalog. Students should consult their academic adviser to determine their catalog of applicability.
CHANGES IN ACADEMIC POLICIES/PROCEDURES
The University reserves the right to implement new policies/procedures deemed necessary to ensure compliance with those currently in effect.
CLASS ATTENDANCE
Classroom participation is essential to the educational process in many disciplines. However, students may not be penalized with a lowered grade merely on the basis of non-attendance unless class participation is clearly essential to the educational goals of the course. If this is the case, students must be informed of the necessity to participate in classroom activities. This information must be given to them no later than the fifth day of the semester. In any case, students are responsible for familiarity with material disseminated in the class and are not released from this responsibility because they cease to attend. It is assumed that students will be aware of the calendar deadlines for officially withdrawing from a course. If students do not officially withdraw prior to this deadline, and fail to successfully complete the required course work, a failing grade will be recorded.
COURSE NUMBERING
Courses numbered 000 to 099 are orientation or developmental and may not be applied toward a student's classification or toward a degree. Course's numbered 100 to 199 are usually for freshmen; 200 to 299, usually for sophomores; 300 to 499, usually for juniors and seniors; 500 to 599, for juniors, seniors, and graduate students (unless specified elsewhere in this catalog); and 600 to 699, for graduate students only.
COURSE PREREQUISITES AND COREQUISITES
A prerequisite is a requirement that must be satisfied before enrolling for a specific course. Students should not enroll in courses for which they lack the stated prerequisites. Students lacking the prerequisites may be withdrawn from these courses upon request of the instructor and/or academic department.
A corequisite is a course that must be taken in conjunction with another course. Students must enroll in corequisites during the same semester or summer session. A student enrolled in a course but not its corequisite will be withdrawn from that course upon request of the instructor and/or academic department.
STIPULATED
AND RESTRICTED ADMISSION
STUDENTS COURSE TAKING POLICY
Students with any academic deficiency, ACT/SAT or Pre-College Curriculum, will be required to enroll each semester in at least one course that fulfills an academic deficiency until all academic deficiencies are successful completed.
Students must successfully complete all academic deficiencies prior to completing 45 earned hours. Should students fail to complete all academic deficiencies by 45 earned hours, they will not be permitted to continue enrollment at NKU. Students may attend another college to take courses which meet their academic deficiencies and then later return to NKU to finish their degree.
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT OF 1974
In accordance with federal law, you have the right to inspect and review any and all official University records, files, and data incorporated in your cumulative record. You have the opportunity for a hearing to challenge the contents of these records to insure that they are accurate and not in violation of any of your rights. You also have the opportunity to correct, amend, or supplement any such records.
The only information that may be given out about you is directory information as defined in the Act unless you have specifically waived your rights within this act. If you have any questions concerning your rights within this act, please contact the Office of the Registrar, Northern Kentucky University.
GREATER CINCINNATI CONSORTIUM OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (GCCCU)
Through an agreement with the Greater Cincinnati Consortium of Colleges and Universities, students at NKU may register for courses offered by other Consortium institutions. Course credit and/or grades will be posted on the transcript.
Half-time students at NKU may take up to 6 additional semester hours through the consortium. The cumulative total number of consortium semester hours is limited to 12.
Graduate students are allowed 9 semester hours of combined transfer and consortium credits. Each program director has the discretion to accept an additional 3 semester hours of consortium-only credit, bringing the maximum possible non-NKU semester hours to 12. Any student denied the final consortium courses has the right of appeal through regular program and University channels.
Cross registration forms are available in the Office of the Registrar. Courses for credit toward an academic major must be approved by the chairperson of the major department.
Courses for general education credit must be approved by the College of Arts & Sciences.
Other than regular tuition charges at NKU, students will be required to pay course-related fees at the host institution. Catalogs and schedules of classes are available in the Office of the Registrar.
Member institutions of the Greater Cincinnati Consortium of Colleges and Universities include
Art
Academy of Cincinnati
Athenaeum
of Ohio
Chatfield
College
Cincinnati
Bible College and Seminary
Cincinnati
State Technical and Community College
College
of Mt. St. Joseph
Hebrew
Union College/Jewish Institute of Religion
Miami
University
Northern
Kentucky University
Southern
State Community College
Thomas
More College
University
of Cincinnati
Wilmington
College
Xavier
University
Through an agreement between the Greater Cincinnati Consortium of Colleges and Universities and Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education, NKU students may register for courses offered by the latter in fall and spring semesters if the courses needed are not available at the GCCCU schools. The same regulations apply as for the Greater Cincinnati Consortium.
The Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education includes
AFIT/RRD
Antioch
College
Central
State University
Clark
Technical College
Edison
State College
Kettering
Medical College
Sinclair
Community College
Southern
State College
United
Theological Seminary
University
of Dayton
Urbana
College
Wilberforce
University
Wittenberg
University
Wright
State University
1. Student enrollment between NKU and the consortium institution in fall or spring semester must be half-time (6 semester hours for undergraduate, 5 semester hours for graduate students); summer students must have been at least half-time during the preceding spring semester. Students must be degree-seeking and may enroll for no more than two courses at the host institution in one semester.
2. The course(s) requested must not be offered at Northern for one academic year, unless the student has officially applied for graduation with the Office of the Registrar.
3. Tuition commitments must have been met in full. Students enrolled less than full-time must pay for the additional credits taken through the consortium at NKU's tuition rate.
4. Students must observe all regulations of the host institution.
5. Credit hours earned under this program are considered as residence credit.
6. Quarter hours are converted into semester hours on a two-thirds basis.
7. Graduate students must obtain permission in advance from their adviser before taking courses at other colleges or universities. Written permission is required before registering for a consortium course. The consortium does not apply to students enrolled in or to courses offered through the Graduate Center.
8. For further information phone the NKU Office of the Registrar, 859-572-5556, or refer to the most recent Schedule of Classes.
TUITION RECIPROCITY
Northern Kentucky University, the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, and Southern State Community College have instituted an Undergraduate Reciprocity Agreement. This agreement extends reciprocity tuition rates to those residents of certain Ohio counties who meet the program/residency requirements. Since this agreement is subject to change on an annual basis, interested students should request current information from the Office of Admissions. As of the 2002-2003 academic year, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:
-
be a resident of Adams, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton,
Fayette, Hamilton, Highland, or Warren counties; - have earned an associate degree from a University of Cincinnati branch campus, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, or from Southern State Community College;
- must be working toward a first bachelor's degree and not majoring in early childhood education, environmental science, criminal justice, or nursing.
Since this agreement is subject to change on an annual basis, interested students should request current information and application form from
ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS
Articulation, for the purposes of student transfer between campuses, refers specifically to "course articulation", e.g., the process of developing a formal, written agreement that identifies courses (or sequences of courses) on a "sending" campus that are comparable to, or acceptable in lieu of, specific course requirements at a "receiving" campus. Successful completion of an articulated course(s) assures the student and the faculty that the student has taken the appropriate course(s), received the necessary instruction and preparation, and that similar outcomes can be assured, enabling progression to the next level of instruction at the receiving institution. The articulation process is intended to ensure problem-free course and program transfer from one institution to another.
Students who wish to transfer should become familiar with the articulation agreements. Northern Kentucky University has established articulation agreements with universities and colleges in general education and in specific majors. For specific information, contact the Office of Admissions, 859-572-5220.
By Mary A. Lepper
Email: oca@nku.edu