University Policies

Academic Grievances and Complaints

Students are free to speak with professors to express concerns about final grades. A student may speak to his instructor if s/he thinks they have been graded inappropriately on an assignment or exam or given a final course grade that is inappropriate. If the student thinks the instructor decision is dissatisfying, s/he may express in writing a grievance to the dean. If the complaint is against the dean, the student may submit an appeal directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

Submitting an Inquiry/Complaint to the Office of the Chief Executive Officer

When the Office of the CEO receives a formal letter of inquiry/complaint, the CEO will convene an Administrative Hearing Committee to consider the inquiry/complaint. The Committee will meet to discuss the written grievance and analyze all the facts submitted. A written notification of the decision should be sent to the student and the dean within 30 days from filing the inquiry. The office of the Dean will keep a record of all student complaints and documentation of how they were handled. The decision of the CEO is final.

Non-Academic Grievance Policy

Agora University takes all complaints very seriously. All grievances are treated with confidentiality, including those affiliated with bullying, physical harassment, illegitimate discrimination of race and religion, and any vilification made by students.

NOTE: These complaints may be formal or informal, where formal complaints are communicated in writing and an informal complaint is one considered to be unwritten.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to assaults, inappropriate touching, comments, a written communication; expressing sexual interest or requesting sexual favors; after being informed that the interest is unwelcome, requests for employment decisions, academic evaluation, grades or advancement, or other decisions affecting participation in a University program (quid pro quo), or when such conduct creates a hostile working environment. When complaints address the matter of sexual harassment, the university will allocate 60 days to investigate the matter.

Registering a Complaint

Option One: The complainant may initially raise an informal complaint (unwritten) with the appropriate university official (regularly, the Registrar). Following receipt of the informal complaint, the issue will be reviewed by the Dean within three (3) business days and a response will be provided to the complainant within five (5) business days. Depending on the nature of the complaint, the Dean may choose to meet with the CEO to gain further information and resolution of the complaint raised. The Registrar will raise the complaint directly with the Dean if the complaint is perceived to be of an extreme, threatening, or criminal nature.

Option Two: In the event that the complainant is not satisfied with the outcome, he/she may submit a formal complaint in writing. As an alternative to the Option One informal complaint, the complainant may opt to go directly to the formal second stage. The formal written complaint must be received by the Registrar within 10 business days of the complainant receiving feedback. The formal complaint will be reviewed and addressed within three (3) business days and a response will be provided to the complainant within five (5) business days. If not satisfied with the decision of the Registrar, the complainant may submit the complaint in writing to the Dean within 10 business days of receipt of the formal complaint decision. The complaint will be addressed within 15 business days of receipt of the complaint, and a response will be given within 30 business days. Complaints should be resolved within 30 days of the initial date of response from the Dean.
Agora University – Student Handbook Page 5-25
Students may also contact our accrediting agency, the Distance Education Accrediting Commission,

Address: 1101 17th Street NW, Suite 808, Washington, DC. 20036.

Phone: 202-234-5100,

email: info@deac.org.

website: www.deac.org.

Agora University faculty strive to hold amenability to ensure academic honesty in their classes and student share this responsibility. Agora University students are required to refrain from all acts of academic dishonesty.

Procedures for Dealing with Violations of Academic Dishonesty

Actions taken by a faculty member who has evidence that a student has committed an act of academic dishonesty, shall, after speaking with the student, take one or more of the following disciplinary actions:

• Issue an oral reprimand.
• Give the student an “F” grade or zero points or a reduced number of points on all or part ofa particular paper, project or examination.

If the act of academic dishonesty results in a “F” grade or zero points being awarded to the student for that particular paper, project, or examination, and this result affects the student’s overall grade in the class, then the student shall be issued the proper grade, as affected by the specific “F” or zero grade, by the faculty member. Any incident of alleged academic dishonesty in the instructor’s grading of an F or zero points – the instructor shall investigate if there has been any misconduct by the student and decided to proceed and reported to the Dean. If the Academic Dean notes that multiple Academic Dishonesty Reports have been filed for particular students, from multiple instructors, however, then the Dean shall seek the suspension of the student for one full calendar year. If, upon this student’s return from the one-year suspension, the Dean receives any further reports of academic dishonesty concerning this student, the Dean shall recommend the student be expelled permanently. The Dean shall keep the faculty member and Division Dean reasonably informed of the status of the student discipline process and outcome.

Examples of Violations of Identity Fraud

• Taking an examination for another student or having someone else take an examination for one-self.
• Having another person or a company do research and/or writing of a report.
• Obtaining answers from another student before or during an examination.
• Knowingly allowing another student to copy one’s work.
• Sharing answers for a take-home or on-line examination unless otherwise authorized by the instructor.
• Receiving help in creating a speech, essay, report, project or paper unless otherwise authorized by the instructor.
• Turning in a speech, essay, report, project or paper done for one class to another class unless specifically authorized by the instructor of the second class.
• Offering another person’s work as one’s own: copying a speech, essay, report, discussion board posting, project or paper from another person or from books, websites, or other sources.
• Using outside sources (books, or other written sources) without giving proper credit (by naming the person and putting any exact words in quotation marks).

Examples of Violations of Academic Dishonesty

Examples of academic dishonesty conduct warranting the imposition of disciplinary probation, suspension or expulsion include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Altering a graded examination/assignment and returning it for additional credit.
• Stealing or attempting to steal an examination or answer key.
• Printing an online exam without the express authorization of the instructor.
• Stealing or attempting to change official academic records.
• Forging or altering grades.
• Falsely reporting or claiming to have experienced technical difficulties with online instructional tests, quizzes, or assignments.
• Using unauthorized materials, such as notebooks, or other items, without the instructor’s consent during an examination or placement test.
• Misreporting or altering the data in research projects.
• Intentionally impairing the performance of other students and/or a faculty member.
• Collusion – when any student knowingly or intentionally helps another student perform an act of academic dishonesty. Collusion in an act of academic dishonesty will be disciplined in the same manner as the act itself.

Agora offers several programs. Students may proceed from any of the Certificate Programs toward the Master of Theological Studies – Maintaining Satisfactory Progress.

Maintaining Satisfactory Progress

Since all coursework for a Master of Theological Studies degree must be completed within two years, and 9 courses are required, Regular students who want to obtain a degree should plan on taking at least six courses per year. For all Certificate Programs, students should plan on taking at least four courses per year. Since a GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation, you should aim for a grade of B or better in all of your classes. Most courses require you to log in to the website at least once or twice a week, either to participate in a forum or to submit a written assignment.

Incompletes

A student will be given an Incomplete grade when all the following conditions apply:

• whenever required course work is missing,
• when that missing work would result in the student receiving a lower final grade, and
• when the student has formally requested an extension.

In all other cases, a student should receive a grading letter with the outstanding work counted as “zero” or “fail”. If the extension is granted, according to arrangement with the instructor all incomplete work must be completed in consultation within three weeks after the final paper is due. Grade of “W” should be granted if the student has any health or personal crisis. Students cannot register for more courses if they have an incomplete.

Withdrawing from Courses

Courses may be dropped any time prior to the due date of the final examination or paper. These requests should be conveyed in writing to the Registrar and the instructor(s).

Agora University – Student Handbook Page 5-27
If a student drops a course before the seventh week, a grade of W will be assigned whether or not the student is passing. If the withdrawal is initiated after materials have been posted for the seventh week of the semester, a mark of W for Withdrawal will be assigned if the instructor informs the Registrar that the student had a passing grade at the date of the official withdrawal. A mark of F will be assigned if 1) the student is failing at the time of withdrawal and 2) the student withdraws after the seventh lecture is posted.

Agora University certifies that students who cancel after paying in full, but are not eligible for a refund, receive all materials, kits, and equipment, as applicable.

Course Re-Takes

We do not allow students to take an examination again. We do allow students to take a course again (if they pay the tuition again), and only the highest grade is then counted in the GPA.

Academic Leave of Absence

If health or other unforeseen circumstances make it impossible for you to continue your studies for six months or more, please contact the Registrar for a leave of absence. No charge will be added, and it will extend the duration of completing your degree. The granting of a leave of absence indicates a continuing relationship with the University and allows students to resume studies at a specific time without reapplying for admission to the University. A leave of absence generally does not exceed four semesters in length.

Academic Probation

A GPA of at least 3.0 is required for the degree. Students are not put on academic probation when their GPA falls below 3.0. A student placed on academic probation means that the student is warned with academic disqualification. A student who has not achieved both a term and cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B) or higher at the close of a semester will be placed on academic probation. The student will be notified of this probationary status.

Academic Disqualification

A student becomes academically disqualified and may not continue enrollment under any of the following conditions:

• A student fails in six or more hours of coursework in any given year.
• A student on academic probation fails to achieve both a term and cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B) or higher.

The student will be notified within one week of any disqualification. The Dean may waive academic disqualification if individual circumstances warrant such action.

Appeal of Disqualification

A student who becomes disqualified may appeal the disqualification by filing an appeal to the Registrar within two weeks of the date of notification of disqualification. After the appeal has been considered by the Dean, the Registrar will notify the student of the decision. Once this decision has been made, no further appeal is allowed.

Disqualified students are not eligible for readmission until at least three semesters have elapsed. If readmitted, the student will be on academic probation and will be expected to satisfy the requirements for removal from probation by the end of the term.

Student Achievement and Satisfaction

Student Achievement and Satisfaction rates have maintained a range of 7 to 10 points out of a maximum of 10 points. Lower numbers have seen a noticeable increase from a 7.65 to above 8.5 in 2022.

Institutional retention rate:

Cohort 2016 Retention Rate was 100% and Student Graduation Rate 100%.
Cohort 2017 Retention Rate was 100% and Student Graduation Rate 100%.
Cohort 2018 No Admissions.
Cohort 2019 Retention Rate was 90%. Graduation Rate 75%.
Cohort 2020 Retention Rate was 100%. Still in Session.

Cohort 2021 Retention Rate was 100%. Still in Session.

Cohort 2022 Retention Rate was 95.55%. Still in Session.

Institutional performance data as reported on the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (if available for Title IV institutions)

N/A

Institutional performance data as reported to comply with a state disclosure requirement (e.g.,California BPPE placement rate disclosures)?
N/A

Institutional data on undergraduates accepted into accredited graduate programs (to include a frame of reference as determined by the institution)?
N/A

Institutional data on graduates who advance in their profession?
N/A

Total number of graduates by program?

Cohort 2016 Student Graduation Rate 100%.
Cohort 2017 Student Graduation Rate 100%.
Cohort 2019 Graduation Rate 75%.

• Charges may be refunded if a student cancels their enrollment or withdraws from a course. Cancellation or withdrawal requests should be made in writing by sending an email to the Registrar at registrar@agora.edu. Refunds will be issued using the same method of payment within 30 days from the date the University receives the student’s withdrawal request. No tuition refunds will be issued if a student has not submitted a cancellation/withdrawal request. Tuition and fees cannot be carried over to the next semester.
• A student requesting cancellation of their enrollment within 7 calendar days after signing an enrollment agreement is entitled to a full refund of all tuition and fees paid except the Application Fee.
• A student requesting cancellation more than 7 calendar days after signing an enrollment agreement, but prior to beginning a course, is entitled to a refund of all tuition and fees paid minus: (i) the application fee and (ii) the library fee.
• A student requesting to withdraw from a course after the course has begun is eligible for a refund of tuition and fees paid in accordance to the schedule in section 3.2.5.
• Agora University will issue a full refund of the tuition charges for courses that have been canceled by the University.

Agora University is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards and to upholding the public’s trust. We recognize that our behavior affects not only our own individual reputation, but also that of Agora University. Accordingly, this Code of Ethics forms the ethical principles that will guide all members of the university community in all decisions and activities. These principles are:

Respect: We will nurture a climate of care, concern, fairness, and civility toward others while recognizing and embracing each individual’s dignity, freedom, and diversity even in the face of disagreement.

Honesty and Integrity: We will act and communicate truthfully and candidly. We will uphold the university’s values and make decisions based on the greater good, conducting ourselves free of personal conflicts or appearances of impropriety and self-dealing.

Communication: We will openly share information with stakeholders regarding the
processes used in developing policies and making decisions for the university.

Stewardship: We will use university resources in a wise and prudent manner in order to achieve our educational mission and strategic objectives. We will not use university resources for personal benefit or gain.

Excellence: We will conduct all university affairs diligently, exercising due professional care and striving to meet the high expectations we have set for ourselves as well as the expectations of those we serve.

Responsibility and Accountability: We will be trustworthy and answerable for our conduct, decisions and obligations and will comply with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures. We recognize our obligation to report unethical conduct to appropriate authorities.

Agora University offers online distance education programs that allow students access to their course work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via the Internet. At Agora University, online courses are developed and primarily taught as any regular on-campus classes. The readings, assignments, and examinations mirror courses taught in an on-campus setting. These courses include structured and special instructional techniques to help you succeed as an online student. The course syllabus, outline, and schedule of assignments that students receive the first day of class are located in an online website devoted to the particular course. These items MUST be read initially, so that the online student understands the work load and requirements of the course. Students and instructors communicate initially before the beginning of the term, and then in online discussion forums where students communicate with each other about course work and respond to various topics posted by the instructor. Some courses include real-time instructional sessions where the students interact with their instructor and classmates at a scheduled time. Assignments are submitted electronically via email or the class website. Agora University’s courses are taught using an online course management system. This LMS (learning management system) is a user-friendly learning platform. The course management system has folders where instructors post course information, course materials and assignments for students to access with ease. At the conclusion of each course, students will complete an evaluation of the course, the instructor and the learning platform. This provides the necessary feedback to ensure that we maintain the quality that should be expected at the University.

Is distance education right for me?

distance learning is a great choice for many people, particularly those who are juggling a full-time job and family responsibilities as well. If you are interested in earning a degree or a certificate but commuting to a campus is not an option or if traditional campus classes do not fit into your busy schedule, then online learning may be right for you!

Succeeding as a distance learner:

A successful distance learner learns to:

• Be comfortable using technology, computers and navigating the Internet.
• Be self-disciplined and avoid procrastination.
• Invest a minimum of 3 hours each week on each course.
• Be very organized and manage time well.
• Enjoy working independently.
• Follow written instructions carefully.
• Actively participate, share ideas and ask questions in online discussions

Online courses offer a large degree of convenience and flexibility, but it is important to note that these courses require the same level of commitment and effort as attending a class on campus.

How do I access the course materials?

Prior to the beginning of the semester you will receive an email from the Office of Admissions with course access information. This information will include your username and password. The learning platform can be accessed from our website at http://lms.agora.edu/.

Online course attendance:

Just as in face-to-face courses, attending your online course is important. Agora University expects all online students to participate in all instructional activities. Participation in an online course is defined differently than in a face-to face course. Student “attendance” in online courses will be defined as active participation in the course. Online courses will, at a minimum have weekly mechanisms for student participation, which can be documented by any or all of the following methods: student login through the learning platform course software, submission/completion of assignments, which would include discussion board, quizzes, etc., and communication with the instructor during assigned chat sessions and by phone, Zoom or email.

The work of all students at Agora University is reported in grade format. A final grade for each student registered in a course is assigned by instructors as required.

Graduate Courses

The following grades are used to report the quality of graduate student work at Agora University:

A         Superior Achievement

B         Satisfactorily demonstrated potentiality for professional achievement in field of study

C         Passed the course but without doing work indicative of potentiality for professional achievement in field of study

F          Fail

P          Pass (achievement at grade C level or better)

I           Incomplete

IP         In Progress

The grades A, B, and C may be augmented by a plus (+) or minus (-) suffix. The grades A, B, and P signify satisfactory progress toward the degree. Students may apply a C grade toward graduate degrees unless otherwise prohibited by the program requirements. However, courses in which a grade of C is received must be offset by higher grades in the same term for students to remain in good academic standing. A grade of F yields no unit nor course credit.

Grade Points

Grade points per unit are assigned by the Registrar as follows:

A plus (+) or minus (-) suffix added to a grade increases or decreases the grade-point value, except in the case of A+, which carries the same number of grade points as the A grade. Courses in which students receive a grade of P may count toward satisfaction of degree requirements, but these grades, as well as I and IP are disregarded in determining the grade-point average. (After the removal of an I grade and assignment of a letter grade, units and grade points are included in subsequent grade point averages.

Grade-Point Average

The grade-point average is determined by dividing the number of grade points earned by the number of units attempted. The total grade points earned for a course equals the number of grade points assigned times the number of course units. For example, if a student takes three four –unit courses and receives grades of A-, B-, and C+, then the GPA for the term equals the total grade points (34.8) divided by the total course units (12). The GPA is 2.9. For satisfactory standing, students must maintain a B average (3.0 GPA).

Only grades earned at Agora University are calculated in the student’s GPA. Grades earned at another institution do not affect the GPA at Agora University.

Incomplete Grades

Once a grade of Incomplete (I) is assigned, it remains on the transcript along with the passing grade students may later receive for the course. The instructor may assign the grade I when work is of passing quality but is incomplete for a good cause (such as illness or other serious problem). It is the student’s responsibility to discuss with the instructor the possibility of receiving an Incomplete as opposed to lower mark impacted by the Incomplete (to include an F grade).

If a grade of (I) is assigned, students may receive unit credit and grade points by satisfactorily completing the coursework as specified by the instructor. Students should not re-enroll in the course; if they do, it is recorded twice on the transcript. If the work is not completed within one year’s time, the I lapses to an F.

Correction of Grades

All grades except I are final when filed by the instructor in the end-of-term course report. After grades have been submitted, a grade change may be made only in case of a clerical or procedural error or other unusual circumstances. No grade may be revised by re-examination or, with the exception of grades of I, by completing additional work. Students who are dissatisfied with a grade should review their work with the instructor and receive an explanation of the grade assigned. All grade changes are recorded on the transcript.

On occasion, professors may opt to offer students an opportunity to sit an oral examination. The professor teaching the course will proctor the examination via Zoom (or similar platform) and utilize a rubric shared in common by all university courses for oral examinations. These rubrics serve as a direct means of measuring student achievement in accordance with course and program outcomes. The professor will be required to verify student identity through both video and audio activation of the online platform.

Instructors planning on offering oral examinations should include this policy on their syllabus and upload a blank copy of the oral exam rubric to the course module.

Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in order to graduate. A student cannot graduate if there are any outstanding obligations to the University, such as Tuition fees. Students are considered graduates when the thesis has been completed, and a diploma will be sent to the student. Formal Agora University graduation ceremonies will be held once a year, for all students who completed the degree requirements since the previous ceremony. Attendance is not required.

Agora University admits students of any race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the University. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin in its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships, and any other organization-administered programs.