Academic Regulations

Course Regulations

COURSE LOAD

All students must be enrolled either full time or part time in a degree program. There are three semesters per year, Fall, Spring, Summer. Part time students must take a minimum of six courses per year. A semester is usually fifteen weeks and for a three credit course, an average of nine hours of study each week is necessary.

GRADES

Grades are an indication of individual performance in each course taken at the University.The following grades are used: A, B, C, D, and F with the modifying symbols ” + ” and ” – ” for A, B, and C. The lowest passing grade is D.
A indicates work of distinction, of exceptionally high quality.
B indicates good work, but not of distinction..
C indicates average work and satisfaction of University degree requirements.
D indicates marginal work.
F indicates unacceptable work.
For graduate students, there is no D grade.

GRADE-POINT AVERAGE

Grade point averages are computed for students in all the University’s Schools. For the purpose of computing semester or cumulative averages, each letter grade is assigned a quality point value as follows:
A = 4.0 C+ = 2.3
A- = 3.7 C = 2.0
B+ = 3.3 C- = 1.7
B = 3.0 D = 1.0
B- = 2.7 F = 0.0

For the Bachelor’s degree a student needs 120 credits and a cumulative average of 2.0. For graduate degrees a cumulative average of 3.0 is required.

PASS / FAIL OPTION

Pass ( P ) indicates work at a level of C- or better. The P grade is not included in the grade point average. Failure ( F ) indicates work below C-. This F is calculated in the grade point average.

AUDITING

Auditing may be done with the permission of the instructor; all fees obtain as for the usual credit bearing course. All audited courses are posted on the permanent transcript.

WITHDRAWAL FROM COURSES

A student may withdraw from a course at any time before the first fifth of the course’s duration without having a W put on the transcript. A student may still withdraw after this time but a W will be posted. In exceptional circumstances a WR is given; this means Withdrawal with Reason. W or WR do not enter into the grade index.

INCOMPLETES

A record of Incomplete ( INC ) may be permitted by approval of both the instructor and the Dean only when sickness or some other unavoidable circumstance prevents completion of the course. A full new tuition must be paid (See Fees). No more than a 15 week extension is granted. If a course is not completed within the specified time, the record of Incomplete is changed to F. If a course is not completed within the specified extension time, and there are special circumstances a WR may be given instead of F.

EXAMINATIONS

Absence from examinations, except for the most compelling reasons, may result in a failure for the course. All exams must be made up at the discretion of the instructor who also has the option of notifying the bursar about a make-up fee. This fee is $100.

ACADEMIC STANDING

Academic standing is under continuous review. Where any work is below C-, the Dean may ask to see the student.

In the event of non-payment of any fees to Ignatius University ( e.g. tuition, dissertation, registration etc.) extending beyond a period of six months duration, the student is automatically terminated from Ignatius University.

Residential (On Campus) Learning Guidelines For Professors And Students For Undergraduate Studies

(Updates are published daily on the web site under the section FAQ)

Ignatius University uses the tutorial method ( Oxford ) in its instruction. Specifically, this means that for the most part a student works one to one with one or several faculty members for each course. Since the program is more individualized, there is less classroom time together as compared to the traditional American university. Our program tends to be more research oriented. It goes without saying, that there is nodifference in comprehensiveness and requirements in the tutorial method as compared to attending a big lecture hall two or three times a week.

PROCEDURES

Students go through an Admissions process and then may be admitted as matriculated students of Ignatius University. Advisement with regard to our program and career choices is readily given. Assistance is given with course selection. Students usually handle these matters through the internet or the telephone. Should they wish to meet face to face, there is a Director at each campus.
Students then receive a tuition bill based on course selection and this is usually sent through E-mail. Fees are then due immediately and sent to the financial office by postal mail. Fee policy is explained fully on the web site and the student is strongly advised to be familiar with it.

SCHEDULE

As soon as payment is received, both student and faculty are notified and together they arrange the time on campus.  (Meetings are only held on campus). This schedule is then E-mailed to the University and posted on the web, FAQ. Ignatius will then inform both of the number of sessions to be held, length of sessions and duration of the course which is usually 15 weeks. At the same time, the Course Outline is sent to both the student and faculty member.

TEXT BOOKS

The names of required texts are E-mailed immediately so that purchase can be made immediately. Texts should be purchased directly from the publisher. At the same time, Ignatius University requests from the publisher that a desk copy be sent to the instructor. ( This desk copy belongs to the University and is returned to the University unless you are teaching the course again. The publisher presumes that there will be a several students taking that course and not just one; thus you understand why the desk copy needs to be returned. )
We do not require the illuminated, leather bound version of any text. In this tech age, a book should be in the hands of a student within a week from the order. There is something wrong with a publisher who does not do this. And we do not mean that you need to get a rush delivery- a week is standard. If  quickly getting your own book into your own hands becomes a big problem, then this program may not be for you. This program presumes that you are an adult who knows how to use his/her own initiative to get what is needed.
Sometimes there may be a technical or administrative minimal delay in getting the course on the road. There is no learning problem. The books are not cushions. You know how to read. Get busy!

DEADLINES

Again, please read the FEE section with reference to both financial and academic penalties for course work not completed on time. These are strictly enforced. A course comes to an end on a certain day. Everything must be submitted by that date. The Course Outline with the mutually agreed dates must be kept.

E-MAIL

E-mail is the best method of communication- cheap and immediate. Those trying snail mail from a foreign country are living in the Middle Ages i.e. messenger pigeon was faster. Neither professor nor student is accepted into the program without internet accessibility.

COURSE OUTLINE

There is a sample of a Course Outline on this page under Distance Learning. So the one you receive should be similar.
Note dates of midterm and final exams, date of  term paper topic and final copy and dates of other assignments. This is a good time to read on the web our policy on Academic Honesty. Each individual instructor is to provide the student one  typed page of “Guidelines” on the whole matter of the term paper; this should include both the technical and substantial expectations. The instructor spells out what he/she wants and all the details-more details than less. Term paper instructions should be at least one page in length so that there are no misunderstandings later. Students are advised to submit a rough draft to the instructor before submitting the final work. The instructor should examine this draft to determine whether the student is in the ballpark and, therefore, does not submit a final paper which is a disaster ( We have seen a term paper marked “F” with the sole comment “This does not mean that.”  We do not want that to happen.)  For non-experimental papers, Turabian is to be followed; for experimental papers, use the American Psychological Association format.

ENGLISH COMPOSITION

All students are required to begin studies by taking English Composition ( 6 credits ) with specific attention to term paper writing so that the final product is technically flawless. Should the instructor discover that the term paper is technically poor, the University must be informed and the student will be required to obtain technical assistance at his/her own expense.

WRITTEN MATERIAL

Warning: Lest there be weeping and gnashing of teeth, students must keep duplicates of everything forever.
While the written requirements for each course may vary, there will be ample written assignments. This is particularly important for several reasons. The tutorial method must give ample evidence that sufficient work was accomplished to compensate for less face to face meetings. Further, accrediting bodies will wish to examine carefully all the work done by the student as a chief factor in granting/denying accreditation.

Please remember the universal academic law: for each credit, there should be 15 hours of face to face contact and 30 hours of study i.e. 45 hours per credit. Thus, if you are taking a 3 credit course, then you should be putting in 135 hours of work. Never complain about the work load of a course, unless it has exceeded this time allotment. Travel and typing time do not count.

MIDTERM AND FINAL EXAMS, TERM PAPER, BOOK REPORT

Ordinarily, there will be both  midterm and  final examinations. The format should be essay questions and these are open book and done on your own. These should be answered in a minimum of ten typed, double spaced pages using .12 point type. Face to face contact should not be sacrificed for writing exams.
After the instructor has graded the exam with ample comments, he/she may use 5 to 10 minutes of the contact time for examining the student orally on the written work submitted. After the oral exam, the professor may sustain the written exam grade, or raise it to the next level or lower it a level e.g. written exam grade was B+ and the student did just about that on the oral; thus the B+ is sustained; or the student was brilliant on the oral; so raise the B+ to A-;  or the student did poorly on the oral; so lower the B+ to B. Note well, if there is suspicion that the written work is not the student’s work, then arrange for a more extended oral exam. It would be well to seek advisement from the University on this last matter, if necessary.
The term paper has been addressed. There may be book reports or short assignments. Students are required to print answers into a manual or the like.

SUBMITTING WRITTEN MATERIAL

Again, it is better to be safe than sorry. Keep both a hard copy and duplicate in the computer.( Keep in computer forever). It would seem easiest to submit your written work through the E-mail as an attachment to the instructor. The instructor, in turn, should keep it forever in his/her computer. The professor will grade the work with ample comments.  With technical courses, such as mathematics, natural sciences and English Composition, there should be ample questions assigned each week. These should be E-mailed to the instructor each week in advance of class. The instructor should correct these and discuss briefly on web and E-mail back to student; these can be discussed further in class.  The student should transfer each of these to hard copy as indicated below. The same is true of the Composition course. If assignments are done in the Manual, these should be photocopied and then follow  the elaborated directions below. The instructor should E-mail all the material  back to the student.  Again, the student will save it in the computer forever. The student also makes a hard copy of each assignment which includes the instructor’s comments and grades etc.. This hard copy is brought to class to be discussed and orally examined where appropriate. The instructor will mark the (adjusted or sustained) grade on the paper. Oral exam is indicated on the paper by +  (plus) or – (minus) or s (sustained) grade.  The student then takes the hard copy  and makes a photocopy for his/her file and sends the original to 2295 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10314 for permanent filing and presentation to the accrediting body. Do not fax. Do not E-mail. Do not certify of register. Do not request signature. Just send first class with enough stamps. ( If for some reason it gets lost, you have a photocopy. Right ? ). No grades, no credit, no transcript, nothing will be given to the student , unless we have ALL the graded written work of the course and the course evaluation (below) !
The instructor does not give the final grade of the course to the student. The instructor, though E-mail to the University, indicates grades for each piece of written work and the final grade along with dates classes were held. The University, making sure all fees have been paid and all written material received, will then send through e-mail a transcript to the student. When the instructor has fulfilled his/her obligations, the study grant award will be sent out. If student is delayed because of the instructor’s omission, he is to remind the instructor. Where this is not quickly resolved, the University is to be informed. Instructor is not delayed for omissions of student.
Discussion of Grades
The student may contact the professor to discuss a grade after it has been officially received. In case of a dispute, the Chairperson may be informed and will adjudicate the matter. The student may appeal to the Dean. If it is necessary to appeal to the Rector, the latter’s decision is final.

FOREIGN PROGRAM
Ignatius University has entered into a special program of Undergraduate Study with Sofia University, Sofia, Bulgaria. As you know, Ignatius has a unique program in the Humanities which for the most part has fallen into decline with other universities. This neglect has undoubtedly contributed at some level to the current crisis in the “clash of civilizations.” Ignatius maintains on its faculty scholars of all civilizations. In order to give the student a richer experience of the contemporary world, we have joined with a European university which traces its history to the early Middle Ages. This provides an even balance with our twenty-first century university.
Thus history, literature, philosophy, religion, art, and music are being taught by both faculties jointly. You will note that the tuition in these courses is somewhat higher than other courses. This is because the students of Ignatius University are simultaneously enrolled in the Distance Learning program of Sofia University. We will provide you the contact person at Sofia for you to indicate that you are enrolled.

All written work in the Humanities that you do at Ignatius is to be E-mailed to the faculty member at Sofia . When you receive your corrected papers from Sofia via E-mail, you are to make a hard copy and mail to Ignatius. you will be given the E-mail of the Sofia professors and you may discuss your work and papers with them. You will be more involved with your American professor in the classroom work and so may use the Sofia professors more for questions on the subject, your paper and exams.

At the end of the semester, the Ignatius and Sofia professors confer and your final grade is arrived at. You will also receive a transcript from Sofia University at the completion of each course.

RELATIONSHIP WITH INSTRUCTORS

Meeting with instructors are only to be held on campus at the time and place assigned. Faculty and students are not to meet outside this setting. There is no fraternization nor socialization between faculty and students. The student-faculty relationship is solely professional. Violation of these regulations may lead to dismissal from the University.Student is required to understand the role of the “Course Consultant” in the event that you are notified that such person is part of your course set up.(See below, Distance Learning Guidelines, “Course Consultant.”)

VARIOUS PROBLEMS

Faculty members have varying degrees of experience with students. But all are quite capable of providing you, the student, with academic advisement and general academic counseling. Avail yourself of their expertise and understanding.

Should anyone, faculty or student, experience difficulties, academic or personal, you should contact the Rector and speak with confidence. The Rector is an old married priest, clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst, parent, adviser to the United Nations and church officials and civil court mediator. The Rector’s wife comes from a similar background. We do not believe we will hear anything new. While you know we run a tight ship academically, this does not mean that we lack understanding, should personal problems arise. Further, if you do not wish to discuss the matter with us, we will provide you the names of people in the area (clergy and non-clergy, men / women) that you can go to in confidence.

Remember, we are probably the only university in the world with 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 365days/year availability. Communications never close down; that is our Mission.

LIBRARY

Ignatius University was founded during the time of the internet explosion. Hugh internet resources were made available which far exceed the contents of any one library. Most of you are familiar with the resources of the internet. If not, your professors can direct you to the sources. Further, the libraries of all state universities are open to the public. If you bring your Ignatius University ID card, you should be able to use the libraries of the private colleges and universities in the area.  These should prove sufficient for undergraduate research. With private libraries, a modest fee usually allows for lending privileges and at this time Ignatius does not charge a library fee. At this time several projects are underway in the Graduate School for a formal Internet Library and linkage to Sofia University Library both with Librarian availability. When this is in place, undergraduates will be notified.

VISITING NEW YORK CITY

Whenever possible, an Ignatius student on a visit to New York will be provided a free room at Ignatius University on Staten Island which is part of NYC. Buses to the free ferry which takes you to Manhattan are at the door step. Students are also the guests of the Rector for lunch at the United Nations. For faculty, the same hospitality is offered and, where possible, they may lodge at the home of the Rector and his wife.

SUMMER SCHOOL

Whenever there is interest, summer courses are offered on campus. Each summer, the Rector and his wife reside at Hospitality House of Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. During this time, they hold an informal reception for students and faculty, teach courses, visit all the Orthodox churches, other religious institutions as time permits and other business is attended .

Distance Learning Guidelines For Professors And Students

PROCEDURES

The student will be advised, then he/she registers, then selects a course(s), and finally pays the fees. Upon payment of fees, the Registrar will immediately inform the professor that the student is registered for his/her course. The student E-mail address will be given to the professor. The Professor is to immediately notify the student of the name, author, publisher of the first text to be used. There was a student who took so much time in getting the book that a leather bound illuminated text could have been produced in that time span. The book is not at the corner candy store. There is something seriously wrong when a text cannot be in the student’s hand a maximum of ten days from notification. In fact, the course begins 10 days from the time of notification of the first text. Both professor and student will be informed of the beginning and end date of each course. There are no exceptions. See penalties under Fee Policy.

WARNING: Keep several copies of everything you do. One copy should be a hard copy and another may be in the computer etc..

E-mail is the best method of communication. Those trying to use snail mail from a foreign country are living in the late Middle Ages, i.e. messenger pigeon was faster. Every professor and every student MUST have a computer with internet connection. No one is admitted into the Distance Learning program without computer/internet.

The professor is then to send the “kit” (contents below) for the entire course to the student by way of E-mail. E-mail is necessary for communication about the course work. We have found that it is best to send the whole “kit” at one time; otherwise it is difficult to remember what was sent. The kit contains:

1. Course Outline (sample below), with required readings, texts, publishers with addresses. Course outlines should be marked with dates spread usually over 15 weeks. On the Outline there should be indicated what is to be covered each week, the text and the pages etc.. Course Outlines should not be less than two typed pages.
2. Midterm and Final Examination questions with dates they are due and instructions on how these are to be answered.Undergraduate studies, for special reasons, may have other types of examinations in lieu of Midterm and Final Examinations. Graduate studies always have both Midterm and Final Examinations except with permission of the Dean.
3. Term Paper: There should be indicated the date for approval of the topic and date when paper is due. The professor should put details as to what is expected in the paper. The professor prepares his/her own one page instruction sheet dealing solely with guidelines for the term paper and includes it as part of the kit. This will prevent many misunderstandings later. Format of the paper follows Turabian’s Manual for Writers or the style of the American Psychological Association ( Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association ). The student should have either of these manuals. Paper is to be double spaced and use .12 point print. Form must be perfect.
4. Other data as the Professor sees fit.

Note on Written Material The requirements for each graduate course will consist of the following written material: A midterm and final examination and a term paper. The midterm and final examinations will be constructed in such a way that answers to each exam will be a minimum of ten typed pages (double spaced). The term paper should be a minimum of twenty pages with heavy documentation. There is one exception on the matter of length of the term paper. Because of the extensive number of courses and semester credit load in the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program, the student is expected to produce a shorter term paper (5 pages) with two or three references.

Since the program is Distance Learning, it is utmost of importance to adhere strictly to these regulations. We are seeking regional accreditation for Ignatius University and every iota of work will be examined by the accrediting board.

As soon as the student receives the kit, he/she makes a photocopy and sends the entire kit to: Ignatius University, 2295 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10314 by snail mail. Do not fax! Do not E-mail! Do not certify nor register. Just send first class mail with enough stamps. Outside of USA and Canada, the student is to use E-mail for sending all material to IU.

All written material is to be sent to the professor by E-mail. As the the student receives back each corrected and graded piece of work, he/she makes a photocopy for his/her files and sends ( by snail mail ) the original to the above address. Do this at the time you receive each item from the professor. Student sends copies of the E-mail correspondence with the professor to IU. At the end of the course, the student sends in the Course Evaluation.

The professor, at the completion of the course, will E-mail, the course title and the final grade. The professor is not to give the final grade to the student. Ignatius University does not consider any course completed until we possess: kit, corrected / graded midterm, final, term paper, other required written assignments, e-mails, course evaluation and final grade. No transcripts will be made or issued until all of the above are received. Again, professor and student keep copies of some sort of all the above documents forever.

The student may contact the professor to discuss a grade after it has been issued. In case of a dispute, the Dean of the particular school may handle the matter; if unresolved, it may go to the Rector.

COURSE CONSULTANT

In order to give further dimension to Distance Learning courses, in some courses there may be a “Course Consultant” in addition to the Professor(s) of the course. You will meet the Course Consultant “face to face” and the number and length of meetings will be determined in advance by the university. The Course Consultant is usually a specialist in some area of the course you are taking. Remember the Course Consultant is NOT the Professor of the course. What the Course Consultant may do:
1. Use the time to discuss his / her areas of interest related to the course.
2. Go over material in the Course Outline or related.
3. Assist you with the assignments in the Course Outline.
4. Engage in dialogue with you on any material within the Course Outline or related.
5. Submit an evaluation of your work.(Optional.)

What the Course Consultant may NOT do:
1. Make any additional assignments whatsoever beyond what is specified by the Professor of the course as detailed in the Course Outline. (You already have enough work!)
2. Give the impression in any way that he / she is the Professor of the course who is the final authority of the course.

LOCATION OF THE MEETINGS

The place / setting of one-to-one meetings with the Course Consultant must be approved by the university in advance of any meetings. In general, these should take place in a setting (office) which is used on a regular basis as such and accordingly open to the public; or libraries of colleges or public libraries. Travel distance for both should be kept to a minimum. In meetings with two or more students, the university is usually able to provide accommodation.

If there is any departure from the Guidelines for Course Consultant, the university should be notified by the consultant and / or student.

Sample Course Outline

(this is a sample and not the actual Outline for this particular course)

ART HISTORY
AHR 340  The Ancient World
Credit: 2, 3 or 4 Semester Hours,
Instructor:
Office: Room                                      Phone: Office                                                 Home
E-mail
Office Hours:

Course Description
An introduction to art history and the analysis of painting, sculpture, and architecture; a survey from pre-historic times through the Roman Empire. While emphasis will be given to the western tradition, some attention will be given to India, China, Japan, the Americas, Africa and the South Pacific during this time period. Lecture, discussion and museum visits.

Course Objectives
*  To develop a practical understanding of ancient art and art history.
*  To see and understand art as a cultural expression.
*  To see the inter-relationships of various traditions of the same period.
*  To develop an aesthetic sensibility.
*  To enjoy visual arts.

Required Text(s)
Gardner’s Art Through the Ages, eds, DeLaCroix, Tansey, Kirkpatrick, latest editon, Harcourt Brace College Publisher, http://witcombe.SBC.EDU

Recommended Texts
Craven, Roy C., Indian Art: A Concise History, London: Thames & Hudson.
Eliseef, Danielle & Eliseef, Vadime, The Art of Japan, New York: Abrams.
Grider, Terence, Origins of Pre-Columbian Art, Austin: University of Texas Press.
Broder, Patricia, American Indian Painting and Sculpture, New York: Abbeville Press.
Bascom, William, African Art in Cultural Perspective: An Introduction, New York: Norton.
Guiort, Jean, Arts of the South Pacific, New York: Golden Press, 1963.
ETC., total about 10.

Course Grade
Midterm Exam (essays):    20%
Final Exam (essays):           20%
Term Paper:                            20%
Museum Reports:                 40%

Course Curriculum
This course will rely on your ability to read and maintain knowledge of important historical facts. The lectures will be devoted to presentation of slides and videos. You will be expected to visit the museum on your own and write a report on 10-15 works. Reading assignments are noted on the course schedule along with the date they are due. You should have completed the reading and be able to discuss the material intelligently. Exams will be based on the text book and other material provided by the instructor. Exams are not cumulative. Museum visits are assigned so that you see the art work first hand. An outline for observation and reporting will be provided by the instructor so as to make your visit more productive and enjoyable.
The term paper must be technically correct abiding by what was taught in the Composition course regarding term papers. The topic has much latitude.  Select an area that you like and clear it with the instructor. The instructor will provide additional guidelines as to the specifics of the requirements of the paper.
The instructor will also make available the requirements for those taking the course for 3 and 4 credits.

Deadlines
The student is referred to the Fee section on the web so as to understand the policy on incompleteness, lateness etc..
Course begins___________________
Course ends____________________
Other deadlines are  noted in the Course Schedule.

Preparation
The student must keep up to date on each assignment. Remember you are not sitting in class 30-45 hours. For a three credit course, this means 135 hours of study i.e. 15 hours in class x number of credits + 2x (15 x number or credits).

COURSE SCHEDULE – The Ancient World (for a 15 week semester)
(Instructor adds dates of other assignments, e.g. specific museum visits)

Verification of Identity

In Distance Learning, there is always the possibility, although remote, that the student may not be the author of the work being submitted; in fact, telephone contact and e-mail exchanges do not guarantee that the student is the author of all the material. Since the credibility of the program may be called into question, it is necessary that Ignatius University adopt a more stringent verification process which makes deception less probable.  At the time of application, you were required to submit a photocopy of your driver’s license or passport or other official document containing a photo of yourself. This photo was verified with the source.  At the end of the course work for each degree, you will need to take a comprehensive examination. This examination must be proctored by the principal of a public elementary or high school in your area; preferably, this should be done at a school where you are known. As Distance Learning becomes more well known, other means may be used e.g. official testing sites as for the GRE. At the time of the examination, you will be required to show the proctor an official photo of yourself similar to the one which you submitted at application for verification.  Many institutions will not accept courses where proctoring was not involved.  This policy is for your benefit also. It makes your studies more credible.

Form Links:
Course Evaluation