4 | Thomas University Thomas University Catalog Education that 2020 - Engages…Empowers…Transforms 2019 Revised: July 2019 5 | Thomas University Information Directory Academic Affairs ............................................................................. 227-6956 Administration................................................................................ 227-6956 Admissions ..................................................................................... 227-6925 Athletic Director ............................................................................. 226-1621 Business Office................................................................................ 227-6883 Fax ................................................................................................. 227-6888 Financial Aid ................................................................................... 227-6925 Library ............................................................................................ 227-6959 Communications ............................................................................. 227-6903 Registrar ......................................................................................... 227-6883 Student Affairs.................................................................... 226-1621 Thomas University (229)226-1621 or 1-800-538-9784 or visit us online www.thomasu.edu (Consult web page for individual faculty and staff email addresses.) Mail correspondence to: Thomas University | 1501 Millpond Road | Thomasville, Georgia 31792-7636 6 | Thomas University Thomas University 2019-2020 Catalog Last revised July 2019 1501 Millpond Road Thomasville, Georgia 31792-7636 Phone # (229) 226-1621 Fax # (229) 227-6888 1-800-538-9784 The catalog of Thomas University, volume 44, Fall 2019 (USPS 015779) is published annually by Thomas University. 7 | Thomas University Thomas University Mission Vision Statement Thomas University will be a national leader in innovative teaching and interactive technology that engages students in creative problem-solving for the Information Age. Mission Statement Thomas University is the school of choice for students in undergraduate and graduate programs to prepare for successful careers and responsible leadership in a rapidly changing and complex world. The faculty and staff value students’ individual strengths, capabilities, and will to succeed, providing the means by which they will achieve personal and professional transformation. Values Thomas University values • dynamic learning environments that engage students in their intellectual and personal development; • rigorous intellectual studies that require creativity, discipline and personal responsibility; • diversity and its use as a learning tool to teach that the world is a better place when respect for the individual is central to our relationship with others; • community involvement, including cultural and artistic experiences, that enriches the lives of our students, as well as their fellow citizens; • individual attention to all students; • a lifetime connection with our students. Role and Scope Statement As a private, not-for-profit, non-sectarian, coeducational institution, Thomas University is committed to providing quality educational opportunities to both traditional and non-traditional, U.S. and international students. The University offers associates, bachelors, and master’s and professional degrees. The academic mission focuses primarily on providing students with professional preparation with a strong liberal arts and sciences foundation. Students develop the capability to think critically, discover information, foster community, and communicate effectively, enabling them to adapt to changing demands over time. Nondiscrimination Policy Thomas University is an Equal Opportunity University open to any qualified individual without regard to race, religion, sex, age, color, national or ethnic origin, or disability. Pursuant to all applicable federal anti-discrimination laws and regulations, Thomas University does not discriminate against any of the protected categories of individuals in the administration of its policies, programs or activities. This non-discriminatory policy includes admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, employment practices, and athletic and other school-administered programs. Diversity Statement At Thomas University, we believe that an environment that fosters respect for the diversity among our faculty, students, and staff strengthens the institution, stimulates creativity, promotes the open exchange of new ideas, and enriches campus and community life. Actions that serve to intimidate others or discriminate against individuals or groups are in conflict with Thomas University’s educational mission to maintain and enhance an intellectual, social, and work environment free from intolerance and discrimination. In addition to and including all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination, Thomas University is committed to creating an educational environment that promotes academic excellence where diversity is valued and individuals are treated with respect, regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or disability. 8 | Thomas University Confidentiality of Student Records Thomas University complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (“Buckley Amendment,” 20 U.S.C. 1230, 1232 g) to better guarantee the rights of privacy and access to student records. Thomas University complies with the General Date Protection Regulation of the European Union (enacted May 25, 2018) to ensure data protection for students from the European Union. Students with Disabilities Students with disabilities are responsible for making sure that the Thomas University Office of Disability Services is made aware of their disability requiring accommodation in their educational process. Any student requiring assistance beyond the regular classroom needs is urged to speak with the instructor about the nature of the disability at the beginning of the term. Not all disabilities are obvious and may require documentation, as is the case with learning disabilities. Students with disabilities should contact Katrina Steele, Director of Disability Services, in Smith- Bonvillian Hall for classroom accommodations. Students are responsible for requesting accommodations in a timely manner so that faculty and coordinators may plan for those accommodations. For more details see Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities on page 33. Accreditation & Authorization Thomas University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Thomas University. The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Program (CACREP). Thomas University is authorized by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) to offer teacher certification programs for Elementary Education, Middle Grades Education, and Secondary Education. All advanced preparation programs offered by Thomas University as a GaPSC-approved university are accepted by the GaPSC for the purposes of certificate level upgrades. The Thomas University Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science Program is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences 5600 North River Road, Suite 720 Rosemont, Illinois 60018-5119 Telephone: 773-714-8880 Thomas University’s RN-BSN Program has full approval from the Georgia Board of Nursing and is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Thomas University’s Master of Science in Nursing Program, RN-MSN, MSN-MBA Dual Master’s Program, and Graduate Certificates in Nursing Administration and Nursing Education are fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850 Atlanta, Georgia 30326 Telephone: (404) 975-5000 9 | Thomas University The Thomas University Bachelor Division of Social Work is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Thomas University is licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education to offer the RN- to BSN program in the state of Florida (#3447) and the Bachelor of Social Work program in the state of Florida (#4348). Commission for Independent Education 325 W. Gaines St., Suite 1414 Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400 Toll Free Number: 888-224-6684. This Catalog Supersedes All Previous Catalogs and/or Supplements. The statements set forth in this catalog are for informational purposes only and are not to be construed as the basis of a contract between a student and the University. Thomas University reserves the right to revise all announcements contained in this publication and, at its discretion, to make reasonable changes in requirements to improve or upgrade academic and non-academic programs, without actual notice to individual students. Every effort will be made to keep students advised of such changes. Information on catalog changes will be available on the Thomas University