Student Guide to University Life 2014-2015
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STUDENT GUIDE TO UNIVERSITY LIFE 2014-2015 Academic Resource Guide and Student Handbook Student Name Campus Address Campus Phone Email Address Cell Phone (if applicable) Resident Assistant (RA) Phone Residential Learning Coordinator (RLC) Phone College ☐ Arts & Sciences ☐ Business ☐ Engineering ☐ Nursing and Health Professions Academic Majors Academic Minors Special Programs ☐ Christ College ☐ Pre-Med ☐ Pre-Dent ☐ Pre-Law ☐ MSEED Major Adviser Phone Other Advisers Phone Phone Phone Other Numbers Frequently Called: 2 About the Student Guide to University Life: Academic Resource Guide and Student Handbook Welcome to the 2014-2015 academic year at Valparaiso University! Valparaiso University provides an extraordinarily rich environment for learning and personal growth. Strong academic majors, minors, and study options build intellectual and technical competence. An inviting residential setting and an array of extracurricular and co-curricular activities expand interpersonal skills and enrich the educational experience. A vital Christian ethos in a multicultural context encourages a meaningful personal faith and a genuine concern for others in our community and around the world. The STUDENT GUIDE TO UNIVERSITY LIFE: ACADEMIC RESOURCE GUIDE AND STUDENT HANDBOOK is a ready reference for programs, procedures, and policies for these aspects of campus life and more. It is designed with the student in mind — as a user-friendly compilation of information all students need to know to help ensure successful and rewarding college careers. Every community has some regulations, common understandings, and shared values to assure that every person’s rights and privileges are protected. Valparaiso University students are expected to follow and obey all university regulations and local, state, and federal laws, and to take personal responsibility for their conduct and behavior. The statements included in this academic resource guide and student handbook, and others in the 2014-2015 VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY GENERAL CATALOG, describe orderly procedures for living and learning together at this university, as well as some limits for behavior. By their registration at Valparaiso University, students signify their acceptance of the university’s academic and non-academic rules and procedures. The relationship between the university and its students is not custodial in nature; there is no special relationship with the university created by a student’s enrollment. The university does not assume any duty toward any student that is not otherwise required by operation of law or by the terms of this STUDENT GUIDE TO UNIVERSITY LIFE. In addition, the university reserves the right to amend and/or revise policies and procedures. Please note: It is each student’s responsibility to know academic and student life policies, procedures, and deadlines. Please use the 2014-2015 VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY GENERAL CATALOG and this STUDENT GUIDE TO UNIVERSITY LIFE as guides to smooth academic progress and a satisfying campus experience this year. Refer to them when questions arise about life as a Valparaiso University student. The Student Guide to University Life is only a guide to assist students at the university. Please consult the 2014- 2015 VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY GENERAL CATALOG, the appropriate offices on campus, and advisers for clarification Please note: Academic and student life policies, procedures, and deadlines are subject to change. Please review the general counsel web page for the most up-to-date version. www.valpo.edu/generalcounsel Table of Contents General Academic Information .................................................................................................................................................................. 7 Valparaiso University Honor Code ......................................................................................................................................................... 7 Goal Directed Advising .......................................................................................................................................................................... 7 General Education ................................................................................................................................................................................. 8 Academic Resources .............................................................................................................................................................................. 9 University Libraries ............................................................................................................................................................................ 9 Information Technology .................................................................................................................................................................. 10 Additional Support Resources ......................................................................................................................................................... 11 Academic Opportunities ...................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Study Abroad Programs .................................................................................................................................................................. 14 Internships and Co-ops ................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Cooperative Education .................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Summer Sessions ............................................................................................................................................................................ 18 The College of Adult Scholars .......................................................................................................................................................... 19 Academic Checkpoints ......................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Important Academic Deadlines ....................................................................................................................................................... 20 4-Week Freshman Checkpoint ........................................................................................................................................................ 21 Freshman Mid-Semester Grades ..................................................................................................................................................... 21 Notice of Unsatisfactory Academic Performance ........................................................................................................................... 21 Final Examinations .......................................................................................................................................................................... 21 Degree Audit ................................................................................................................................................................................... 21 GPA Calculation ............................................................................................................................................................................... 22 Academic Policies and Procedures ...................................................................................................................................................... 23 Adding/Dropping Courses ............................................................................................................................................................... 23 Class Attendance ............................................................................................................................................................................. 23 Withdrawal from Courses ............................................................................................................................................................... 23 Petitions .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 23 Withdrawal from the University ..................................................................................................................................................... 23 Leave of Absence ............................................................................................................................................................................ 24 Grade Grievance .............................................................................................................................................................................. 24 International Students .................................................................................................................................................................... 24 College of Arts and Sciences ...................................................................................................................................................................