GRADUATE CATALOG 2021-2022 1 1 TABLE OFCONTENTS ABOUT FAULKNER ARTS AND SCIENCES BIBLICAL STUDIES BUSINESS AND EXECUTIVE EDUCATION EDUCATION HEALTH SCIENCES FAULKNER ONLINE COURSES 2 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Dr. Michael D. Williams The cornerstone of Faulkner University is an unwavering commitment to faith and learning. Our chief aim is to engage our students in an academically rigorous pursuit to prepare them for productive lives of service. They are led by a distinguished faculty of Christian scholars who approach their discipline through a Christian worldview. We ask students to give their very best and be committed to academic integrity. You will find the University to provide a supportive environment where every individual matters every day. We seek to provide services to help students identify their calling, sharpen their skills, and fulfill their personal and professional aspirations. Finally, Faulkner students are encouraged to be deeply engaged in their community using their gifts to improve the lives of others. We are honored that you are have chosen this great University. I believe you will find Faulkner to provide a transformative experience, deep meaningful relationships, and an education to prepare you for a life of faith, altruism, and achievement. Michael D. Williams, Ed.D. President, Faulkner University LEGAL STATEMENTS General Legal Statements The Faulkner University Graduate Catalog sets forth general academic policy and specific graduate academic policy. The University also publishes a separate Undergraduate Catalog; the Jones School of Law Manual of Policies, which describe master’s and juris doctor programs; and a Student Handbook, along with supplementary publications for various programs. While the provisions of this catalog will ordinarily be applied as stated, the University reserves the right to change any provision listed in this catalog including, but not limited to, academic requirements for graduation without actual notice to individual students. Every effort will be made to keep students advised of any such changes. Information on changes will be available in the Office of the Registrar and/ or the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. It is important that each student be aware of his or her individual responsibility to keep apprised of current graduation requirements for the student’s respective degree program. All students must read and follow the rules and regulations as presented in the Student Handbook and such program specific supplementary handbooks as may be applicable. The handbook contains conduct regulations, penalties for failure to comply, grievance procedures, and a statement on student rights. Failure to follow the conduct regulations contained in the handbook can result in disciplinary action, including suspension and expulsion from the University. The Student Handbook and such program specific supplementary handbooks as may be applicable, as they may be amended from time to time, are incorporated in this catalog by reference for all purposes. Students agree that any and all claims (in tort, contract, or otherwise) asserted by them against Faulkner University or its employees that arise in any way whatsoever out of their relationship with Faulkner as students or former students will be governed either by applicable Federal law or by the local laws (both decisional and statutory) of the State of Alabama, except that Alabama’s choice of law or conflict of laws provisions will not be applicable. Students agree that any civil action they commence against Faulkner University or its employees that arise in any way whatsoever out of their relationship with Faulkner University as students or former students can be heard only by a state or federal court sited in Alabama. Students agree to submit to the personal jurisdiction of the State of Alabama in the case of any civil action instituted against them by Faulkner University or its employees that arises in any way whatsoever out of their relationship with Faulkner as students or former students. The Faulkner University Undergraduate Catalog, Graduate Catalog, Student Handbook, and other handbooks or guides are available on the University’s website at www.faulkner.edu. University-Student Agreement Universities and colleges exist for the transmission of knowledge, skills, and dispositions for the general wellbeing of society. A key commitment of the University is the preservation and perpetuation of the principles of a democratic society, individual freedom, a government of law, the American spirit of community service, and personal responsibility. As a Christian liberal arts university, Faulkner accomplishes this through open inquiry, investigation, and engagement to promote knowledge, professionalism, critical thinking, leadership, lifelong learning, and service to others. In this light, Faulkner University has established the following mission- and vision-driven student rights and responsibilities to create a caring Christian environment for the development of the whole person. Student Rights: Students have a right to: 1. Learn in a caring Christian environment. 2. Participate in all areas and activities of the University, free from any form of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, disability, age, or veteran status in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, except as otherwise permitted under federal or state law as a consequence of the University’s religious mission and values. 3. Participate in a free exchange of ideas within the mission, vision, and core values of the University. 4. Enjoy personal privacy within the mission, vision, and core values of the University except as otherwise provided by the University’s policies, regulations, or procedures and those provided by law. 5. Receive or access the University Catalog, Student Handbook, University Calendar, or other relevant program handbooks via the University website (www.faulkner.edu). 6. Access modifications, enhancements, additions, or alterations to the materials listed in #5 above in a reasonable time frame via the University website (www.faulkner.edu). Student Responsibilities: Students have a responsibility to: 1. Uphold the principles of personal and moral integrity contained within the Bible and exemplified by Christ. 2. Foster the creation of a caring Christian environment. 3. Foster the character traits of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship within others and themselves. 4. Respect and observe the personal privacy of others within the mission, vision, and core values of the University, except as otherwise provided by the University’s policies, regulations, or procedures and those provided by law. 5. Respect the rights and property of others, including other students, the faculty, the administration, the University, and its vendors. 6. Recognize that student actions reflect upon the individuals involved and upon the entire University community. 7. Know, adhere to, and abide by the regulations, policies and procedures in the current University Catalog, Student Handbook, and relevant program handbooks. 8. Know the modifications, enhancements, additions, or alterations to the regulations, policies, and procedures to the current University Catalog, Student Handbook, and relevant program handbooks posted on the University website (www.faulkner.edu). 9. Know the University calendar, including critical events and deadlines. 10. Read and review all mail—electronic and otherwise—from the University. Postsecondary Student Rights under Family Education Rights and Privacy Act The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all educational institutions that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include: 1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access. 2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. 3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. FERPA authorizes the disclosure of certain information about students in the absence of their consent. This information is known as “directory information,” and includes the following: student’s name, address, place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and weight and height of athletes on an intercollegiate team sponsored by the University. By this provision, students and parents are hereby given notice of the categories of information the University has designated “directory information” and that such information will be provided without consent of either students or parents UNLESS the parent, student, or guardian informs the Registrar in writing that some or all of such information should not be released without their prior consent. 4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements