CATALOG V. 40 ACADEMIC CATALOG v. 40 AND STUDENT HANDBOOK You are invited to visit Amberton University… FRISCO CENTER 3880 Parkwood Blvd. Frisco, TX 75034 The Amberton Frisco Center is located at 3880 Parkwood Blvd. north of Stonebriar Centre and next to the Frisco water tower. From Dallas, go north on the Dallas North Tollway. Take the 121 exit and follow Dallas Parkway for 1.6 miles. Turn right on Warren Parkway then left on Parkwood Boulevard. GARLAND MAIN CAMPUS 1700 Eastgate Drive Garland, TX 75041-5595 Amberton University’s Garland Main Campus is conveniently located at I -635 (LBJ Freeway) and Northwest Highway, only 15 minutes from US 75 and the Dallas North Tollway and 20 minutes from SH 190 and downtown Dallas. For hours and additional information, please call (972) 279-6511 or access the web site at www.amberton.edu. ii AMBERTON UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY LETTER It is with great pride that the Amberton University v. 40 Catalog is introduced. This publication is a special one. It commemorates the University’s 40th Anniversary of educating working professionals in an intellectually stimulating, innovative, Christian environment. Amberton University has a rich heritage. The principles of inspiration, integrity, creativity, and boldness combined to provide the cornerstone of its foundation. When the University began in 1971, few colleges and universities had programs designed for the adult student and even fewer made the adult student their primary focus. Early on, Amberton University realized that adult students have unique education needs often not met by traditional institutions. The University’s research showed that the adult learner requires relevant, challenging, application-oriented programs delivered in a convenient, flexible way without disruption of family and work responsibilities. For the last 40 years, Amberton University has enthusiastically met this challenge offering innovative bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the classroom and online, guided by the philosophy of treating others as we would like to be treated. Today, there are many institutions professing to meet the needs of working adults. Some extract a hefty price tag and offer little value in return. Amberton University is not-for-profit and is committed to providing a quality, affordable education to its students. The University practices what it teaches – ethical management and relationship principles – in dealing with students and the public. Amberton University is a teaching university, fully accredited and nationally recognized, with credentialed faculty who are experienced practitioners in their fields. The University’s focus continues to be the professional working adult. Amberton University is more than brick and mortar. Amberton University is people - the faculty, staff, administration, and thousands of alumni and students who have contributed their talents and efforts to build this institution. Amberton University owes a great deal to those who have been a part of the University during the past four decades. It is a debt the University cannot adequately repay, except to honor their service with the promise to uphold the mission and purpose of Amberton University now and into the future. Welcome to Amberton University. Melinda H. Reagan Melinda H. Reagan President iii ORGANIZATION OF THE CATALOG The Amberton University Catalog, v. 40, is organized around the following three sections: Student Handbook—General Information and Student Handbook for All Students Undergraduate Academic Information Graduate Academic Information The Student Handbook section contains information that applies to all Amberton University students. The Undergraduate and Graduate sections contain the degree program requirements, course listings, and competencies for each of the respective student groups. All students should read the Student Handbook section along with the respective degree level section. Each section is marked with a tab on right-hand pages. For specific catalog information, see the Table of Contents and the Index. ACCREDITATION AND CREDENTIALS Amberton University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor's and master's degrees. Accreditation issues should be addressed by mail to the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or by phone to (404) 679-4501. In addition, Amberton University is recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the United States Department of Education as a licensed, degree granting institution. The curriculum for the Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling meets the academic requirements for licensing as a professional counselor in Texas. The Master of Arts degree in School Counseling satisfies the academic and certification requirements for the School Counseling Certification as established by the Texas State Board of Educator Certification. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS MAP ............................................................................................ ii PRESIDENT’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY LETTER ................. iii ORGANIZATION OF THE CATALOG ............................... iv ACCREDITATION AND CREDENTIALS .......................... iv STUDENT HANDBOOK ...........................................................1 GENERAL INFORMATION .................................................................. 2 Amberton University, A Brief History ...................................................... 2 Non-Profit Status ....................................................................................... 2 The Exclusiveness Of Amberton University ............................................. 3 The Christian Commitment Of Amberton University ............................... 4 Amberton University Mission Statement .................................................. 4 A More Relevant, Student-Oriented Catalog ............................................. 5 University Publications ............................................................................. 5 Amberton University’s Unique Learning Options ..................................... 6 Legal Notice Of Non-Discrimination ........................................................ 7 The Ethical Standards Of Amberton University ........................................ 7 STUDENT LIFE AND CONDUCT ........................................................ 8 General Philosophy ................................................................................... 9 Ethical Standards Expected Of Students ................................................. 10 Due Process In Handling Violations Of The Ethical Standards .............. 11 Students' Rights - Educational Records ................................................... 12 Student Grievance And Appeal ............................................................... 13 STUDENT SERVICES ......................................................................... 14 General Information ................................................................................ 15 The Academic Advising System (Degree Plans) ..................................... 15 Financial Advising .................................................................................. 16 International Student Advising and Admission ....................................... 16 Veteran Advising ..................................................................................... 17 Student Records ....................................................................................... 17 Transcript Service .................................................................................... 18 New/Prospective Student Orientation...................................................... 18 Employment Opportunities And Job Placement ...................................... 19 UNIVERSITY TECHNOLOGIES ......................................................... 20 University Technologies .......................................................................... 21 Automated Voice Mail System ........................................................ 21 Fax System ....................................................................................... 21 Amberton e-Mail .............................................................................. 22 Amberton Distance Learning System – The Virtual University .......... 23 Amberton University Technology Usage ................................................ 23 v TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont’d.) LIBRARY RESOURCES ....................................................................... 24 The Library Resource Center .................................................................. 25 Campus Resources ........................................................................... 25 Remote Resources ............................................................................ 25 Research Assistance ......................................................................... 25 SAFETY AND SECURITY .................................................................... 27 Campus Safety And Security ................................................................... 28 Emergency Notification Procedures ........................................................ 28 Notice Of Surveillance ............................................................................ 28 Reporting A Crime .................................................................................. 28 Use of Social Security