Academic Catalog 2016-2017 The information in the 2016-2017 Aquinas College Academic Catalog is subject to change without notice in order to reflect the decisions made by federal and state governments and by the Aquinas College Board of Trustees and Administration. These changes may include the elimination or modification of programs, departments, courses, policies, or other academic activities,the scheduling of classes, the cancellation of scheduled classes, and the adjustment of fees. If changes are made, the College may offer or require reasonably practical alternatives. Payment of tuition shall constitute a student’s acceptance of the College’s rights set forth in this paragraph. Cover photo: St. Thomas Aquinas Jay Hall Carpenter bronze, 2016 Photographer: Adam Bird Academic Catalog Editor: Erin E. Peraino, M.Ed. Academic Catalog Layout: Philip Mitri Creative Director Kate Simons Graphic Designer Academic Catalog 2016 - 2017 Calendar 2016 Fall Semester August 22 Classes begin 26 Last day to add a semester or 1st Quad class 26-27 First session of Directed Study classes September 2 Last day to drop a semester or 1st Quad class w/o financial penalty 5 Labor Day – No Classes, No Mass 16-17 Second session of Directed Study classes 16 Last day to drop a 1st Quad class w/o academic penalty 18 Last day to drop a Directed Study class w/o financial penalty October 7-8 Third session of Directed Study classes 14 1st Quad Ends 17-21 Mid-Term Break 24 Classes resume at 8 a.m. 28 Last day to add 2nd quad class 28 Last day to drop a semester long class w/o academic penalty November 4 Last day to drop a 2nd Quad class w/o financial penalty 4-5 Fourth session of Directed Study classes 18 Last day to drop a 2nd Quad class w/o academic penalty 23 Thanksgiving vacation (for 16-week classes) begins after last class 28 Classes resume at 8 a.m. December 2-3 Final session of Directed Study classes 14 Blessing of Study Abroad students & December Graduates at 8 pm 12-16 Final examinations according to printed schedule 16 2nd Quad ends ii Calendar 2017 Spring Semester January 9 Classes begin at 8 a.m. 13 Last day to add a semester long or 3rd Quad class 13-14 First day of Directed Study class 20 Last day to drop a 3rd Quad or semester class w/o financial penalty February 3 Last day to drop a 3rd Quad class w/o academic penalty 3 Last day to drop a Directed Study class w/o financial penalty 3-4 Second session of Directed Study class 24-25 Third session of Directed Study class March 3 3rd Quad ends 6-10 Mid-Term Break 13 Classes resume at 8 a.m. 13 4th Quad begins 17 Last day to drop a semester long class w/o academic penalty 17 Last day to add a 4th Quad class 24 Last day to drop a 4th Quad class w/o financial penalty 24-25 Fourth session of Directed Study classes April 7 Last day to drop a 4th Quad class w/o academic penalty 13-17 Easter Break 17 Classes resume at 6 p.m. 22-23 Final session of Directed Study classes May 1-5 Final Examinations according to schedule 5 4th Quad ends 6 Baccalaureate Mass at the Cathedral at 10 a.m. 6 Commencement at 2 p.m. Calendar iii Contents Seal of Aquinas College .............................................................................i 2016 - 2017 Calendar ................................................................................ii Contents ...................................................................................................iv I. The College ....................................................................................1 Mission Statement Vision Statement Diversity Statement Integrity Statement Dominican Charisms Aquinas College Overview Accreditation and History II. Admissions and Registration ...............................................15 Admissions Traditional-Age Student Transfer Student Continuing Education International Student Registration Student Classification Academic Advising Drop/Add Independent Study Credits Academic Progress, Probation, etc. Transcripts III. Academic Policies .................................................................33 Attendance Student Email Account Policy Academic Integrity Academic Grievances Academic Probation, Dismissal & Warning Dean’s List IV. Expenses and Financial Aid ................................................41 Expenses Tuition Room and Board Payment Refund Policy Financial Aid Federal Assistance Programs Withdrawal and Refund Policies Academic Progress State of Michigan Programs iv Contents Aquinas Scholarships and Grants Spectrum Scholarship Program Veterans Administration Benefits Scholarships for Adult Students Additional Scholarship Information Other Forms of Financial Aid V. Academic Programs ................................................................65 Degree Programs Programs of Study General Education Program Other Degree Requirements Academic Opportunities Graduate Degree Programs Courses of Instruction VI. Student Life ...........................................................................299 Student Resources Grace Hauenstein Library Bookstore Information Technology & Services Student Services AQ Advantage Center International Programs Career Services Campus Life Center for Diversity & Inclusion Campus Ministry/Service Learning Campus Safety Residential Life Counseling, Health, & Wellness Policies and Regulations Activities and Organizations Honor Societies VII. Directories ...........................................................................323 Board of Trustees Administration Faculty Emeriti Faculty Index .....................................................................................................339 Contents v I The College The College Mission Statement Vision Statement Diversity Statement Integrity Statement Dominican Charisms Aquinas College Overview Accreditation and History 1 Mission Statement Aquinas College, an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic and Dominican traditions, provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and ser- vice to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good. Aquinas College is recognized by its values: Faith • We, as individuals, promote, or at least respect, the distinctive Catholic identity of Aquinas College. • We value diversity and respect the freedom of conscience and faith journey of each person. • We are committed to the search for Truth. • We model and promote ethical behavior. Learning • We are open to change and strive for continuous improvement and innovation. • We believe study should lead to action and individual transformation. • We promote holistic student development. • We believe the study of the liberal arts enriches the human spirit. Service • We lead by example. • We treat each other with dignity and respect. • We strive to exceed the expectations of those we serve both internally and externally in our community. Community • We value a sense of belonging. • We nurture a collaborative environment. • We are welcoming and hospitable to all. • We strive for a just and sustainable world. The College 3 Vision Statement Aquinas College is recognized as the exceptional Catholic liberal arts college that prepares individuals for careers of leadership and service in developing a sustainable and just global community. Diversity Statement Aquinas College is committed to equality. This statement of the College speaks to this commitment, as do our history and heritage. We believe that diversity is a blessing, which brings a richness of perspectives to our intellectual, cultural, social, and spiritual life. All members of our community—faculty, staff, students—will demonstrate respect for each other regardless of our differences. All of us will be sensitive in our actions, words, and deeds. We will demonstrate these sensitivities in our classrooms, curricula, offices, meeting places, and living environments. We will maintain the diversity of our Board of Trustees, faculty, student body, and staff and appreciate the different gifts each brings to this community regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or disability. Non-discrimination Policy. It is the policy of Aquinas College that no person on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability shall be discriminated against, excluded from participation or employment in, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity for which Aquinas College is responsible. Integrity Statement Aquinas College is rooted in the Dominican traditions of prayer, study, community and service, combined with a deep respect for truth, honesty and integrity. In this spirit, we strive to create an environment in which integrity is prized and practiced. We expect all community members to uphold these values through honesty, fairness and respect for others. 4 The College Dominican Charisms Prayer - The Dominican tradition of prayer is two-fold: contemplative and communal. At Aquinas we are committed to gathering for rich liturgical prayer nourished by God’s Word and the Spirit. Prayer leads us into the deeper Truth needed to live out God’s call for us in the world. Study - We commit ourselves to a love of learning, both formal and informal. This necessitates an openness to learn from tried and true scholarship as well as the most unlikely sources. Service - Aquinas encourages students to engage in service projects and service learning programs. It also offers preparation for careers that