Each credit hour equates to 30 hours of student instructional activities (SIA). Student instructional activities are defined as classroom time, assigned readings, and assignment preparation for students. The length of course does not impact the number of hours of SIA. For example, the following table designates approximate hours of SIA per week, depending on course length and credit hour:

• Course Session (for Face to Face Courses): The daily scheduled time for the course to meet at a physical location.
• In Attendance:  A student is “in attendance” if he or she is physically present at least 85% of session time and there is evidence that the student is engaged in the planned learning activities and assignments of the course session.  
• Not In Attendance: A student is “not in attendance” if he or she is physically present less than 85% of session time or there is evidence that the student is not engaged in the planned learning activities and assignments of the course session. (For example student was found to be sleeping in class would be considered “not in attendance.”)
• Special: A distinction provided to indicate that conditions related to the attendance requirements are negotiated with the course instructor.  Examples may include a student’s use of the Flex-a-class option, an independent study schedule, or an alternative instructional modality approved by the course lead faculty member.

• Course Session (for Online Courses): The full week (Monday-Sunday) of planned and structured activities and assignments of the course.
• In Attendance:  A student is “in attendance” if there is evidence that the student is engaged in the planned learning activities and assignments of the course session.
• Not In Attendance: A student is “not in attendance” if there is evidence that the student is not engaged in the planned learning activities and assignments of the course session.  (For example, student not participating in online communication during the week would be considered “not in attendance.”)
• Special: A distinction provided to indicate that conditions related to the attendance requirements are negotiated with the course instructor.  Examples may include an alternative instructional modality approved by the course lead faculty member.

Official Withdraw
Students withdrawing from one or some of their active courses, but not from all courses, must either submit an Add/Drop Form or utilize their personalized Web page, my.franklin.edu to withdraw from a course. After the first week of class, a withdrawal will result in a grade of “W” (Withdrawn) on the student’s academic record but will not be calculated in the grade point average. Tuition charges and/or refunds are based on the date the student drops a course online or submits an Add/Drop Form to the University. The amount of federal financial aid the student is eligible to receive may be adjusted if the student does not begin or complete all registered courses in the trimester.

Students withdrawing from all of their active courses must initiate the official withdrawal process by completing the online Withdrawal from All Active Courses form. Withdrawal requests must be initiated by completing the online form; no paper withdrawal forms, voicemail messages or email requests will be accepted. Upon completion of this form, students will be contacted by a University representative to confirm their intention to withdraw and verify their understanding of any potential academic and/or financial consequences. The date the student requests the withdrawal will be considered the date of the determination of withdrawal and used to calculate tuition charges and/or refunds.  However, the student’s last day of academically related activity or class attendance will be considered the withdrawal date used to determine the amount of federal financial aid the student has earned for the trimester.

Unofficial Withdraw
A student who stops attending (defined as the equivalent of two consecutive week absences) or participating in a course and does not initiate the official withdrawal process will be considered an unofficial withdrawal from that course by the University unless the student confirms in writing his or her intent to attend in a subsequent module within the term.  Based on evidence of excessive absences, non-participation, or missed exams as defined in the course syllabus, a faculty member may initiate a student’s withdrawal through the Registrar’s Office. The date of determination  of unofficial withdrawal for all students will be effective no later than the 14th day after the last day of attendance even if the actual status change occurs on a subsequent date.

A Z-grade is assigned to a class where an administrative withdrawal (failure) grade has been given for non- attendance. Z-grades may have an impact on the awarding of a student’s financial aid and the student may be withdrawn if the student has all Z-grades or all unearned grades for the trimester. The University policy for the assignment of the Z-grade, based on the attendance terminology defined above, during variable course lengths is as follows:

*These refer to unexcused absences only.

In courses that allow for more than one absence, students absent for the equivalent of two consecutive weeks are considered to have stopped attending and will be dropped from the course with an assigned 'Z' grade. A student must attend at least 85 percent of a course session and be engaged in planned learning activities of the course session to be considered present. For example, a student can only be 9 minutes late to a 55-minute course, 12 minutes for a 75-minute course, and 14 minutes for a 90-minute course before being too late to be considered present.

Tuition charges and/or refunds will be based on the date of the date of determination  of withdrawal. However, the student’s last day of attendance will be considered the withdrawal date used to determine the amount of federal financial aid the student has earned for the trimester.

Non-Start Withdrawals
A student who never begins attendance in a course within the first two weeks of class and does not initiate a course drop or an Official Withdraw will be administratively dropped from the course by the University and considered a ‘No Show’ for the course and will not be assigned a grade. Any federal student aid funds disbursed for a dropped class for which the student is a no-show may be returned or recalculated. When necessary, funds will be returned as soon as possible, but no later than 45 calendar days from the date of the determination  of withdrawal.  Title IV funds are not disbursed if the student does not start any course in the trimester.

Confirmation of Future Enrollment
If a student withdraws from a course, but intends to return to another course later in the trimester, a confirmation of intended future enrollment must be submitted through the student’s myFranklin portal or by indication on the Add/Drop form provided by a member of the Student Services team at the time of official withdrawal.  If confirmation is not submitted or the student does not return after submitting a confirmation, the student will be considered an unofficial withdrawal. If the student wishes to change a previously submitted confirmation, the student will have no more than five (5) business days from the date of the original confirmation to submit the notification to the University.

The deadline for a Franklin student to withdraw from a class is the Sunday prior to the last scheduled week of class. 

These policies do not change the existing drop policy in regard to the student’s responsibility to drop classes in a timely manner for a tuition refund, nor do they relieve the student of the responsibility to drop the course by the published withdrawal deadlines. If the student misses a class after the withdrawal deadline and the absence violates the attendance policy, the student will receive a failing grade for the class. Students missing a class should review the course website for additional information and discuss their absence with the instructor.

Financial Aid Consequences:  Students receiving any type of financial aid may lose part or all of such assistance if they stop attending or stop participating, or withdraw from one or more courses in any one trimester. Any over-award that results from withdrawing, nonattendance, or non-participation must be repaid before further financial assistance may be received. In considering whether or not to withdraw from, stop attending, or stop participating in a course, students receiving financial aid should first consult with the Financial Aid office.
 

Franklin University will provide students serving in the Uniformed Services or other federal, state, and local government agencies (e.g., FEMA, CDC, Dept. of Homeland Security, Firefighters, and/or Local Disaster Response Teams) who experience documented unexpected/unforeseen circumstances related to service in the military or public service (e.g., sudden and unforeseen deployments for disaster and emergency response), case-by-case options for either continuing their course(s) of study without negative consequences or withdrawal from course(s) with full refund of tuition and fees relative to the applicable academic term. These options also apply to those students who are the spouse, domestic partner, or dependent child of those with the aforementioned documented unexpected/unforeseen circumstances related to their service. Service members and reservists who must suspend studies or are unable to attend courses due to service requirements will be able to continue their program at the same tuition rate upon their return.

Faculty Responsibility
If a faculty member suspects that a student has violated the Academic Integrity Policy, the faculty member will file a written report with the Office of Community Standards within seven (7) calendar days of discovery of the incident. The report will include a summary of the allegation; names of implicated students and other participants or witnesses where appropriate; and the date, time, location, and other relevant details related to the incident. 

Student Responsibility
If a student observes others potentially violating this policy, they are strongly encouraged to report the misconduct to the instructor or to report the incident directly to the Office of Community Standards.  

Test Proctor Responsibility
Exam proctors are required to report incidents of suspected student misconduct to the course instructor and/or the Office of Community Standards.
 

First Incident
The course faculty member, and/or Lead Faculty member, when appropriate, will render a judgment and recommend a penalty, if any, for the first incident of Academic Misconduct to the Primary Judicial Officer. The sanction for the first charge of Academic Misconduct may range from a warning letter, to a zero grade on the assignment or exam in question, to a failing grade in the class, depending on the severity of the incident, as well as aggravating or mitigating circumstances. The student may also be required to complete a workshop on appropriate citation and referencing, administered by the University.

A subsequent incident of academic misconduct in the same class may result in a failing grade in the class and, in combination with the first charge, may be recorded as a single incident on the student’s academic record.

A suspected violation of the Academic Integrity Policy may result in the removal of the student’s option to withdraw from the class to avoid a failing grade. The University may also place a hold on a student account during the investigation of a violation of academic integrity and/or retroactively change a grade due to the severity of the incident. If a student has withdrawn from the course prior to action initiated by the Office of Community Standards, and is found responsible for academic misconduct, they are still subject to the Academic Misconduct process, as well as any sanctioning under this policy. 

For undergraduate students, a formal charge of academic misconduct may eliminate them from consideration for academic honors; specifically, Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Cum Laude. A panel of University faculty will evaluate the incident of academic misconduct and will make a final determination on the student’s eligibility for academic honors.

Second Incident 
A second formal charge of academic misconduct in a subsequent class, or a subsequent section of a previously taken class, may result in a failing grade in the class as well as disciplinary dismissal from the University. The Office of Community Standards will enter the notation “Dismissed for Academic Dishonesty” on the student’s academic record.
 

The entire process surrounding the academic misconduct process for the University, including reporting, the good faith discussion, sanctioning and appeals, can be found on the following web page: https://www.franklin.edu/about-us/policy-information/student-code-of-conduct

Definitions

Faculty member: The faculty member with first-hand knowledge of the violation. If the faculty member is the Provost, the President will appoint an Academic Appeal Officer to process the appeal.

Good faith appeal discussion: Communication between the student and the specific faculty member that takes place after the formal charge of academic dishonesty. Communications that take place before the formal charge of academic dishonesty do not constitute a good faith appeal discussion required in Step One.

The time of the discovery of the incident: The time at which a potential violation of academic dishonesty is discovered and communicated to the Lead Faculty member.

Written appeal: The document submitted under the respective step of the appeal process which includes all information required for the appeal. If required information is missing or incomplete the appeal will not be considered to be invoked; all original time lines will constitute the actual time lines for purposes of the appeal until the requirements of the written appeal are met.

Step One: The Faculty Member: A good faith appeal discussion with the faculty member must be initiated by the student in writing within 15 calendar days of the last day of the class. If the student believes the good faith appeal discussion has not adequately resolved the matter, the student may move forward to Step Two, submission of the appeal to the Provost, or designee.

Step Two: The Provost: The student must submit a formal written appeal to the Provost, or designee, (via email to caoappeal@franklin.edu) within 15 calendar days from the date of the good faith discussion, including:

1. Background information
   1. Date;
   2. Student’s name and identification number;
   3. Course name, number, and section;
   4. Course term (Fall, Spring, Summer) and year;
   5. Faculty member’s name;
   6. Reason for the academic grade appeal;
   7. Date of good faith appeal discussion; and,
   8. Outcome of the good faith appeal discussion.
2. Facts – state all relevant facts in dispute with supporting documentation (including all assignments in question). For all persons/witnesses, list full name(s), contact information, and facts specific to each individual. Facts and/or documents not included will not be considered.
3. Desired outcome of the appeal (be specific).
4. Rationale in support of the desired outcome.

The Provost, or designee, will appoint an independent Academic Appeal Officer to review, investigate and make a decision in the case. The Academic Appeal Officer will issue a written notice of the decision to the student through University email within 15 calendar days of the date the appeal is received. If the student or the faculty member believes the Academic Appeal Officer’s decision has not adequately resolved the matter, either the student or the faculty member may move forward to the Final Step of the appeal process, submission of the second appeal to the Provost.

Final Step: The Second Appeal to the Provost: The student or faculty member must submit a written appeal (via email to caoappeal@franklin.edu) of the Academic Appeal Officer’s decision within 15 calendar days from the date of the written decision, including:

1. Date
2. Student’s name and identification number
3. Summary of all facts pertaining to the appeal to date (facts and/or documents not included will not be considered)
4. A letter explaining why the Academic Appeal Officer’s decision is being appealed
5. Desired outcome of the appeal
6. Rationale in support of the desired outcome
7. Attached copies of the:
   1. Appeal submitted to the Provost in Step Two
   2. Academic Appeal Officer’s written decision

The Provost, or designee, will issue a written decision to the student through University email within 15 calendar days of the date of the receipt of the appeal.

Minimum Hardware and Internet Access Requirements:

• Desktop or laptop PC with dual core processor at 1 GHz or faster *Chromebooks may pose problems for online proctoring and are not recommended.
• 2 GB RAM (4 GB or higher strongly recommended)
• 40 GB or higher of available hard drive space at the beginning of each term
• 1024 x 768 minimum resolution display
• Integrated PC microphone and speakers or a headset with microphone
• Integrated webcam or a separate camera hooked up to computer
• A high-speed internet connection with a download speed of 4 Mbps or faster (Use of satellite, cellular, or public access internet may result in poor performance)

• Windows 10 or later
• Microsoft Office 2019 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, & Access)
• Up to date versions of Internet browsers required:
  • Google Chrome – recommended for Course Portal
  • Mozilla Firefox/Internet Explorer/Edge – may be needed for other applications
• Virus protection – updated and scanned regularly

In order to use all of the University-supplied technology resources, students must be able to load software on the computers they will be using. Some courses may require additional software. Technology changes rapidly – as a result, these requirements are subject to change.

Students have access to extensive technology resources including:

• Student course portal
• Computer laboratories
• On-campus printing capabilities
• Quick-use student kiosks
• Computerized library access
• Computerized classrooms
• On-campus wireless connectivity

The student course portal provides University announcements, access to courses, course history, email, financial aid information, and the ability to manage personal student account information. Additionally, courses include specialized technology resources to enhance the learning experience, such as online meeting rooms, document submission tools, chat rooms, and discussion boards.

Computer laboratories are located at the Franklin Main Campus. The computers in these kiosks provide access to the Internet and Microsoft Office applications. The library provides technology resources for individual student use or for collaborative use in Student Meeting Rooms (SMRs), which may be reserved.

CLEP examinations measure achievement in one course at a time; therefore, students can study for them while taking other courses or between academic trimesters. Each exam is a computerized, 90-minute, multiple-choice exam (with the exception of College Composition which is 50 multiple- choice items answered in 50 minutes and two mandatory, centrally scored essays to be written in 70 minutes, for a total of 120 minutes). Study guides for each exam are available at the local or Main Campus library, most major bookstores, and the CLEP website at www.collegeboard.com.

DSST examinations measure achievement in one course at a time; therefore, students can study for them while taking other courses or between academic trimesters. They are computerized, two hour, multiple-choice exams (with the exception of Public Speaking, which is a two hour multiple choice section as well as a 20 minute speech prep and presentation section). Please note that the Learning Commons Testing Center does not administer the Public Speaking exam. Study guides for each exam are available via the DSST website at www.getcollegecredit.com.

Franklin University continually develops proficiency examinations. FUPE examinations are available to students whose learning from experience, training or independent reading is equivalent to that gained in the classroom. Students should consult the Learning Commons website https://www.franklin.edu/current-students/learning-support/testing/proficiency-testing or current information on available examinations. Generally, if a CLEP or DSST examination is available for a subject, there will be no FUPE for the subject. A study guide for each FUPE is available via the Learning Commons Testing Center website.

Students who feel they have already gained learning equivalent to one or more courses in their degree program may request credit by composing prior learning portfolios. Because the portfolio must be prepared under specific format requirements, interested students must develop it with the guidance of an Academic Advisor and appropriate faculty. A portfolio can be submitted for a course for which a proficiency exam is available. A portfolio cannot be submitted for Capstone courses or other courses identified by Academic Leadership. The portfolio should be completed well in advance of the trimester of graduation. In portfolios, students explain what they know relative to course outcomes and how they gained the knowledge. In addition, they include proof of their learning such as work samples, certificates and other items of documentation. Once the portfolio is completed, the material is submitted to a faculty evaluator. If the knowledge explained and documented is judged to be equivalent to that of students achieving a “C” or better in the course for which credit is requested, credit is awarded. If the student does not demonstrate equivalent knowledge, credit may be denied or delayed pending satisfactory completion of specific learning objectives.

Arrangements for proficiency examinations or portfolio credit should be planned early in a student’s career with the student’s Academic Advisor. Proficiency examinations (CLEP, DSST or FUPE) should be completed at least one trimester prior to the term in which the student expects to receive a degree. Portfolio credit submissions will not normally be arranged during the trimester in which the student intends to graduate. A student must take proficiency examinations (CLEP, DSST or FUPE) a minimum of three weeks prior to graduation but there is no guarantee that scores will be available in time. The Learning Commons Testing Center staff is not able to help with the retrieval of CLEP or DSST scores. 

College credit alternatives including CLEP, DSST, FUPE, Excelsior College, and/or Portfolio Credit may be used in any combination to accumulate a maximum of 32 credit hours toward the associate’s degree or 84 credit hours toward the bachelor’s degree. Credit awarded through proficiency examination or portfolio evaluation does not reduce the hours required toward residence.

The Learning Commons staff and the Academic Advising staff serve as the main source of information to students. Current information and registration forms must be obtained from these sources prior to scheduling any examinations. All proficiency examinations may be scheduled through https://www.franklin.edu/current-students/learning-support/testing/proficiency-testing.

Students are not eligible to take a proficiency examination or to submit for portfolio credit in a course in which they have received a failing grade or a “W,” or if it is during or after the second week of a course in which they are currently enrolled. Proficiency examinations and portfolio credit are graded on a Pass/No Credit basis. Students will receive credit only once for an equivalent course, proficiency examination and/or portfolio credit.

A non-refundable fee is charged for any proficiency test or portfolio assessment and must be paid prior to the examination or submission. However, students may cancel prior to the test date. CLEP, DSST and FUPE credit applied to University programs may not transfer to another institution.

Practicum: A partnership between students, institutions of higher education, and employers that allow a student to observe and document how working professionals perform their job responsibilities. Students will participate to a limited extent in performing tasks under supervision by professors and on-site staff.

Field Experiences: A partnership between students, institutions of higher education, and employers that formally integrate students’ academic study with work or community service, specifically in license preparation programs such as education and social work. Students are usually given specific assignments or tasks to complete under supervision. Time in the field is tracked closely and will be audited through evidence submitted by the field partner.

Internships: A partnership between students, institutions of higher education, and employers that formally integrate students’ academic study with work or community service. Students are given significant projects or responsibilities to complete independently but with supervision. Performance in the internship position is evaluated both from the perspective of student’s institution of higher education and the student’s internship employer. Internships are generally, though not always, noted on the student’s transcript. Internships may provide students with compensation in the form of wages or salaries, stipends, or scholarships.

Student Teaching: A partnership between students, institutions of higher education, and PK-12 educational institutions that formally integrate students’ academic study with work or community service. Students are given a classroom to lead independently but with supervision. Performance in the student teaching position is evaluated both from the perspective of the student’s institution of higher education and the student’s educational institution. Student teaching is noted on the student’s transcript.

Service Learning: A partnership between institutions of higher education and community organizations designed to integrate the student’s academic study with meaningful community service and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, foster the development of a sense of caring for others, and strengthen communities. Service learning experiences are typically embedded within specific courses to allow the subject matter to be integrated on a practical level.

Individualized Courses: During your time at the University, students may find that they want to explore an academic opportunity that is not available in the predefined courses.

An Individualized Course (e.g., Independent Study, Directed Study, on-site work experiences, etc.) is individual study involving informal and/or formal (online and/or face-to-face) conferences between an instructor and a student. This might be an interdisciplinary investigation, an arts practice or performance study, or a field research project (not intended to provide credit for paid work).

An Individualized Course allows students in good academic standing to

1. Pursue a more in-depth and comprehensive study of a specific not available in the major, not a part of the general curriculum or specific program, or not covered in a regular course,
2. Extend study in areas previously taught,
3. Take a version of a course that will not be offered again before a student graduates, or
4. Satisfy the requirements for a degree, program, or major (e.g., meet a pressing graduation requirement, meet a core requirement in a teaching major or professional program, etc.).

To qualify for an Individualized Course, you must establish the project, contact your academic advisor and/or faculty sponsor, and submit an initial petition to your advisor and/or sponsor for review. Review the complete guidelines for Individualized Courses, and speak with your advisor and/or sponsor to find out if this project is a good fit for you.

To register for an Individualized Course, students must have the minimum GPA required of their major area of study, and must complete an Individualized Course Proposal with the assistance and approval of an academic advisor and/or faculty sponsor. Normally, only full-time faculty will conduct Individualized Courses. Grading will be on a letter grade or Pass/No Credit basis; changes are not permitted once approval has been given by the supervising faculty member. The complete and final proposal must be submitted for approval to the supervising advisor and/or faculty (or designee) no later than the end of the week before the class session begins. It is expected that the student taking an Individualized Course will commence and complete that course within the time frame for the academic term in which the course is being taken or time frame set by the advisor and/or faculty sponsor.

It is recommended that students should plan to communicate with the professor and with other classmates regularly throughout their courses at Franklin University. This can be done with a variety of engagement tools in the course (e.g., Meet, Discuss, etc.). For individual issues, students should contact the professor directly by email or telephone. Email and telephone messages will normally be answered within 48 hours. Students should use their Franklin University email accounts when sending email messages or assignments to the professor.

All email sent to University faculty is automatically scanned for viruses. Messages that contain attachments found to be carrying viruses are deleted with notification sent to the sender only. The professor is not notified that a message was sent and subsequently deleted. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that a virus-free assignment is delivered on time to the professor. An email assignment is considered late if the professor does not receive it by the assigned time and date, even if the University’s email servers automatically block that assignment. All assignments submitted using the class Submit tool are automatically scanned for viruses.

Assignments that are found to be carrying viruses will not be accepted. A message will notify the student that a virus was found in the uploaded file and to check the file and try again. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that a virus-free assignment is delivered on time to the class Submit tool. An assignment is considered late if not received by the assigned time and date, even if Franklin’s server automatically blocks that assignment.

Assignments must be submitted to the professor by 11:59 pm EST on the due date indicated. Assignments may be accepted late but will receive a grade penalty based on the following chart: The professor, at his/her sole discretion, may choose to amend this policy in certain cases to accommodate extenuating circumstances.

Professors will return assignments submitted for grading within 5 days of the due date.