Academics

The university offers the following graduate programs: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Management, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership (MEDCL), Master of Education in Administration and Supervision (MEDAS), Master of Education in e-Learning and Instructional Design, and D. Clifton Wood Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. The university offers the following post graduate program: Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) and Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Assessment (EdD).  All post-baccalaureate, graduate and professional degree programs at Southern Wesleyan University require at least 30 semester hours, and some academic degree programs require more.

FERPA Policy

Students attending, or who have attended, Southern Wesleyan University are given certain rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended (20 U.S.C. 1232g) and Rules of the Department of Education (34 C.F.R. Part 99) implementing this Act. Please visit: https://www.ed.gov/

Transfer policy

Only courses and degrees from institutions accredited by agencies recognized by the Department of Education will be evaluated for transfer credit (e.g., SACSCOC, TRACS, ABHE, etc.). Applicants must request official transcripts to be sent directly from the Registrar(s) of the previous school(s) to the Southern Wesleyan University Admissions Offices or SWU Global. These transcripts must be received before an admission decision will be made. Credits transferred from other institutions are awarded grades of P for Pass, and do not affect a student’s Southern Wesleyan University GPA or academic standing.

In order to receive direct credit for a course, the description must overlap the Southern Wesleyan University course content at least 80%. Courses that do not match a Southern Wesleyan University course by at least 80% are eligible to transfer as elective credit where allowable. Elective credit is coded as 5XX to 9XX, depending on the level of the course.

Course work from a degree on the same academic level previously earned through Southern Wesleyan University is considered transfer credit, and is subject to the same restrictions as course work completed through other institutions.

Outgoing Trasfer of Credit: Transferability of credit earned through Southern Wesleyan University is at the discretion of the receiving institution.

The Dean of Online Learning and Graduate Education will determine the number of semester hours that may be transferred from other regionally accredited institutions provided that

The grade for the transferred course is 2.7 (B-) or greater.
The course was completed within the previous five years.
The Dean judges the course to satisfy specified requirements in the graduate curriculum.

 Semester Credit System

The University operates on the semester system. The unit for counting credit is the semester hour. A semester hour of credit consists of the equivalent of one 50-minute period of class work for 15 weeks, with an assumption of two hours of outside preparation or two 50-minute periods of laboratory work for each semester hour. Online courses are equivalent to the number of classroom contact hours (750 minutes per credit hour) expected in a synchronous residential course.

Course Audits

Students who wish to audit an online course may do so for a fee (see Expenses and Financial Policy section). Audit fees are not covered in block-rate tuition, and audited courses will not be used to determine full- or part-time status. Auditors will not be expected to take quizzes or examinations. A grade of AU will be recorded on the auditor’s permanent record.

Audited courses will not count toward graduation requirements.

Course audits may not be added via the traditional registration route, but must be requested by emailing the Registrar’s Office at registrar@swu.edu. Requests to audit an online course will only be accepted during the registration timeframes before a term starts.  Audit requests for online courses will be processed and added, pending availability. A student wishing to change from credit to audit status for a course may only do so until the last day of the registration deadline. Requests to change to or from audit status after the registration deadline will be denied.  Courses considered lecture/lab, labs, private instruction, etc. may not be audited.

Course Substitutions

A course substitution request may be made when a student wishes to substitute one course for another required course when a clear relationship exists between the two. This request may also be used when an academic department approves a complete replacement for a SWU course requirement.  Approval of the course substitution is under the oversight of the Registrar’s Office and the academic department presiding over the required course. Please note that an approved substitution will apply toward the degree requirement(s), but will not change the course number on the student’s transcript. Changing programs or breaking enrollment may invalidate the request.

Verification of Student Identity in Online Education

The United States Federal Higher Education Opportunity Act requires schools to verify the identity of online students.  For this reason, Southern Wesleyan University has established policies to certify that the student registering for a course is the same student who participates in the course or receives course credit.

The following methods, in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), will be used for the ongoing verification of student identity:

• a secure login and password, unique to each student, will be required to access the learning management system and related course resources, discussions and assignments;
• A SWU email account with secure login and password will be issued to all students and used as the primary communication method among students, faculty and staff;
• Faculty, at their discretion, may require proctored work or other electronic verification through an appropriate technology.

Academic Advising

SWU Global will assist online students throughout their studies. SWU Global serves to guide students in their course selection as well as help answer questions regarding academic issues or school-related problems. Academic Success Coaches are assigned for this purpose.

Registration

When students enrolls in the Master of Education, Doctor of Education, and Doctor of Business Administration, registration for each subsequent course in the sequence is automatic provided the student maintains good academic standing. For all other program, students wil meet with their academic success coach to schedule classes for upcoming semesters.

Class Attendance

To receive credit for a course, a student must be present for at least 75% of the class meetings in the course.  No credit will be awarded in any course in which the total number of absences exceeds 25% of the class meetings.  This number includes any authorized travel that causes a student to miss classes (for example; field trips, athletic competitions, or musical performances).

Once students have missed 25% of the class meetings in a course, they are no longer permitted to participate in activities outside of the classroom that would result in an additional absence.

A student who must miss the first class of any course must contact the instructor before the course is scheduled to start.  If no prior arrangement is made between the student and the instructor, a student who misses the first class will be administratively dropped from the course.  The student may seek re-entry according to the schedule adjustment procedure outlined above, but reinstatement in the course is not guaranteed.

Attendance in online courses is based on the completion of at least one designated assignment by the due date/time posted within the course site for each week of the course.  Online activities may include lecture, assignments, readings, forums, and assessments (for example; quizzes or tests).

Hybrid courses are a combination of online and classroom activities.  Students are expected to attend all campus class meetings as well as to adhere to posted online deadlines for assignments.  Classroom attendance will be taken in class by the instructor.  Online attendance is based on completion of at least one designated assignment by the due date/time posted within the course site for each session.

Enrollment Verification

A student is enrolled when they are registered for a course and have attended the course and/or completed academic work for the course after its start date.

Semester Load and Overload

To ensure students are successful in their academic endeavors, the University has placed a limit on the maximum number of semester hours students are able to take.

Graduate, post-graduate, and doctoral students

Master’s-level graduate students are considered to be full-time when enrolled in nine or more hours per semester. Post-graduate and doctoral students are considered full-time with a semester load of six or more semester hours.
Graduate, post-graduate, and doctoral students have a maximum semester limit of 15 hours.
Graduate, post-graduate, and doctoral students must have a Liberty University cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above to be eligible for overload up to 18 hours and above a 3.5 to be eligible for overload up to 21 hours.
Undergraduate students

Undergraduate students are considered to be full-time with a semester load of 12 or more semester hours. 
Undergraduate students have a maximum semester limit of 18 hours. 
Undergraduate students must have a Liberty University cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above to be eligible for overload up to 21 credit hours, and a GPA of 3.5 or above to be eligible for overload up to 24 credit hours.

Students must seek permission to take more than the maximum hours in a semester and will be required to pay additional tuition for each credit hour they take over the maximum semester limit.

Grades

Southern Wesleyan University uses letter grades as an indicator of the level to which a student has mastered the objectives of a given course. While efforts are made to eliminate subjectivity and bias, grades should be looked on as approximations. They are not an end in themselves but merely provide some evidence of how well the institutionally set goals have been met by a given individual. Students are encouraged to set their own learning goals and to use grades as only one measurement among many.

Grades serve the school in many ways, including:

• Giving feedback to students
• Determining whether credit is given for a course
• Determining how well material has been mastered overall
• Helping to improve instruction
• Sharing with stakeholders such as advisors, parents, employers, funding agencies, accreditors and graduate schools

Primarily, grades are directly related to the achievement of specified learning outcomes stipulated in a course syllabus or other official course materials. In some cases, a portion of the grade may involve other learning related to the broader topic of the course or the overall Southern Wesleyan University learning outcomes. Grades may also indicate the level of student engagement with the learning experience measured through such things as class participation, attendance, timeliness, and optional activity or research.

The following meanings are represented by the letter grades:

Faculty members at Southern Wesleyan University are hired both to teach and to make expert judgments of how well students master course objectives. The judgments are arrived at in a wide variety of ways depending on the course content and the skill and preference of the instructor. Southern Wesleyan University does not endorse one particular grading methodology, but policy does require that faculty adhere to the above grade definitions. Faculty are also asked not to include items in the final grade that have no relation to the course outcomes, program outcomes or student engagement with the topic.

All grades are reported in a system of eleven letter grades designated as “A” thru “F” with appropriate plus and minus additions reflecting the following scheme:

Incompletes

Students who are unable to complete coursework by the last day of class due to unavoidable circumstances such as personal illness/injury or family emergencies may appeal to their instructor for a temporary course grade of “I” (Incomplete). The authority for the decision to grant an incomplete completely lies with the instructor. Denial of the request for an incomplete may include, but is not limited to, the student’s inability to earn a passing grade with completion of the remaining requirements, as well as an insufficient reason for the request. Students must initiate the request for an incomplete directly to the instructor by the last day of class (before the final exam period for residential classes).

The instructor will establish a new deadline for the completion of the remaining coursework, based on the circumstances. The instructor may grant up to two weeks beyond the last day of the term (or sub-term for SWU Global courses) for non-medical circumstances and up to four weeks beyond the last day of the term (or sub-term for SWU Global courses) for personal medical circumstances.

For extreme personal medical circumstances, a maximum of eight weeks for SWU Global courses  may be given as long as sufficient medical documentation (from a medical professional) is presented along with the request. However, while the decision to grant an extended incomplete remains with the instructor, the request and medical documentation needs to be submitted to the Registrar’s Office. The instructor will be responsible to communicate the remaining requirements, as well as the extended deadline, to the student.

The instructor will post a final grade within two weeks from the deadline established for the incomplete. If a final grade is not posted within two weeks of the deadline, a grade of “F” will be posted by the Registrar’s Office. A grade of “I” can be changed to a withdrawal as long as the withdrawal is requested by the student within official course dates.

The GPA is unaffected by the incomplete until a final grade is posted after the deadline. However, grades of “I” will count as hours attempted and not completed and will negatively affect a student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Military Incompletes

Military service members are eligible for a military incomplete, for coursework that they are unable to complete on time, due to deployments, extended cruises, unit operational tempo, or other duty-related extenuating circumstances. To obtain an incomplete, a military student must send either a current copy of official military orders (as proof of professional conflict during enrollment in the course) or a signed letter on official letterhead from the student’s commander or supervisor. Incomplete requests and supporting documents should be emailed to the professor. Please Note: Incompletes must be secured no later than 2 weeks prior to the course end date. 

Extensions may be requested from the professor and students may be granted up to 4 weeks in extreme circumstances but should typically remain in a 2-3 week time-frame to stay within compliance for grade reporting policies with the Department of Defense. Students can request a military withdrawal only up to the original end date of the course. Once the original end date of the course has passed, students will not be able to request a withdrawal for any reason. Professors should use discernment when reviewing military documentation to avoid awarding an incomplete to a student who will not feasibly be able to complete the course.  Military students should notify their military education office of a course incomplete if they are using Tuition Assistance. 

Grade Point Average

A student’s Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated by dividing the number of grade points earned by the number of credits attempted (excluding P and S grades).

If a course is repeated at SWU, only the highest grade will be used to calculate the cumulative GPA.

For purposes specifically indicated in this catalog, the GPA is calculated on all work attempted.

Good Standing and Academic Probation

For a graduate student to remain in good standing, he or she must maintain a cumulative (irrespective of level of courses taken) GPA of 3.0 (B) or higher as determined at the close of fall, spring, and summer terms. Students whose GPA falls below 3.0 (B) will be placed on academic probation. To return to good standing, a graduate student placed on academic probation must successfully repeat any failed course(s) or earn a minimum SWU GPA of 3.0 (B) or higher at the end of the semester of academic probation. If the minimum cumulative SWU GPA of 3.0 (B) is not achieved following the semester of academic probation, the student will be academically suspended.

A master student admitted conditionally based on an undergraduate cumulative GPA of less than 3.0 (B) is on a probation period during the first semester and must achieve at least a 3.0 (B) SWU GPA for his or her first semester of enrollment. If the minimum cumulative SWU GPA of 3.0 (B) is not achieved at the end of the first semester, the student will be administratively withdrawn from the graduate program without being placed on academic probation.

In addition, any graduate student who has earned two consecutive grades of F will be administratively withdrawn.

Academically suspended graduate students may petition for readmission after six months. A suspended student who wishes to apply for readmission should submit an application for admission and a written justification explaining why he or she should be granted readmission to the chair of the program. The decision of the chair is final.

A student enrolled in a graduate program who earns grades lower than 2.7 (B-) in the Benson School of Business and Social Sciences or 3.0 (B) in the School of Education and Music Studies for two courses will meet with the assigned academic coordinator and will receive a letter of academic warning from the Provost.  If another course grade lower than 2.7 (B-) in the Benson School of Business and Social Sciences or 3.0 (B) in the School of Education and Music is earned, the student will not be permitted to continue in the program.  Appeals to action taken under this policy must be submitted to the chair of the appropriate program for consideration. 

No grade below 2.0 (C) may be applied toward a graduate degree in the Benson School of Business and Social Sciences.

No grade below 2.7 (B-) may be applied toward a graduate degree in the School of Education and Music.  A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on all work attempted) within a five-year period from initial enrollment in the program is required to graduate from the School of Education and Music with the M.Ed.  A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on all work attempted) within a seven-year period from initial enrollment in the program is required to graduate from the School of Education and Music with the EdD.

Students enrolled in the D. Clifton Wood Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program must earn a minimum grade of 2.4 (C+) for each course required in the program.  Students must complete the specified degree requirements with a minimum cumulative program GPA of 3.0 within a five-year period from initial enrollment in the D. Clifton Wood Master of Science in Counseling program.

To graduate, all graduate students must have a grade point average of at least a 3.0 (B).

Request for Grade Change

Students who believe they have received a final grade that does not accurately reflect their academic performance may petition the instructor in writing no later than four (4) weeks after the grade is posted to the student’s academic record.  The petition for a grade change should include substantiating evidence* to support the petition (e.g., written correspondence between the instructor and the student, graded assignments, record of attendance, etc..). 

If a grade miscalculation or other inaccuracy is determined, the instructor will submit a grade change request to the department coordinator (if applicable) or chair as is appropriate for review.

If the petition is approved, the change in grade is processed by the Office of Academic Records, and the student’s academic record is updated.  If the instructor disapproves the petition, the student may appeal according to the University’s grade appeal procedures.

*Note:  A disagreement about the subjective evaluation of the student’s performance in the class is not grounds for a grade change.  It is assumed that the instructor, as the subject matter expert, is the one most qualified to evaluate any and all work submitted.  Therefore, in order for a grade change request to be considered, the student must demonstrate an objective discrepancy between the way in which s/he was evaluated and the grading policies and procedures outlined in the course syllabus.

Grade-Appeal Procedures

• The grade is the final grade in a course;
• The grade has not been appealed previously;
• The instructor has disapproved the student’s petition for a grade change as described in Request for Grade Change;
• Substantiating evidence* of improper application of or disregard of university policy or procedure by the instructor is evidenced in the student’s appeal;
• The course is not included in an earned degree by the student when s/he has already graduated from Southern Wesleyan; and
• The student complies with the grade appeal procedure.

*Note:  A disagreement about the subjective evaluation of the student’s performance by the instructor is not grounds for an appeal.  It is assumed that the instructor, as the subject matter expert, is the one most qualified to evaluate any and all work submitted.  Therefore, in order for an appeal to be considered, the student must demonstrate an objective discrepancy between the way in which s/he was evaluated and the grading policies and procedures outlined in the course syllabus.

Procedure:

The student may appeal in writing to the instructor’s department coordinator or school chair within ten (10) working days following the receipt of the instructor’s disapproval of the student’s petition for a grade change. The student’s appeal should include:

• a completed grade appeal form;
• a letter to the department coordinator or school chair describing the steps already taken to resolve the grade issue with the instructor;
• copies of the communications with the instructor to resolve the grade issue; and
• substantive evidence supporting the grade appeal. 

If the student disagrees with the department coordinator’s written decision, the student may appeal to the instructor’s school chair within ten (10) working days of receipt of the department coordinator’s decision. The school chair will only consider appeals if the department coordinator’s decision lacks due process or shows evidence that relevant information was not taken into consideration. The student’s appeal to the school chair should include:

• a letter to the school chair indicating the steps already taken to resolve the grade issue with the instructor and with the department coordinator;
• a completed grade appeal form or a copy of the grade appeal form that was submitted to the department coordinator;
• copies of communications with the instructor and the department coordinator to resolve the grade issue; and
• substantive evidence supporting the grade appeal.*

The school chair’s decision is final, and no further appeal will be considered for this grade. The grade resulting from this decision may be the original grade, a higher grade, or a lower grade depending on the outcome of the appeal and is posted as the final grade on the student’s official academic record, including the University transcript.

*Note:  A disagreement about the subjective evaluation of the student’s performance by the instructor is not grounds for an appeal. It is assumed that the instructor, as the subject matter expert, is the one most qualified to evaluate any and all work submitted. Therefore, in order for an appeal to be considered, the student must demonstrate an objective discrepancy between the way in which s/he was evaluated and the grading policies and procedures outlined in the course syllabus.

Course Withdrawal

A withdrawal, grade of W, is appropriate if a student requests a withdrawal from a course that is in progress. A withdrawal must be processed before the half-way point of the course to avoid a grade of F. If the student fails to contact his or her academic success coach (ASC) after the half-way point, the student will be awarded a grade of F.

A student’s financial aid award will likely be affected by withdrawal from a course. Consequently, the student should contact his or her Financial Aid Counselor to discuss the financial implications of withdrawal.

A withdrawal may affect a student’s anticipated graduation date, and the student may be administratively withdrawn from additional courses if the course in question is a pre-requisite.

No student may earn more than two grades of W. A grade of W will not be included in the calculation of the grade point average.

Military Withdrawal

In the event that a student, who is a member of the National Guard, United States Armed Forces, or a reserve component, shall be called/ordered into active duty (including active State duty), the student and/or student’s spouse can request and receive a granted military leave of absence from Southern Wesleyan University.  The student and/or spouse will be administratively withdrawn from the university and receive a full refund of tuition and fees*.  The refunding of other charges may be prorated based on the date of the withdrawal. 

Service members and/or their spouses who request a military withdrawal must submit a copy of their official orders to the Office of Academic Records prior to departure or before grades are posted for the semester for the withdrawal to be processed on the student’s academic record.   

Upon release from military duty, the student and/or student’s spouse will be readmitted to the university at the current tuition rate with the same academic status they held during their last attending semester without loss of academic credits earned, scholarships or institutional grants awarded prior to the commencement of military duty.  The student will be readmitted under the current catalog as long as the program/courses are still offered. 

Without deployment orders, the student and/or student’s spouse must follow standard College drop or withdrawal procedures. A retroactive appeal to consider a military withdrawal can be initiated upon delivery of the applicable deployment orders.

Military withdrawals may not be granted for TDY (temporary duty), short-term assignments, or for semesters that are complete. 

* Students who enlist in the military or in the reserves once classes in the semester have begun are not eligible for a military withdrawal during that semester.

Withdrawal from the University

Withdrawal from the University is appropriate when a student wishes to discontinue his or her online or graduate program. The student’s academic success coach (ASC) must be contacted to initiate the appropriate withdrawal process. The student should contact his or her Financial Aid Counselor to discuss the financial implications of withdrawal from the University.

Re-entry following Withdrawal

Students who have been withdrawn for less than one calendar year and who wish to re-enter, should contact their academic success coach (ASC) for academic advisement and to develop a class schedule. To re-enroll, the students must meet the minimum GPA requirement, and all previous account balances must be resolved.

Students who have been withdrawn for greater than one calendar year must submit an application for re-admission, and they will be subject to the current catalog policies and degree completion requirements at the time of their re-admission and re-enrollment. Students must complete degree requirements within a five-year period from initial enrollment in the program.

General Graduation Requirements for Master Degree Programs

• Complete the specified degree requirements with a minimum cumulative program GPA of 3.0 within a five-year period from initial enrollment in the master program.
• Complete each course with a minimum grade of 2.0 (C) to earn a graduate degree in the Benson School of Business and Social Sciences.
• Complete each course in the D. Clifton Wood Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program with a minimum grade of 2.4 (C+).
• Complete each course with a minimum grade of 2.7 (B-) to earn a graduate degree in the School of Education and Music.
• Meet all specific program requirements.
• Apply for graduation.

General Graduation Requirements for the Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Program

• Complete the specified degree requirements with a minimum cumulative program GPA of 3.0 within a seven (7)-year period from initial enrollment in program.
• Complete each course with a minimum grade of 2.7 (B-) to earn a Doctorate in Business Administration.
• Meet all specific program requirements including successful completion of the comprehensive examination, the doctoral dissertation, and a residency requirement.
• Apply for graduation.

General Graduation Requirements for the Doctor of Education Degree Program

• Complete the specified degree requirements with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Complete each course with a minimum grade of 2.7 (B-) to earn a graduate degree in the School of Education and Music.
• Meet all specific program requirements including successful completion of the comprehensive examination, the doctoral dissertation, and three summer residencies.
• Complete all degree and program requirements within seven (7) years from the student’s initial enrollment in the program.
• Apply for graduation.

Theses and Dissertations

Some graduate degrees require a thesis, thesis project, or dissertation for graduation. Graduate thesis and dissertation requirements will not be considered complete until receipt of an acceptable copy of the approved thesis or dissertation is confirmed by ProQuest in accordance with current library deposit policies.

Conferral of Degrees

Degrees are conferred during the May and December commencement ceremonies. Final degree requirements must be completed or in progress to participate in commencement. Students’ degrees will also be conferred on August 31st for those who complete degree requirements after the academic deadline for May graduation and by the end of the publishing ending date of the summer semester. For students who receive an August conferral date, they will be able to participate in the December commencement. 

The graduation application, the application deadline as published on the University calendar, and related graduation information and instructions are emailed to graduation candidates via their SWU email account several months prior to commencement. Graduation candidates must apply for graduation prior to the stated deadline to have their degree conferred. 

Diplomas are mailed to graduates’ permanent address within six weeks following commencement. 

Graduates who have outstanding financial obligations to the University will not receive their diploma until all financial holds are resolved. 

Academic Honesty

Honesty in all matters-including honesty in academic endeavors-is a valued principle at Southern Wesleyan University. It is the expectation of the university that all those joining the academic program will act with integrity in all matters. Because of this principle, members of this community of learners (students, faculty, facilitators, staff, and administrators) are also expected to honor one another.

Honesty is particularly important when it comes to academic work. Because the university awards academic credit based on the assessment of each student’s work, and because that academic credit represents the university’s validation of learning, dishonesty by a student strikes at the heart of the value of the degree for all students and alumni. Consequently, any form of academic dishonesty (including cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of documents) constitutes a serious breach of trust.

No form of academic dishonesty will be tolerated. Students are encouraged to help each other maintain these high standards. All academic dishonesty observed should be reported to the faculty directly. Faculty members manage their classrooms and are encouraged to be present during exams. In the case of exams given outside of a classroom setting (such as online), efforts should be made to safeguard the integrity of the evaluation.

All community members are encouraged to avoid increasing temptations for dishonesty. At the beginning of the course, faculty members are encouraged to convey and to interpret their policy on plagiarism (academic dishonesty involving the use of another’s material, methods, or ideas without properly acknowledging the originator).

Upon evidence of academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, or misuse of another’s intellectual property), either by voluntary confession, report of another student, or on the basis of work submitted, the faculty member should follow this procedure:

1. Talk with the student in the presence of another faculty member or an appropriate administrator. If the student is taking classes online only, then the faculty member should email the student and copy the chair or designated representative.
2. Inform the student of the resulting discipline, based upon the situation:
   1. student’s unprompted confession - NC or 0 for work involved.
   2. admission after confrontation by faculty member - NC or 0 on work and 10% course grade reduction; the student is not permitted to withdraw from class.
   3. denial of guilt and faculty member believes innocence - no penalty.
   4. denial of guilt but faculty member believes guilt - F for the course; the student is not permitted to withdraw from class.
   5. In the event that there is evidence the student either encouraged others to be involved in the academic dishonesty, or conspired with others in the process by giving, receiving or using unauthorized aid, the faculty member should consult with his or her academic chair and recommend to the provost a response that may include academic dismissal from the university.
3. Explain the appeal process to the student, which is thus detailed below in the catalog.
4. Submit a written report to the provost, including the discipline implemented. Upon receipt of the report, the provost will take the following action:
   1. For a first offense, the provost will send a letter to the student indicating that evidence of the incident will be kept on file and warning of possible dismissal should the student be implicated in academic dishonesty again.
   2. For a first offense involving multiple students or outside parties that results in a recommendation of dismissal, the provost will meet with the students.
   3. For a second offense, the student will meet with the provost to discuss the evidence and appropriate action. This meeting may result in the student’s dismissal from the institution.
   4. Should a student not enrolled in the course be implicated in an act of academic dishonesty, that student will meet with the provost, who will place a record of the event in the student’s file. A second offense would result in dismissal from the university. 

While faculty and administrators must take academic dishonesty seriously in order to protect the value and integrity of university degrees, every effort will be made at each step of the process to work with students redemptively.

Appeals (Cases of Alleged Academic Dishonesty)

If a student is charged with academic dishonesty and the matter is not resolved with the faculty member, the student may appeal to the instructor’s department coordinator, in writing, within ten (10) working days after being informed that the grade for the course will be F.  If the department coordinator can mediate an agreement between the student and instructor, a grade-change request may be processed, if necessary.

If no agreement can be reached, if the instructor is also the department coordinator, the student may appeal the decision in writing to the appropriate academic school chair within ten (10) working days. The academic school chair shall investigate and render a decision. The student is not permitted to withdraw from the course during this process.

Within ten (10) working days after being informed of the decision, either the instructor or the student may appeal the school chair’s decision to the provost who will determine if the case should be considered by the Academic Council. The Academic Council or its designated Appeals Committee will review all appropriate material, consult the parties involved, and determine the final penalty. The decision of the Academic Council is final. Academic dishonesty discovered outside the context of a course or after a course is completed will be dealt with in a manner appropriate to the situation. The penalty may include such sanctions as rescinding of credit previously awarded, expulsion from the University, revocation of certificates, honors or diplomas, and in a case of fraud, appropriate legal action. Appeals in these cases will be heard by the Provost, with a final appeal to the Academic Council.

Other Academic Appeals

When a student seeks an exception to any academic policy that is documented in the University Bulletin or in the Student Handbook, the student should appeal accordingly:

1. The student should submit a written appeal to his or her academic success coach (ASC), who will then forward the appeal to the administrator responsible for the application of the particular policy.
2. All appeals must be written and must include the student’s desired outcome of the appeal. 
3. A thorough explanation of the student’s rationale and supporting documentation is required in order for the appeal to be considered.

The administrator will investigate the matter and make a decision.  If the administrator approves the appeal, the exception will be communicated to the appropriate parties. If the administrator disapproves the appeal, the student will be contacted about the decision. The administrator’s decision is the final step for almost all appeals.

If, however, the student can provide compelling evidence that the decision of the administrator was biased or that all documentation was not considered, the student may appeal the administrator’s decision in writing within ten (10) working days to the Provost.  The Provost will investigate and determine if the appeal may be reconsidered or not.  The Provost’s decision that the matter will not be reconsidered is final.

If the Provost determines that the matter may be reconsidered, the Provost shall either grant the exception or assign the appeal to the Academic Council, or designee, within ten (10) working days.  The Academic Council, or designee, will review all appropriate material, consult parties involved, and approve or disapprove the appeal. This final decision of the Academic Council may not be appealed.

Course Materials

Students are encouraged to purchase all materials from the campus bookstore online. Purchase and inquiries may be made at https://swu.ecampus.com/. Students should purchase materials after registration but prior to the sub-term start date (course activation). SWU Global does not guarantee that required course materials will be available after the sub-term start date.

Tutoring Services

Brainfuse

Brainfuse is an online tutoring service offered by Southern Wesleyan University to SWU Online students. The service is free to students, and most subject areas are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With Brainfuse, students can connect with a tutor and interact live, submit writing for any class to the Online Writing Lab, or submit a question and receive a reply from a tutor. Students may connect with Brainfuse when assistance is needed in any one of several subject areas including writing, math, science, or business.

Brainfuse can be accessed via course modules in Canvas or via the student tab in mySWU.

For help using Brainfuse, contact info@brainfuse.com or support@brainfuse.com To reach support by phone, call 1(866) 272-4638 to speak to someone directly or to leave a voicemail after hours. 

For on campus help, contact Tutoring Services by phone at 864.644.5137 or by email at studentsuccess@swu.edu. 

Library Services

The Claude R. Rickman Library engages the Southern Wesleyan University community by supporting and cultivating scholarship and creativity through access to staff, services, and resources. Please visit https://www.swu.edu/academics/library/ to access resources, hours, and contact information.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

It is the practice of Southern Wesleyan University to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as with state and local requirements regarding students and applicants with disabilities. Under these laws, no qualified individual with a disability will be denied access to or participation in any services, programs or activities of SWU.

Accessing Accommodations through Support Services

Students with a qualifying disability who wish to request accommodations at SWU will need to:

• Contact the Student Success Coordinator to schedule an appointment for an intake meeting;
• Be prepared to provide current and appropriate formal documentation of your disability.

Formal documentation may be mailed, emailed or hand-delivered to the Student Success Coordinator before or at the time of the intake meeting. Contact information is provided below.  Accommodations do not begin until this process is completed; consequently, in order to start the semester with accommodations, this meeting should take place and the information should be provided to the Student Success Coordinator prior to classes starting.

Student Success Coordinator
Southern Wesleyan University
PO Box 1020
SWU Box 1994
Central, SC 29630

learningcenter@swu.edu

Accommodations are determined based on the individual’s documentation and needs.  Accommodations may include but are not limited to:

• extended time on test-time and a half or double time depending on documentation;
• alternative/private testing location;
• copies of notes and/or PowerPoint presentations;
• ability to record lectures using recorder of Smartpen;
• have test read aloud;
• preferential seating.

Required Documentation

All documentation must be current in order to be acceptable. In order to be considered current, the documentation must fall within the following time frames:

• Within 3 years for learning disabilities and all other disabilities (This does not apply to physical or sensory disabilities of a permanent or unchanging nature.);
• Within 1 year for psychiatric disabilities.

Documentation should be typed on official letterhead, dated and signed by a qualified and credentialed professional. Documentation provided on a prescription pad is not acceptable. The documentation should include the following:

• A diagnostic statement identifying the disability with its DSM-IV Diagnostic notation;
• A description of the diagnostic methods used along with copies of test results;
• A description of the student’s current functional limitations;
• A description of the expected progression of the disability, if relevant;
• A description of current and past accommodations, services and/or medications;
• Recommendations for accommodations, strategies and/or service.

Student disability and accommodations records are treated as confidential information under applicable federal and state laws as well as University policies.  Information is provided only to support individuals on a need-to-know basis.

Process for Obtaining Services

1. The student contacts the Student Success Coordinator to schedule an intake meeting to discuss accommodations;
2. An intake meeting is completed in which documentation is reviewed and a determination is made regarding reasonable accommodations.  If the documentation is deemed incomplete, a request for additional information will be made;
3. The Student Success Coordinator sends the appropriate instructor an email notification about the approved accommodations for the student.  A copy of this notification is sent to the student;
4. The instructor reviews the accommodations and confers with the student and the Student Success Coordinator as needed;
5. After the accommodations have been approved, it is the student’s responsibility to introduce himself or herself to the instructor on the first day of class and to provide further information the student deems necessary;
6. The Student Success Coordinator and instructor will address any issues that arise with providing the requested accommodations;
7. The student must meet with the Student Success Coordinator at the beginning of each semester to renew his or her request for accommodations.

Students who find services to be unsatisfactory or who wish to file a grievance should contact the Student Success Coordinator at 864-644-5036 or learningcenter@swu.edu. 

Workplace Policies

Children in the Classroom

Southern Wesleyan University supports an academic environment that is conducive to learning for all students and is not equipped to offer childcare accommodations or services.  SWU cannot assume the responsibility for supervising children who accompany their parent or legal guardian into the classroom or into other instructional settings or leave children unattended at any campus site.

Email Policy

Upon admission to Southern Wesleyan University, students are provided with an email account, which is the official channel of communication between the University and its students. It is the responsibility of the student to periodically monitor his or her student email account and to be aware of the information sent by the University. Students are expected to check their email on a frequent and consistent basis in order to stay current with University-related communications. Students are responsible for recognizing that certain communications may be time-critical. Failure to manage email accounts is not an acceptable excuse for missing official University communications via email and will not excuse students from complying with University policies, procedures, and deadlines. There is no grounds for appeal for relief from those policies, procedures and deadlines communicated through email to students.

Inclement Weather

In the event of inclement weather, Southern Wesleyan University will determine if offices and academic programs of the University will open on schedule, delay opening or will be closed.  This decision is made by 6:00 a.m., and announcements regarding adjustments to normal working hours, delay or closure at the Central campus will be announced through the University’s SWUALERT notification system.  Students, faculty and staff are automatically enrolled in SWUALERT to be notified of emergencies and inclement weather information.  SWUALERT utilizes email, voice and text for notifications.  Additionally, the University website will display inclement weather alerts, and notifications may be broadcast over local radio and television stations.

In the event a SWU Online student experiences inclement weather that causes a disruption to his or her ability to participate in meeting online course requirements (e.g., power outage or flooding), the student should check his or her course syllabus for specific information about notifying faculty members. It is the student’s responsibility to notify instructors promptly and explain circumstances due to severe weather. Instructors will notify the student of any approved extension for coursework.

Pets in the Workplace

Unless a service animal is required, and the accommodation has been documented, dogs and other pets are not to be brought to work.  It is important to maintain a professional workplace and pets can be a distraction to employees and their work, the work of others and university guests.

Photo and Video Policy

Southern Wesleyan University takes photographs and videos of students throughout the year. These images often include students in classrooms, residence halls, laboratories, at athletic events, and other University activities and venues. SWU reserves the right to use these photographs and videos in the promotion of the University. Students who enroll at SWU do so with the understanding that photographs/videos may be taken which would include them, and these photos/videos may be used in University publications, websites, social media, and other media for promotional purposes only. Names of students may be released to the press regarding student involvement in academic, athletic and other extracurricular activities.

Privacy of Student Educational Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a Federal law administered by the Family Policy Compliance Office in the U.S. Department of Education:  20 U.S.C. §1232g; 34 CFR Part 99.  FERPA applies to educational institutions that receive any federal funding.  Southern Wesleyan University is subject to FERPA.

The student’s education record is maintained by the Office of Academic Records.  FERPA affords eligible students certain rights with respect to the education records.  An eligible student is a student who is at least 18 years of age or is enrolled at a postsecondary institution.  Education records are records that contain information directly related to a student and are maintained by the University or by a party acting for the University.  FERPA rights include:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days after SWU receives the student’s request.  The University will arrange for access to the records and will notify the student of these arrangements.  The student will be required to present proof of identification for access to the records.
2. The right to challenge, in writing, the content of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.  The student shall be granted a hearing if the outcome of the challenge is unsatisfactory to the student.  The student may submit an explanatory statement for inclusion in the education record if the outcome of the hearing is deemed unsatisfactory by the student.
3. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC  20202

1. The right to prevent disclosure of the student’s education record except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without the student’s consent.  A student’s education record    may be released without the student’s written consent:
2. to school officials with legitimate educational interests:  a school official is an individual who has a legitimate need to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities;
3. to third parties endorsed by SWU who perform an institutional service or function for the University;
4. to officials of another postsecondary institution at which a student seeks or intends to enroll;
5. in response to a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
6. to authorized representatives of the U.S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or state and local educational authorities, such as a state postsecondary authority that is responsible for supervising the University’s state-supported education programs;
7. in connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received;
8. to parents of an eligible student if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code;
9. to appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency;
10. to parents of a student under 21 years of age who is found in violation of any Federal, State, or local law, or of any rule or policy of SWU, governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance;
11. when directory information is requested.  Directory information at SWU includes student’s name, local and permanent address, telephone number, SWU email address, age, major field of study, dates of attendance, enrollment status (e.g., graduate or undergraduate; full-time or part-time), degrees, honors, and awards received, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and weight and height of members of an athletic team..

Currently enrolled students may request non-disclosure of directory information by completing the Request for Non-disclosure form available in the Office of Academic Records. Written requests for non-disclosure will be honored for a maximum of one year. In the absence of a non-disclosure form, SWU may release directory information about a student accordingly.

Smoking Policy

Since 1906, Southern Wesleyan University has been committed to guiding students to reach their highest potential academically, physically, socially, and spiritually. In keeping with this commitment in terms of physical well-being and the overwhelming evidence that smoking is harmful to the individual who smokes and also to those individuals around the smoker, Southern Wesleyan has taken the positive step of declaring itself to be a smoke-free campus. Off-campus facilities are also smoke-free areas.

University policy for the Online and Graduate Programs is that no smoking takes place inside the classrooms and related space. When the facility in which a specific class meets has another smoking policy, Online and Graduate Programs enforces the no-smoking rule in Online and Graduate Programs classrooms, hallways and common areas. The current policy has worked well, and the faculty and staff hope that all students put forth an effort not to smoke at all, especially during the hours of class.

Online Programs

Mission

Southern Wesleyan University SWU Global Programs are dedicated to providing a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community that transforms lives by challenging students to become dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. Our online programs are designed to offer flexible, affordable, and high-quality educational experiences that are fully comparable to our face-to-face learning options, ensuring that every student receives the same level of academic rigor, personalized support, and spiritual formation

Instructional Delivery Method

SWU Global offers its online courses through Canvas as its primary delivery method. Students can access individual lessons, have interaction with other students taking the same course, utilize links to online resources, view supplemental streaming video clips, and receive direct feedback from their professors using this means of delivery. Video, printed, and online learning tools ensure that students have a learning opportunity available to them that equals or surpasses the traditional classroom model.

Structure  

Currently, SWU Global offers most online courses in a seven-week format with multiple entry dates throughout the year. Some courses are offered in a 14-week format (with multiple entry dates per semester) in which students may enroll at the beginning of each term. Students will need to show consistent progress throughout their coursework in order to maintain good academic standing. SWU Global provides students with tools for success. However, students must manage their time and resources to take advantage of these tools.

Degree Program Format

With the online delivery format, courses in a program are delivered in an online classroom experience that is flexible, personal and challenging. Through the online format a student can earn a degree entirely online. Some programs require that a minimum number of courses be taken as on-campus residencies.

Course Assignments

Students take timed tests online and receive immediate feedback and test results. Essay exams and papers are also submitted online, graded by the course instructor and returned to the student. Portions of assigned work are used to facilitate student-to-student interaction. The interaction is often included as an element in student grading.

Code of Conduct

All SWU Global students are subject to the Student Handbook’s Codes of Conduct: https://account-media.s3.amazonaws.com/27332/uploaded/s/0e18971572_1738087412_student-handbook-24-25-rev-1-2-2025.pdf. 

Information Pertaining to Licensure-Based Degree Programs, Internships, and Clinical Placements

Students who are pursuing degrees leading to application for professional licensure or certification, and/or who will be participating in clinical placements, internships, or practica through their SWU Global program, should be aware that a criminal background check, finger printing, drug screenings, or other screening processes may be required by Southern Wesleyan University and/or the host facility.

In such situations, each student is responsible for obtaining and paying for the background check or other screening process and for delivering required documentation to the facility. Although the university will provide guidance to admitted students seeking placement in field experiences and internships, it is the host facility’s responsibility to determine whether a student will be allowed to work at that facility.

Students in licensure-based degree programs are responsible for understanding the requirements of the program by becoming thoroughly familiar with the curriculum and the academic school’s web page that outlines degree requirements.

Students seeking licensure are urged to contact the relevant licensing agency to determine the licensing requirements for the jurisdiction. Successful completion of a program of study at Southern Wesleyan University does not guarantee licensure, certification, or employment in the relevant occupation.  Students should further be aware that a criminal record may jeopardize licensure by the State certification body.

Academic Support

Nathan Street, Ed.D., Dean of Online Learning adn Graduate Education

Cheryl Parris, Academic Coordinator

Seth Ledford, Executive Coordinator

Danita Jones, Director of Academic Online Support Services

Ryan Corbin, Academic Success Coach

Richard Smith, Senior Instructional Designer

Roz Pitts, Ed.D., Project CREATE Coordinator

Michael Shannon, Online Chaplain

Regina Bolding Harned, Registrar