Attendance Requirements and Examinations
Attendance
Golden Gate University encourages students to attend and participate in their classes. Active participation and engagement with course materials, instructors, and other students enhances the learning experience. The course syllabus for each class provides students with the implications of failing to attend a class and the requirements for attendance that must be met in order for students to earn passing grades. Federal Student Aid, VA Education Benefits, and F1/J1 Student Visa Programs all have attendance requirements, the consequences of which are described below:
- Federal Student Aid: If Return of Federal Student Aid calculations are required for students who are deemed to have withdrawn completely from a payment period, their last dates of attendance in courses in which they received “W” and/or “F” grades may be used in those return calculations. See the Return of Federal Student Aid Policy for more information.
- VA Education Benefits: When students receive “F” grades, their last dates of attendance (LDA) for those courses will be reported to U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs unless their LDAs are within seven (7) days of the course section end dates. In addition, VA students must physically attend “in-residence” class meetings to be certified for BAH benefits; attendance only via eLearning or attendance via web conference does not make students eligible for BAH benefits.
- F1/J1 Student Visa Programs: F1/J1 student immigration status requires students to maintain full time enrollment and to attend and pass all courses in which they are enrolled in order to Maintain Status. (Note: Since GGU enrolls F1/J1 students into graduate programs only, “C-” is the minimum passing grade to maintain status.) Non-attendance without Reduced Course Load authorization is a violation of F1/J1 student status and may result in SEVIS record termination.
Examinations
Midterm and final examinations are given in most courses. All final examinations must be taken on the dates scheduled, unless permission is granted by the instructor and the school dean to take an examination at some other time. Permission is granted on an individual basis; because examinations must be proctored, a special fee is charged.
Required Academic Progress and GPA Requirements
All Golden Gate University students are required to make satisfactory academic progress toward completion of their degrees or studies. Students who are not making satisfactory academic progress will be disqualified from the university.
Open Enrollment Students
Those students who are enrolled through the open enrollment program must meet the cumulative grade-point average (GPA) requirements established for each academic level - undergraduate/graduate - of study (see below for details). Should an open enrollment student’s grade point average fall below the minimum requirements, the student will be automatically disqualified.
Undergraduate Students
All undergraduate students are required to maintain at least a 2.00 (C average) grade-point average (GPA). This requirement applies to all University courses taken and to those courses designated “Required for the Major.”
Students whose GPA at Golden Gate University falls below the required 2.00 minimum will be placed on academic probation. The probationary period will be the lesser of 12 units or the units remaining for degree completion, during which time the student must achieve the minimum required 2.00 cumulative GPA. All undergraduate students on academic probation must see their designated academic advisor for approval to register for classes each term. Students on academic probation will be officially removed from probationary status after the trimester in which they achieve the minimum required GPA. Under no circumstances may a student continue taking courses once it becomes mathematically impossible to achieve a 2.00 cumulative GPA in the time remaining in the probationary period without retaking previously completed classes.
Graduate Students
For purposes of graduation and to maintain satisfactory academic standing, all graduate students are required to maintain at least a 3.00 cumulative grade-point average (GPA) in the academic programs in which they are enrolled. A student’s program GPA is calculated using all courses taken at GGU that are applicable to the academic program’s requirements, including: prerequisites, graduate program proficiency courses, graduate program foundation courses, undergraduate courses taken to satisfy graduate program foundation requirements, required courses and electives. Coursework that is completed at other institutions or at GGU prior to completing an undergraduate degree may be used to satisfy graduate program requirements, but this coursework will not be used in the calculation of the student’s program GPA.
In addition to maintaining an overall minimum 3.00 GPA, graduate students must earn a grade of “C-” or better in order for a course to be used to satisfy the program’s requirements. If needed, students may repeat courses or replace elective courses with additional elective courses to raise their program GPAs to meet the minimum GPA requirement.
Students whose GPAs fall below the above stated GPA requirements will be placed on academic probation. The probationary period will be the lesser of nine units, or the units remaining for degree completion, during which time the student must achieve the minimum required GPA. All graduate students on academic probation must see their designated academic advisor for approval to register for classes each term. Students on academic probation will be officially removed from probationary status after the trimester in which they achieve the minimum required GPA. Under no circumstances may the student continue taking courses once it becomes mathematically impossible to achieve the minimum required 3.00 GPA in the time remaining in the probationary period without retaking previously completed courses.
When a student’s degree is conferred, the student’s cumulative GPA and unit calculations are recorded on the transcript with the degree information. The student’s cumulative GPA and unit calculations restart from zero if the student completes additional coursework. Thus GGU will apply courses from previous graduate and undergraduate academic programs toward satisfying the credit and course requirements of a student’s second (third, fourth, etc.) graduate academic program, if appropriate, but this coursework will not be used in calculating the student’s program GPA for any subsequent academic program.
Doctoral Students
For purposes of graduation and to maintain satisfactory academic standing, all doctoral students are required to maintain at least a 3.00 cumulative grade-point average (GPA) in the doctoral program. A student’s GPA calculation includes all university courses taken to fulfill the doctoral degree program requirements, doctoral foundation program courses completed and undergraduate courses taken to satisfy doctoral course prerequisites and foundation program requirements. Coursework used to fulfill proficiency requirements will not be included in the programmatic GPA unless the student completes the courses after seeking admission to or being admitted to the DBA program.
In addition to maintaining an overall minimum 3.00 GPA, doctoral students must earn a grade of “B-” or better in order for a course to be used to satisfy the program’s requirements. Students may repeat courses or complete extra elective courses if needed to raise their program GPAs to meet the minimum GPA requirement.
Doctoral students whose GPAs fall below the 3.00 (B-average) cumulative grade point average requirement will be placed on academic probation. The probationary period will be the lesser of eight units, or the units remaining for degree completion, during which time the student must achieve the minimum required GPA. All doctoral students on academic probation must see the director of the doctoral program for approval to register for classes each term. Students on academic probation will be officially removed from probationary status after the trimester in which they achieve the minimum required GPA. Under no circumstances may the student continue taking courses once it becomes mathematically impossible to achieve the minimum required 3.00 GPA in the time remaining in the probationary period without retaking previously completed courses.
Required Academic Progress for Students on Probation
Required academic progress for students placed on academic probation includes the achievement of a minimally acceptable grade point average (GPA) and completion of units attempted. Students on academic probation who fail to meet these requirements by the end of the probationary period will be automatically disqualified. The student may appeal to the dean of the program.
Both undergraduate and graduate students disqualified for unsatisfactory academic progress are barred from enrollment in any classes at Golden Gate University. Disqualified graduate students may not enroll as auditors, certificate or open enrollment students. Disqualified graduate students may apply for admission to undergraduate studies and, if admitted, register for undergraduate level courses. Disqualified graduate students may also enroll for noncredit workshops.
To be considered for readmission, a disqualified student must submit another Application for Admission after a period of time in which significant achievement and/or resolution of difficulties indicate a change in the conditions lending to initial disqualification.
One year is the minimum time usually required for such a change, and students will be notified at the time of their disqualification of their minimum required waiting period before applying for readmission. Applicants for readmission must meet the admission and degree requirements in effect at the time readmission. For further information refer to the catalog section “Readmission of Former Students ”.
Probation and Disqualification Policies and Procedures
Required academic progress for students placed on academic probation includes the achievement of a minimally acceptable grade point average as well as satisfactory class attendance and completion of attempted units. Students on academic probation who fail to meet these requirements by the end of the probationary period will be automatically disqualified. The student may appeal the decision to the dean of the program. See Academic Disqualification Appeal Process below for more information.
Students who are on academic probation may apply for a change of program. If the dean of the school in which the new program is located approves the change of major, the student is still required to achieve the minimally acceptable grade point average by the end of the probationary period. See Required Academic Progress and GPA Requirements for more information. A disqualified student may reapply and be considered for readmission after three terms.
Academic Disqualification Appeal Process
A student who wishes to appeal the disqualification to the dean must submit a Disqualification Appeal form, within 45 working days after the end of the specific term resulting in the disqualification. The dean and faculty review committee will review the disqualification appeal and render a decision within 10 working days of receiving the appeal. Students whose disqualification appeal is granted may not enroll in courses for a minimum of one complete trimester.
Academic Standing Inquiries
Academic standing inquiries should be directed to your academic advisor. You may also contact the Office of Academic Affairs, Golden Gate University, 536 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105-2968; telephone 415-442-6569.
Academic Integrity Policy
Golden Gate University is committed to preparing students to lead and serve and to creating an academic community that values both individual and collaborative efforts that promote learning. The University aims to cultivate a community based on trust, academic integrity and honor. Specifically, Golden Gate University seeks to accomplish the following:
- Ensure that students, faculty, and administrators understand that the responsibility for upholding academic honesty lies with them.
- Prevent any students from gaining an unfair advantage over other students through academic misconduct.
- Ensure that students understand that academic dishonesty is a violation of the trust of the entire academic community.
- Clarify what constitutes academic misconduct among students at Golden Gate University.
The following policy applies to all students taking classes in the Schools of Business, Taxation, Accounting, and Undergraduate Studies regardless of location or course format.
1. Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct is the failure to maintain academic integrity. Academic misconduct includes but is not limited to:
a. Plagiarism:
In any written work, including but not limited to submitted papers, discussion postings in online work, presentations, and examination answers:
- Copying all or part of another person’s written work without proper citation or attribution.
- Representing as one’s own specific phrases, sentences, paragraphs, or the specific substance of another person’s work without giving appropriate credit.
- Paraphrasing another person’s original ideas, theories, explanations, examples, models, principles, research issues and strategies, cases, conclusions, etc. without proper attribution.
- Representing as one’s own another person’s computer programs, web content or designs, graphic or artistic works, mathematical or scientific solutions, charts, tables, figures, or illustrations in any medium
b. Fabrication:
The falsification of data, information, or citations in any formal academic exercise.
c. Deception:
Providing false information to an instructor concerning a formal academic exercise-e.g., giving a false excuse for missing a deadline or falsely claiming to have submitted work.
d. Cheating:
- Copying, in part or in whole, from another student’s work, including exams, tests, quizzes, assignments, projects, online postings, work drafts or other evaluation instruments unless part of a group project in which collaboration is permitted and permission is given by the originator of the work.
- Using or consulting sources, materials, devices, or other assistance not authorized by the instructor during a quiz, test, or examination.
- Obtaining or attempting to obtain, or giving or attempting to give unauthorized aid of any type on a quiz, test, examination, or assignment.
- Unauthorized collaboration. Students may not combine efforts on any academic work, done inside or outside the classroom unless specifically permitted by the instructor. Although instructors should clearly define the limits of collaboration allowed, the absence of any instructions indicates that collaboration is not permitted. When uncertain, the student should seek clarification from the instructor. In cases of unauthorized collaboration, any student giving aid is as responsible as the recipient, unless the former is unaware that she/he has provided aid. A student who seeks unauthorized aid is responsible for participating in unauthorized collaboration whether the aid was given or received.
- Obtaining or attempting to obtain unauthorized prior knowledge of a quiz, test, or examination.
- Submitting work previously presented in another course or in another section of the same course, unless specifically authorized by the course instructor.
- Doing work for another student or having one’s work done by another person, or representing oneself as another person, or failing to identify oneself in a forthright and honest manner in the context of an academic obligation.
- Altering grades or interfering with grading policies or procedures.
- Submitting or attempting to submit contrived or altered data, quotations or documentation when the intent is to mislead, or deliberately attributing material to a source other than where the student obtained it.
- Any other act committed by a student in the course of academic work that defrauds or misrepresents, including aiding or abetting in any of the actions defined above.
e. Bribery:
Offering money or other goods and services in exchange for academic favor.
f. Sabotage:
Creating an improper academic disadvantage for another student or an improper academic advantage for oneself. This includes but is not limited to:
- Acting to prevent others from completing their work. This includes cutting pages out of library books or willfully disrupting the experiments of others.
- Removing, defacing, hiding or deliberately withholding library books or other materials, especially those with short-term loan periods or on reserve for courses.
- Theft or damage of intellectual property.
- Sabotaging or stealing another person’s assignments, books, papers, notes, or projects.
- Improperly accessing or interfering with, electronically or via other means, the property of another person or the University.
This list is not exhaustive, and the University reserves the right to determine in a given instance what action constitutes a violation of academic integrity.
2. Procedures When Academic Misconduct is Alleged
Any student, faculty, or University employee who observes, discovers or has a good faith belief about the occurrence of academic misconduct must notify the faculty member responsible for the course in which the alleged misconduct occurred, or a dean or other administrator who will in turn notify the responsible faculty member.
When a faculty member responsible for a course has reason to believe that there has been an incident of academic misconduct, the faculty member shall:
- Inform the student in writing of the allegations(s), provide the student with two business days to submit written response.
- If the faculty member believes there is a potential violation after considering the student response, the faculty member is required to submit to the Dean of Student Affairs an Allegation of Academic Integrity Misconduct form and the academic sanction the faculty member recommends as appropriate as soon as administratively possible.
- The Dean of Student Affairs will inform the student and the faculty member that an Allegation of Academic Integrity Misconduct has been filed, requesting any additional information from both parties. Such additional information must be submitted in writing within 3 business days of the sending of the notification.
- The dean (or dean’s designee) of the relevant school, plus one other academic dean (dean’s designee), and a faculty member will review the submitted material and make a determination within 10 business days whether there was misconduct. If it is determined that misconduct occurred, academic and administrative sanctions will be imposed in accordance with Section 3 below.
- The Dean of Student Affairs will notify the student and faculty member of the decision whether misconduct has occurred. If there is a finding of misconduct, the notification will also indicate the resulting academic and administrative sanctions.
A copy of this notification shall be sent to the following:
- Dean of the school in which the course is given
- Dean of the school in which the student is enrolled
- Dean of Student Affairs
- Faculty member alleging the academic misconduct
- Vice President for Academic Affairs
- University registrar
- Director of the program in which the student is enrolled
If a student is found responsible for violating the Academic Integrity Policy, a conduct file will be created for the student and will include supporting documentation as well as the final determination. Students found responsible for violating the Academic Integrity Policy could have notations made on their transcript regarding these violations and the sanctions imposed.
Investigations into allegations of academic dishonesty will take place regardless of a student’s status at the University or in a particular class. If found responsible for a violation, academic and administrative sanctions may be imposed even if a student dropped or withdrew from the course or withdrew from the university.
3. Sanctions
Sanctions are the consequences imposed on the student for acts of academic misconduct. There are two kinds of sanctions: academic sanctions and administrative sanctions. Either one or both types may be imposed for any act of academic misconduct.
a. Academic Sanctions:
The faculty member teaching the course in which the academic misconduct occurred has the discretion to impose an academic sanction s/he deems appropriate, including but not limited to:
- Awarding no credit for the academic exercise for which there was academic misconduct. If the faculty member chooses to award no credit, s/he may choose to allow the student to complete an alternative assignment or examination and average the two grades together. However the faculty member is under no obligation to do so.
- Assigning a grade of “F” or other reduced grade for the exam or assignment, with no possibility of ameliorating the grade by means of additional work.
- Assigning a grade of “F” or other reduced grade for the course.
In addition to imposing academic sanctions, the University may impose administrative sanctions.
b. Administrative Sanctions:
Any student found to have violated the Academic Integrity Policy will be placed on academic integrity probation for a period of three trimesters in which the student is enrolled in Golden Gate University coursework. Should a student be found to have violated this policy while on academic integrity probation, the student will be automatically suspended for two trimesters (including the current trimester should the student be found to have violated this policy prior to the end of a term).
Any student having been found to have violated this policy will forfeit his/her privilege to serve in any student government leadership role. Violation of the policy will also preclude the student from being awarded any honors recognition for which he/she might otherwise qualify such as dean’s list or graduation honors.
An additional administrative sanction may be imposed by the Dean. For purposes of determining the appropriate administrative sanction, the Dean may seek to determine the extent to which there was past academic misconduct. The dean may impose any administrative sanction determined to be appropriate, including but not limited to the following:
- Require the student to enroll in an academic integrity program at the student’s cost.
- Suspend the student from the course and prohibit the student from retaking it for one academic term or more.
- Suspend the student from enrolling in any course at the university for a period of time.
- Permanently expel the student from the program in which he or she is enrolled and deem the student ineligible for subsequent re-admission to that program.
- Expel the student from the university.
c. Student Appeal Process:
A student may appeal a finding of misconduct and the academic and administrative sanctions imposed within 7 business days of the sending of the notification. Appeals must be filed in writing submitting the Academic Integrity Sanction Appeal form. Academic and Administrative sanction appeals will be evaluated and a decision will be made within 7 business days of receipt of student appeal.
The Vice President for Academic Affairs will evaluate all documentation provided by the student, faculty member, dean of the school and Dean of Student Affairs and determine whether to uphold the finding of misconduct. If the misconduct finding is upheld, the Vice President for Academic Affairs will determine whether the academic and administrative sanctions are appropriate for the severity of the misconduct. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will communicate such ruling to the student in writing within 7 business days of receipt of the student’s appeal. The student shall have no further appeal rights.
4. Protection of Privacy
Unless noted otherwise above, all written or spoken communications between the student and the faculty member and the student and University administration will be disclosed only as (1) reasonably necessary to investigate the allegations of academic dishonesty, (2) required to report the allegations of academic dishonesty to the University and student, (3) appropriate in any subsequent disciplinary proceedings or legal actions, (4) reasonably necessary in the ordinary business of advising students and administering courses, and/or (5) required by law or court order.
Disciplinary Suspension or Dismissal
Golden Gate University reserves the right to suspend or dismiss a student for violation of its policies or regulations or for conduct inimical to the best interest of the University or to other students in attendance. Information is available in the Griffin Student Handbook and from the Office of Student Affairs.
Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs
Golden Gate University complies with federal and state laws regarding the possession, sale and consumption of alcohol and other drugs (Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988; the Higher Education Act of 1986; Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 [PL 99-570]; Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 [PL 101-226]; Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 [PL 100-690]). Federal and state laws prohibit the sale and use of drugs that are not prescribed by a physician or available for regular retail sale. Any student known to be possessing, using or distributing such drugs is subject to serious university disciplinary action (suspension or dismissal) and arrest under the state and federal laws. The university will facilitate counseling and referral to treatment as appropriate. Additional information is available in the Griffin Student Handbook and from the Office of Student Affairs.
Substance and Alcohol Counseling and Treatment
Students and employees who are concerned about problems relating to substance/alcohol use, abuse, and rehabilitation should be aware of various treatment programs. The university offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This program, which is available to all regular employees, offers confidential telephone assistance, a referral service and follow up. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides a constructive way for employees to voluntarily deal with drug and other substance-related problems. For further details, and the telephone number of the EAP, please contact human resources. Students may consult with a staff member of Wellness Resources.
Privacy of Student Education Records
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the California Education Code afford “eligible students” certain rights with respect to their education records. Eligible students are those who are or have been in attendance at Golden Gate University. These rights include:
- The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the date the university receives a request for access.
A student should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and will notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the school official to whom the request was submitted, the official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed. If the student cannot inspect the records at Golden Gate University’s San Francisco campus, copies of the records will be made available by regular mail at the cost of $0.25 per page, upon satisfactory proof of the student’s identity.
- The right to request the amendment of a student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA
A student who wishes to ask the school to amend a record should write the school official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed.
If the University decides not to amend the record as requested, the University will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
- The right to provide written consent before the University discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from students’ education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent
FERPA contains various exceptions to the general rule that the University should not disclose education records without seeking the prior written consent of the student. The following circumstances are representative of those in which education records may be disclosed without the student’s prior written consent:
- The University may release “directory information” upon request. Directory information is information that is not generally considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. See the “Directory Information” section below for more information.
- School officials who have a legitimate educational interest in a student’s education record may review it. A school official is a person employed by Golden Gate University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position; a person serving on the board of trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee. A school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside the University who performs an institutional service or function for which the University would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the University with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agency or a student volunteering to assist another school official in preforming his or her duties. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for the University.
- The University discloses education records without consent to officials of another school, in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, upon request of officials at that other school.
- The University may inform persons including either parent(s) or guardian(s) when disclosure of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons.
- The University must provide records in response to lawfully issued subpoenas, or as otherwise compelled by legal process.
- The right to file a complaint with the US Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
US Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901
Directory Information
Golden Gate University has designated the following student records as “directory information,” and at its discretion may release this information without the student’s written consent:
- Full name
- Address
- Telephone number
- Email address
- Dates of attendance
- Enrollment status
- Program of study and concentration(s)
- Participation in officially recognized activities
- Awards
- Honors (including dean’s list)
- Degree(s) earned and date(s) conferred
- ID card photograph
As required by Section 99.37 of the FERPA regulations, this serves as annual public notice of which student records Golden Gate University classifies as “directory information.” Students have the right to withhold all “directory information,” but must notify the registrar in writing by completion and submission of the Request to Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information form. Once a non-disclosure hold is placed on a student’s directory information, it will remain in effect until and unless the student removes it by submission of a written request to the registrar.
Notice of Nondiscrimination Policy
In compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Vietnam Era and Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Executive Order 11246, Golden Gate does not discriminate, within the meaning of these laws, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status or veterans status in employment, in its educational programs, or in the provision of benefits and services to its students. Anyone who believes that, in some respect, Golden Gate University is not in compliance with the above statement should contact the Office of Student Affairs in San Francisco.
Notice of the Americans with Disabilities Act
In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Golden Gate University affirms its commitment to its applicants and students who identify and express their special needs. Information regarding the acts and the University’s policies and services may be obtained from the Office of Student Affairs, 415-442-7288.
Golden Gate University Student Completion or Graduation Rate (Enrollment Retention Rate)
The information is provided in compliance with the Federal Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990. Questions should be directed to the director of planning, resources and analysis.
Golden Gate University admits very few first-time freshmen. The completion or graduation rate is a projection based on actual enrollment retention data for a defined group of newly matriculated students (including those who transferred in credit from other institutions). This information for undergraduate students can be found at http://www.ggu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/student-success/retention-and-graduation/ . The information for graduate students is available at http://www.ggu.edu/admissions/graduate/student-success/retention-and-graduation/.
Notice of Crimes
A complete record of all crimes committed on Golden Gate University’s properties is provided in “Campus Safety Information” on p. 144 or in the University Street Smarts publication. The quickest way to access the report is by going to www.ggu.edu/about-ggu/campus-safety-and-security/#, where it is listed under the “Annual Security Report” section. A hard-copy of the University Street Smarts publication will also be made available upon request to the campus safety office.
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