- Inclement Weather Policy
- Immunization Policy
- Student Email Communication Policy
- Code of Conduct
- General Complaint Procedures
- South University students attending a ground campus
- South University students attending an online program
- Student Grievance Procedure for Internal Complaints of Discrimination and Harassment
- Non-Discrimination Policy
- No Harassment Policy
Inclement Weather Policy
In the event of severe weather conditions, students will be notified of the cancellation or delay of classes via the South University My Campus Alert System. Whenever possible, notification of cancelled or delayed courses will occur at least three (3) hours prior to the course start time. Cancelled courses may require make-up course meeting times, or additional assignments. Faculty will notify students at the next regularly scheduled class meeting how the missed class time will be made up, if warranted.
In the event that a severe weather event prohibits a campus-based student from attending an online class, the student is expected to communicate with the appropriate faculty member(s) as quickly as is reasonable, and their Academic Counselor. Students in online programs should contact their faculty member(s) as quickly as is reasonable, and their Academic Counselor. Please review the University Attendance Policy for more information.
If classes are not canceled despite inclement weather, students are responsible for any academic work they miss as a result of the weather.
Students may sign up for My CampusAlert by following instructions provided via the welcome e-mail from Rave Mobility.
Immunization Policy
South University recognizes all state and federal vaccination and immunization requirements and is responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable requirements. The state specific immunization requirements are listed below.
Institutional Vaccination Requirements:
Some South University programs have additional immunization requirements. Prospective and current students should review the admission requirements for the educational program of their choice for the institutional requirements. In addition, if applicable, the Programmatic Student Handbooks includes information for the maintenance of immunizations during enrollment.
State Vaccination Requirements:
Alabama
The state in which the institution is located currently does not require students to have any specific vaccination to attend the school.
Florida
The information provided below complies with Florida Statute § 1006.69, which requires the following:
- Provide detailed information concerning the risks associated with meningococcal meningitis and hepatitis B and the availability, effectiveness, and known contraindications of any required or recommended vaccine to every student, or to the student’s parent if the student is a minor, who has been accepted for admission.
Georgia
The information provided below complies with Chapter 12 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia, §31-12-3.2, which requires the following:
- Provide information to each newly matriculated new student or any newly matriculated student residing in school sponsored housing about meningococcal disease and the availability of vaccination,
- Require students to return a form confirming receipt of the information and indicating their choice regarding immunization.
North Carolina
- All students enrolling in a campus in North Carolina must provide proof of immunization as required by North Carolina law. Students must provide the required immunization records within 10 weeks of their start date. Failure to provide the appropriate documentation may result in student being unable to register for class.
South Carolina
The state in which the institution is located currently does not require students to have any specific vaccination to attend the school.
Texas
The state in which the institution is located currently does not require students to have any specific vaccination to attend the school.
Virginia
The state in which the institution is located currently does not require students to have any specific vaccination to attend the school.
Federal Vaccination Recommendations and Requirements:
Vaccination Recommendations for College Students
On February 10, 2005, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) voted to recommend that all incoming college freshmen living in dormitories be vaccinated against meningococcal disease. The ACIP also recommended vaccination for all adolescents at high school entry and during pre-adolescent health care visits (11 to 12 years old).
The American College Health Association (ACHA) issued similar immunization recommendations for all first-year students living in residence halls. The ACIP and ACHA recommendations further state that other college students under 25 years of age may choose to receive meningococcal vaccination to reduce their risk for the disease.
ACHA and ACIP recommendations, coupled with the availability of a new vaccine that may provide longer duration of protection, will help increase rates of immunization against meningococcal disease and will give college health professionals the guidance needed to help protect college students against meningococcal disease.
Student Email Communication Policy
South University will provide all applicants and current students a southuniversity.edu email account. This will be considered the student's primary email account while enrolled at South University. All email communication from the University will be sent to the primary email account; however, students may also add a secondary email account to their record. Students will also receive official college communications via web alert and text messaging. Students have the preference of opting out of text communication.
Code of Conduct
Each student who enters South University commits, by the act of enrolling, to full acceptance of the University Code of Conduct. For ease of reference, the Student Handbook contains the Code of Conduct, disciplinary procedures, and the appeals process.
Professors are not expected to jeopardize the progress of a class by permitting the continued presence of any student whose behavior in any way could adversely affect the class. Inappropriate behavior includes disruptive behavior, or other actions that are not considered proper conduct for a university student. The Code of Conduct also applies to inappropriate actions on campus outside of the actual classroom or while participating in University sponsored activities off campus. The Code of Conduct also applies to online activities that occur on South University websites.
Alleged violations of the conduct code will be referred to the Dean of Student Affairs. See the Disciplinary Procedures section of the Student Handbook for specific details. Violations of the code of conduct may result in disciplinary probation, suspension or dismissal (for students who are dismissed and are receiving VA benefits, their benefits will be terminated as of the date of their dismissal). A full copy of the code of conduct is available in the South University Student Handbook.
General Complaint Procedures
If you have a complaint or problem, you are encouraged to follow this procedure:
- You should discuss complaints with the individual(s) within the appropriate department. Initial discussion should be with the person most knowledgeable of the issues involved or with immediate decision-making responsibility.
- If you feel that the complaint has not been fully addressed, a written account should be submitted to the Dean of Student Affairs if related to non-academic issues or to the Campus President for academic issues. The written account should indicate your name, phone number, and ID and discuss the steps you have taken to remedy the situation.
- The appropriate South University staff member or department will be notified of the complaint. A follow-up meeting with you and the Dean of Student Affairs and/or Campus President will be held within ten school days of the date of the written complaint in an effort to resolve the issue.
- If you are not satisfied with the results, you may file an appeal with the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Services. The appeal should be in writing and contain your name and phone number. You should summarize the steps you have taken to remedy the situation and indicate why the results are not satisfactory. You will hear the results of the appeal within ten class days from the date the appeal is received.
- If you follow this complaint procedure and still feel dissatisfied with the results you may send a written copy of the complaint to:
| State/Agency | Brief Description of Complaint Process | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | A formal complaint is one that is (1) submitted in writing using the SACSCOC “Complaint Form” (appended to the end of this document), (2) signed by the person submitting the complaint (complainant), (3) two print copies of the form and any supporting documentation, and (4) sent via ground mail to: President Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 1866 Southern Lane | SACS COC |
South University students attending a ground campus
| State/Agency | Brief Description of Complaint Process | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Private School Licensure Division of the Alabama Community College System | The Private School Licensure complaint procedures are designed to address issues of non-compliance with Alabama Private School License rules and regulations. The procedures are not intended to be used in disputes or matters pertaining to a student’s admission to or graduation from an institution or academic issues including grades, academic sanctions, transferability of credits, and/or disciplinary/conduct matters unless the student can provide documentation that the institution did not follow its published policies and procedures.
| Alabama Community College System - Complaints |
| Florida Department of Education | To file a complaint against a nonpublic postsecondary institution in Florida, please write a letter or send an e-mail containing the following information: Name of Student (or Complainant) The complaint process of the Commission involves contacting the institution to obtain their response to your complaint. If you do not want the Commission to contact the institution you are attending, you must state so in your complaint; however, doing so will greatly hinder the Commission's ability to assist you with your complaint. Send Letter To: Or E-mail: cieinfo@fldoe.org | Student Concerns |
| Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission | Any student who feels that an institution for which GNPEC is the complaint agent has not adequately addressed a complaint, or who feels that the institution is not in compliance with the Commission's Minimum Standards, may file a formal complaint. In order to be considered, a formal complaint must be submitted in accordance with the Commission's Complaint Procedures by using its online complaint form. The complaint must include documentation of the basis of the complaint and of the final determination from the institution indicating no further institutional review is available. If preliminary findings indicate a violation of GNPEC regulations by the institution or a failure to follow its procedures, the Commission shall attempt to resolve the complaint through mediation. All parties will be notified in writing of the outcome of the investigation. In order to be reviewed by the Commission, the complaint must be filed within 90 calendar days of the final resolution from the institution, and it must include the following: Basis for any allegation of noncompliance with GNPEC standards or requirements; The Commission will not review a complaint that fails to provide complete information or does not address an issue that can be reviewed. In no instance will a complaint be accepted for review that has not completed the process published by the institution. | Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission |
| North Carolina Board of Governors | The State Authorization Unit of the University of North Carolina System Office serves as the official state entity to receive complaints concerning post-secondary institutions that are authorized to operate in North Carolina. If students are unable to resolve a complaint through the institution’s grievance procedures, they can review the Student Complaint Policy (PDF) and submit their complaint using the online complaint form at https://studentcomplaints.northcarolina.edu/form. For more information contact: North Carolina Post-Secondary Education Complaints | The University of North Carolina System |
| South Carolina Commission on Higher Education | Step 1 - If a student has concerns related to classroom situations or administrative actions, they should contact the faculty or staff member(s) with whom they have a conflict. It may be possible to resolve the concerns without the need for formal institutional action. However, if the student's complaint is not resolved satisfactorily, or if the complaint cannot be resolved by contacting the faculty or staff member(s), the student should proceed to Step 2. Step 2 - The student should file a complaint through the institution's complaint process. Information about the process can usually be found in the institution's academic catalog, student handbook, or website. Many institutions have an ombudsman to mediate on behalf of the student. If the student is still unable to resolve the complaint, the student should proceed to Step 3 Step 3 - Investigate to where assistance may be available from other entities. Step 4 - If the complaint cannot be resolved through the above channels, the student may file a complaint with the Commission. Complete and submit the Commission's complaint form Mail the complaint and required documentation to: SC Commission on Higher Education | South Carolina Commission on Higher Education |
| Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board | The first step for current, former, or prospective students who would like to file a formal complaint against a Texas higher education institution is to exhaust all of the institution's student complaint or grievance procedures as required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Section 1.116(b). After all of the institution's student complaint or grievance procedures have been exhausted, if the matter remains unresolved, a formal complaint may be filed with the THECB. Before initiating an investigation, the THECB must receive the following:
The required documentation may be submitted to the THECB in one of the following three ways:
| Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board |
| Virginia State Council of Higher Education in Virginia | In accordance with § VAC 40-31-100 of the Virginia Administrative Code, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) is responsible for investigating all written and signed student complaints against postsecondary educational institutions operating in Virginia. In order for SCHEV to initiate an investigation, the following must be true:
Upon receiving a student complaint, SCHEV will open an investigation if the matter being disputed falls within its jurisdiction. If preliminary findings indicate a violation of SCHEV regulations by the institution, SCHEV shall attempt to resolve the complaint through mediation. All parties will be notified in writing of the outcome of the investigation. If the complaint is outside of SCHEV's jurisdiction, it may be directed to the institution's Board of Visitors, accrediting body, or to another agency that is authorized to address the concerns, if appropriate. The student may be contacted during the investigation to submit documented evidence of the allegations against the institution, which may include copies of enrollment agreement, contracts, syllabi, receipts, financial aid notices, promissory notes, or relevant correspondences from the institution related to the complaint. Students should not submit original documents, as they may not be returned. Students are reminded that they always have the right to seek advice from a private attorney. Students should be aware that submission of a complaint will be recorded and may be used for statistical reporting or other purposes. | State Council of Higher Education for Virginia |
South University students attending an online program
| State/Agency | Brief Description of Complaint Process | Link |
|---|---|---|
| National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements | South University is approved by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). Students may access the NC-SARA complaint information and the GA-SARA's complaint form to resolve complaints if a satisfactory resolution is not attained on the institutional level. | |
| California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education | Most consumers receive a quality education and have a generally positive experience from attending an approved private postsecondary educational institution (institution). However, in the event a consumer believes an institution's administrative processes or educational programs are compromised and not up to the required minimum standards, the Bureau should be notified. A complaint may be filed by writing (Complaint Form) or calling the Bureau's Enforcement Section at the following address and telephone number: Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education An alternative avenue for filing a Complaint is to utilize the California Department of Consumer Affairs' (DCA) online Complaint Form (Online Complaint Form). The DCA will forward the Online Complaint to the Bureau. Print and File Complaint Form Online Complaint Form WHO MAY FILE A COMPLAINT Anyone may file a complaint if they believe an approved institution has violated the laws governing the institution's operation. Complaints are most often received from students, their families, other members of the private postsecondary education industry, law enforcement agencies, and other regulatory agencies. | Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education |
Student Grievance Procedure for Internal Complaints of Discrimination and Harassment
Students who believe they have been subjected to discrimination or harassment (other than sexual harassment) in violation of the Non-Discrimination Policy should follow the procedure outlined below. (Please note that students who believe they have been subjected to sexual harassment should follow the reporting process in the Sexual Misconduct & Relationship Violence Policy below.) This complaint procedure is intended to provide a fair, prompt and reliable determination about whether the campus Non-Discrimination Policy has been violated.
- Complainants are encouraged to file a complaint as soon as possible after an alleged incident of discrimination has occurred. Any student who chooses to file a discrimination complaint should do so either with the campus Dean of Student Affairs or with the Campus President. Online students should file complaints with SUOStudentAffairs@southuniversity.edu. The complaint should be presented in writing and it should describe the alleged incident(s) and any corrective action sought. The complaint should be signed by the complainant.
- South University will investigate the allegations. Both the accuser and the accused are entitled to have others present during a disciplinary proceeding. Both will be informed of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding. For this purpose, the outcome of a disciplinary proceeding means only South University's final determination with respect to the alleged offense and any sanction that is imposed against the accused. Both the complainant and the accused will have the opportunity to meet and discuss the allegations with the investigator and may offer any witnesses in support of their position to the investigator during the course of the investigation. A student may be accompanied during investigation meetings and discussions by one person (family member, friend, etc.) who can act as an observer, provide emotional support, and/or assist the student in understanding and cooperating in the investigation. The observer may not be an attorney, unless otherwise required by local law. The investigator may prohibit from attending or remove any person who disrupts the investigation in the investigator's sole discretion.
- The student who made the complaint and the accused shall be informed promptly in writing when the investigation is completed, no later than 45 calendar days from the date the complaint was filed. The student who made the complaint shall be informed if there were findings made that the policy was or was not violated and of actions taken to resolve the complaint, if any, that are directly related to them, such as an order that the accused not contact the student who made the complaint. In accordance with school policies protecting individuals' privacy, the student who made the complaint may generally be notified that the matter has been referred for disciplinary action but shall not be informed of the details of the recommended disciplinary action without the consent of the accused.
- The decision of the Investigator may be appealed by petitioning the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Services of South University. The written appeal must be made within twenty calendar days of receipt of the determination letter. The Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Services, or his or her designee, will render a written decision on the appeal within 30 calendar days from receipt of the appeal. The Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Serivces decision shall be final.
- South University will not retaliate against persons bringing forward allegations of harassment or discrimination.
- Matters involving general student complaints will be addressed according to the Student Complaint procedures, a copy of which can be found in the Student Handbook or Academic Catalog.
- For more information about your rights under the federal laws prohibiting discrimination, please contact the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education or visit the website at http://www.ed.gov/ocr.
Arizona Residents-If the complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution's grievance procedure, the student may file a complaint with the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. The student must contact the State Board for further details. The State Board address is 1400 W. Washington Street, Room 260, Phoenix, AZ 85007, phone 602-542-5709, website address: www.ppse.az.gov.
Arkansas Students-Right to Appeal: If a complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution's complaint procedures, the student may file a complaint with the Arkansas Department of Higher Education 423 Main Street Suite 400, Little Rock, AR 72201; Phone: 501-371-2000, website: www.adhe.edu.
Maryland Residents-If a complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution's complaint procedures, the student may file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General or the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Complaints should be directed to: Maryland Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division, 200 St. Paul St., Baltimore, MD 21202, 410-528-8662/888/743/0823 (toll free). South University is subject to investigation of complaints by the Office of the Attorney General of the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
New Mexico Residents-If the complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution's grievance procedure, the student may file a complaint with the New Mexico Higher Education Department, 2048 Galisteo Street, Santa FE, NM 87505-2100, Phone: 505-476-8400 Fax: 505-476-8433, www.hed.state.nm.us.
Utah students may contact the Utah Division of Consumer Protection at any time to file a complaint. The Utah Division of Consumer Protection does not require Utah students to go through South University's complaint procedure. Utah Division of Consumer Protection (160 East 300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111, 801-530-6601; consumerprotection@utah.gov; http://consumerprotection.utah.gov/complaints/index.html.
Virginia Residents-Complaints, which cannot be resolved by direct negotiation with the school in accordance to its written grievance policy, may be filed with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, 101 N. 14th Street, 9th Floor, James Monroe Building, Richmond, VA 23219.
Non-Discrimination Policy
South University does not discriminate or harass on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, religion, veteran's status, genetic marker, or any other characteristic protected by state, local or federal law, in our programs and activities. South University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. South University will not retaliate against persons bringing foreword allegations of harassment or discrimination. The campus Dean of Student Affairs has been designated to handle inquiries and coordinate the campus' compliance efforts regarding the Non-Discrimination policy. Please see the Appendix at the end of the catalog for contact information for each South University location.
No Harassment Policy
South University is committed to providing workplaces and learning environments that are free from harassment on the basis of any protected classification including, but not limited to race, sex, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, genetic marker or on any other basis protected by law. Such conduct is unprofessional, unproductive, illegal, and generally considered bad for business.
Consequently, all conduct of this nature is expressly prohibited, regardless of whether it violates any law. (Please note that sexual harassment is more thoroughly addressed in the Sexual Misconduct & Relationships Violence Policy below.)