Policies and Procedures

Maintaining satisfactory academic progress is a requirement to remain enrolled. Progress is measured by two factors: the cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and the rate of progress toward completing the program.

Quantitative criteria: students must successfully complete at least 67% of the credit hours they attempt each semester, based on cumulative attempted versus earned hours. For example, a student enrolled in 12 credit hours must complete at least 8 (12 × 67% = 8). Failing to meet this standard may lead to probation.

Qualitative criteria: undergraduate students must reach a CGPA of 2.5, and graduate students a CGPA of 3.0, at the midpoint of their program, having earned 75% of the credits attempted. Otherwise, the student is placed on academic probation for the remainder of the term; probation is removed only by earning the required CGPA (2.5 undergraduate, 3.0 graduate) or higher in the following term. Students on probation are notified in writing and receive academic advising.

Maximum timeframe: credit hours attempted may not exceed 1.5 times the credits required by the program; students who exceed it are withdrawn from the program.

• Students are evaluated at the end of each academic term.
• A student who fails a course before the term ends is immediately placed on academic probation, and remains on probation until retaking the course when it is next offered and passing it.
• A student who fails the same course a second time could be academically dismissed from the university.
• Program length and maximum timeframe: bachelor's degree 40 months (maximum 60); master's degree 18 months (maximum 27); doctoral degree 24 months (maximum 36).

Grades reflect the quality of work demonstrated in written tests, term papers, projects and other assessments set out in each course syllabus, and are posted to the student's permanent academic record. To graduate, students must complete all required credits, meet satisfactory academic progress, fulfill all monetary obligations and earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (undergraduate) or 3.0 (graduate).

• A+ = 4.0 (95–100%, excellent) · A = 3.75 (90–94%) · B+ = 3.5 (85–89%)
• B = 3.0 (80–84%, minimum CGPA for graduate programs) · C+ = 2.5 (75–79%, minimum CGPA for undergraduate programs)
• C = 2.0 (70–74%) · D+ = 1.5 (65–69%) · D = 1.0 (60–64%) · F = 0 (fail)
• Notations with 0 grade points: I = Incomplete, P = Pass, W = Withdrawal, X = Ongoing, NR = Grade not reported, WF = Withdrawal after 60% course completion, T = Transfer, NP = No pass, R = Repeat.

If a student fails to meet the criteria specified in the SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) policy outlined in the university catalog, they will be placed on a probationary period. The duration of this probationary period is stated in the SAP policy. In the event that a student needs to repeat courses, there is a fee of $35.00 per course. At the end of the probationary period, if the student has not met the specified requirements, they may face termination from the university. Students who satisfy the requirements at the end of the probationary period will have their probationary status removed.

Probation is an administrative status that places students at risk of program termination. During probation, students are closely monitored, and academic advising is provided on a regular basis. Additional course sessions may be required. Written notification will be sent to students placed on probation, and they will receive academic advising to support them in improving their grades and meeting the requirements.

Students who have been suspended from SABAL University are eligible to apply for readmission after a minimum of one term. If readmitted, they will be placed on academic probation. If a student on probation fails to maintain a cumulative average above the minimum required at any point, they will be dismissed and will not be eligible for further enrollment. Students may appeal a dismissal by submitting a written appeal to the Chief of Academic Affairs within 15 days of receiving the notice; the decision will be communicated in writing.

Students are given a maximum time limit to complete their program of 1.5 times the normal length of the program. Failure to meet this requirement or make satisfactory progress may result in termination from the university.

A student who wishes to appeal the actions described above must submit a written appeal to the Chief of Academic Affairs, who has the final authority to accept or reject it. The decision will be communicated within 5 days of receiving the appeal. For an appeal to be granted, the student must provide evidence of satisfactory academic progress, such as improved grades, meeting the required criteria, or a valid justification for not meeting the academic standards.

Transfer applicants must meet all of SABAL University's admission requirements. Students may transfer up to 90 credits (75%) toward a bachelor's degree and up to 18 credits (50%) toward a master's degree. Credits are accepted only if the grade earned was at least a "B", and transfer of credit is at the discretion of SABAL University. Doctoral programs do not accept transfer credits.

Transfer of credits from SABAL University to another institution is at the discretion of the receiving institution; it is the student's responsibility to confirm whether their credits will be accepted. Diplomas, degrees and transcripts not in English must be evaluated and certified in English by a foreign credential evaluation agency affiliated with NACES or AICE.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA): SABAL University grants credit for work experience and proficiency exams, up to 30 credits (25%) in bachelor's programs and 12 credits (25%) in master's programs. Applications are submitted to the Registrar's Office with a portfolio documenting at least three years of relevant experience, evaluated by expert faculty. PLA credits appear as "PLA" on the transcript and do not affect the GPA.

To withdraw from a course, students notify the Registrar's Office in writing or orally. Withdrawals during the add/drop period (the first week of the semester) are refunded under the Cancellation and Refund Policy; later withdrawals are not refunded and may affect academic progress. A student may withdraw from a class with a "W" notation until the day before the final exam; unsatisfactory performance after that deadline is not accepted as a reason for withdrawal.

Medical withdrawals require appropriate medical information on the Withdrawal Form; if approved, an "I" is recorded for each course and the student may be placed on hold until ready to return.

Students who cannot complete their work by the end of a course may request an Incomplete (I) with instructor approval. Make-up arrangements must be finalized within three (3) days of course completion; otherwise a failing grade is recorded.

A leave of absence may be requested in writing for a maximum of 5 days, stating the reason and the expected return date. Students who do not return on that date have their enrollment terminated, and the Cancellation and Refund Policy applies.

Students who wish to cancel their enrollment, before or after classes have begun, must notify the institution in person, by e-mail or by certified mail. The cancellation is effective on the date the notice is postmarked.

• All monies are refunded if the university does not accept the applicant, or if the student cancels within five (5) business days after signing the enrollment agreement and making the initial payment.
• Cancellation after the fifth business day but before the first class results in a refund of all monies paid, except the application fee (not to exceed $150.00).
• Students who withdraw during the add/drop period (the first week of classes) receive a refund of all tuition and fees except the application fee. There is no refund after the add/drop week.
• Refunds are calculated using the last date of actual attendance and are made within 30 days of termination or of receipt of the cancellation notice.
• If the university cancels a course or program, students may register for another course or receive a full refund of the related tuition and fees.

At SABAL University, appropriate student conduct in each class and when communicating with others in the university is very important. Any inappropriate conduct could result in dismissal from the university. The following types of conduct are unacceptable:

• All forms of academic misconduct, including cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, or facilitating academic dishonesty.
• Plagiarism: all submitted work must represent the student's original endeavor, with outside sources properly identified. Plagiarism and falsification of documents result in sanctions including loss of credit, suspension or expulsion.
• Other forms of dishonesty, including fabricating or furnishing false information, or reporting a false emergency.
• Forgery, alteration or misuse of any university document, record, key, electronic device or identification.
• Unauthorized use of university services, equipment, resources or properties, including the university's name, insignia or seal.
• Sexual harassment: unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other conduct of a sexual nature that affects a person's education or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive learning environment.
• Stalking behavior that places another person in reasonable fear for their safety or the safety of their family.
• Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures or other university activities.
• Failure to comply with the directions of a university or public official acting in the performance of their duties.
• Selling, preparing or distributing course notes, recordings or materials for commercial purposes without written authorization.

The Chief of Academic Affairs holds the authority to impose penalties for violations of university policies or campus regulations, even if legal proceedings are pending or have been conducted regarding the same acts. If an appeal determines that a student was improperly disciplined, the record of the hearing may be sealed upon the student's request. The university may provide written notice that alleged behavior may have violated its policies, and any sanction should be appropriate to the context and seriousness of the violation. The following disciplinary actions may be imposed:

• Warning/Censure: written notice that a violation has occurred and that repeated violations may lead to further action.
• Disciplinary Probation: a specified period during which the student must demonstrate conduct that conforms to university standards.
• Loss of Privileges and Exclusion from Activities for a specified period.
• Suspension: termination of student status for a specified period, with reinstatement subject to the conditions imposed.
• Dismissal: termination of student status for an indefinite period; readmission only under exceptional circumstances.
• Restitution: reimbursement for expenses or damages resulting from a violation.
• Revocation of the awarding of a degree, subject to the concurrence of the Governing Board.

A grievance procedure is available to any student who believes a university decision or action has adversely affected their status, rights or privileges. Students should first communicate with the course professor. If the professor cannot resolve the complaint, it is referred in writing to the Chief of Academic Affairs and, if still unresolved, to the university President, whose decision is final.

Students are encouraged to first communicate directly with their mentor or the staff member involved. If that does not lead to a satisfactory resolution, they may register an informal complaint or file a formal written complaint.

Informal complaints may be registered within thirty (30) days of the event, directed to the Chief of Academic Affairs in person, by telephone or by e-mail. The student will be notified of the university's response within twenty (20) days. If not satisfied, the student may proceed with a formal complaint.

To initiate a formal complaint, the student must submit a written complaint to the Department Chairperson within sixty (60) days of the event, stating the nature of the grievance, the desired remedy and any previous attempts to resolve it. The university will acknowledge receipt within fifteen (15) days, and a final written determination will be sent within thirty (30) days. A record of all formal complaints and their outcome is kept in a centralized database and in the student's file.

Students who at the end of this process feel a grievance is unresolved may refer it to the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education, 325 W. Gaines St, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400. Phone: 850-245-3200, Fax: 850-245-3233, www.fldoe.org/policy/cie.

SABAL University retains the right to make necessary modifications to academic policies, regulations, courses, fees and other matters of policy, with appropriate advance notice to students, so that programs and services remain current and aligned with evolving educational needs and standards.

SABAL University upholds a policy of non-discrimination and provides equal opportunities for all students, irrespective of race, color, sex, age, marital status, disability (to the extent of the law), religion, creed, national or ethnic origin. The university prohibits discrimination in the administration of its educational policies, admissions procedures and other university-administered programs.

Hazing is strictly prohibited. The university defines hazing as any intentional action or situation that causes mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Violations are taken seriously and appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken.

In the event of an emergency, SABAL University's administrative office will close as determined by Miami-Dade County due to inclement weather or natural disaster (hurricane, etc.), following the directives of local authorities to protect staff and students.

SABAL University follows federal and state laws on the confidentiality of student records. Students may access and review their education records, and their written consent is required to release them, except in cases involving subpoenas. Transcripts and other academic information must be requested in writing; requests from unauthorized third parties or by telephone are not answered.

Transcripts are kept indefinitely, and original exams are kept in the student's file during enrollment and for three years after the last day of attendance. Official transcripts and diplomas take three business days to deliver; any outstanding balance must be settled before documents are processed.