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Policies and Procedures

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. Conversely, students who satisfy the requirements at the end of the probationary period will have their probationary status removed.

It is important to note that 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 to assess their progress. Additional course sessions may be required for students on probation. 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 necessary 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. However, if a student on probation fails to maintain a cumulative average above the minimum required at any point, they will be dismissed from the university and will not be eligible for further enrollment. In the event of a dismissal, students have the option to appeal by submitting a written appeal to the Chief of Academic Affairs within 15 days of receiving the dismissal notice. The appeal will be reviewed, and the student will be informed of the decision in writing.

It is important to note that students are given a maximum time limit to complete their program, which is 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.

These policies and procedures are in place to ensure that students maintain satisfactory academic progress and adhere to the university's guidelines for completion of their programs.

If a student wishes to appeal the actions described above, they must submit a written appeal to the Chief of Academic Affairs. The Chief of Academic Affairs will carefully consider the appeal and has the final authority to make a decision regarding its acceptance or rejection. The decision on the appeal will be communicated to the student within 5 days of receiving the appeal. For an appeal to be granted, the student must provide evidence of satisfactory academic progress. This evidence could include demonstrating improved grades, meeting the required criteria, or presenting a valid justification for the failure to meet the academic standards. The Chief of Academic Affairs will evaluate the appeal and supporting evidence to determine whether to grant the student's appeal and allow them to continue their studies.

This appeals process ensures that students have the opportunity to present their case and provide evidence of their ability to make satisfactory academic progress, allowing for a fair assessment of their situation.

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:

  1. All forms of academic misconduct including but not limited to cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, or facilitating academic dishonesty.
  2. Plagiarism: All work submitted by a student must represent the student’s original endeavor. When outside sources are used as references, the student should identify the source to make clear the extent to which the source has been used. The university considers plagiarism and falsification of documents a serious matter that will result in appropriate sanctions including loss of full or partial credit for the work, suspension for a specific period, or expulsion from the program.
  3. Other forms of dishonesty including but not limited to fabricating information, furnishing false information, or reporting a false emergency to the university
  4. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any university document, record, key, electronic device, or identification.
  5. Unauthorized entry to, possession of, receipt of, or use of any university services; equipment; resources; or properties, including the university’s name, insignia, or seal.
  6. Sexual harassment, as defined here: Sexual harassment is unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, when submission to or rejection of this conduct explicitly or implicitly affects a person's education, unreasonably interferes with a person's educational performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive learning environment. In the interest of preventing sexual harassment, the university will respond to reports of any such conduct.
  7. Stalking behavior in which an individual repeatedly engages in conduct directed at another person and makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear for his or her safety, or the safety of his or her family; where the threat is reasonably determined by the university to seriously alarm or torment the person; and where the threat is additionally determined by the university to serve no legitimate purpose.
  8. Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, or other university activities.
  9. Failure to identify to, or comply with the directions of, a university official or other public official acting in the performance of his or her duties while at official university functions; or resisting or obstructing such university or other public officials in the performance of or the attempt to perform their duties.
  10. Selling, preparing, or distributing for any commercial purpose course lecture notes, video or audio recordings of any course unless authorized by the university in advance and explicitly permitted by the course instructor in writing. The unauthorized sale or commercial distribution of course notes or recordings by a student is a violation of these policies whether it was the student or someone else who prepared the notes or recordings. Copying - for any commercial purpose - handouts, readers or other course materials provided by an instructor as part of the university course unless authorized by the university in advance and explicitly permitted by the course instructor or the copyright holder in writing.

The Chief of Academic Affairs at SABAL University holds the authority to impose penalties for violations of university policies or campus regulations, regardless of whether such violations also constitute violations of the law. These penalties may be imposed even if legal proceedings are pending or have been conducted regarding the same acts. This ensures that the university can address and take appropriate action against misconduct that affects the university community.

In the event that an official appeal results in a determination that the student was improperly disciplined, the Chief of Academic Affairs has the ability to seal the record of the hearing upon the student's request. Furthermore, any reference to the disciplinary process will be removed from the student's record. However, the sealed record may only be used in connection with legal proceedings.

Whether or not a formal hearing is conducted, the university has the right to provide written notice to a student if their alleged behavior may have violated university policies or campus regulations. This notice serves as a warning that repeated behavior of the same nature may be subject to the disciplinary process. In subsequent disciplinary actions, evidence of prior alleged behavior as outlined in the written notice may be introduced. When a student is found to be in violation of university policies or campus regulations, the university has the discretion to impose various types of disciplinary actions. The chosen sanction should be appropriate to the violation, taking into account factors such as the context and seriousness of the violation, to ensure a fair and proportional response.

These policies and procedures regarding disciplinary actions enable SABAL University to maintain a safe and respectful learning environment and address instances of misconduct in a fair and consistent manner. When a student is found in violation of university policies or campus regulations, any of the following types of student disciplinary action may be imposed. Any sanction imposed should be appropriate to the violation, taking into consideration the context and seriousness of the violation.

  1. Warning/Censure: Written notice or reprimand to the student that a violation of specified university policies or campus regulations has occurred, and that continued or repeated violations of the university policies or campus regulations may be cause for further disciplinary action, normally in the form of Disciplinary Probation, and/or Loss of Privileges and Exclusion from Activities, Suspension, or Dismissal.
  2. Disciplinary Probation: A status imposed for a specified period during which a student must demonstrate conduct that conforms to the university standards of conduct. Misconduct during the probationary period or violation of any conditions of the probation may result in further disciplinary action, normally in the form of Suspension or Dismissal.
  3. Loss of Privileges and Exclusion from Activities: Exclusion from participation in designated privileges and activities for a specified period. Violation of any conditions in the written Notice of Loss of Privileges and Exclusion from Activities, or violation of university policies or campus regulations during the period of the sanction may be cause for further disciplinary action, normally in the form of Probation, Suspension or Dismissal.
  4. Suspension: Termination of student status at the university for a specified period with reinstatement thereafter certain, provided that the student has complied with all conditions imposed as part of the suspension and provided that the he or she is otherwise qualified for reinstatement. Violation of the conditions of Suspension or of university policies or campus regulations during the period of Suspension may be cause for further disciplinary action, normally in the form of Dismissal.
  5. Dismissal: Termination of student status for an indefinite period. Readmission after dismissal may be granted only under exceptional circumstances.
  6. Restitution: A requirement for restitution in the form of reimbursement may be imposed for expenses incurred by the university or other parties resulting from a violation of these policies. Such reimbursement may take the form of monetary payment or appropriate service to repair or otherwise compensate for damages. Restitution may be imposed on any student who alone, or through group or concerted activities, participates in causing the damages or costs.
  7. Revocation of Awarding of Degree: Subject to the concurrence of the university Governing Board.

A grievance procedure is available to any student who believes a university decision or action has adversely affected his or her status, rights, or privileges as a student. The purpose is to provide a prompt and equitable process for resolving student grievances. Students with grievances should first communicate with the appropriate course professor. If the professor is unable to resolve the student’s complaint, the professor will refer it to the Chief of Academic Affairs in writing. If the Chief of Academic Affairs is unable to resolve the student’s complaint, he will refer it to the university President. The university President will take steps to resolve the complaint. The university President’s decision is final.

At SABAL University , students are encouraged to first engage in direct communication with their mentor or the staff member primarily involved or responsible for the situation that has caused their complaint. This initial step aims to foster open dialogue and resolve issues informally. However, if the discussion does not lead to a satisfactory resolution or if the student deems it inappropriate to engage in such a conversation, they have the option to register an informal complaint or proceed with filing a formal written complaint. These complaint procedures ensure that students have accessible channels to express their concerns and seek appropriate resolutions in a manner that aligns with their comfort and the nature of the situation.

To address concerns promptly, SABAL University allows students to register an informal complaint within a period of thirty (30) days from the event that triggered the complaint. It is encouraged to communicate as early as possible, as it increases the likelihood of achieving a satisfactory resolution. Informal complaints should be directed to the Chief of Academic Affairs and can be made in person, by telephone, or email. Upon receiving an informal complaint, the appropriate university staff will carefully review the matter presented by the student and assess whether any action is necessary. The university is committed to providing a timely response, and the student will be notified of the university's response within twenty (20) days of the informal complaint.

In the event that the student is not satisfied with the decision or the attempts at resolution, they have the option to proceed with a formal complaint. This allows for further review and consideration of the matter through the formal complaint process.

To initiate a formal complaint at SABAL University , the student is required to submit a written complaint to the Department Chairperson. The formal complaint must be filed within sixty (60) days of the event that triggered the complaint and should clearly state the nature of the grievance, the desired remedy, and any previous attempts made to resolve the issue. Upon receipt of the formal complaint, the university will acknowledge its receipt within fifteen (15) days. The complaint will then be reviewed by the appropriate university administrator. Within thirty (30) days of receiving the complaint, a final written determination, including any proposed resolution, will be sent to the student.

The university will maintain a comprehensive record of all formal complaints, including the outcome, which will be stored in a centralized database as well as the student's electronic file. This ensures that a complete record of the formal complaint process is maintained for reference and future review.

The formal complaint process allows students to have their concerns addressed through a structured and transparent procedure. SABAL University is committed to providing timely and thorough responses to formal complaints, ensuring fairness and accountability in addressing student grievances.

Students who at the end of this process feel a grievance is unresolved may refer it to:

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
http://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 and rule. These modifications are made when deemed necessary and are accompanied by appropriate advance notice to students. The university is committed to providing students with prior notification of any changes that may affect their academic journey or university experience. This allows students to stay informed and make necessary adjustments to their plans or preparations accordingly

The university is committed to providing students with prior notification of any changes that may affect their academic journey or university experience. This allows students to stay informed and make necessary adjustments to their plans or preparations accordingly.

By maintaining the flexibility to adapt policies and procedures as needed, SABAL University ensures that its academic programs and services remain current and aligned with evolving educational needs and standards. The provision of advance notice further emphasizes the university's commitment to transparency and ensuring students are informed about any relevant changes that may impact their studies.

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 ensures that all students have access to the same rights, privileges, programs, and activities that are generally available at the institution. SABAL University prohibits discrimination in the administration of its educational policies, admissions procedures, and other university-administered programs.

This commitment to non-discrimination reinforces the university's dedication to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment, where every student is treated with fairness, respect, and equality. SABAL University values the contributions and perspectives of students from various backgrounds and believes in providing an educational experience that is free from bias or prejudice. By adhering to this policy, SABAL University creates a welcoming and supportive community that promotes academic excellence, personal growth, and equal opportunities for all students.

At SABAL University, hazing is strictly prohibited. The university defines hazing as any intentional action or situation that causes mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. This policy reflects the university's commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students, where their well-being and dignity are upheld. SABAL University promotes mutual respect and collaboration among students, emphasizing personal growth and ethical conduct. Any violations of the anti-hazing policy are taken seriously, and appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken to address such misconduct. The university remains dedicated to maintaining a campus environment where all students can thrive without being subjected to harmful practices.

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.). During emergency situations such as inclement weather or natural disasters, SABAL University's administrative office follows the guidelines set by Miami-Dade County. In the event of such emergencies, the administrative office may be closed for the safety and well-being of staff and students. This ensures that everyone is protected during challenging circumstances, such as hurricanes or other natural disasters. The university prioritizes the safety and security of its community members and adheres to the directives and recommendations provided by the local authorities in response to emergency situations.