Academic and Student Policies & Regulations

Academic and Student Policies & Regulations

Academic Advising

At the beginning of collegiate work, students will be assigned an academic advisor from among the faculty members. The assignment of a faculty advisor will be determined by the Vice President of Academic Affairs and based on the declared major of the student. Student notification of their advisor will be via the SIS Student Portal.

Academic advising is a crucial step in the education process. Therefore, students are expected to meet with their academic advisor at least twice each semester.

Students may elect to change their assigned advisor. A Change of Advisor request can be may be made on the SIS Student Portal.

Academic Honors

Scholar’s list

Full-time students who have earned a semester grade point average of 3.60 or higher are placed on a Scholar’s List. Students receive the honor every semester that they meet the requirements.

The achievement is recognized by a letter from the AVPASA and the notation Scholar’s List will appear on the transcript for each semester the award is achieved.

Graduation Distinction

At graduation, the following Academic distinction will be recorded on the students’ diplomas.
Undergraduate students are eligible for graduation honors upon meeting the following criteria:

A. Summa Cum Laude - is awarded to students whose achieved a Cumulative GPA of 3.90 – 4.00
B. Magna Cum Laude – is awarded to students whose achieved a Cumulative GPA of 3.70 – 3.89
C. Cum Laude – is awarded to students whose achieved a Cumulative GPA of 3.60 – 3.69

There is no academic distinction for Postgraduate students.

Academic Integrity

Integrity and ethical behavior are expected of every student in all academic work to maintain the reputation of the University and all members of its community. This Academic Integrity principle requires honesty in all class work, and ethical conduct in all labs and clinical assignments. This principle is furthered by the student Code of Conduct and disciplinary procedures established under University policies.

Conduct prohibited by this policy consists of all forms of academic dishonesty, including, but not limited to:

Cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, and plagiarism.
Submitting an item of academic work that has previously been submitted or simultaneously submitted without fair citation of the original work or authorization by the faculty member supervising the work.
Breaking disciplinary and professional ethics rules relating to academic integrity contained or referenced in the student handbook.
Breaking discipline-specific health, safety, or ethical requirements to gain any unfair advantage in lab(s) or clinical assignments.
Failing to observe rules of academic integrity established by a faculty member for a particular course.
Attempting to commit an act prohibited by this policy. Any attempt to commit an act prohibited by these rules shall be treated in the same way as if the act had been completed.
Assisting or attempting to assist another student in a breach of this policy.

Submitting Similar Work for Multiple Courses

Submitting the same academic work to more than one course constitutes academic dishonesty. This includes not only similar papers, but any work stemming from the same basic investigation/research. Such action will result in disciplinary action.

Academic Records, Student Privacy

Students’ academic records are maintained in the Office of the Registrar. Semester grade reports are provided to the student from the Office of the Registrar by on the SIS Student Portal. AUPP maintains confidentiality of student records. No student record can be released to any third party without the written consent of the student.

AUPP follows United States government requirements regarding privacy of student information, including grades. No one other than the student and appropriate AUPP employees shall have access to information that AUPP maintains about a particular student. Access by any other individual (including parents) requires the written consent of the student.

Undergraduate Academic Standing

Good Academic Standing

Students who maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 or higher for each semester and have a cumulative GPA (CGPA) of 2.00 or higher are considered to be in good academic standing. A minimum grade point average of 2.00 is required for graduation.

Academic Probation

A student whose semester grade point average falls below 2.00 in any semester or whose cumulative grade point average is below 2.00 will be placed on academic probation and is not considered to be in good academic standing. A student on academic probation remains on academic probation until both the cumulative grade point average and the most current semester grade point average are 2.00 or higher.

Students on academic probation are not eligible to hold office in any student club or organization. A student on academic probation may be subject to academic restrictions (such as a limitation on the number or kind of courses the student may take) as determined by the VPASA. A student on academic probation must meet at least once a semester with the VPASA.

Suspension and Dismissal

A student on academic probation may be suspended or dismissed from AUPP if he/she remains on academic probation for two consecutive semesters or if the student’s cumulative GPA falls below the levels shown in the table below. Suspension or dismissal will be determined by the VPASA in consultation with the President, the Registrar, and the Faculty Advisor.

Number of Credit hours Completed	Minimum Grade Point Average – Suspension	Minimum Grade Point Average – Dismissal
0-30 credit hours	1.50	N/A
31-60 credit hours	1.70	1.50
61-90 credit hours	1.80	1.70
91 and above	1.90	1.80

Additionally, students may be suspended for:

Refusal to complete the conditions of probation.
Failure to improve their overall grade point average in the semester while on probation.

Academic suspension requires that the student drop out of AUPP for one semester with a guaranteed return to the University at the end of that period. Students placed on academic suspension must confirm with the Registrar that they are returning to AUPP at the end of the suspension period. Failure to do so will result in an administrative withdrawal from AUPP. Students returning from academic suspension will be placed on a restricted course schedule and will be required to meet with their academic advisor regularly.

Academic dismissal requires that the student drop out for a minimum of two semesters. A dismissed student will be re-admitted only if the Admissions Committee is convinced that the student is likely to achieve academic success.

Postgraduate Academic Standing

Good Academic Standing

Students who maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or higher for each semester and have a cumulative GPA (CGPA) of 3.00 or higher are in good academic standing. A minimum grade point average of 3.00 is required for graduation.

Academic Probation

A student whose semester grade point average falls below 3.00 in any semester or whose cumulative grade point average is below 3.00 will be placed on academic probation and is not considered to be in good academic standing. A student on academic probation remains on academic probation until both the cumulative grade point average and the most current semester grade point average are 3.00 or higher.

Students on academic probation are not eligible to hold office in any student club or organization. A student on academic probation may be subject to academic restrictions (such as a limitation on the number or type of courses the student may take) as determined by the Vice President of Academic Services (VPAS). A student on academic probation must meet at least once a semester with the VPAS.

Suspension

A student on academic probation may be suspended from AUPP if they remain on academic probation for two consecutive semesters or if the student’s cumulative GPA falls below 2.00. Suspension will be determined by the VPAS in consultation with the President, the Registrar, and the Faculty Advisor.

Additionally, students may be suspended for:

Refusal to complete the conditions of probation, or
Failure to improve their overall grade point average in the semester while on probation.

Academic suspension requires that the student drop out of AUPP for one semester with a guaranteed return to the University at the end of that period. Students placed on academic suspension must confirm with the Registrar that they are returning to AUPP at the end of the suspension period. Failure to do so will result in an administrative withdrawal from AUPP. Students returning from academic suspension will be placed on a restricted course schedule and will be required to meet with their academic advisor regularly.

Dismissal

A student on academic probation or suspension may be dismissed from AUPP if they remain on academic probation for two consecutive semesters or if the student’s cumulative GPA falls below 1.50. Dismissal will be determined by the VPAS in consultation with the President, the Registrar, and the Faculty Advisor.

Academic dismissal requires that the student drop out for a minimum of two semesters. A dismissed student will be re-admitted only if the Admissions Committee is convinced that the student is likely to achieve academic success.

Academic Support Services

Teaching and Learning Center

The mission of the Teaching and Learning Center is to help students develop their skills to become self-directed learners, who are responsible for achieving their learning goals. Working closely with faculty, the Teaching and Learning Center staff and trained peer tutors provide academic support to students. Additionally, the Learning Center runs workshops to help students with graduate school and scholarship applications, resumes, and interview skills. Students are warmly welcomed to visit the center Monday to Friday from 8am-5pm.

Academic Units, Overload, Course Numbering System

Academic Credit Units

All courses at AUPP have a credit unit value assigned to them. An academic unit is defined by the nature of the course that is offered. A unit of course credit is normally equivalent to one hour of class per week for a fifteen (15) week semester. For example, a course that meets for 3 hours per week, for a 15-week semester would have a course credit of 3 units.

Students will typically register for 15 units of classes per semester, the equivalent of 5 classes of 3 units each. However, graduation requires a minimum completion of 124 units, and thus the student will need to enroll in 4 additional units during their eight semesters of study at AUPP. This is normally achieved through a series of one-unit seminars and/or laboratories, or through an additional course taken in one or more semesters or summer. For most students, the additional four units will be completed through the required laboratories, seminars, and internship in their major.

Overload

The normal course unit load in any semester is 15 to 17 units. A schedule of 18 or more units in a semester is considered an overload.

First year students may not take an overload. Students with one or more outstanding Incomplete (I) grades are not permitted to take an overload. Students on academic probation are not permitted to carry an overload.

A student with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 may take a maximum of nineteen (19) units in a semester with the permission of the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs (VPASA). Students who could graduate at the end of the semester are permitted to exceed the 19 unit limit and/or waive the requirement of a 3.0 GPA for that semester with the permission of the VPASA. A semester course load of 20-22 units is to be undertaken only under exceptional circumstances. No student may enroll for more than 22 units in one semester.

Course Numbering System

Courses numbered 001-099 are pre-collegiate courses. These courses are not included in the minimum124 units needed for graduation.
Courses numbered 100-299 are lower division courses and are usually taken in the first two years of study.
Courses numbered 300-499 are upper division courses and are usually taken in the last two years of study and typically have lower level course prerequisites.
Courses numbered 500-600 are postgraduate level.

Academic Dishonesty Defined

Academic dishonesty includes cheating, submitting the same work for more than one assignment, submitting the work of another, plagiarism, and helping another student in any of these activities or other forms of academic dishonesty.

Students may need help in understanding some forms of academic dishonesty depending on their history at the university and the nature of the assignments given. Faculty must provide that help. It is important that for all assignments where ambiguities might exist that faculty explain to what extent students are allowed to work with others and submit work created by more than one student.

Penalties Upon Finding of Academic Dishonesty

First Offense

The faculty member will meet with the student and award 0% /F grade on the assigned work. The student will be warned of further consequences if new incidents of academic dishonesty occur, and the incident will be reported to the Office of Academic Affairs. The incident will be noted in the Academic Affairs student file.

Second Offense

An “F” grade will be given in the course in which the academic dishonesty occurred. The VPASA will meet with the student and issue in writing a “second offense warning”. This warning will be placed in the Academic Affairs student file. It will include further consequences that the student will face if new incidents of academic dishonesty occur in the future.

Third Offense

An “F” grade will be given in the course in which the academic dishonesty occurred. The VPASA will again meet with the student. A third offense may result in a recommendation to the President for the student’s suspension for one term, or the dismissal of the student from the University.

Investigation of Academic Dishonesty

In some cases if necessary, the Disciplinary Committee will conduct an investigation. If it is concluded that academic dishonesty has occurred, the student shall have the right of appeal to the President. Should any investigation show that no academic dishonesty occurred or that the student is to be given the benefit of the doubt, the Disciplinary Committee will request that the faculty award a mark for the assigned work.

Master’s Degree, Bachelor of Arts Degree, and Bachelor of Science Degree

AUPP offers Master Degrees in Business Administration, Master of Laws, Master of Legal Studies.

AUPP offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and International Relations & Diplomacy. We offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Business, Information and Communications Technology, Information Technology Management.

AUPP uses the unit system, common in U.S. universities. Each unit is normally equivalent to 60 minutes of lecture per week for the length of the semester. Thus, for example, a course meeting three times a week (60 minutes each) would be 3 units. Likewise, a course meeting twice a week for 90 minutes each would also be 3 units. Laboratory courses require up to two hours of laboratory per week per semester for each unit. A two-hour laboratory once a week would be equivalent of one unit. Special courses, such as the First Year Experience are treated similar to laboratory in that each unit requires up to two hours of class work per week.
Students are expected to spend approximately two to three hours outside of class studying for each hour (unit) in class. If the student is enrolled in 15 units of course work, there is an expectation of a minimum of 30 additional hours per week of study outside of class.

The academic year is divided into a Fall semester that normally runs from August through December and a Spring semester that normally runs from January to May. In addition, AUPP offers classes during the summer and may offer a Summer semester as need arises.

Bachelor of Arts Degree and Bachelor of Science Degrees

AUPP offers the Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture, Law, and in Global Affairs. We offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Business, Information Technology Management, and Tourism and Hospitality Management.

AUPP uses the unit system, common in U.S. universities. Each unit is normally equivalent to 60 minutes of lecture per week for the length of the semester. Thus, for example, a course meeting three times a week (60 minutes each) would be 3 units. Likewise, a course meeting twice a week for 90 minutes each would also be 3 units. Laboratory courses require up to two hours of laboratory per week per semester for each unit. A two-hour laboratory once a week would be equivalent of one unit. Special courses, such as the First Year Experience are treated similar to laboratory in that each unit requires up to two hours of class work per week.

Students are expected to spend approximately two to three hours outside of class studying for each hour (unit) in class. If the student is enrolled in 15 units of course work, there is an expectation of a minimum of 30 additional hours per week of study outside of class.

The academic year is divided into a Fall semester that normally runs from September through December and a Spring semester that normally runs from January to May. In addition, AUPP offers classes during the summer and may offer a Summer semester as need arises.

The Bachelor of Arts degrees and Bachelor of Science degrees require the completion of at a minimum of one hundred twenty-four (124) units, of which sixty-one (61) are in General Education, except for Architecture. All graduating students will earn a minor in Liberal Studies as well as a major in their chosen field. Students can also pursue an additional minor.

Class Attendance

University Wide Policy on Attendance

Students are allowed up to 10% absences in a course without giving specific ground or excuse. However, when absences in a course reach a point above 10%, specific excuse documentation or proof must be submitted to the professor. The professor has discretion to determine whether such documentation or proof submitted by the student is sufficient. However, in NO case shall the total number of absences in a course exceed 25%.

Department Attendance Policy

Each academic department can establish a stricter attendance policy for its courses, as determined by the Chair. In such case, and in the interest of consistency, all professors teaching courses for the department must follow the attendance guidelines of the departmental policy.

Students need to be available for the university every working day from morning to late afternoon. Class schedules are subject to change and students should be available to attend at other times besides the times shown on the initial schedules. Students should not book other events outside the university during the normal working day. No student at AUPP should be enrolled at another university.

Students are expected to be in their seats at the beginning of the scheduled class time and remain in class until dismissed by the faculty member. Attendance is taken daily in every class.

When absences are due to situations beyond the control of the student, the AVPASA will review the student’s record and may assign a grade of W rather than a grade of F. The AVPASA will discuss the issue with the faculty member teaching the course prior to making such a decision.

AUPP students must seek pre-approved excused absences from their professors for official AUPP activities, approved service-learning trips, and field trips.

If a student misses a class for any reason, they are expected to make up the work/assignments missed.

Class Levels

Pre-Collegiate

Students who are enrolled in the English preparatory program are classified as pre-collegiate students. Students must successfully complete the English preparatory program before entering the collegiate level.

Collegiate

First Year Student (Freshman): Students who have been admitted to the collegiate program and have successfully completed fewer than 31 units of collegiate work.

Second Year Student (Sophomore): Students who have successfully completed between 31 and 61 units of collegiate.

Third Year Student (Junior): Students who have successfully completed between 62 and 92 units of collegiate work.

Fourth Year Students (Senior): Students who have successfully completed more than 92 units of collegiate work and have not graduated.

Communications and E-mail Policy

AUPP E-mail is the official communication mechanism at AUPP. All students are responsible for information coming through this medium. In addition, the University shall post all relevant circulars, notices, policies and other documents on the Student Portal, and the Faculty and Staff Portal. All policy changes will appear in the next issue of the Catalog, in relevant Handbooks/Manuals, and posted on the AUPP Student Portal and the Staff and Faculty Portal.

Each student will be given an AUPP e-mail address when they first enroll. This e-mail account will remain active while studying at AUPP and moved to an alumni group after graduation. This email account will be deleted when a student permanently withdraws from AUPP.

The policies related to the use of AUPP e-mail are listed below:

Users should use the official University e-mail service only for official business (not personal use) and should not use personal e-mail services such as Yahoo, Gmail, or Hotmail unless the AUPP system is unavailable.
Users should not share their passwords with anyone.
Users should use discretion when forwarding emails with and should not forward Junk or SPAM e-mails.
Users are only allowed to send e-mails and attachments that are consistent with cultural, political, and moral values of Cambodia. Users must not send e-mails that might damage AUPP’s image or reputation.
E-mail messages of a confidential nature should be preceded in the e-mail Subject line with the word CONFIDENTIAL. Users are not allowed to send, forward, or distribute any e-mail messages containing confidential information as this is considered to breach Intellectual Property Rights.
Users must not send, reply, forward or distribute any e-mail messages or attachments that they know contain virus attachments or malicious programs.
Users are prohibited from using the University e-mail system to impersonate someone else.
Users are prohibited from sending, redirecting, transferring, distributing, or replying to e-mails when using another person’s e-mail system.
Users are not allowed to enter any changes to the electronic message content, or change the date and time, or source, or party, or the label, or any other information.
Users shall not register an AUPP e-mail address with Websites for non-business purposes.
Users shall not use automatic forwarding to or from external e-mail addresses.
Mass e-mail communication on the AUPP network is not allowed unless authorized by AUPP management.
When using e-mail on a mobile device such as a Smart Phone, the mobile device should be provided with a password lock security feature activated automatically when the device is idle.
Students who breach the above may be penalized, depending on the severity of the breach.

Course add/drop

Students are permitted to add or drop a course up to the date announced by the Registrar’s Office each semester. No record of any course dropped within this time period will appear on the transcript.

Curriculum Changes

When the requirements for a major change, students may, with the approval of the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs (VPASA) complete the program under the requirements of the Catalog in effect on the date the students declared the major or to satisfy the requirements of the new Catalog. When choosing the later Catalog, students must meet all the new requirements.

Declaring and Changing a Major and a Minor

AUPP integrates courses for major study with its general education courses over a four-year period. Students are required to declare a major on admission to the university. Junior level students declare a Minor on completion of 62 credits. This is done to better plan for the integration of general education courses with a proposed major and minor field.

Students may change their major or minor at any time after declaration. A student who decides to declare or change a major or minor must complete and return the Change of Major / Minor form to the Office of the Registrar.

Students granted a scholarship for a specific major must obtain the permission of the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs prior to changing their major.

Degree Requirements

The minimum credits required to earn a Bachelor degree is specified within each program. Refer to the Program section of the Catalog for the requirements of each program. A student must complete the General Education requirements (where the program requires General Education) and all the requirements of a major program with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00.

Disciplinary

The University will adhere to principles of natural justice in conducting investigations and hearings of suspected discipline violations, and in applying sanctions where it is found that a breach of discipline has occurred. These principles include:

The right of a student suspected of a discipline violation not to be judged prior to an investigation and a fair hearing, except in cases where the student admits to the breach.
The right of a student to request a formal investigation and hearing.
The right of a student to have investigations carried out by university employees who have not been directly involved in the matter, wherever possible.
The right of a student to be supported by an advisor during any disciplinary proceedings should the student so wish. The advisor may be a friend, relative or professional advisor, including an employee of the university.
The right of a student to provide an account of any actions or behavior suspected of being a breach of discipline, including the right to provide mitigating evidence.
The right of a student to have age, maturity, or academic level taken into account where the disciplinary matter is something about which it is expected students may develop an awareness during their time at the university and which they do not necessarily have before attending the university (e.g. rules relating to plagiarism).
The right of appeal to a higher authority within the university up to the President. A student may appeal a disciplinary decision, the manner in which the matter has been dealt with, or the sanction imposed.

Decisions in any disciplinary matters will be final unless appealed. Decisions by the President will be final.

The reputation of the University will be a factor considered in all dealings in respect of suspected or actual breaches of discipline.

Disciplinary sanctions will be graduated according to the seriousness of the offence and the history of the student.

Confidentiality rules will apply to all investigations and proceedings related to breaches of discipline.

Where a student is found to have committed a breach of discipline, a record will be kept on the student’s file and may be referred to in any subsequent disciplinary hearing.

Faculty members dealing with breaches of classroom or academic discipline must refer the matter to the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs to ensure compliance with this policy, and that action and proposed sanctions accord with the history of the student and with standards of practice across the university community.

Discrimination, Harassment, and Violent and Threatening Behaviors

AUPP is committed to creating and maintaining an environment free of discrimination, harassment and violent or threatening behaviour. In support of this commitment, the University prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. The University encourages anyone who believes he or she has been the subject of discrimination, harassment, violence, or threatening behaviour to report the matter immediately.

All members of the University community are responsible for participating in creating a campus environment free from all forms of prohibited discrimination, harassment, violence, or threatening behaviour and for cooperating in investigations of allegations of policy violations.

Exclusion from a Course

Faculty may recommend to the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs (VPASA) that a student be excluded from a course at any time for failure to comply with written or oral instructions, including, not attending classes, academic dishonesty or any form of disruptive behaviour that interferes with the teaching/learning process. When such action is needed, the faculty member must inform both the student and the VPASA in writing of the reasons for such action, including actions that have been taken previous to this action. Exclusion will result in a grade of WF and be entered on the student’s transcript. For purposes of computing GPA, the grade of WF is equivalent to that of F.

Final Examinations

All classes are required to give a final exam during the scheduled Final Exam Period. Final examinations are typically one and a half hour long and are normally held during the last week of the semester. If an examination needs to be given at an alternate time due to special circumstances, the faculty member must consult the students, and receive final approval from the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. Such examinations must not conflict with any other scheduled classes of the students and should not be held over the weekends.

The dates of final exams are found in the Academic Calendar. Specific exam times and locations are available each semester from the Office of the Registrar via the Student and Faculty Portal.

Grading, Grade Point Average, Grade Change

A. Grading

AUPP uses the following grading system.

Grade

Percentage Range

GPA Quality Points

Description

A

93-100%

4.00

Outstanding attainment of course goals

A-

90-92.99%

3.67

Superior attainment of course goals

B+

87-89.99%

3.33

Very good attainment of course goals

B

83-86.99%

3.00

Good attainment of course goals

B-

80-82.99%

2.67

Well above average attainment of course goals

C+

77-79.99%

2.33

Above average attainment of course goals

C

73-76.99%

2.00

Average attainment of course goals

C-

70-72.99%

1.67

Below average attainment of course goals.

D+

67-69.99%

1.33

Weak attainment of course goals

D

63-66.99%

1.00

Poor attainment of course goals

D-

60-62.99%

0.67

Very poor attainment of course goals

F

below 60%

0.00

Unsatisfactory attainment of course goals

P

–

0.00

Meet the course requirement in courses graded Pass/Fail.

The following non-traditional grades and notations are used.

AU

Audit

0.00

A notation of AU is assigned to not regularly enrolled students who wish to attend a class, not for credit, and do not wish to receive a grade in the class. AU must be approved by the faculty member teaching the class and may only be granted if there is sufficient room in the class to accommodate the students.

CC

Continuing Course

0.00

A notation that indicates a course which is more than a semester in length is continuing.

CH

Challenge

0.00

A notation that indicates a student has been granted credit on the basis of having demonstrated his attainment of all course goals. CH grades may only be awarded within the first two weeks of a course.

CR

Credit

0.00

A notation of Credit is given only in classes that are listed in the Catalog as CR/NC. A grade of CR is given to students who pass the course. CR grade is not used in the calculation of the grade point average.

EX

Exempt

0.00

A notation that indicates the student has been exempted from a course requirement on the basis of equivalent attainment other than transfer credit.

FN

Failure for Non-attendance

0.00

A notation of Failure for non-Attendance will be given if a student does not attend the class and fails to withdraw from the class in an appropriate manner. An FN is counted as an F in the calculation of the grade point average.

I

Incomplete

0.00

A notation of Incomplete (I) will be given at the faculty member’s discretion. In order to receive a grade of I, the faculty member must verify that the student has completed a substantial portion of the course work. The faculty member and student must both sign a statement agreeing to the work that needs to be completed. The student must complete the work in the semester immediately following the semester in which the grade of Incomplete was earned, or the grade will be changed to F.

NC

No Credit

0.00

A notation of No Credit is given in classes that are listed in the Catalog as CR/NC.

NR

Not reported by instructor

0.00

A notation of NR is assigned by the Registrar if the faculty member fails to assign a grade to a student. This grade will be replaced by a traditional grade (A-F) once the faculty member assigns the grade.

P

Pass with Credit

0.00

Meet the course requirements, in courses graded pass/fail. A ‘P’ grade is not computed in the GPA.

(*) or (R)

Repeated Course

0.00

A notation of (*) will be assigned next to a letter grade when a course is repeated. Both grades will remain on transcript, but the GPA will be calculated based on the higher grade. Student may repeat a course one time only when they earned a grade of C- or lower.

SP

Satisfactory Progress

0.00

A notation of Satisfactory Progress may be given in the English preparatory program when students have made progress but have not reached the skill level necessary to advance to collegiate English.

TR

Transfer Credit

0.00

A notation that indicates the student has been granted credit for equivalent courses at another accredited institution.

W

Withdrawal

0.00

A notation of W will be assigned by the Registrar if a student withdraws from a course after the timeline permitted to drop a course in a semester and before the end of the eighth week of instruction. Students must obtain approval from the AVPASA and the faculty member teaching the course in order to withdraw with a W. Students may not withdraw from a course after the eighth week of instruction. Timelines will be prorated for non-standard length courses.

WF

Exclusion for failure to comply

0.00

A notation of WF will be assigned by the Registrar where a student withdraws after the permitted timeline. It may also be assigned by the AVPASA for a student who is excluded from a course for failure to comply with the university rules or conduct.

Example of Repeated Course GPA Calculation

Fall 2018

Course

Credit

Grade

UA

UE

UC

GPA Quality Points

Total Grade Points

BUSN 200

3

B

3

3

3

3

9

ITEC 101

3

F

3

0

3

0

0

LEGL 101

3

F

3

0

0

0

0

9

3

6

3

9

Term GPA:

1.5

Spring 2020

Course

Credit

Grade

UA

UE

UC

GPA Quality Points

Total Grade Points

ENGL 102

3

B-

3

3

3

2.67

8.01

LEGL 101

3

*C+

3

3

3

2.33

6.99

MATH 177

3

D+

3

3

3

1.33

3.99

9

9

9

6.33

18.99

Term GPA:

2.11

An asterisk(*) indicates a repeated course.

Example of Transfer Course (Dual Degree)

Course

Credit

Grade

UA

UE

UC

GPA Quality Points

Total Grade Points

ENVS 131C

3

C+

3

3

3

2.33

6.99

ENVS 231

3

A

3

3

3

4

12

FINC 311(UA)

3

TR

0

3

0

0

0

MGMT 402(UA)

3

TR

0

3

0

0

0

6

12

6

6.33

18.99

Term GPA:

3.17

Example of Transfer Course (from external institution)

Transfer Course

Credit

Grade

UA

UE

UC

GPA Quality Points

Total Grade Points

ECON 200

3

TR

0

3

0

0

0

MKTG 301

3

TR

0

3

0

0

0

ENGL 101

3

TR

0

3

0

0

0

0

9

0

0

0

Term GPA:

0

B. Grade Point Average

As a student completes each semester, they receive a set of letter grades for the courses completed. Each letter grade is converted to a numerical quality point value. The GPA is calculated by multiplying the quality point value of each grade by the number of units designated for each course, and dividing the total of these quality points by the total number of units carried. There is a GPA calculated for the grades each semester.

As the student completes additional semesters of work, a cumulative GPA (CGPA) is calculated. The CGPA is determined on the basis of all courses completed and the corresponding grades received. The GPA and CGPA are measures of academic performance, GPA for a given semester and CGPA for all classes taken at AUPP.

C. Grade Change

AUPP students may seek resolution of a grade dispute or disagreement on a final class grade only for reasons below:

an error was made by the faculty member in calculating or recording a grade.
the grade was based on factors other than the academic performance of the student; or
all students were not judged by the same standards.

Applications to change a grade by faculty must be received by the Registrar Office before the end of the second week in the semester following which the grade was awarded.

D. Grade Point Average

Before attempting to initiate a formal grade appeal, it is incumbent upon the student to meet with the faculty member to discuss the basis on which the faculty member assigned the grade. This step must be completed by the end of the first week of the semester following the award of the disputed grade.

If the student is not satisfied with the results of the meeting, the student may submit a written appeal to the AVPASA no later than the end of the second week of instruction in the semester following the award of the disputed grade. The written appeal must detail the justification for the appeal. The AVPASA will review the grade grievance and respond in writing within one week of receiving the appeal.

If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the AVPASA, the student may file a written appeal with the President. The appeal must detail the justification for the appeal and must have attached to it the response from the AVPASA. Within one week of receiving the appeal, the President must convene an Appeals Review Panel, which consists of two faculty members and an administrator appointed by the President. The members of the Appeals Review Panel must not have been involved in the case prior to their appointment to the Panel. The Appeals Review Panel will review the appeal and make a written recommendation to the President within two weeks of being convened. The President will make the final determination of the grade and will inform the student, the faculty member, and the Registrar of the final determination. This final determination shall be put in writing within one week of receiving the report from the Appeals Review Panel. The Registrar will be responsible for recording the correct grade in the student’s transcript.

Graduation Application and Requirements

In order to graduate in four years, students should take between 15 and 18 units of appropriate college-level classes per semester. After their first semester, students in good academic standing may take up to 19 units per semester with the approval of their academic advisor and the AVPASA.

Students must apply for graduation by the end of the eighth week of the semester prior to commencement, and this will normally be the first semester of the senior year for those students on the four-year degree plan. The Application for Graduation form must be submitted by the student and route through the Registrar, Academic Advisor, and Finance for approval. The Registrar will review the records of each student who has applied for graduation and inform him/her in writing of all requirements that still must be completed. This report will be given to the student prior to registration for the final semester. Copies of the report will be sent to the student’s advisor and to the AVPASA.

A student must have completed a minimum of 121-125 credit units in Business, Global Affairs, Information and Communications Technology, Information Technology Management, Law. Dual degree students must complete the minimum credits required by the partner institution. In addition, students must have met all the following requirements:

passed all required courses.
completed at least 60 credits in residence at AUPP.
completed at least 30 of the final 60 credit units in residence at AUPP, unless otherwise provided for in a Dual Degree program administered with a partner institution.
completed at least 45 credit units in upper division (300 or 400 level) course work
passed all the requirements of the general education program with a grade point average of 2.00 or higher.
passed all the requirements of the major program with a grade point average of 2.00 or higher.
have an overall GPA of 2.00 or higher; and
satisfied all financial obligations to the University.

Independent Study

Independent Study provides students with the opportunity to undertake specialized study and to work closely with a faculty member on a specified topic/subject. All registration policies and deadlines for regular courses apply to Independent Study.
Independent Study is only granted for elective units. Courses taken as Independent Study may not duplicate courses in the AUPP Catalog regardless of the term offerings, nor may they count for General Education requirements.

Only students who have completed thirty (30) credit units and have a GPA of 2.50 or higher may undertake Independent Study courses. No student may take more than one Independent Study course in a single semester and no more than five Independent Study courses in their undergraduate degree.

An Independent Study Contract can be obtained from the Registrar’s Office, and a copy of the project must be submitted to the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPASA). The Contract must be signed by the VPASA and the faculty member sponsoring the project and returned to the Registrar’s Office prior to the end of Add/Drop. The description must include an outline of the project, meeting schedule with the faculty member, and the method of grading. Independent Study must incorporate at least two (2) graded assignments and must meet for at least one (1) hour a week with the faculty member. Exceptions to this policy can be made by the VPASA.

International Study

Students who have completed at least four (4) semesters in residence and who are in good academic standing may apply to participate in an exchange program for up to one (1) semester. Transfer students must complete at least 30 units in residence prior to being eligible for international study.

To assure that credit from the courses taken while on an exchange program will apply to the AUPP degree, the student should complete an Approval for Off-Campus Study form with their academic advisor and have it signed by the VPASA. Forms are obtained from and returned to the Office of the Registrar.

Internships

All programs at AUPP require a student to complete an internship. Internships carry academic credit and therefore must be organized and approved in advance of the internship. The units may vary from 3 to 6, based on the scope and scale of the internship. Internships require a minimum of one hundred and sixty (160) hours of workplace experience.

An internship combines work experience with academic components and is overseen by a faculty member. Internship courses are graded with traditional grades e.g. A, B, C. There is also a workplace supervisor.

Students apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for Internship in the semester before engaging in the internship, and are required to complete a workshop designed to assist students in identifying an appropriate site, interview for the internship placement, and carry out the tasks identified in the Internship Manual. Students must have completed 75 credits at the time they apply a Certificate of Eligibility and have completed 84 credits before starting the internship.

Students must register and pay tuition in accordance with the tuition and fees schedule before starting their internship. Further details of the internship are found in the Internship Manual.

Methods of Instruction

The requirements for successful completion of a course vary with each faculty member and course. At the beginning of each course, the faculty member will distribute a syllabus that explains the topics to be covered, the approximate length of time devoted to each topic, assignments to be completed as part of the grade, the method the faculty member will use in determining the students’ grades and all test dates. The syllabus will also include the learning outcomes for the course.

Methods for Assessing Student Learning

Course grades are based on examinations and assessment, class participation, projects, and homework assignments. The syllabus for each course provides a detailed explanation of the assessment methods of that course.

Program Duration

The length of programs (and the number of credit hours allocated) at the university differ according to the major. A program leading to a Bachelor’s degree may be four or five years in length depending on the amount of learning outcomes expected.

Full-time students enrolled in four-year Bachelor’s degree programs should take a maximum of five calendar years to complete all the courses in the program.
Part-time students enrolled in four-year Bachelor’s degree programs should take a maximum of six calendar years to complete all the courses in the program.
Full-time students enrolled in five-year Bachelor’s degree programs should take a maximum of six calendar years to complete all the courses in the program.
Part-time students enrolled in five-year Bachelor’s degree programs should take a maximum of seven calendar years to complete all the courses in the program.
Exceptions may be granted by the AVPASA.

Note: A full-time student is a student who takes a minimum of 12 credit hours in a semester. A part-time student is a student who takes fewer than 12 credit hours in a semester.

Repeating Courses

Students may repeat any course in which they earned a grade of C- or lower, but only one repeat per course is allowed. When a course is repeated, both grades will remain on the transcript, but the GPA will be calculated based on the higher course grade.

Student Clubs

Students are able to join an existing club or to recommend the establishment of a new club. Clubs are an important aspect of co-curricular life at AUPP; they enhance teamwork, leadership, and the ability to organize and present university events.

All University clubs must have a faculty advisor. It is the student responsibility to ensure that a faculty member has agreed to serve as an advisor to the club. Final approval of the faculty advisor is determined by the VPASA.

New club proposals must be approved by the President of the University. The club organizers must submit a written description of the club’s purpose, a sample of its planned activities, and the acceptance and approval of the faculty advisor

Discrimination against any student is not acceptable. All students are eligible to join any AUPP approved club.

Further information about clubs is available on the University’s bulletin boards or from the Coordinator, Student Affairs.

Student Leave of Absence

Students are entitled to request a Leave of Absence (LOA) for life situations, medical conditions, or psychological conditions that in the view of a physician or the University that significantly impairs one’s ability to function successfully at the University.

The student completes a LOA Form and submit it to the Office of the Registrar.

The office of the Registrar investigates the situation of the student and makes a recommendation to the AVPASA for approval.

The authority to grant a LOA, and permission to return from a LOA rests with the Registrar and AVPASA.

The LOA regulations and the reinstatement procedures are in the Student Handbook.

Student Registration

Registration occurs on the day or days indicated in the Academic Calendar. Upon payment of tuition fees, students are issued a Class Schedule from the Office of the Registrar. The Class Schedule lists the days and times of classes, the faculty member assigned to teach each class, and the room in which each class is taught.

Student Grievance

A student with a grievance should seek every opportunity to raise their concerns through speaking with University faculty, staff, or management. These efforts should be made within two weeks of the grievance having first occurred.

If a student continues to feel aggrieved after raising their grievance, he or she may submit a written formal complaint to the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPASA) either directly or through the Director of student Affairs in the form of a letter stating the grievance.

The grievance letter must include all essential information and be sent within two weeks of the student first raising their grievance orally. On receipt of a grievance letter the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs will commence an investigation.

Any grievance letter must be from the individual who feels aggrieved. If more than one student has the same grievance, they must submit separate letters.

The Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs conduct an investigation and determine a course of action on receipt of a grievance letter. The parties involved are informed of the procedure and the outcome of the investigation.

A complainant who may be dissatisfied with the outcome may appeal to the President. On receipt of an appeal, the President will review the matter and arrive at a decision. He will communicate the decision in writing. The President’s decision is final.

Student Services Awards

At the end of the second semester of each academic year, two (2) students in each grade level (freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors) will be recommended by the faculty to receive the Student Service Award. Any faculty member may nominate a student, and the full-time faculty will vote on which students they recommend for the award. The recommendations will be made to the President, who will make the final decision.

This award will be given based on the contributions that the students had made to the AUPP community. The award will consist of a framed certificate, which will be given at Commencement to graduating Seniors and at Convocation to students at other grade levels.

Teach-Out

The American University of Phnom Penh (the University) reserves the right to modify, suspend, discontinue, or merge programs of study. In such events, the University will be guided by the following:

If the University has not made an offer of admission or before an applicant has accepted the offer the University will inform applicants at the earliest opportunity of the discontinuation or change; and offer the applicant the opportunity to withdraw his application, with a full refund of all fees paid.

If the University has already made an offer of admission which has been accepted but the student has not yet enrolled, the student may either withdraw and be given an appropriate refund of all fees paid; or transfer the application to another available program for which the student is qualified.

If a student has enrolled, the University will use reasonable efforts to teach out the program but cannot guarantee to do so. If the University cannot teach out a program of study, it will use reasonable efforts to facilitate the transfer of a student to an equivalent program for which the student is qualified within the University or at another institution.

Transfer Credit

Transfer of Coursework from Other Universities to AUPP

All decisions about the transfer of coursework from other universities to AUPP are at the sole discretion of AUPP. Transfer students may be required to take English and Math placement examinations. Credit will only be given for courses in which the student has earned a grade of C or better and are similar to courses offered at AUPP. The maximum number of units that can be transferred is 60.

Students who wish to transfer coursework must provide the VPASA with a copy of their official university transcripts and the syllabus for each course for which transfer credit is requested. The VPASA, in consultation with the Faculty, and registrar will determine which coursework is transferrable and which is equivalent to an AUPP course.

Transfer of Courses from AUPP to Other Universities

All decisions about the transfer of coursework from AUPP to other universities are at the discretion of the receiving university. Unless AUPP has an agreement on transfer credit with a U.S. university, the receiving university normally requires that students furnish the AUPP syllabus of the course for evaluation prior to agreeing to accept the courses.

Unscheduled Class Meetings

The semester schedule indicates the course meeting times. Faculty who wish to hold additional or alternative meeting times may do so after consultation with the students in the class and with the approval of the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs in advance. Faculty who schedule additional or alternate class sessions must avoid time conflicts of other courses. These sessions must be preceded by timely notice and may not result in an increase in the total number of contact hours for the semester. Faculty may not require a student to attend an unscheduled class meeting if it conflicts with a student’s regularly scheduled class in another subject. All changes to announced class schedules must be notified to the Registrar’s Office at least one working day in advance.

Withdrawals

Withdrawal from a Course

A student who withdraws from a course after the timeline permitted to drop a course and before the beginning of the eighth week of instruction in a semester will have a W shown on the transcript.

A student who withdraws from a course after the end of the eighth week of the semester will have a WF shown on the transcript, and a GPA penalty will arise.

In exceptional cases, with the approval of the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, a student may be permitted to withdraw from a course after the eighth week and receive a W grade.

Students who stop attending a course without filing the Course Withdrawal form will receive a grade of FN (Failure for Non-Attendance) in the course.

Where courses are offered over a time period different from the normal semester, the time period for withdrawal may be adjusted accordingly and notified to the students taking such a course by the Registrar at registration.

Withdrawal from all Courses in a Semester/ Withdrawal from the University

Students may withdraw from all classes in a semester by completing and submitting the Withdrawal form (All courses), available from the Registrar. Approval requires written permission from each faculty member and the AVPASA. Students who withdraw from all courses are withdrawn from the University.

Administrative Withdrawal from the University

A student will be administratively withdrawn from AUPP when they do not fulfil the academic or financial requirements to maintain student status. Failure to register for courses or to file a leave of absence request within stated deadlines will result in a student being administratively withdrawn from AUPP. Students unable to register for classes because of overdue accounts will be administratively withdrawn.