Columbia College does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law in the administration of its educational policies, admission, financial assistance, employment, educational programs or activities.

Columbia College reserves the right to change prices, policies, or practices as described in this catalog as circumstances, efficiency of operation, and fiscal contingencies may require.

2001-2002 ACADEMIC CALENDAR
GRADUATE CLASSES

Late Fall Session (01/32) October-December 2001

Winter Session (01/33) January-March 2002

Spring Session (01/34) March-May 2002

Summer Session I (01/35) June-July 2002

Summer Session II (01/35) June 2002

Summer Session III (01/35) July 2002

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COLLEGE PROFILE

Classification:

Private, coeducational undergraduate and graduate-degree granting college with a liberal arts and sciences foundation.

Carnegie Foundation classification:

Baccalaureate Colleges II.

Location:

Home campus in Columbia, Missouri (population 76,000 plus over 25,000 college students at three separate colleges), on Interstate 70, halfway between St. Louis and Kansas City. Air service via major airline commuter and regional airline to Columbia Regional Airport. Twenty-two Extended Studies campuses throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. The Extended Studies Division locations are Redstone Arsenal, Alabama; Coast Guard Island, and Los Alamitos, California; Orlando, Patrick Air Force Base, and Jacksonville, Florida; Park City, Freeport, and Crystal Lake, Illinois; Aurora, Colorado; Syracuse, New York; Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas; Salt Lake City, Utah; Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico; Marysville, Washington; and, within Missouri, Independence, Fort Leonard Wood, Jefferson City, Moberly, Rolla, St. Louis, and Lake Ozark (with additional teaching locations at Christian County and Marshfield, Missouri).

Degrees Conferred:

Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Science in Criminal Justice.

Campus:

18 buildings on a 30-acre campus four blocks from Columbia's downtown area.

Library:

70,000 volumes, 500 periodicals, nearly 2,500 audio-visual items, access to on-line resources.

Enrollment:

More than 800 full and part-time day students, representing 19 states and 25 foreign countries; more than 1400 evening and graduate students, and more than 6,000 Extended Studies students.

Athletics:

Member, American Midwest Conference (men's soccer, and basketball; women's volleyball and softball) and a variety of intramural sports.

Accreditation:

Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Approved for teacher preparation by the Missouri State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Associate in Science degree in Nursing accredited by the Missouri State Board of Nursing and the National League for Nursing. Bachelor of Social Work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Council on Social Work Education
1725 Duke Street, Suite 500
Alexandria, VA 22314-3457
Telephone: 703/683-8080
E-mail: info@cswe.org (social work education) or
accred@cswe.org (social work accreditation)

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
P.O. Box 480
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Telephone: 573/751-6504
E-mail: mlucas@mail.dese.state.mo.us

Missouri State Board of Nursing
3605 Missouri Boulevard
P.O. Box 656
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0656
Telephone: 573/751-0681
E-mail: http://www.ecodev.state.mo.us/pr/nursing

National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
61 Broadway--33rd floor
New York, NY 10006
Telephone: 212/363-5555 ext. 153 or 1-800/669-1656 ext. 153
E-mail: www.accrediting-comm-nlnac.org

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ADMISSION POLICY

The standards of admission to Columbia College graduate programs require evidence of personal integrity and responsibility, academic preparation, and leadership potential. Applicants must present a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average from a regionally accredited institution(s) or a departmentally approved GRE or GMAT score.

Graduate applicants are expected to present undergraduate coursework achievement commensurate with graduate program requirements. It is expected that applicants have completed a sound undergraduate degree program from a regionally accredited institution(s). Each applicant's record is carefully examined to determine if the student has potential for successful completion of a master's degree program at Columbia College.

Students entering graduate school at Columbia College are expected to possess computer skills equivalent to those obtained from a basic computer literacy course, such as CISS 170 Introduction to Computer Information Systems. This includes competency with word processing, spreadsheets, and computer presentation software.

Students not meeting graduate program admission standards may petition for admittance. Petitions must be accompanied by written justification and substantiating documentation to support the candidate's request. Consideration for admission will be at the discretion of the respective department. It is important that applicants read and understand requirements before making application.

Admission Categories

All categories are not available in every program. Refer to the categories below for Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) admissions options.

Full Program Admission

Students who meet the admissions criteria and wish to pursue a graduate degree are classified as full program admits. Fully admitted graduate students may enroll for undergraduate or graduate courses for which they have met prerequisites.

MAT Full Program: Students applying for Full Program admission must complete steps 1-5 listed under Application Procedures.

MBA Full Program: Students applying for Full Program admission must complete steps 1-4 listed under Application Procedures.

MSCJ Full Program: Students applying for Full Program admission must complete steps 1-4 listed under Application Procedures.

Student-at-Large

Students who hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university may be admitted as a Student-at-Large and enroll in courses for which they have the prerequisites. Students-at-Large may complete a maximum of twelve (12) graduate semester hours without full program acceptance. After completion of nine graduate semester hours, Students-at-Large must submit complete application materials to be considered for full program admission. Students-at-Large are subject to the same academic regulations and requirements as all degree-seeking students.

MAT Student-at-Large: Students applying as Student-at-Large must submit a completed and signed application for graduate admission, accompanied by a non-refundable $25 fee, and transcripts from all degree-granting institutions.

MSCJ Student-at-Large: Students applying as Student-at-Large must submit a completed and signed application for graduate admission, accompanied by a non-refundable $25 fee, and transcripts from all degree-granting institutions.

Non-Degree Seeking

Students who already hold a baccalaureate degree but do not wish to earn a graduate degree at Columbia College may enroll in graduate courses as non-degree seeking students. Non-degree seeking students may complete a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours of graduate-level coursework and are not eligible for financial aid. Non-degree application requirements vary among programs.

MAT Non-Degree: Those applying as Non-Degree Seeking students must submit a completed and signed application for graduate admission, accompanied by a non-refundable $25 fee, and transcripts from all degree-granting institutions.

MBA Non-Degree: Non-Degree Seeking students must complete steps 1-4 listed under Application Procedures, complete all prerequisite coursework, and present a minimum 3.0 undergraduate cumulative grade point average.

MSCJ Non-Degree: Non-Degree Seeking students must submit a completed and signed application for graduate admission, accompanied by a non-refundable $25 fee, and submit a transcript from all degree-granting institutions.

Post Baccalaureate

Students who hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university but who have not completed necessary undergraduate prerequisites for the respective graduate program may enroll in undergraduate courses.

MAT Post Baccalaureate: Students applying for Post Baccalaureate status must complete steps 1-5 listed under Application Procedures. Post Baccalaureate students seeking the MAT degree and teacher certification may enroll in graduate courses with permission from the Education Department.

MBA Post Baccalaureate: Students applying for Post Baccalaureate status must complete steps 1-4 listed under Application Procedures. Students must earn a grade of B or higher in undergraduate prerequisites in order to be considered for full admission to the MBA program. MBA Post Baccalaureate students may not enroll in graduate courses.

MSCJ Post Baccalaureate: Students applying for Post Baccalaureate status must complete steps 1-4 listed under Application Procedures. Students must earn a grade of B or higher in undergraduate prerequisites in order to be considered for full admission to the MSCJ program. Post Baccalaureate students seeking the MSCJ degree may enroll in graduate courses with permission from the Criminal Justice and Social Work Department.

Application Procedures

To be considered for full admission to the Columbia College Graduate Program, an applicant's file must include the following materials. All materials should be sent to the Admissions Office, Graduate Programs, Columbia College, 1001 Rogers Street, Columbia, MO 65216.

1. A completed and signed application for graduate admission, accompanied by a non-refundable $25 application fee. Checks should be made payable to Columbia College.
2. Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended.
3. Three completed graduate recommendation forms. All should attest to the applicant's ability to successfully perform graduate work and at least 80% of the quantified descriptors should be in the two highest categories.
4. A personal goal statement which establishes a correlation between the goals of the graduate degree program and the applicant's personal and professional goals.
5. MAT applicants also submit an affidavit of moral character and proof of teacher certification, if available.

Graduate application files will not be reviewed for admission earlier than a minimum of six months prior to the intended term of enrollment. To be guaranteed consideration for enrollment in a session, the completed file needs to be received two (2) weeks prior to the beginning of any academic session.

A completed application file is required before Columbia College may process an application for financial aid.

Specific standards for admission:

• Master of Arts in Teaching
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice

International Students

All international students are required to submit the following materials to be considered for graduate admission. All documents and fees must be received before Columbia College will issue an I-20 Form. Application materials should be sent to the Director of Admissions, Graduate Programs, Columbia College, 1001 Rogers Street, Columbia, MO 65216.

1. A completed and signed application for graduate admission, accompanied by a non-refundable $25 application fee. Checks should be made payable to Columbia College.
2. Proof of English language proficiency as evidenced by a TOEFL score of at least 550 on the paper-based exam or 213 on the computer-based exam or a departmentally approved GRE or GMAT score.
3. Official transcripts in the native language from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended, translated to English and notarized by the translator.
4. Three completed graduate recommendation forms. All should attest to the applicant's ability to successfully perform graduate work and at least 80% of the quantified descriptors should be in the two highest categories.
5. A personal goal statement which establishes a correlation between the goals of the graduate degree program and the applicant's personal and professional goals and a summary of relevant work experience.
6. MAT applicants also submit an affidavit of moral character and proof of teacher certification, if available.
7. A completed Certificate of Financial Support and official bank documents attesting to the applicant's or the sponsor's ability to pay tuition, books, supplies, fees, and living expenses for one year.
8. Students transferring to Columbia College from an institution in the United States must complete a Transfer Eligibility form and furnish a copy of a valid visa, passport, I-94 and I-20 from the last school attended.

Readmission

Students who have earned graduate credit at Columbia College but have voluntarily withdrawn for five sessions or more must apply to the Admissions Office for readmission. Returning students who have earned graduate credit at another institution must submit a transcript(s) for evaluation of transfer credit. No more than 9 semester hours of graduate degree requirements may be fulfilled by transfer coursework. Catalog policies, procedures, and degree requirements in effect at the time of readmission will govern all decisions regarding subsequent procedures and requirements.

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TUITION AND FEES

All fees are subject to change without notice.

Students enrolled as graduate students pay graduate tuition for courses receiving graduate credit, and undergraduate tuition for courses receiving undergraduate credit.

Payment plans are available; contact the Business Office Cashier for more information. Late registration for all sessions begins on the first day of classes. A $25 late registration fee is charged to all students registering on or after the first day of classes.

POLICIES ON PAYMENTS, CREDITS, AND REFUNDS

When a student is accepted for admission, the student, the parents, or the guardians accept the standard payment policy of Columbia College. Students incur financial liability when they complete and sign an official Columbia College course registration form. Full payment is due at that time. Liability is not dependent upon a student receiving a billing statement.

Educational expenses may include tuition, textbooks, lab fees, and any miscellaneous fee related to the course(s). The personal payment portion of the student's educational expenses (educational expenses less financial aid or assistance awarded) is due in full at the time of registration (for additional information concerning financial aid, please refer to the Financial Aid section of the Graduate Catalog).

Deferred Payment Plan

If full payment is not possible, students may request a deferred payment plan. The arrangement requires payment of one half of the personal payment portion at the time of registration. The student must sign a promissory note for the remaining half with a maturity date no later than the last day of the session or before registering for a subsequent session. Deferred Payment Plans are valid for only one session and must be requested for each individual session.

Students with pending Federal Stafford Loans are required to sign a deferred payment contract.

Failure to Pay

Students are financially responsible for the payment of all fees charged to their accounts such as tuition, textbooks, lab fees, and all miscellaneous fees. Students may not register or attend future sessions if the financial obligations for which the student is responsible are not paid in full.

The personal payment portion of a student's account that remains unpaid after the end of the session will be assessed a 1% finance charge each month until the account is paid in full.

Failure to comply with the payment policies of the College will result in further collection activity by an outside collection agency or attorney. When this action occurs, students are responsible for paying all collections expenses which can, in some cases, exceed 50% of the original balance owed. Although every effort is made to contact a student prior to submission to a collection agency, Columbia College reserves the right to submit a student's account for collection at any time when the student fails to remit the personal payment portion of the account balance.

Applying Federal Financial Aid

If the student has applied for and been awarded financial aid, the aid, excluding college employment programs, is subtracted from the balance owed to determine the amount to be paid or deferred. Aid in the form of a Stafford (subsidized and unsubsidized) Loan is considered on the deferred payment plan only if awarded by the Financial Aid Office.

Employer Tuition Assistance

Students who receive employer tuition assistance may have the costs of educational expenses paid by their employer through direct billing or through reimbursement. Students should check with their employers to determine which plan is appropriate for them.

1. Direct Billing: A student whose employer offers direct payment to the College must ensure that the College receives a letter from the employer which authorizes and describes the conditions of such an arrangement. The letter must be on file in the College Business Office.
2. Reimbursement: A student attending under employer reimbursement is required to follow the standard payment policy and then receive reimbursement following guidelines established by his/her employer.

Under either form of tuition assistance, students are responsible for any portion of the educational fees not paid by their employers. Students whose employers have contingencies on payments (such as attaining a certain grade) are required to pay as if they did not have employer tuition assistance and will be reimbursed after the employer makes payment.

Military Tuition Assistance (MTA)

Students receiving military tuition assistance (MTA) are required to present an approved MTA form at the time of registration. Students are personally responsible for any tuition or miscellaneous fees not paid by the military and are required to follow the standard payment policy for their portion of educational fees. Students may not register for a subsequent session if they have a balance due from previous sessions. It is recommended that military students contact the appropriate educational services officer for guidance and assistance in completing MTA paperwork.

Veterans Educational Assistance

An individual who is currently serving or has served in our nation's armed forces may be eligible for educational assistance from the Veterans Administration (VA). Eligible students must complete paperwork required to establish VA eligibility at the time of registration. The VA pays benefits directly to eligible individuals. Students receiving VA benefits are, therefore, personally responsible for payment for all of their educational fees and are required to follow the standard payment policy of the College.

Dropping a Class

Financial liability is assessed at the completion of the drop period for each session. If students drop a class prior to the end of the drop period, no financial or academic liability is incurred. If students drop a class after the drop period, they are financially liable for the full amount of tuition. No reduction of charges is made for laboratory/course fees, etc.

Withdrawal from College

After classes begin, tuition charges (if applicable) are determined by the following schedule should, the student complete a total withdrawal from Columbia College:

Time Frame (Count all days, including weekends)	Charge
Before the 1st day through the 5th day of term	No charge
After the 5th day of term	100% of original charges

For students who are recipients of federal Title IV student aid, refunds will be made in accordance with federal regulation 34 CFR 668.22. A current schedule is available in the Financial Aid and Business Offices and in the Financial Aid portion of the course catalog.

Students receiving financial assistance should be aware that their financial aid package could be affected, should the student elect to drop a course. For additional information, please refer to the Financial Aid portion of the catalog.

Active Service

Columbia College recognizes that individuals serving in both National Guard and Reserve units may be in need of tuition refunds or credits if called to active service. Columbia College will assist students called to active military service with options regarding their registration in classes including, but not limited to, course work completion, tuition refunds, or tuition credits.

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Financial Aid

To be eligible for Federal financial aid, applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Before any aid is awarded or a loan certified, federal data must be accessible by the electronic Institutional Student Information Report (ISIR). To insure this, please make certain that the Columbia College federal school code (002456) is entered on the FAFSA. All applicants must meet eligibility requirements according to established institutional policy and be seeking a degree with Columbia College. Policies are subject to change without notice. Students should allow four to six weeks for aid processing. Students may receive aid at only one institution during the same enrollment period, and must be enrolled at least half-time for each session in which they receive aid.

Federal Stafford Loan

Students may borrow to finance their education. The Subsidized Stafford Loan is based on federally-defined need while the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is not based on federally-defined need. Students may apply for both loan programs for a maximum annual amount of $18,500 or the cost of attendance as defined by Federal guidelines.

Please follow the procedures listed below for securing a Federal Stafford Loan:

1. Obtain and complete a loan data sheet from the Financial Aid Office;
2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid;
3. First-time borrowers at Columbia College are required to complete entrance counseling.

Students may visit the Columbia College Web site at www.ccis.edu to access the entrance to the counseling site.

The Financial Aid Office will process the loan data sheet. A Master Promissory Note is required for borrowers beginning July 1, 2000. The Financial Aid Office will request that the lending institution forward loan funds directly to the school. Funds will not be released until students are actually in attendance and financial liability is established.

A student must be enrolled at least half-time (1.5-2 semester hours) to be eligible for a Federal Stafford Loan. If a student withdraws or decides not to attend a term, loan proceeds will be canceled and returned to the lender.

If students have previous loans they should continue using the same lender. If they do not have previous loans, Columbia College uses primarily the following lenders: Boone County National Bank, Chase Manhattan Bank, Commerce Bank, Firstar Bank and Bank One, Bank of America.
Students may receive a full loan amount only once per academic grade level. These levels are:

0-17.9 hours	Grade 6
18-36 hours	Grade 7

The loan maximums annually per grade level are as follows:

Stafford Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized	$ 8,500
Additional Unsubsidized	$10,000

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STANDARDS OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS

According to United States Department of Education regulations and Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education policy, all students applying for federal and/or state financial assistance must maintain satisfactory progress in a degree program to retain funding. Satisfactory progress is measured in terms of qualitative, quantitative, and maximum time frame standards. Once a student receives financial aid, all course work in prior terms will count toward these standards.

Qualitative Measure

The quality of a student's progress is measured by grade point average. The minimum cumulative grade point average for Financial Aid recipients is the same as the academic standard for Columbia College. Graduate Program students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.

Quantitative Measure

The quantity of a student's progress is measured by the Cumulative Completion Rate (hours earned divided by hours enrolled). The minimum Cumulative Completion Rate for Financial Aid recipients is 2/3. Special considerations are:

Repeated courses will not add total hours attempted or hours completed; the grade will simply be replaced. The new grade will be included in the GPA calculation, which will be considered when progress is again checked.

Total withdrawal from classes in two consecutive eight-week sessions within the semester results in automatic Financial Aid suspension, and students are subject to reinstatement and/or appeal procedures.

Maximum Time Frame Measure

Financial Aid recipients can remain eligible to receive federal and state aid for courses attempted up to the maximum allowable time frame of 150% of the hours required to complete the degree. All attempted, withdrawn, and/or transferred credits count toward this maximum time frame limit, regardless of changes in program, until a certificate or degree has been awarded. For example, a student pursuing a Master's degree requiring 36 semester hours may attempt up to 54 hours before Financial Aid eligibility is suspended (36 X 150% = 54).

Financial Aid Suspension and Probation

Failure to meet the minimum academic progress requirements will result in Financial Aid Probation or Suspension. The first time a student fails to meet the minimum requirement, he/she will be placed on financial aid probation. Probation is a warning in writing that subsequent failure to meet the minimum requirement will result in financial aid suspension. The second and subsequent time a student fails to meet the minimum requirement will result in loss of financial aid for the following term of enrollment. If placed on Financial Aid Suspension, notification will be sent to the student and all forms of Title IV federal and state aid will be withdrawn for the next session in which the student enrolls. The Financial Aid Office will review the academic progress of financial aid recipients twice per academic year: once in December and May. Please read the reinstatement and appeal policies that follow.

Reinstatement

Financial Aid can be reinstated when one of the following conditions has been met:

1. The student completes courses in one or more sessions at Columbia College with a cumulative GPA at the required standard.
2. The student files an appeal and the Campus Hearing Board approves the appeal (see appeal procedures below).

It is the student's responsibility to notify the Financial Aid Office when reinstatement conditions have been met.

Appeal Procedure

Students who have been suspended from financial aid may make a written appeal for reinstatement of eligibility if extenuating circumstances have contributed to their inability to meet the requirements for satisfactory progress. Extenuating circumstances include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Death of an immediate family member
• Severe injury or illness of the student or an immediate family member
• Emergency situations such as fire or flood
• Legal separation from spouse or divorce
• Military reassignment or required job transfers or shift changes

Students who do not meet the above criteria and/or cannot thoroughly document such situations, must reestablish eligibility through Reinstatement before any additional federal or state aid will be disbursed.

Students who do meet one of the above criteria may appeal using the following procedure:

1. The student submits to the Director of Financial Aid a completed appeals packet. See below for instructions on completing the appeals packet.
2. The complete appeal packet is presented to the Campus Hearing Board for review.
3. The student is notified in writing of the Board's decision and recommendations.

The Appeal Packet

The student is responsible for completing an appeal packet containing the following:

1. A Financial Aid Suspension Letter of Appeal (form can be obtained in the Financial Aid Office).
2. Documentation to support extenuating circumstances.

Incomplete packets will not be considered.

Return of Title IV Funds

This policy applies to students who complete 60% or less of the enrollment period (i.e., Fall, Spring or Summer session) for which they received Federal Title IV aid. A student who drops a class but still completes one or more classes does not qualify for the Return of Title IV Funds policy. The term "Title IV aid" refers to the following Federal financial aid programs: Unsubsidized Federal Stafford loans, Subsidized Federal Stafford loans, Federal Perkins loans, Federal PLUS (Parent) loans, Federal Pell Grants, and Federal SEOG (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant).

To conform with policy, Columbia College must determine the student's withdrawal date. The withdrawal date is defined as:

1. the date the student began the withdrawal process or officially notified Columbia College of their intent to withdraw; or
2. the midpoint of the enrollment period for a student who leaves without notifying Columbia College.

The calculation required determines a student's earned and unearned Title IV aid based on the percentage of the enrollment period completed by the student. The percentage of the period that the student remained enrolled is derived by dividing the number of days the student attended by the number of days in the period. Calendar days (including weekends) are used, but breaks of at least 5 days are excluded from both the numerator and denominator.

Until a student has passed the 60% point of an enrollment period, only a portion of the student's aid has been earned. A student who remains enrolled beyond the 60% point is considered to have earned all awarded aid for the enrollment period.

Earned aid is not related in any way to institutional charges. In addition, the College's refund policy and Return of Title IV Funds procedures are independent of one another.

The responsibility to repay unearned Title IV aid is shared by Columbia College and the student. For example, the calculation may require Columbia College to return a portion of Federal funds to the Federal Title IV programs. In addition, the student may also be required to return funds based on the calculation. A student returns funds to the Federal Stafford loan programs based on the terms and conditions of the promissory note of the loan. A student who receives a Federal Pell Grant may be required to repay 50% of the funds received. Return of Federal aid is in the following order: Unsubsidized Federal Stafford loans, Subsidized Federal Stafford loans, Federal Perkins loans, Federal PLUS (Parent) loans, Federal Pell Grants, and Federal SEOG (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant).

Students who owe funds to a grant program are required to make payment (or payment arrangements) with the U.S. Department of Education. The student is ineligible for future Title IV aid unless payment (or payment arrangements) are made within 45 days. At the time of this writing, the Department of Education is currently reviewing its policy on this issue.

For examples of the return of Title IV Funds calculations, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

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CAMPUS LIFE

Food Services

Twenty meals a week are served in Dulany Hall. Food service begins with lunch on the day the residence halls open and ends with lunch on the last day of scheduled final examinations each semester.

Graduate students may contract for board only, pay for meals individually, or purchase discounted meal tickets. Tickets for students' guests may be purchased at the door.

A student Advisory Food Committee meets during the school year with dining hall personnel to promote the best possible food service operation.

Health Services

Columbia College Health Center, located in the Robnett-Spence building, provides limited primary care for students, faculty and staff but provides no emergency care. The campus Health Center is a nurse-directed clinic supervised by a consulting physician. Information regarding health maintenance and preventive health care is available. The registered nurse provides referral services to community physicians and dentists as well as other health care providers. Information on health-related concerns, references, and outreach programs involving a variety of health issues is available upon request. The registered nurse offers private consultation on a one-to-one basis. Health care from the campus Health Center is free and appointments are not necessary.

Recreation

The student center, tennis court, softball field, common areas, and residence hall lounges are available for a variety of recreational activities. Gerard Pool is available for student swimming on a posted schedule, as is the Fitness Center located in the south end of Southy Hall. The Southwell Complex Gymnasium is open daily. Other college facilities, such as Launer Auditorium, the Jane Froman Studio, classrooms, Dulany Hall, and the Student Center are available upon approval to any officially recognized student organization for meetings and programs. Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis. More information is available in the office of the Director of Student Activities.

Recreational areas within the immediate region include Cosmo Park, Peace Park, Pinnacles Park, Arrow Rock, and Rock Bridge State Park. The Lake of the Ozarks, a major tourist area, is sixty miles south of Columbia. St. Louis and Kansas City are each 125 miles from Columbia on Interstate 70.

Wellness Center

The Wellness Center collaborates with campus and community resources to meet the needs of our diverse population. Healthy, chemical-free programs such as outdoor activities, awareness weeks, and social opportunities are provided to promote proactive, healthy lifestyles for students, faculty and staff.

The Center houses a library of resources and up-to-date information about chemical dependency, destructive behaviors, and many other health-related topics.

Professional, confidential counseling is available to students, faculty and staff. Students may meet individually with a counselor or participate in small group experiences with topics including personal growth, anxiety reduction and self discovery.

Religious Affairs

Opportunities abound in Columbia for spiritual exploration, cultural appreciation and faith development. The Columbia College Chapel is open to all students, faculty, and staff for prayer and meditation. Programs on campus include spiritual events, studies of religious issues and opportunities for discussion with others through clubs and organizations. Information is available in the Wellness Center.

Columbia College respects the right of all persons to practice their faith according to the recognized tenets of their religion. Should religious observance require absence from regularly scheduled activities, the individuals affected are responsible for notifying instructors prior to the absence and making appropriate arrangements.

Career Services

The center has trained personnel to assist students with all aspects of career planning and development. Specific services designed to encourage, enhance, and promote professional and personal success include a carefully guided assessment of skills, abilities, values, achievements, and interests as aids to effective career planning; a library of information about occupations, corporations, agencies, and government organizations; salary surveys; employment qualifications and employment trends; development and maintenance of placement documents; listings of full-time, part-time, and summer employment opportunities and internships. Programs are provided to inform and train the individual in such areas of career concern as interviewing, resume/cover-letter construction, job searching and sourcing, networking, decision making, and salary negotiation.

Student Handbook

The Student Handbook provides detailed information about all aspects of campus life. Copies are available at the Campus Life Office and Evening Campus Offices.

Bookstore

The College bookstore carries a range of textbooks, trade books, art supplies, study materials, College memorabilia, personal grooming products, and snacks. Both new and used textbooks are available. The Bookstore is open during evening hours at the beginning of each evening session.
Students with Disabilities

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (public law 93-112) section 504, provides that "no otherwise qualified disabled individual in the United States shall solely by reason of his/her disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance."

1. It is the student's responsibility to notify the institution of any special circumstances that would affect his/her ability to compete equally in the college environment. To self-identify as a student with a disability, the student must register with the ADA Coordinator. Although students are encouraged to discuss their needs with their instructors, registration with the ADA Coordinator is necessary in order to receive accommodation. All disabilities must be appropriately documented.
2. While students are encouraged to self-identify at the earliest possible time, students may not know or choose to self-identify, but may still receive services at any time once they self-disclose and provide documentation.
3. Students with disabilities have the right to have access and accommodation complaints addressed through a formal appeals procedure. Students wishing to file a grievance must complete the Disabilities Grievance Form in its entirety, attach a description of the circumstances leading to the complaint as directed on the Disabilities Grievance Form, and submit both documents to the Campus Life Office. Disabilities Grievance Forms are available in the Campus Life Office, the Academic Affairs Office, the ADA Coordinator's Office, and the Plant and Facilities Operations Office.

Parking Permits

All cars and motorcycles used on campus must be registered with the Security Office. Parking permits are valid for an academic year, beginning in August. Cost is prorated: purchased fall semester, $30; purchased spring semester, $20; purchased for summer session, $15. This fee is non-refundable.

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ACADEMIC POLICIES, REGULATIONS, AND PROCEDURES

Graduate students enroll for course work prior to the beginning of each session. Post Baccalaureate students are allowed to register for undergraduate courses during the registration period for seniors. Late registrations are accepted through the add period for each session. The late registration fee begins on the first day of graduate classes. Five eight-week sessions are offered each year beginning in January, March, June, August and October.

Students who are fully admitted to a graduate program obtain registration forms in the Registration Office. Students not fully admitted to a graduate program (Student-At-Large, Post Baccalaureate, Non-Degree Seeking, or admitted with conditions) obtain registration forms in the Admissions office.

Student fully admitted to a graduate degree program or with written permission from the respective graduate department may be eligible to enroll in undergraduate and graduate courses for which they have met the prerequisites. Students may enroll for undergraduate and graduate courses within the same session or semester.

Advising

Students are encouraged to meet regularly with their advisors. The importance of the advisor/advisee relationship cannot be overemphasized. Both personal and academic concerns should be addressed at these meetings.

Course Load

Students may take one or more classes each session. Students taking fewer than three semester hours per session are classified as part-time students. Students who desire to enroll in more than six hours per session must obtain the permission of the appropriate Department Chair by written petition.

3 Semester Hours	Full-time
1.5 - 2 Semester Hours	Half-time
below 1.5 Semester Hours	Less than Half-time

Students desiring to take a course from a department outside the one to which they were admitted must obtain permission from the Chair of the Department for that course.

Adding a Course

Graduate students may add courses through the first five days of the session (by 5:00 p.m.). Forms are available in the Registration Office. Courses are added to the student's schedules if space is available.

Dropping a Course

Graduate students may drop courses without academic record and financial liability through the first five days of the session (by 5:00 p.m.). Drop forms are available in the Registration Office.

Withdrawal from Courses

Students who withdraw from courses between the end of the drop period and the end of the sixth week of classes for eight-week classes receive a Withdrawn (W). Students do not receive grade points for withdrawn grades, but the notation appears on the transcripts.

Course withdrawal forms, which explain attendant conditions, are available in the Registration Office. If students do not complete the withdrawal process, a grade of F is recorded on their records unless they remain in the courses and complete them satisfactorily.

Graduate Grading System

Columbia College records letter grades for course work. Grades for graduate courses include:

A	Outstanding performance
B	Average performance
C	Less than acceptable performance
F	Significant performance failure with no academic credit or quality points awarded

Other grades include

W	Withdrawn. Awarded when a student officially withdraws from a course, or when an instructor, for good reason, withdraws a student from a course. Students may not withdraw from a course after the sixth week has been completed.
WE	Excused from the course for extraordinary circumstances. Generally, "extraordinary circumstances" is narrowly interpreted to mean the development of unforeseen, unexpected circumstances beyond a student's ability to control that prevent continued attendance in all classes (death of an immediate family member, a change in the student's employment, and mental or physical illness befalling the student or a member of his/her immediate family).
S	Awarded to a student showing satisfactory progress on culminating experience.
I	Assignment of an Incomplete is reserved for extraordinary circumstances that prevent a student from completing the requirements of a course by the end of the session. Extraordinary circumstances is narrowly interpreted to mean unforeseen, unexpected circumstances beyond the students' control that prevents continued attendance in all classes (death of an immediate family member, a change in the student's employment, mental or physical illness befalling the student or a member of the immediate family). In such cases instructors make specific written arrangements with students for completion of the course.

If a student receives an Incomplete, he/she must complete required course work by the end of the following eight-week session. Extensions beyond one session must be approved by the Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs. Work not completed by that time results in the Incomplete begin changed to an F grade on the student's permanent record. Students are responsible for meeting this deadline.

When incomplete work in a course is completed, the instructor is responsible for reporting the letter grade that replaces the I on the student's permanent record.

Students enrolled in EDUC 500 Research Design are exempt from this policy.

Graduate credit is awarded only for courses designated as graduate courses and the graduate grade point average is computed based on those courses. Undergraduate credit is given only for courses designated as undergraduate courses. A grade of B or higher is expected in all graduate and undergraduate course work. Refer to page 36 for information on Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Repeating a Course

Courses may be repeated at Columbia College in an attempt to improve grades. The grade earned the second time the course is taken is used to determine the grade-point average, and the first grade is identified as R (Repeat) on the transcript. The first grade does not figure in the total hours or the grade-point average. In all cases, the second grade is the one that is recorded. No duplicate credit is given.

Audit

Students wishing to audit graduate courses must be properly admitted to the Graduate Program. Written permission must be obtained from the Graduate Program Director.

Students may audit a regularly scheduled class for no grade and no credit; however, participation in the course is noted on their official records. Acceptable performance and attendance is defined by all instructors of the course. Audit enrollments do not fulfill requirements for course work for degree completion or financial aid awards. Admittance to class is based on space availability and registration begins at the same time as for Non-Degree students. The cost to audit is $90 per semester hour.

Transfer of Credits From Another Institution or Columbia College Degree Program

Students must submit official transcripts from each college or university attended when applying for full admission to graduate programs at Columbia College.

An official transcript is one that is sent directly from the institution attended to Columbia College and bears an embossed seal of the institution and the signature of the Registrar. Students are required to identify all post-secondary institutions attended. Failure to do so may result in dismissal.
Upon petition by the student to the appropriate Department Chair, credit may be given for graduate hours taken at another institution or another Columbia College degree program within the last seven years. Petitions must include an official course description from the transferring college catalog and/or course syllabus to be considered. Credit may be transferred from regionally accredited institutions only. Petitions for consideration of transfer credit must be made prior to the successful completion of 12 hours of graduate course work at Columbia College. A maximum of 9 semester hours of transfer credit, with the grade of B or higher, may be allowed for graduate students. In all instances, the culminating experience must be taken at Columbia College.

A student at Columbia College who wishes to take courses at another college or university while pursuing a graduate degree at Columbia College must first obtain written permission for the transfer of these courses from the appropriate Department Chair.

Change in Degree Program

A student wishing to pursue a graduate degree or program other than the one originally sought should contact the Director of Admissions to determine whether additional materials need to be submitted.

Second Degrees

A student who desires a second masters degree from Columbia College may receive a maximum of 9 hours credit from the first degree toward the second degree, if the credit is deemed applicable by the academic department in which the second degree is sought. All other requirements for the second degree, including the culminating experience, must be completed.

Candidacy for Degree

Declaration of candidacy for a degree must occur no later than one session prior to the last session of enrollment for degree completion. Candidacy forms are to be filed in the Evaluations Office after payment of the graduation processing fee at the cashier's window. Before advancement to candidacy can be approved, students must present evidence that the completion of all College and Department requirements, including all course work with the required grade point average, will be met.

Transcripts and Records

The purpose of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 is to provide the student the option of denying access to his or her academic records by any person outside the institution apart from a few specified individuals and in specific instances.

Under the provisions of the Act, students have the right to prevent the disclosure of "directory information," which is described as name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, dates of attendance, class, previous institutions attended, major field of study, awards, honors (including Dean's List), degree(s) conferred (including dates), past and present participation in officially recognized sports and activities, physical factors (height and weight of athletes), and date and place of birth. "Directory information" may be released at the discretion of the institution. However, students who do not wish any or all of this information to be released may prevent such release by completing and signing a Request to Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information prior to the first day of classes for each academic term. (This form is available in the Registration Office.) Students wishing to deny access to their records by specified individuals must complete this form.

Also available in the Registration Office are two other forms that students may complete and sign to grant the College permission to release information to their parents or to any third party they wish to specify.

Transcripts of students' permanent records cannot be shared with anyone, except instructors, advisors, and other college officials, without the students' written permission. All financial obligations must be met before students' records are released to them. Transcripts cost $5.

Satisfactory Progress

Students are expected to make satisfactory academic progress toward completing their degree programs. The determination of satisfactory progress relies on quantitative, incremental, and qualitative measures; in general the following standards determine satisfactory progress:

1. Students receive nine semester hours of graduate credit within one academic year. Students must be enrolled and attend classes to receive earned credit. Courses with the grade of Incomplete (I) may be applied toward the earned credit requirement. Courses being repeated do not fulfill this requirement.
2. Students must complete the graduate degree program within a seven-year period.
3. Students achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better.

Unsatisfactory Progress

Students' academic standing may be jeopardized by one or more of the following:

1. Receipt of a C in any course.
2. Receipt of two or more Incomplete grades within any one session.
3. Violation of academic honesty or professional or ethical conduct.

Attendance and Lack-of-Effort Policies

Students are expected to attend all classes and laboratory periods for which they are enrolled. The instructor, not the College, defines conditions under which an absence is excused. The instructor is responsible for the maintenance of standards and quality of work in his or her classes. An absence is an individual matter between student and instructor.

Students are directly responsible to instructors for class attendance and for work missed during an absence for any cause. An instructor may drop a student from a course, and any drop initiated during the semester or session by an instructor for a student's lack of attendance or lack of effort is recorded on the student's permanent record as a grade of F or W at the discretion of the instructor.

Probation

Students whose cumulative grade point average falls below the 3.0 minimum will be placed on probation. Students placed on probation must earn sufficient grade points during their probationary term to raise their cumulative grade point average to 3.0 before they will be allowed to register for a twelfth semester hour after being placed on probation. Failure to do so will result in dismissal.
Students on probation are generally not eligible for financial aid. Appeals for financial aid consideration should be submitted to the Director of Financial Aid for review by the Campus Hearing Board of the College.

Dismissal

Students will be dismissed from the graduate program for any of the following:

1. Receipt of a grade of C in two or more graduate courses.
2. Receipt of a grade of F in any one graduate course.
3. Failure to remove themselves from probation as described above.
4. Recommendation of the academic department, based on proven academic dishonesty, or ethical or professional misconduct.

Students who are dismissed will not be readmitted to Columbia College graduate programs. Students having extenuating circumstances may appeal the academic dismissal to the Graduate Council. Appeals should be directed to the Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies within one session after dismissal. Students will be informed by the Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies, in writing, of the action taken.

Conduct Problems and Academic Dishonesty

Students wishing to retain their admitted status must conduct themselves in an exemplary manner. Inappropriate conduct may result in failing a class requirement, failure in the course, withdrawal from the course, or dismissal from the College.

The College reserves the right, at any time, to dismiss any student whose continuance is felt to endanger the student's own health or safety, or the health or safety of others. Dismissals for these reasons will be with prejudice and the appropriate official agency or agencies will be notified.
Persons dismissed from the College are not eligible for readmission.

Grievance and Appeals

Students may file appeals when they believe that an incorrect or unfair grade has been awarded. Documentation which demonstrates compelling objective evidence is required in all grade appeals.
In general, students should follow this procedure for grade appeals:

1. Discuss the problem with the faculty member involved.
2. If not satisfied with that faculty member's explanation, seek mediation from the Department Chair.
3. Failing resolution of the problem, request a grade appeal hearing with the Hearing Board. This request must be filed in writing with the Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs within 60 calendar days after grades have been issued by the Registration Office. The Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs may inform students that their submitted materials do not support requests for changes in grades and/or forward the appeals to the Hearing Board. The decision of the Hearing Board is final. The chair of the Hearing Board communicates decisions to the student and other parties involved in the appeal. If a change in grade or academic standing results, the chair of the Hearing Board notifies the Registrar of the new grade or change in standing.
4. In the event that new evidence becomes available, a request may be made in writing to the Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs, who determines if the appeal is to be reconsidered. If a question arises regarding procedural correctness or impartiality, the issue may be brought to the Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs, who has the final authority in passing judgment on these matters.

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ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES

Library

The staff of the J.W. and Lois Stafford Library assist students in locating materials for their daily class assignments and individual research projects. The library has a collection of over 60,000 books; subscribes to over 450 periodicals and newspapers; and has a sizable collection of microfilm and audiovisual materials. Stafford Library provides copy machines and typewriters for student use.

Membership in Mobius, a consortium of academic libraries, public and private, in the State of Missouri provides access to the holdings of these libraries for our students. Students will be able to request books electronically from member libraries. Students may also use libraries in the Columbia area.

To provide students with the newest and most useful research materials, Stafford Library offers access to the Internet. Students can access a wide variety of electronic periodical indexes and databases in all subject areas. A Stafford Library Web page offers quick access to the library's catalog and other databases. Information about library hours, policies, and holdings is available through this Web page. Stafford Library has a designated area for students to listen to records, cassette tapes and compact disks, and to view videos.

The Curriculum Resource Center in Stafford Library houses a collection of textbooks, kits, and games; juvenile fiction and non-fiction; and monographs on lesson planning, curriculum development, and classroom management to support Columbia College's Education program.

Information Systems Center

The IS Center offers access to computers, network, and software technology to individual students. Software included in the curriculum is available for use on center computers. The Helpdesk operation provides assistance in basic computer use.

The IS Center, located in Buchanan Hall, is open seven days a week. Please contact the Center for its current hours.

E-Mail and Internet Access

A section of the IS Center is devoted to providing students with access to electronic mail (e-mail) and the Internet. E-mail accounts are available, without additional charge, to all students enrolled in the College. E-mail accounts may be accessed, with proper software, from on or off campus. Internet access is available to students for use as a resource in researching study topics.

Computer Classrooms

The IS Center maintains two classrooms for instructional use. Students are able to complete assignments outside of class using computer resources in the IS Walk-In Lab.

Walk-In Lab Use

The IS Center maintains two areas, equipped with computers and printers, for student use on a walk-in basis. In one area the software used in classroom instruction is available to students to use in completing homework. The other area is devoted to student E-mail use and Internet access.

IS Computer Lab Hours

In general, if classes are not in session, the labs are closed.