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.

Columbia College Statement of Mission

Columbia College assists individuals in gaining a broad understanding of the liberal arts and sciences through exemplary teaching. Learning is made possible by the discovery, acquisition, and application of knowledge, diverse learning experiences, and the totality of interaction among faculty, staff, and students. In both undergraduate and graduate education, the College encourages intellectual growth, preparation for the world of work, involved citizenship, and lifelong learning in order to pursue excellence in human endeavor.

Approved by the Board of Trustees
May 17, 1996

Columbia College Description

Columbia College, a private, coeducational institution, offers associate, baccalaureate, and masters degrees that prepare students of differing backgrounds and abilities for entry level or advanced positions in various occupations and professions. Founded in 1851 by charter of the Missouri legislature and then named Christian Female College, Columbia College assumed its current name and became coeducational in 1970. Although it retains a covenant with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Columbia College is a nonsectarian institution.

The College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and holds specialized accreditation in its Education, Nursing, and Social Work programs. Students may enroll in either day or evening classes at the home campus in Columbia, Missouri, in its Extended Studies Division at one of many sites around the country, or in distance education classes.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

General Web Site Address: http://www.ccis.edu

Graduate Programs URL: http://www.ccis.edu/graduate/

2002-2003 ACADEMIC CALENDAR

Early Fall Session (02/M31) August - October 2002

Late Fall Session (02/M32) October - December 2002

Winter Session (02/M33) January - March 2003

Spring Session (02/M34) March - May 2003

Summer Session I (02/M35) June - July 2003

Summer Session II (02/M35) June 2003

Summer Session III (02/M35) July 2003

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 students at three separate colleges), on Interstate 70, halfway between St. Louis and Kansas City. Air service via major airline commuter to Columbia Regional Airport. Twenty-seven Extended Studies campuses throughout the United States and in Puerto Rico. The Extended Studies Division locations are Redstone Arsenal, Alabama; Coast Guard Island/Sacramento, Lemoore and Los Alamitos, California; Orlando, Patrick Air Force Base, and Jacksonville, Florida; Freeport, Lake County, Crystal Lake, and Elgin, Illinois; Aurora, Colorado; Hancock Field, New York; Ft. Worth, Texas; Salt Lake City, Utah; Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico; Everett/Marysville and Whidbey Island, Washington; and, within Missouri, Kansas City, Fort Leonard Wood, Jefferson City, Moberly, Rolla, St. Louis, Christian County/Marshfield and Lake Ozark.

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.

Home 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 15 states and 29 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 basketball, volleyball and softball) and a variety of intramural sports.

Accreditation: Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of 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.

The Higher Learning Commission
North Central Association
Commission on Institutions
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602-2504
Telephone: 312/263-0456 or 1-800/621-7440
E-mail: info@ncacihe.org

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

THE HOME CAMPUS

Banks Hall. A residence hall completed in 1967, Banks houses 108 students in double rooms. There are hall baths, special study rooms, and activity lounges on each floor. A computer lab is located on the second floor.

Bass Commons. Dedicated in 1978, the front campus area is a park-like setting and location for the Ivy Chain ceremony.

Brown Hall. Constructed in 1995, this building houses studios for painting, design, ceramics, drawing, printmaking and photography, as well as art faculty offices. General classrooms including the multimedia classroom are located on the lower level.

Buchanan Hall. Constructed in 1977 and named for Genevieve Koontz Buchanan, this building provides general classrooms, student computer labs, and houses the administrative computer and technology services centers.

Cultural Arts Center. International art gallery and educational center, located at 709 North Eighth Street.

Dorsey Hall. Attached to the east wing of St. Clair Hall by a covered walkway, Dorsey Hall is primarily a classroom building, completed in 1911. Dorsey Hall also houses the chapel, classrooms and the Jane Froman studio. Dorsey Gym is used for receptions, conferences and other special events.

Dulany Hall. Built in 1965, Dulany Hall contains dining facilities. It is also used as a multipurpose area for social functions and receptions, and houses the Trustee Room and Cougar Room.

Hughes Hall. Built in a traditional English design in 1939, Hughes Hall houses 64 women in double-room suites. Kitchen facilities are located on each floor and a formal parlor is on the main floor. A computer lab is also available on the main floor. The ground level houses the College Bookstore.

Larson Gallery. Dedicated in May 1996, Larson Gallery is located on the first floor of Brown Hall. It features periodic exhibitions of visual art including works from practicing artists and various collections. It is free and open to the public.

Launer Auditorium and Student Center. Launer Auditorium, built in 1903 and attached to St. Clair Hall by a covered walkway, was renovated in 1992 and again in 1997. It seats over 500 for convocations and artistic performances. The ground level houses the Wellness Center, the Student Center, and associated student government and campus life administrative offices.

Miller Hall. Completed in 1960, Miller Hall is the largest residence hall on campus, housing 154 students in double-room suites connected by full baths. It contains kitchen facilities, study rooms and a computer lab.

Missouri Hall. Completed in 1920, Missouri Hall houses the admissions, registration, Student Support Services office, transcripts and evaluation offices, the Center for Academic Excellence and rooms for short-stay guests of the College.

Recreation and Events Center. Completed in 2002, the Recreation and Events Center is attached to the Southwell Complex Gymnasium and includes two full-sized basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, as well as offices, locker rooms and a conference room. This facility houses the Athletic Hall of Fame and is primarily used for student recreation, intramurals and commencements.

Robnett-Spence Laboratories and Health Center. Built in 1969, Robnett-Spence houses science laboratories and the Health Center.

Security Office. The security office is located in the Cultural Arts Center, 709 North Eighth Street.

St. Clair Hall. The main administration building, St. Clair was built in 1900 from pressed brick and Bedford stone in an Elizabethan style. Most administrative offices and faculty offices are located on the first and second floors. The third floor houses faculty offices, general classrooms and the college archive. Mail and duplicating services, the accounting office, and the financial aid office are located on the garden level.

Southwell Complex Gymnasium. Dedicated in 1988, the Southwell Gymna-sium is home to the Columbia College Cougar basketball and volleyball squads. Southwell also houses locker rooms and the sports information coordinators office.

Southy Building. Built in 1986, this building houses athletic offices and the indoor fitness center.

Stafford Library. Completed in fall of 1989, the J.W. and Lois Stafford Library houses all library collections and audiovisual materials. The Curriculum Resource Center and one classroom are also located in this building.

Wightman Maintenance Building. This building houses the maintenance and housekeeping departments.

Williams Hall. Purchased in 1851, Williams Hall is the oldest college building in continuous use for educational purposes west of the Mississippi River, and has been designated an historical site. Previously the music building, Williams Hall now houses business administration faculty offices and general classrooms.

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. Criteria for admission apply to all categories of any graduate program at Columbia College unless otherwise specified.

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 applicants record is carefully examined to determine if the student has potential for successful completion of a masters 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 candidates 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

Full Program Admission

MAT Full Program: Students applying for Full Program admission must complete steps 1-5 listed under Application Procedures (page 17).

MBA Full Program: Students applying for Full Program admission must complete steps 1-4 listed under Application Procedures (page 17).

MSCJ Full Program: Students applying for Full Program admission must complete steps 1-4 listed under Application Procedures (page 17).

Student-at-Large

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, transcripts from all degree-granting institutions and a notarized affidavit of moral character.

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

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, transcripts from all degree-granting institutions, and a notarized affidavit of moral character .

MBA Non-Degree: Non-Degree Seeking students must complete steps 1-4 listed under Application Procedures (page 17), 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

MAT Post Baccalaureate: Students applying for Post Baccalaureate status must complete steps 1-5 listed under Application Procedures (page 17). Post Baccalaureate students seeking the MAT degree and/or teacher certification may enroll in graduate courses with permission from the Education Department. Post Baccalaureate students must earn a grade of B or higher in undergraduate and graduate courses.

MBA Post Baccalaureate: Students applying for Post Baccalaureate status must complete steps 1-4 listed under Application Procedures (page 17). Students must earn a grade of B or higher in undergraduate prerequisites in order to be considered for full admission to the MBA program.

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

Graduate programs and individual graduate level courses may be offered at some Extended Studies Division sites. Applications for admission for these programs or courses must be submitted through the Site Director. Students interested in taking graduate courses at Extended Studies Division Campuses should contact the respective location for information.

1. A completed and signed application for graduate admission, accompanied by a non-refundable $25 application ee. Checks should be made payable to Columbia College.
2. Official transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate college or university attended.
3. Three completed Columbia College graduate program recommendation forms. All should attest to the applicants 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 applicants personal and professional goals.
5. MAT applicants must also submit an affidavit of moral character and, if available, proof of teacher certification.

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

Specific standards for admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching program are listed on page 56, to the Master of Business Administration program on page 72 or to the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program on page 79.

International Students

1. A completed and signed application for graduate admission, accompanied by a non-refundable $25 (U.S. dollars) 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.
3. Official transcripts in the native language from each undergraduate and graduate college or university attended, translated to English and notarized by the translator.
4. Three completed Columbia College graduate program recommendation forms. All should attest to the applicants 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 applicants personal and professional goals and a summary of relevant work experience.
6. MAT applicants also submit an affidavit of moral character and, if available, proof of teacher certification.
7. A completed Certificate of Financial Support and official bank documents attesting to the applicants or the sponsors ability to pay tuition, books, supplies, fees, and living expenses for one year.
8. Students transferring to Columbia College from an institution within the United States must complete a Transfer Eligibility form and furnish a copy of a passport, valid visa, I-94 and I-20 from the last school attended.

Readmission

TUITION AND FEES

*Course Extension Fee applies to EDUC 508E Integrative Project and culminating experience in the Master of Arts in Teaching.

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. Charges vary depending on the combination of graduate and undergraduate courses.

Payment plans are available; contact the Accounting Office for more information. Late registration for all sessions begins on the first day of classes. A $35 late registration fee is charged to all students registering on or after the first day of classes.

POLICIES ON PAYMENTS, CREDITS, AND REFUNDS

Educational expenses may include tuition, textbooks, lab fees, and any miscellaneous fee related to the course(s). The personal payment portion of the students 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

Students with pending financial aid are required to sign a deferred payment contract.

Failure to Pay

The personal payment portion of a students account that remains unpaid after the end of the session may 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 may result in further collection activity by an outside collection agency or attorney. When this action occurs, students are responsible for paying all collection 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 students account for collection at any time when the student fails to remit the personal payment portion of the account balance.

Applying Federal Financial Aid

Employer Tuition Assistance

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 Student Accounts 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.

Military Tuition Assistance (MTA)

Veterans Educational Assistance

Dropping a Class

Withdrawal from 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 Office 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 they elect to drop a course. For additional information, please refer to the Financial Aid portion of the catalog.

Active Service

Financial Aid

International graduate students are not eligible to receive financial aid.

Federal Stafford Loan

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

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid either in paper form or on-line at www.fafsa.gov;
2. Obtain and complete a loan data sheet from the Financial Aid Office;
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 items noted above.)

The Financial Aid Office will process the loan data sheet. A Master Promissory Note is required for borrowers. 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: smartFUNDS, Boone County National Bank, Chase Manhattan Bank, Commerce Bank, US Bank, Bank One and 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

STANDARDS OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS

Qualitative Measure

Quantitative Measure

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 will count toward hours attempted for the Cumulative Completion Rate and students are subject to reinstatement and/or appeal procedures.

Maximum Time Frame Measure

Financial Aid Suspension and Probation

Reinstatement

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 students responsibility to notify the Financial Aid Office when reinstatement conditions have been met.

Appeal Procedure

• Death of an immediate family member
• Severe injury/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 Boards decision and recommendations.

The Appeal Packet

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.

Attendance

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 the policy, Columbia College must determine the students withdrawal date. The withdrawal date is defined as the date the student began the withdrawal process or officially notified Columbia College of their intent to withdraw. For all other withdrawals without notification, the withdrawal date is the midpoint of the payment period of enrollment, as applicable.

The calculation required determines a students 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 students 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 Colleges refund policy and Return of Title IV Funds procedures are independent of one another. A student who withdraws from a course may be required to return unearned aid and still owe the College for the course. For more information on the Columbia College withdrawal and institutional charges policies, please see the "Fees" section.

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. Return of Federal aid is in the following order: Unsubsidized Federal Stafford loans, Subsidized Federal Stafford loans, Federal Perkins loans and Federal PLUS (Parent) loans.

Students who owe funds to a grant program are required to make payment of those funds within 45 days of being notified that they owe this overpayment. During the 45 day period students will remain eligible for Title IV funds. If no positive action is taken by the student within 45 days of being notified, Columbia College will notify the U.S. Department of Education of the students overpayment situation. The student will no longer be eligible for Title IV funds until they enter into a satisfactory repayment agreement with the U.S. Department of Education.

During the 45-day period, the student can repay the College. The College will forward the payment to the U.S. Department of Education and the student will remain eligible for Title IV funds. Please make check payable to Columbia College, Attn: Director of Accounting. Please attach the remittance coupon to assure proper credit.

If unable to repay in full, the student can set up a repayment plan with the U.S. Department of Education. Before doing so, the student must contact the Columbia College Home Campus Financial Aid Office.

U.S. Department of Education
Student Financial Assistance Programs
P.O. Box 4222
Iowa City, IA 52245
Phone: 1-800-621-3115

CAMPUS LIFE

Food Services

Twenty meals per 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. Resident students must purchase the meal plan.

Students who live in a residence hall must show their identification cards at the entrance to the dining hall before each meal. Students who live off campus may contract for board only, pay for meals individually or purchase discounted meal tickets. Tickets for guests may be purchased at the door.

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

Health Services

Health services are available to students, faculty and staff. The Health Center is a nurse practitioner-directed clinic that, along with a consulting physician, provides care for minor illnesses and injuries, health care counseling and community referral services. Visits to the clinic are free; however, payment for off campus labs, medicine and physician visits, when referred, is the clients responsibility. There may also be minimal charges for supplies and vaccines.

The Center promotes preventive health by offering flu vaccines, health screens and self-care guides concerning diverse health issues. The Health Center is located on the first floor of Robnett-Spence.

Recreation

The student center, recreation and events center, tennis court, softball field, common areas, and residence hall lounges are available for a variety of recreational activities. The Fitness Center is located in 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 Student Activities Office.

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

Counseling Services

Religious Affairs

Opportunities abound in Columbia for religious expression, cultural appreciation, spiritual exploration 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 affiliated clubs and organizations. Information is available in the Wellness Center and Student Activities Office.

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, individuals are responsible for notifying supervisors/instructors prior to the absence and making appropriate arrangements.

Career Services Center

Student Handbook

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 may receive textbook refunds based on the policies listed below. No refund will be issued without a valid receipt for all textbooks. Textbooks must be in the original condition:

Day:

• A full refund will be given during the first week of class.
• After the first week, a full refund will be given up to 30 days after start of classes, if within two business days of purchase or with proof of course schedule change.
• All other textbook refunds within the first 30 days will be honored at 75% of the purchase price.

Evening and Summer Classes:

• Refunds for summer and eight-week Evening courses will be accepted for only one week after the start of class.

Day and Evening Classes:

• Merchandise other than textbooks may be refunded anytime with a valid receipt. Exceptions include custom course materials, outlines, study guides, magazines and prepaid phone cards. Software must be unopened for exchange or refund. Open software may be exchanged for the identical item only.

Refunds will be issued in the original form of payment.

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 students responsibility to notify the institution of a disability that would require academic adjustments in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in section 504. To self-identify as a student with a disability, the student must register with the ADA Coordinator two weeks in advance of the date accommodations are needed. Although students are encouraged to discuss their needs with their instructors, registration with the ADA Coordinator is necessary in order to receive reasonable 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 Coordinators Office, and the Plant and Facilities Operations Office.

Parking Permits

One-day guest parking passes may be obtained from the Security Office, Plant and Facilities Operations Office or the residence hall offices.

ACADEMIC POLICIES, REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES

Students who are fully admitted to a graduate program obtain registration forms in the Registration Office. Registration by fax is available as well. Please contact the Registration Office to obtain the required forms. Students not fully admitted to a graduate program (Student-At-Large, Alternative Certification, Post Baccalaureate, Non-Degree Seeking, or admitted with conditions) obtain registration forms in the Admissions office.

Students who are 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 in undergraduate and graduate courses within the same session or semester.

Advising

Course Load

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

Dropping a Course

Withdrawal from Courses

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 record unless they remain in the courses and complete them satisfactorily.

Graduate Grading System

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 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 students ability to control that prevent continued attendance in all classes (death of an immediate family member, a change in the students employment, and mental or physical illness befalling the student or a member of his/her immediate family). A request for a grade of WE must be accompanied by a letter from the student explaining the circumstances. In addition, substantiating documentation must be provided. A grade of WE may be requested anytime during the term of enrollment, and all courses currently enrolled in must be included in the WE request. A grade of WE is not automatic and is subject to review and approval.
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 students 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. Incompletes that are not finished are to be permanently recorded by the instructor as I or any other grade assigned by the instructor. When incomplete work in a course is completed, the instructor is responsible for reporting the letter grade that replaces the I on the students 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 39 for information on Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Repeating a Course

Audit

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

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

Second Degrees

Candidacy for Degree

Students Right to Privacy

1. The right to inspect and review their education record within 45 days of the day the College receives a request for access. Students should submit to the Registrar or Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The student will be notified of a time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request the amendment of that part of a students education record that the student believes is inaccurate or misleading. The student should write to the Registrar, clearly identify the part of the record he/she wants changed and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If Columbia College decides not to amend the record as requested, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the students education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is defined as a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic or support staff position (including law enforcement unit and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the College discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

   Family Compliance Office
   U.S. Department of Education
   400 Maryland Avenue, SW
   Washington, DC 20202-4605

Release of Directory Information - Under the provisions of the Act, Columbia College is allowed to disclose "Directory Information" without consent. "Directory Information" is described as name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, dates of attendance, class, previous institutions attended, major field of study, awards, honors (including deans 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" is 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 available in the Registration Office. Also available in the Registration Office are forms a student may complete granting access of non-directory information (such as students account or grades) to parents or other individuals.

Transcripts

Requests must include the students full name, maiden or former name if applicable, dates of attendance, ID or SS number, birth date, the students current address and phone number, the address where the transcript should be sent, the number of copies to be issued and the payment.

If payment is to be made via credit card, the card number, expiration date and a daytime phone number by which the student may be contacted must be included. A students current account balance must be clear prior to the release of the transcript.

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

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 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 students lack of attendance or lack of effort is recorded on the students permanent record as a grade of F or W at the discretion of the instructor.

Probation

Dismissal

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.

Grievance and 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 members 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.

Student Conduct

Columbia College students, as members of the academic community, are expected to accept and adhere to these high standards of personal conduct. Students shall:

1. Treat all members of the College community with courtesy, respect and dignity.
2. Comply with directions of College officials acting in the performance of their duties.
3. Treat the campus itself with respect, including buildings, grounds and furnishings.
4. Respect the rights and property of other members of the College community.
5. Fulfill their obligations through honest and independent effort and integrity in academic and personal conduct.
6. Accept responsibility for and the consequences of their actions and shall encourage responsible conduct in others.
7. Respect the prohibition of possession, consumption, distribution and provision of alcohol on campus and the illegal possession, use, distribution and provision of controlled substances.
8. Abide by all published policies including, but not limited to those that appear in the College Catalog, Student Handbook, Residential Life Handbook and Code for Computer Users.
9. Refrain from any contact with firearms on campus and from tampering with fire safety equipment in College buildings.
10. Have no firearms, weapons or any other item designed to inflict harm or damage on campus.

The Student Conduct Code, as well as the preceding guidelines outlining the adjudication of conduct-related offenses, applies to all Columbia College students.

Academic Integrity

• Knowingly furnishing false or misleading information.
• Falsification, alteration or misuse of College forms or records.
• Any joint effort in examinations, assignments or other academic activity unless authorized by the instructor.
• Plagiarism in any form; using anothers phrase, sentence or paragraph without quotation marks; using anothers ideas or structure without properly identifying the source; or using the work of someone else and submitting it as ones own.
• Willfully aiding another in any act of academic dishonesty. Columbia College is equally concerned about the interpersonal social relationships that affect the learning environment. Respect for the conditions necessary to enhance learning is, therefore, required.

1. The faculty member who, upon investigation, suspects academic misconduct will, if possible, confer with the student suspected.
   1. If the faculty member determines the student is not responsible for engaging in academic misconduct, the matter will be dropped.
   2. If the faculty member determines the unacceptable behavior was unintentional, the violation will be explained and an alternative penalty will be imposed at the discretion of the investigating faculty member. The Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs and the Dean for Campus Life must be notified in writing of the incident and the outcome.
   3. If the student admits responsibility for academic misconduct, or if the faculty member determines there was intentional unacceptable behavior, the faculty member may impose the penalty stated in the course syllabus. In the absence of a penalty stated in the course syllabus, the penalty will be a grade of F on that activity, which will be factored into the final grade. The Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs and the Dean for Campus Life must be notified in writing of the incident and the action taken.
2. A student wishing to challenge or appeal the accusation of academic misconduct should seek the counsel of the Department Chair. The Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs must be notified of the results of this informal disposition.
3. If either the student or the faculty member is not satisfied with the informal disposition, he/she may request a formal hearing. The individual must initiate the hearing procedure by filing an Appeal Request Form with the Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs within one (1) school day after the informal disposition meeting. The written request will be forwarded to the Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs and the Dean for Campus Life.
4. The Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs and the Dean for Campus Life will review the request and determine if there are proper grounds for appeal and whether the evidence submitted warrants reconsideration of the decisions. All parties involved will be notified. Generally, most incidents of academic dishonesty, such as plagiarism, cheating and grade appeals, will be resolved through processes governed by Academic Affairs. Most incidents of personal conduct related allegations, such as disorderly classroom conduct, will be resolved through processes governed by Campus Life.

It is important to note that there are those cases where the allegations and potential consequences are so serious and complex that the matter will be submitted, at the outset, to Campus Life for investigation, informal disposition, and if necessary, formal disposition through a campus hearing board. Decisions regarding case jurisdiction ultimately rest with the Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs and the Dean for Campus Life.

Class Conduct:

• Disorderly conduct
• Harassment
• Verbal abuse
• Assault
• Interference with the educational opportunity of other students
• Attending class under the influence of alcohol or other drugs

Procedures:

1. The Assistant Dean for Campus Life or another appropriate College official will investigate the situation and review it with the student. If it is determined that no violation occurred, then the matter will be dropped. If the student admits responsibility or the Assistant Dean for Campus Life determines there was a violation, College disciplinary action will ensue. The student will be notified in writing of the finding of fact and the recommended disciplinary sanction recommended by the Assistant Dean for Campus Life.
2. If facing disciplinary action, the student has the right to accept the Assistant Deans finding of fact and recommended sanction, at which time the matter is closed; or the student may appeal to the Dean for Campus Life for a review of the finding of fact and/or the recommended sanction.
3. To initiate an appeal, the student must file an Appeal Request Form with the Dean for Campus Life within one (1) school day of the informal disposition meeting with the Assistant Dean for Campus Life. The Dean for Campus Life will review the request and determine if there are sufficient grounds for appeal and if evidence submitted warrants reconsideration of the decision. All parties will be notified.
4. If a decision is made to reconsider, a campus hearing board will be empanelled to hear the matter. Decisions made by the Campus Hearing Board are final.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES

Library

The librarys collection of materials supports the curriculum of Columbia College with over 80,000 items (books, CDs, videos, etc.) and more than six hundred periodical, magazine and newspaper titles in paper and on microfilm. Copy machines are provided for student use.

The librarys computer workstations provide quick access to a variety of databases and the Internet. Stafford Library subscribes to several on-line periodical databases with full text of most articles from professional journals, legal publications, newspapers and magazines. Patrons are able to access these resources from off campus as well as from the library workstations. The library classroom is equipped with listening stations and a computer with data projector that is used for library instruction as well as for other courses on campus.

In addition, Stafford Library is a member of MOBIUS Consortium, also known as Missouri Bibliographic Information User System. This membership allows patrons access to millions of books in more than fifty academic libraries across the state of Missouri. The consortium libraries include three in Columbia, MO. Students can find and request books using a union catalog or they can visit participating libraries. Extended Studies Division students can use MOBIUS libraries in their areas.

Technology Services Center

The Technology Services Center, located in Buchanan Hall, is open seven days a week. Please contact the Center for current hours of operation.

E-Mail and Internet Access

Computer Classrooms

Walk-In Lab Use

Technology Services Computer Lab Hours:

Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m.-12:00 a.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

Language Lab

COLUMBIA COLLEGE ETHICS CODE FOR COMPUTER USERS

General Principles

1. Respect for intellectual labor and creativity is vital to academic discourse and enterprise. This principle applies to works of all authors and publishers in all media. It encompasses respect for the right to acknowledgment, right to privacy, and right to determine the form, manner and terms of publication and distribution.
2. Because electronic information is so volatile and easily reproduced, respect for the work and personal expression of others is especially critical in computer environments. Violations of author integrity, including plagiarism, invasion of privacy, unauthorized access, and trade secrets and copyright violations, may be grounds for sanctions against members of the academic community.

   Columbia College endorses this statement of software and intellectual rights developed by EDUCOM, a non-profit consortium of colleges and universities committed to the use and management of information technology in higher education.

Ethical and Responsible Use of Computers

1. The College provides computing equipment and facilities to students, staff and faculty for purposes of work (business), instruction and research. It is a violation of College policy to use College computers for commercial purposes.
2. When working in College Computing Labs users will be aware of and follow rules posted for fair use.
3. Use of College Computing resources for academic objectives takes precedence over use of those facilities for personal reasons.
4. Computer communications systems and networks promote the free exchange of ideas and information, thus enhancing teaching and research, as well as enabling employees to work more efficiently and productively. Computer users must not use electronic communications systems of any kind to send material that is obscene, illegal, discriminating, or intended to defame or harass others, or to interfere with their work on the computer.
5. Students, faculty and staff who use the computers have the right to security of their computer programs and data. Computer users must not access files or information that belong to other users or to the operating system without permission. Employees, students and anyone associated with Columbia College should note that electronic communication (media) and services provided by Columbia College are the property of such and their purpose is to facilitate business, teaching and research.
6. United States copyright and patent laws protect the interests of authors, inventors and software developers in their products. Software license agreements serve to increase compliance with copyright and patent laws, and to help insure publishers, authors and developers of return on their investments. It is against federal law and College policy to violate the copyrights or patents of computer software. It is against College policy and may be a violation of state or federal law to violate software license agreements. Students, faculty or staff may not use programs obtained from commercial sources or other computer installations unless written authority to use them has been obtained or the programs are within the public domain.
7. Security systems for computers exist to ensure that only authorized users have access to computer resources. All passwords are confidential and should not be given out for others to use. The College prohibits the use of another persons password or identity to access confidential information and files. Computer users must not attempt to modify system facilities or attempt to crash the system, nor should they attempt to subvert the restrictions associated with their computer accounts, the networks of which the College is a member, or microcomputer software protections.
8. Abusers of computing privileges will be subject to disciplinary action. Violators will be subject to Columbia Colleges disciplinary procedures as detailed in the appropriate handbook/bulletin, up to and including termination or expulsion. The computer systems administrator reserves the right to examine users computer files and messages to resolve complaints and/or grievances to ensure reliable system operation.
9. Abuse of the networks, or of computers at other campuses connected to the networks, or of personnel who assist in the labs will be treated as abuse of computing privileges at Columbia College.
10. Computer users shall cooperate in any investigation of violation of responsible use.
11. Damage to or destruction of any Columbia College computer or computer equipment will subject the offender to disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion and financial reimbursement to the College.

Examples

• Using electronic mail to correspond with colleagues at other colleges or universities.
• Sharing diskettes of files of programs or data with team members working together on a research project.
• Copying software placed in public domain.
• Using computing equipment for grant supported research with approval from the Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs.
• Reporting nonfunctional computing equipment to lab assistants or technical services repair staff, or Residential Life staff for residence hall equipment.

• Using computer facilities for work done on behalf of a commercial firm.
• Sending or showing electronic files, such as mail messages or images, containing material offensive to others who may see the file.
• Copying a file from another computer users account or floppy disk without permission.
• Copying copyrighted computer software to use on another computer.
• Unplugging or reconfiguring computer equipment to make it unusable or difficult to use.
• Installing software on College computers without permission of supervisor.
• Downloading materials from the Internet or World Wide Web and submitting them for credit as ones own work.
• Downloading or displaying obscene images or messages.

Student E-Mail Policy (Use of E-Mail for Official Correspondence with Students)

1. College use of e-mail
   E-mail is a mechanism for official communication within Columbia College. The College has the right to expect that such communications will be received and read in a timely fashion. Official e-mail communications are intended to meet only the academic and administrative needs of the campus community. As steward of this process, the Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs is responsible for directing the use of the official student e-mail system.
2. Assignment of student e-mail
   Official College e-mail accounts are available for all enrolled students. The addresses are all of the form [Name]@cougars.ccis.edu. These accounts must be activated before the College can correspond with its students using the official e-mail system. Official e-mail addresses will be maintained in the Datatel Student Information System and will be considered directory information unless students request otherwise.
3. Redirecting of e-mail
   If a student wishes to have e-mail redirected from their official @cougars.ccis.edu address to another e-mail address (e.g., @aol.com, @hotmail.com, or an address on a departmental server), they may do so, but at their own risk. The College will not be responsible for the handling of e-mail by outside vendors or by departmental servers. Having e-mail redirected does not absolve a student from the responsibilities associated with official communications sent to his or her @cougars.ccis.edu account.
4. Expectations about student use of e-mail
   Students are expected to check their e-mail on a frequent and consistent basis in order to stay current with College-related communications. Students have the responsibility to recognize that certain communications may be time-critical. "I didnt check my e-mail", error in forwarding mail, or e-mail returned to the College with "Mailbox Full" or "User Unknown" are not acceptable reasons for missing official College communications via e-mail.
5. Authentication for confidential information
   It is a violation of Columbia College policies, including the Student Code of Conduct, for any user of official e-mail addresses to impersonate a College office, faculty/staff member, or student, or to use the College e-mail to violate the Student Code of Conduct.
6. Privacy
   Users should exercise extreme caution in using e-mail to communicate confidential or sensitive matters, and should not assume that e-mail is private and confidential. It is especially important that users are careful to send messages only to the intended recipient(s). Particular care should be taken when using the "reply" command during e-mail correspondence.
7. Educational uses of e-mail
   Faculty will determine how electronic forms of communication (e.g., e-mail) will be used in their classes and will specify their requirements in the course syllabus. This "Official Student E-mail Policy" will ensure that all students will be able to comply with e-mail-based course requirements specified by faculty. Faculty can therefore make the assumption that students official @cougars.ccis.edu accounts are being accessed and faculty can use e-mail for classes accordingly.
8. E-mail Account Activation
   Students will receive an e-mail account at the time they register for classes. Individuals will sign an acceptance form which will include the Colleges Code of Conduct. Returning students will not have to reactivate their account, as long as they have not missed three consecutive terms. Upon graduation, a student may elect to have his e-mail account moved to the Alumni e-mail account, or deactivated.
9. Deactivation of account
   Non-attendance for three consecutive terms will constitute reason for revoking the account and the deletion of data pertaining to it. Hardship cases will be handled by the Office for Academic Affairs on a case-by-case basis.
10. Computer Locations
    Computers are located in the Computer Lab in Buchanan Hall, Stafford Library, and residence hall computer labs for student use in accessing e-mail accounts.

MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING

Education Department Chair: Becky Widener, Ed.D.
MAT Graduate Program Director: Becky Widener, Ed.D.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. Are committed to students and their learning;
2. Know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students;
3. Are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning;
4. Think systematically about their practice and learn from experience; and
5. Are members of learning communities.

To help students reach these goals, Columbia College believes that truly effective teaching must be modeled, not just taught. Therefore, faculty are encouraged to engage students in active learning, research in field situations, problem solving, interactive dialogs and questioning, and constant exploration of what is and what could be. Students are supported in their efforts: to identify and evaluate relevant issues as they relate to various aspects of teaching and learning; to engage in critical and creative thinking with colleagues, peers, and professors; to develop as whole persons, valuing individualism, uniqueness and diversity of others; to consistently use reflection and research as the foundation for decision making; and, to value and promote professionalism and a commitment to learning which is never ending.

All MAT students who are public school teachers are encouraged to use their program of study as a springboard to obtaining national certification. The Education Faculty of Columbia College are dedicated to helping their students to do so by helping them develop competencies which promote active research and the development of new knowledge, as well as the synthesis and application of existing knowledge. It is expected that students who graduate from the program will have had experiences that enable them to:

1. Read critically in the areas of curriculum, instruction, psychology, philosophy, assessment, and research;
2. Analyze and evaluate educational issues from both theoretical and applied perspectives;
3. Communicate conclusions in accepted written and verbal formats;
4. Design and defend both curricula supported by a strong theoretical base and assessment procedures established to measure effectiveness of the curricula;
5. Design instruction based on a knowledge of learning theory, human growth and development, and individual differences;
6. Understand, analyze, interpret, evaluate, and apply research in appropriate educational settings;
7. Design, implement, and assess research projects in educational settings;
8. Identify and discuss human diversity issues as they are manifested in individual differences, cultural pluralism, and global issues, and adapt curriculum and instruction based on that knowledge; and
9. Evaluate personal effectiveness and articulate a commitment to professional growth and development.

Emphasis Areas

For students training to be community college instructors, or teachers wanting to focus on the subjects they teach, an academic content area emphasis (21 hours) may be available.

Endorsements

Tuition Reimbursement

Focused Academic Sequence: Baccalaureate or Graduate

Admission

Admission Categories

Student-at-Large: A person applying as a "Student-at-Large" must submit a completed and signed application for graduate admission, accompanied by a non-refundable $25 fee, transcripts from all degree-granting institutions and a notarized affidavit of moral character.

At Extended Studies Division sites, admission of "Students at Large" to take graduate-level Education courses is granted by the ESD site director. Students must submit all required application materials to the ESD site for approval by the director.

Non-Degree Student: A person applying as a "Non-Degree Student" must submit a completed and signed application for graduate admission, accompanied by a non-refundable $25 fee, transcripts from all degree-granting institutions, and a notarized affidavit of moral character.

At Extended Studies Division sites, admission of "Non-Degree Students" to take graduate level Education courses is granted by the ESD site director. Students must submit all required application materials to the ESD site for approval by the director.

Post-Baccalaureate Student: A person applying as a "Post-Baccalaureate Student" must complete steps 1-5 under Application Procedures. Post-Baccalaureate students seeking the MAT degree and teacher certification may enroll in graduate courses with permission of the Education Department. Post-Baccalaureate students must earn a grade of B or higher in undergraduate and graduate courses.

At Extended Studies Division sites, admission of students in the Post-Baccalaureate status is granted based on consideration of the state in which the program is located. In Missouri, admission in Post-Baccalaureate is granted by the MAT Program Director at the main campus. Application materials must be submitted through the ESD site for approval. Outside Missouri, Extended Studies Division Site Directors at sites approved to offer the full MAT Degree program may approve students for admission in the "Post-Bacc