Graduate Academic Affairs
Graduate Academic Affairs
Ashland University aspires to a goal of academic excellence. The Graduate School sets this standard for intellectual excellence, which encompasses all considerations concerning faculty, students, curriculum, and research direction. The Graduate School establishes, through the faculty, policies that define good practice in graduate programs, high quality in curriculum, excellence in student selection, and rigor in faculty appointments. The Graduate School is responsible for all aspects of graduate education and defines the minimum standards acceptable for post- baccalaureate work. By establishing minimum admission, credit hour, grade point, and completion requirements, the Graduate School ensures equity in the standards for all master’s and doctoral degrees. The graduate dean represents the interests of the University as a whole and views department from an institution-wide perspective. The dean articulates this vision for all post-baccalaureate endeavors.
This catalog, its policies, programs, and course offerings represent institutional policy and program requirements at the time of print. Students should contact their advisor to discuss any changes to programs or course offerings after print. Revisions to the printed catalog for academic policy changes are available on the Registrar’s Office web page at https://www.ashland.edu/registrars-office.
Mission and Purposes of the Graduate School
The Graduate School exists to promote the development of a graduate culture at Ashland University. This encompasses the following purposes:
The Graduate School sets the standard for academic excellence for faculty, students, curriculum, and institutional research by establishing policies that define good practice in graduate programs.
The Graduate School serves as an advocate for a diverse population of graduate students and for graduate programs.
The Graduate School promotes academic collaboration between graduate students and faculty, ensuring that faculty are fulfilling their roles as academic and professional mentors.
The Graduate School reinforces the importance of research, inquiry, and creative endeavor.
The Graduate School promotes Ashland University as a year- round comprehensive institution.
Student Learning Outcomes
Intellectual Development and Wisdom
Students will analyze problems and draw on evidence to make informed decisions through scholarship.
Ethical Development
Students will demonstrate the ability to make ethically sound decisions in their professional field.
Civic Engagement
Students will exhibit professionalism and engagement within a broader professional community.
Global Responsibilities and Intercultural Competence
Students will analyze and explain the impact of culture and experience on one's world view and behavior.
Provost
Dr. Amiel Jarstfer
Registrar
Mark Britton
206 Founders Hall
rmbritto3@ashland.edu
419.289.5057
eAshland
Dean
Dr. Shawn Orr
317 Patterson Tech Center
sorr3@ashland.edu
419.289.5733
The College of Arts and Sciences
Dean
Dr. Katherine T. Brown
202 Center for the Arts
kbrown94@ashland.edu
419.289.5107
Assistant Dean
Dr. Cindy Moseman
210B Center for the Arts
cmoseman@ashland.edu
419.289.5293
MA in American History and Government
Chair
Dr. John Moser
254 Schar College of Education
jmoser1@ashland.edu
419.289.5231
Director
Christian A. Pascarella
221 Schar College of Education
cpascare@ashland.edu
419.289.5608
MA in Strategic Communication and Leadership
Director
Dr. Olga Monacell
328 Center for the Arts
omonacel@ashland.edu
419.289.5141
Program Coordinator
Shelley Knallay
333 Center for the Arts
sknallay@ashland.edu
Master of Fine Arts
Director
Christian Kiefer
ckiefer2@ashland.edu
419.289.5738
Program Coordinator
Shelley Knallay
333 Center for the Arts
sknallay@ashland.edu
The Dauch College of Business and Economics
Dean
Dr. Daniel Fox
101E Dauch College of Business and Economics
dfox1@ashland.edu
419.289.6331
Associate Dean, MBA Chair
Dr. Lance Kaltenbaugh
101G Dauch College of Business and Economics
lkaltenb@ashland.edu
419.289.5477
Executive Director
Kathryn Goon
101L Dauch College of Business and Economics
kgoon2@ashland.edu
419.207.6211
The Dwight Schar College of Education
Dean
Dr. Lisa J. Vernon-Dotson
117 Dwight Schar College of Education
lvernond@ashland.edu
419-289-5377
Director, Undergraduate Teacher Preparation
Dr. Amy Crawford
160 Dwight Schar College of Education
acrawf11@ashland.edu
419-207-4896
Director, Intervention Specialist
Dr. Stephen Denney
123 Dwight Schar College of Education
sdenney@ashland.edu
419-207-4947
Director, Reading and Elyria Center
Dr. Ann Marie Wernick
121 Dwight Schar College of Education
awernick@ashland.edu
Director, Educational Technology
Dr. Erik Kormos
149 Dwight Schar College of Education
ekormos@ashland.edu
419-207-4566
Director, Gifted Education
Dr. Jennifer Groman
146 Dwight Schar College of Education
jgroman@ashland.edu
419-289-5192
Director, Adult Education
Dr. Tamara Coats
157 Dwight Schar College of Education
tcoats@ashland.edu
419-207-4996
Director, TESOL
David Karl
148 Dwight Schar College of Education
dkarl2@ashland.edu
419-289-5786
Director, Educational Leadership (Principal & Superintendent)
To be determined
Director, Ed.D. Leadership Studies
Dr. Cathryn Chappell
155 Dwight Schar College of Education
cchappel@ashland.edu
419-289-5356
Director of Field Experiences and Partnerships
Laura Kanney
134 Dwight Schar College of Education
lkanney@ashland.edu
419-289-5349
Director of Accreditation and Educator Preparation
Lisa Weller
130 Dwight Schar College of Education
lweller@ashland.edu
419-289-5754
The Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Dean
Dr. Carrie Keib
Mansfield Campus
1020 S. Trimble Road
ckeib@ashland.edu
419.521.6802
Director, Doctor of Nursing Practice
Jill Matthes, DNP, RN, CHSE
Mansfield Campus
1020 S. Trimble Road
jmatthe2@ashland.edu
419.521.6823
Director (Interim), Family Nurse Practitioner
Rachel Hoffer, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Mansfield Campus
1020 S. Trimble Road
jlehrer@ashland.edu
419.521.6842
Director, Health Systems Leadership
Jill Matthes, DNP, RN, CHSE
Mansfield Campus
1020 S. Trimble Road
jmatthe2@ashland.edu
419.521.6823
Director, Physician Assistant Studies
Melissa Irwin, DMSc, PA-C
Mansfield, Campus
1020 S. Trimble Road
mirwin5@ashland.edu
419.521.6829
Director, Nurse Educator Certificate
T. Jody Hostetler, DNP, MEd, RN
Mansfield Campus
1020 S. Trimble Road
thostet3@ashland.edu
419.521.6871
Director, School Nursing Program
Jennifer Boles, MSN, RN, LSN, NCSN
Mansfield Campus
1020 S. Trimble Road
jboles2@ashland.edu
419.521.6868
Director, MS Applied Physiology of Exercise, Strength, and Conditioning
Dr. Randall Gearhart, Ph.D., CSCS, FACSM
245 Rybolt Sports Science Center
rgearhar@ashland.edu
419.289.6198
Ashland Theological Seminary
Executive Dean
Dr. Yvonne Glass
ats-dean@ashland.edu
419-289-5163
Center Locations
Ashland (Main Campus) Center
Columbus Center
Elyria/Cleveland Center
Mansfield Center
Massillon/Stark Center
Southwest Center
Graduate Faculty
Faculty who teach graduate courses are not only graduates of a wide range of universities, but they also bring with them many years of non-university workplace experience. As a result, students are exposed to teacher- scholars who are also aware of the expectations of the workplace. Because of the nature of Ashland University, professors are not only expected to be experienced and continuously engaged in scholarly activity, but they are also required to be effective teachers. Ashland faculty are committed to preparing students to be competent and confident professionals. Faculty are involved in their students’ programs and; therefore, are available to help students gain valuable insights into the influences that shape their fields.
Ashland offers master's degree programs on the main campus, online, and at approved off-campus centers.
Regardless of the location in which the student takes course work, the student will experience the same curriculum and many of the same professors.
It is our hope that students will easily discover that Ashland’s motto, “Accent on the Individual,” applies equally to graduate and to undergraduate programs. In the pages that follow, the reader will find more specific information about such things as admissions, graduation, curriculum, and program locations.
Maintaining Quality Instruction
Graduate instruction at Ashland University may be provided by full-time faculty or by carefully selected adjunct faculty. To ensure the quality of instruction at all Ashland University locations, all instructors are expected to utilize master syllabi designed to specify content and standards for each course, and all instructors are evaluated by students at the end of each course. The part-time faculty used have practical and often concurrent experience in their fields of expertise. These faculty often work full time in schools, businesses, and corporations, or they are retirees.
To assure competency in the quality of graduate instruction at all Ashland University locations, part-time faculty engage in several quality assurance measures. Each year, faculty members receive an orientation and are evaluated by center directors, department chairs, and/or coordinators assigned these responsibilities at each of the five major centers. A handbook provides each with an easy reference regarding the Ashland University rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
All of these safeguards work together to assure high quality teaching. Professional development opportunities are also provided as appropriate to further improve the teaching effectiveness and content currency of part-time faculty.
Graduate Programs Offered
The Graduate School administers all graduate programs offered by the University. The various graduate programs are housed in the academic colleges which provide faculty, curriculum, and policies specific to the unique status of each program. The Graduate School administers the following programs:
Doctor of Education
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Master of Arts
Master of Business Administration
Master of Education
Master of Fine Arts
Master of Science
Courses are available for these degrees in the following major program areas:
Master of Arts
American History and Government
Specialization in Teaching American History & Government
Strategic Communication and Leadership
Master of Business Administration, specialization options include:
Accounting, Business Analytics, Digital Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Financial Management, Global Management, Health Care Management and Leadership, Human Resource Management, Management Information Systems, Project Management, Sport Management or Supply Chain Management.
M.Ed Curriculum and Instruction with areas of concentration in:
Teaching & Learning in the 21st Century
Intervention Specialist—Mild/Moderate
Talent Development Education
Reading & Literacy
Educational Technology
M.Ed. Adult Education
M.Ed. Educational Leadership
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
M.S. Applied Exercise Science
M.S. Physician Assistant Studies
School Nurse Licensure
Degrees Offered by Ashland Theological Seminary
Master of Arts (Biblical Studies)
Master of Arts (Historical and Theological Studies)
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Master of Arts in Christian Ministries
Master of Arts in Black Church Studies
Master of Divinity (also with concentration in Chaplaincy)
Doctor of Ministry
Graduate Council
The Graduate Council is a faculty body assigned authority to endorse policy recommendations on matters concerning graduate education. In addition, the Graduate Council approves additions and changes to the graduate curriculum and, in general, advises the dean of the Graduate School. Although most major program areas follow an orderly development, the student should understand that some modifications may become necessary because of state, institutional, or student expectations.
Registrar’s Office Services
The Registrar’s Office on main campus provides several services to graduate students. Among them are:
Processing requests for transcripts. The transcript request form is available online at:
Processing loan deferment forms. Forms can be faxed to 419.289.5939, emailed to regis@ashland.edu, or mailed to Ashland University, Registrar’s Office, 401 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
Receiving applications for graduation. Graduation applications are accepted through Self Service.
Recording the transfer of approved hours toward the completion of an Ashland University degree.
Registration Deadlines
Registration for courses must occur during the open registration dates applicable to each course.
Registering for Courses
All students registering for a course must be officially accepted before the registration can be processed.
Six graduate semester hours is considered full time for financial aid purposes. Some graduate programs are designed to accommodate more hours. A graduate student with full-time employment should normally register for no more than seven semester hours per semester. A student wishing to deviate from the normal credit limitation must have the approval of his or her faculty advisor and the dean. Petition for overload may be made through the dean for some programs.
Courses by Conference
Courses by conference are not allowed in most program areas. Permission must be granted by the department.
Transient Student Registration
Students who are Post Baccalaureate and wish to attend courses but not apply to a program may do so with a transient status and should complete the Application for Transient Student Admission through the appropriate program office.
A copy of an official transcript from the applicant’s home institution is required.
Students from other institutions interested in attending Ashland University graduate level courses prior to obtaining an undergraduate degree should complete the Application for Transient Student Admission through the appropriate program office. Students should be senior status at the time of the course and possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better from their home institution. A faculty reference along with an official transcript must accompany the application.
All enrollments are at the discretion of the dean or director of the program and application is on a per semester basis.
Schedule Changes
Doctor of Education
Students need to register for Doctoral classes at least one week prior to the beginning of the term. No registrations will be accepted after the first class meeting without the consent of the chair of the Department of Doctoral Studies and Advanced Programs.
Registration for any course (including the cognate), mentorship component, dissertation hours, or any other faculty supervised student activity should be completed at the Leadership Studies Office one week prior to beginning the activity. After the second class meeting, the Leadership Studies Office will send official class lists to instructors for verification with their signatures. Instructors must return a verified class list to the Leadership Studies Office no later than the third week of classes. During the summer period, faculty need to verify class lists by the end of the first week of classes.
MA American History and Government and Specialization in Teaching American History and Government
Registration for all MAHG and MASTAHG students is conducted via Self Service (https://selfservice.ashland.edu/). Attendance is expected at all class meetings and students may NOT add a course after it has begun meeting.
Students who wish to drop a course at no academic penalty must do so no later than:
For summer on-campus courses, students must notify the program office in writing at mahg@ashland.edu or in person no later than 12:30 pm on the second day of the class (Monday).
For online courses, students must notify the program office in writing at mahg@ashland.edu or in person prior to the start of the third class meeting.
Students who properly notify the program office of a drop within these deadlines may be eligible for a prorated refund of tuition and room and board charges (if applicable).
Master of Business Administration
Registration materials are available to students well in advance of each semester. Course schedules include registration dates and semester meeting dates; tentative offerings for two semesters are also included with each schedule.
All student registration follows the approved drop, add, and withdrawal dates for the courses set by the Registrar’s Office.
Students wishing to add a course to their registration should immediately contact the MBA Office. If the enrollment in the class has not reached capacity, the course may be added upon the professor’s approval and only if the proper prerequisites are met. A registration form must then be submitted by fax, mail, or online.
Students wishing to drop a course from their registration may be able to accomplish this online via Self Service if done early enough in the semester. Otherwise, students must e-mail (mba@ashland.edu) a request to the Master of Business Administration office stating
the course to be dropped (course number, name, and section);
a brief but complete reason for withdrawal from the course;
future plans, if any, for re-enrolling in the same course. Upon receipt of this notification by the Master of Business Administration office and approval of the request by the Director of the MBA program, a registration change will be completed and the course instructor will be notified.
A student who merely stops attending, while failing to officially drop the course, will have the final grade as reported by the instructor entered on the official record.
Program Change
Any student wishing to change their major within or between colleges after initial registration must apply for admission to the new program. Students changing specializations are not required to reapply for admission. Students are not required to pay an application fee or submit transcripts.
Auditing Courses
Persons who do not wish to receive college credit may register as auditors upon payment of the audit tuition (see schedule of fees) and completion of all requirements for non- degree seeking students. Official records and grades are maintained for auditors and audit classes cannot later be changed to a graded status. Students are required to attend class and complete all assignments directed by faculty for audit status and will receive a grade report reflecting audit status. Auditing is not an option in every program.
Courses in the Doctor of Education program are not open for auditing.
Course Repeat Policy
Any student receiving a “B–” or lower grade in a course may choose to retake the course in an attempt to raise his or her grade point average. All grades appear on official transcripts, however, only the second grade will be used in calculating the grade point average.
Master of Fine Arts students may elect to take any course in the program a second time. Both first and second grades will appear on the student’s transcript. Any student receiving U (Unsatisfactory) for a course will be required to retake the course.
The course repeat policy does not apply to the Doctor of Education program or the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program.
Student Complaint Procedures (non grade appeal)
The Ashland University (AU) Student Complaint Policy is available to students who wish to have a concern resolved regarding a process or person of the university community not covered by existing policies (i.e., grade appeals). The objective of the AU Student Complaint Policy is to resolve concerns as quickly and efficiently as possible at the level closest to the student. This policy provides two avenues for pursuing a complaint: An Informal Resolution Procedure and a Formal Resolution Procedure. Students may utilize either or both procedures.
Institutions operating under SARA policies shall provide their and SARA’s complaint resolution policies and procedures to all students taking courses under SARA policies.
Ashland University is committed to providing high quality educational opportunities. The University wishes to resolve grievances, complaints and concerns in an expeditious and fair manner. The Student Complaint Information webpage provides information regarding AU’s Student Complaint Process and contacts for each state. Student complaints relating to consumer protection laws offered under the terms and conditions of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), must first be filed with the institution to seek resolution. See NC-SARA's Student Complaint Process.
Informal Resolution Procedure
Students are encouraged to attempt to resolve a problem whenever possible by discussing it with the person with whom they are having the problem. Requesting an appointment with the staff or faculty member to discuss the matter in a calm and mature fashion is always the first step to trying to resolve a dispute. For example, if a student has concerns related to classroom situations or administrative actions, he/she should contact the faculty or staff member(s) with whom he/she has a conflict. It may be possible to resolve the concerns without the need for formal institutional action. However, if the problem is not resolved through this action, the student should then contact the faculty member’s department chair, or the staff person’s supervisor. If the problem is not resolved satisfactorily, or if it cannot be resolved by contacting the faculty/staff member(s) or their supervisor/administrator, or if the student decides for whatever reason that she or he is not able to resolve the situation in this manner, or if the student is unsure to whom the concern should be addressed, the student should proceed to the Formal Resolution Procedure.
Formal Resolution Procedure
A formal complaint is in writing and sets forth a statement of the issue, the University policy or procedures violated, and the specific remedy sought. The complaint must be submitted using the on-line form.
Level 1
Absent extraordinary circumstances, the person, normally a Dean or Director, to whom the complaint has been submitted conducts, within seven (7) business days of receiving the complaint, a formal conference with the student, permitting her or him to provide any necessary relevant information. The Dean or Director confers with the other person or persons involved and conducts an additional investigation as he or she deems necessary. Absent extraordinary circumstances, a written recommendation is sent within seven (7) business days of the first formal conference. The recommendation is sent to the student and the other involved person or persons. The written recommendation states the background information, the rationale for the recommendation, and the recommended remedy, if any. Copies of the original complaint and the written recommendation are kept in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness for a minimum of five years.
Level 2
If the complaint is not resolved in level 1, the student or one of the other involved parties may, with fourteen (14) business days of receipt of the level 1 recommendation, appeal to the direct supervisor of the person who wrote the recommendation. Absent extraordinary circumstances, the supervisor will review the case and render a decision to the student within fourteen (14) business days of receipt of the appeal or complaint. In cases of appeals to level 2, copies of the original complaint and the level 1 and 2 written recommendations are kept in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness for a minimum of five years.
Level 3
Except in the case of a complaint against the President, where the Board of Trustees has final authority, appeals of the level 2 recommendation are submitted to the President within fourteen (14) business days. The President makes the final decision. Absent extraordinary circumstances, the President's written decision is sent to the student and other parties within fourteen (14) business days of receiving the level 3 appeal. In cases of appeals to level 3, copies of the original complaint, the previous written recommendations, and the final decision are kept in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness for a minimum of five years.
To file a complaint, please use the Student Complaint Form
Ohio Residents’ Student Complaint Procedure
For Ohio residents, complaints not resolved at the institutional level can be filed utilizing the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s non-SARA consumer complaint procedure and online form. Contact information to the Ohio Department of Higher Education and link to the online form may be found below:
Ohio Department of Higher Education
25 South Front St
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614.466.6000
Ohio Department of Higher Education External Link
Student complaints not resolved at the institutional level can also be submitted to the:
Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604-1411
Phone: 800.621.7440
Higher Learning Commission External Link
NC SARA/Online Student Complaint Process
Academic Probation/Dismissal
Anytime a student's cumulative grade point average falls below a 3.0, the student may be placed on academic probation and is subject to dismissal. Academic probation is recorded as a permanent entry on the student's official record. The student has one semester in which to raise the grade point average to at least 3.0. Failure to meet this requirement may result in academic dismissal.
For information about academic probation or dismissal, students should consult their Program Director.
Prior Learning Credit
Prior learning credit is accepted from recognized institutions and organizations based upon standard policies and practices in higher education. At Ashland University, prior learning may be defined as college-level learning achieved outside the traditional college classroom "prior to" any college coursework in that subject area. Prior learning is distinguished from prior experience by the key word "learning." Prior experience, while it is important, will not necessarily be equivalent to prior learning.
Students achieve competencies through workshops, seminars, personal or professional opportunities, and/or independent study. Prior Learning Credit (PLC) is academic credit awarded for college-level learning obtained outside the traditional college classroom which can be verified by either an academic transcript from an accredited undergraduate institution or via equivalencies determined by the American Council of Education.
A maximum of 9 graduate semester hours credit may be granted and a processing/recording fee may be charged. Students must be enrolled in an academic program to utilize this option. Prior Learning must be relevant to the program of study and the courses within the program. Military service does not guarantee credit.
Common forms of PLC accepted by Ashland University:
Standardized examinations: Advanced Placement (AP); College Level Examination Program (CLEP); Chauncey Group International (DSST Program), formerly DANTES
Pre-approved professional credentials
Military; American Council on Education (ACE); professional licensures
Corporate and professional training which demonstrates college-level learning
Credit by examination – Enrolled students may obtain credit by examination in any required course. Proficiency must be demonstrated prior to the student's last registration before graduation. Approval of Department Chair, Dean and Instructor must be given using the Credit by Examination Form through the Registrar’s Office. No such application will be considered for any course which the student has previously taken or in any course for which a waiver has been previously granted. A grade of "B" of better must be obtained on the test to receive course credit; however, a grade of "S" will be entered on the student's record. A processing/recording fee will be charged. See Fees and Charges brochure for details.
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) – a portfolio that includes learning narratives and a petition for credit using a specified format may be submitted by admitted students for review. A faculty member qualified as an Ashland University PLA Assessor will review the portfolio against a Faculty Senate Prior Learning Committee approved rubric and make credit recommendations to the registrar based for qualified learning experiences. A portfolio assessment fee will be added to the student’s account and must be paid prior to assessment. The PLA Coordinator assists students through the portfolio submission process.
When considering Prior Learning Assessment credit and transfer credit which reflects the same course work or student learning outcomes, credit from regionally accredited institutions shall take priority for transcripted values.
The Writing and Communication Center (WCC) & Graduate Student Support
Graduate students (online and on-campus) can access support for any assignment that involves writing or communication through the Writing and Communication Center (WCC). The WCC is a free service available for students in graduate degree programs at Ashland University. Graduate students will work with one of our professional graduate consultants. All graduate consultants hold a graduate degree, are well-acquainted with writing and communication theories and have extensive experience with providing academic guidance to graduate students. The aim of our service is to support and mentor students as they explore ways to improve their graduate-level academic writing and communication skills. All consultations are confidential.
The majority of graduate and seminary students prefer asynchronous appointments (not in real time) where students submit their drafts through our online scheduler, WCOnline, and receive feedback within 24-48 hours. To book an asynchronous appointment, use our online scheduler, WCOnline. Be sure to use GRADUATE schedule for the current semester. The first time you use WCOnline, you will need to register for an account. To register for an account, go to MyWCOnline.
The WCC also offers synchronous (live) appointments either in person or via Zoom. For face-to-face appointments, email wcc@ashland.edu to schedule an appointment.
Our masters’ qualified graduate consultants can help you with the following issues:
Provide constructive feedback on your ideas, outlines and drafts
Provide help with improving organization and structure
Provide feedback to improve word flow, clarity, readability
Provide feedback on APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, or other formal style guidelines, including in-text citation and documentation
Provide feedback on grammar and punctuation errors
Please note, however, that our graduate consultants (GCs) are NOT permitted to do the following:
GCs cannot "fix" or correct errors--they can identify them and point you to resources for help
GCs cannot be content experts in your discipline. They are masters-qualified experts in writing and communication theories. If you provide an assignment guide, GCs can let you know if you seem to have met the basic requirements; however, they cannot tell you whether you have gotten your content "right." Whenever appropriate, they will advise you to consult
GCs cannot write your work for you or serve as editors/proofreaders. They are here for your guidance and support only.
CGs cannot be available at the last minute if you have not completed your work early enough to get feedback in a timely manner.
Withdrawal (From a Course)
The last day to withdraw from a course is noted on the academic calendar. The withdrawal will be noted on the transcript as a "W" but not calculated in the GPA. Students should discuss the withdrawal from a course with their advisor and take into consideration possible consequences: academic, financial, or athletic. Students withdrawing from their last course must indicate whether they plan to continue their studies in the subsequent semester.
Withdrawal Policy (Complete)
Students withdrawing from the University, will be assigned a grade of “W” in courses that are in progress. It is the student’s responsibility to clear all records and obligations to receive official separation.
The official withdrawal form and procedures for filing may be viewed by clicking this link. The submission date of the withdrawal request received by the Registrar’s Office will serve as the official withdrawal date.
Students who decide not to return to Ashland University are responsible for notifying the Registrar’s Office by completing the withdrawal process to avoid tuition and fee liability problems and to release seats to fellow students.
Non-attendance does not constitute a withdrawal. If the University is in session, the withdrawal form should be completed with the Registrar’s Office. Failure to do so will delay or reduce any refunds the student may be eligible to receive.
Students who have withdrawn may reapply to the University online by completing the readmit application for admission located on the admissions homepage. However, readmission is not guaranteed.
Withdrawal (Administrative)
Students may be withdrawn from the University by the Administration for financial and non-financial reasons. A student may be withdrawn from the University at the beginning of a semester if the student has a balance with the Business office. If the student is able to clear financial accounts with the University, the student may request readmission to the University for the next semester.
A student may also be withdrawn from the University at any point during the semester by the Administration for reasons which prevent the student from continuing his or her studies at the University and which at the same time prevent the student from initiating the withdrawal process. One example of this process is described in the process for a medical withdrawal (below). The withdrawal process should resemble the medical withdrawal process as closely as possible and be adequately documented.
Medical Withdrawal
In the event that a student is unable to complete the semester due to a medical condition that prohibits making up missed work, a withdrawal may be processed providing that the following conditions are met:
Class absences and missed work can be directly attributed to the medical condition.
A qualified health professional verifies in writing that the medical condition prohibits completion of the semester requirements in one of two ways.
A "non-specific" medical withdrawal notice should be presented in writing to the Registrar’s Office. This medical notice (signed by a physician) should state that a medical condition prohibits completion of the semester requirements; and, assign a date of condition onset (to verify times classes were missed).
A notice of "specific" diagnostic information including all recommendations must be sent to the Health Center Director or Director of Psychological Counseling Services, as warranted. This is to ensure confidentiality and coordinate any recommended treatment or follow-up in the event of readmission.
The medical withdrawal process is initiated by the student, the physician, and/or the parent/guardian, not AU.
The medical condition fits in one of the following categories: medical illness; mental illness (must include date of psychiatric hospitalization and date of clinical assessment); drug or alcohol addiction; or surgery.
All medical withdrawals need to be initiated by contacting the Registrar’s Office within 60 days of the end of the grading period. Once the Registrar’s Office has the documentation to support the withdrawal, a "W" will be assigned and the faculty will be notified. Any refunds will be determined based on the effective date of withdrawal. Please refer to the refund policy in Graduate Finance and Administration section.
Readmission after Medical Withdrawal
A notice of "specific" diagnostic information, as stated above, including all recommendations as they apply to readmission must be sent to the Health Center Director or Director of Psychological Counseling Services, as warranted. This is to ensure confidentiality and coordinate any recommended treatment or follow-up. Until this is complete, no readmission can occur.
Residence Requirement (Academic)
A candidate for graduate level degrees and programs should refer to their specific program requirements and eligibility for transfer credit policies.
Graduate Course Work Opportunity Policy
Ashland University undergraduate students wishing to take graduate courses under the Graduate Course Work Opportunity Policy should consult the undergraduate academic affairs section of this catalog.
Policy for Determining Graduate Credit
The Graduate School of Ashland University ascribes to the general policy of granting credit equal to the number of hours per week the student attends class. It is in furtherance of this policy that consideration must be made to the different programs within the Graduate School, as well as changes in the presentation of classes through technology or recognition of learning activity other than in the traditional classroom setting. The following are definitions for the Ashland University Graduate School in determining graduate credit:
Contact Hour
A contact hour is the time scheduled for a class to meet each week during an academic semester. One contact hour consists of 50 minutes.
Class
A class is the scheduled meeting of students with the assigned instructor organized for the pursuit of knowledge according to the description of the course. A distance learning method of presentation is considered a class for the purpose of granting credit.
Academic Semester
An academic semester is the length of time, measured in calendar weeks, a class shall meet for the purpose of determining graduate credit.
Academic Program
An academic program is a graduate program, consisting of approved courses, contained within the Graduate School of Ashland University.
Flexible Learning Environment
A flexible learning environment is any learning arrangement whereby the student engages in a planned course of study outside the physical presence of the instructor or without an expectation of the exchange of the knowledge acquired at the time. Homework assignments are not a part of a flexible learning environment.
Graduate Credit
Subject to any variation approved or required by an accrediting agency, graduate credit shall be based on the number of contact hours the class meets during an academic semester. One graduate credit, measured in hours, is equivalent to each contact hour the class meets per week.
Fractions of a graduate credit shall not be computed. Classes meeting on an accelerated schedule, e.g., seminars or workshops, shall be converted to an equivalency based on the total number of hours the class meets compared to the total number of hours required for satisfaction of contact hours during the semester.
Flexible Graduate Credit
The goal of a flexible learning environment is the enhancement of the quality and concentration of student involvement with his or her own education. In creating a legitimate balance between faculty guidance and independent student activity, the instructor must maintain a commitment to the learning process commensurate with that ordinarily taking place in a scheduled class meeting. Any flexible learning environment shall be structured in such a manner that the time involved reflects contact hours with the student.
In those courses offered in a manner not involving actual contact hours, i.e., outside the “usual” classroom context, graduate credit may be determined, so long as the instructor, pursuant to the prior approval of the academic program director, maintains an approved monitoring process and resultant assessment of such activity. There shall be no distinction between credit given based on contact hours and those arising out of a flexible learning environment.
Special group (SG) studies are courses developed by faculty to meet special needs and interests. These courses are not included in the University catalog, but are listed in the semester schedules.
Accessibility Center
The Student Accessibility Center works with eligible students to ensure equal access to education and university life. It is a collaborative effort between the student, staff, faculty members and Student Accessibility Center (SAC) to facilitate access, promote inclusion on campus and provide equal educational opportunities at Ashland University.
Our office evaluates and approves reasonable accommodations for students with a disability. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, a disability includes any “physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.” Any student with a verified disability could include physical, psychological or learning disabilities, communicative disorders or temporary injuries (e.g. concussions, broken or sprained limbs).
To establish eligibility for services and accommodations on the basis of a disability, students will engage in a process which includes gathering documentation specific to your request, completing an online form, and making an appointment with the Director of SAC to provide further information.
Accommodations based on verifiable documentation may include:
Testing in a distraction-reduced area
Priority registration
Testing with extended time
Access to assistive technology
Providing a scribe for testing in cases of temporary injury
Official Student Notification
It is required that all students use the e-mail address and mailbox (if assigned) provided to them by Ashland University. Correspondence sent to students using these media will be considered a legitimate attempt to contact a student. Students will be responsible for information sent to their Ashland University e-mail address and campus mailbox (if assigned) at the time that this information is sent. Ample notice will be defined by the University office that seeks to initiate contact. Please note that University offices are in no way obligated to accept a student’s failure to check e-mail or AU mailbox as a legitimate excuse for noncompliance with instructions, requests, or appointments.
Grievance Procedure (non grade appeal)
In cases where a student believes his or her academic rights have been infringed, the student should, if possible, discuss the matter with the instructor involved. If the student wishes to appeal the case, the student must appeal in writing, to the department chairperson and then to the Dean and the Provost, who may confer with the Student Senate President and the chairperson of the Judicial Board in order to assure that the problem is settled satisfactorily.