Academic Policies

Matters upon which there are no specific policy statements for graduate students are governed by general regulations of the University.

Advising

Academic advising for graduate students is the responsibility of the Director for Pharmacogenomics. Faculty and staff will advise students in the corresponding graduate program area. Students should consult with identified faculty and staff regarding questions about graduation requirements and related matters. Each student, has the ultimate responsibility for monitoring his or her own graduation requirements.

Registration

Students must be officially admitted to a graduate program before enrolling in graduate courses Manchester University reserves the right to cancel classes due to insufficient enrollment. Questions about classes and registration may be addressed to the Office of Academic Affairs and Assessment for Pharmacy Programs or the Registrar.

For online courses, students must register for all course work within the semester before the beginning of the semester, regardless of the half of semester (1^st and/or 2^nd) that the student is taking classes that semester.

Enrollment Verification

Upon entry into each course, students must verify their enrollment.  In on campus courses, enrollment verification will be completed by the instructor.  In online courses, enrollment verification will be completed using a low-stakes assessment in the learning management system.

Transfer of Credit

Only applies to the MS in PGx

External coursework may be considered for transfer credit if all of the following conditions are met:

• The course work is completed at a regionally accredited institution.
• The course work is substantially similar to Manchester courses.
• The final grade posted for each potential transfer course is a 'B' grade (or better).
• The course work does not duplicate, overlap, or regress previous work.
• The university or college offering the courses allows these courses to be used for credit towards its own Master's degree.
• No more than 8.5 credits for work completed elsewhere may be counted toward the Master's degree.The 8.5 credit limit applies to transfer of credits and credit for prior learning.

  The transfer work must first be officially approved by the PGx Council, then accepted into the University through the University Registrar.  Students should contact the Director for Pharmacogenomics directly for additional details regarding transfer credit policies.

• In order for approved transfer credit to be awarded, students must submit an official transcript that clearly indicates all of the following information for each course:
• Course codes or numbers
• Course titles or descriptions
• Final grades earned
• Course credits earned

  Process

  All requests for transfer credit and official transcripts should be submitted to the Director of PGx Education no later than one month prior to the start of the academic semester.

  Transfer credits are processed by the University Registrar once the semester begins.

  International/Abroad Institutions

  Students requesting transfer credit pre-approval or evaluation of course work completed at an international institution prior to enrolling at Manchester University, all of below information must be submitted along with the transfer credit evaluation request in order for an assessment to be completed. Please note that all documentation must be in the English language (or all documentation must have a certified English translation).

  Students must provide official documentation that clearly states:

• The Institution's accreditation (must be officially recognized)
• The Institution's grading scale or system. Note: if a course has a 'P' or 'Pass' grade listed, then the grading scale must explicitly state what the minimum grade is to earn a passing grade. Pass grades are accepted only for courses for which letter grades were not an option and for which the standard of passing is 'B' quality work.
• The Institution's credit system (quarter, ECTS, semester)
• The minimum number of credits required to complete the Master's program at the Institution (this must be from an official source, such as a course catalog)
• The level of coursework (transfer credit can only be awarded for college-level work)

  Students are encouraged to purchase a third-party, course-by-course international transcript translation and evaluation service, as most of these services include all of the abovementioned information. Some examples of these services are:

• World Education Services (http://www.wes.org/students/)
• FIS (Foundation for International Services, Inc.) (https://www.fis-web.com/course-by-course-evaluations)
• Educational Credential Evaluators (https://www.ece.org/SiteMain/28/49)
• International Education Services by AACRAO (http://ies.aacrao.org/evaluations/appform.php?type=ind)

Credit for Prior Learning

Only applies to the MS in PGx

Credit for prior learning (CPL) is used to award students credit for demonstrated mastery through experiential learning or other experiences. Students earn college credit for work experience, life experience, independent studies, or licensures and certifications.  The maximum number of credits that can be awarded is 8.5 credit hours.  The 8.5 credit hour limit includes both transfer of credits and credit for prior learning. 

The method used to demonstrate mastery of a topic is determined by the course coordinator and course faculty members.  Potential methods include, but are not limited to, an exam based on the material in the specialty area or the submission of a portfolio of work that demonstrates mastery of a topic.  The PGx Council will review CPL applications and determine award of CPL.  The CPL review process can take up to 10 weeks.  For additional details, contact the Director for Pharmacogenomics and consult the CPL Handbook.

If awarded CPL, the student will receive a grade of "PR" indicating proficiency for the topic.  A grade of "PR" does not count towards the GPA of the student.  A student does not need to pay for credits earned through CPL. 

Student Load

The credit load for a full-time student is 9 credits per semester.

Repeating Courses

Students receiving a deficient grade in a given course may repeat the course one time.  Failure to successfully complete a course taken a second time will result in dismissal from the program.  The last grade received is counted in the cumulative grade point average.  For additional information, contact the Office of Academic Affairs and Assessment for Pharmacy Programs. 

Grading System

A four-point grading system is used to compute grade point averages for graduate work.
The grading system for graduate courses is noted below.

 

Change of Registration

On campus students can make adjustments to their schedules without completing specific paperwork during the first three days of the fall, spring, or summer semester.  Online students can make adjustments to their schedules on the first day of the semester.  These dates are designated as Change of Course days. Changes made after the official Change of Course days require submission of the Change of Course form to the Office of the Registrar. Students are responsible for ensuring they are properly enrolled in courses.

Withdrawal from a course

A student may withdraw during the first two-thirds of a course, receiving a grade of W. Withdrawing later in the course will result in a grade of WF. A student who does not withdraw but stops attending class receives a grade of UW. Contact the Office of the Registrar for course withdrawal instructions. See under “Student Financial Services” below or contact Student Financial Services for information regarding refunded tuition.  Withdrawing from a course will result in the student being removed from their cohort relative to graduation from the Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics program.  Students may be considered for enrollment in the subsequent years’ cohort, being on an alternate plan of progression.

Incompletes

An incomplete grade may be assigned at the end of a semester when conditions beyond the control of the student preclude completing coursework. In such cases the student must be doing passing work and must be able to complete the unfinished work without further class attendance. Students must complete required work by the mid-semester date of the next regular semester; otherwise, an F is recorded.

Academic Good Standing

A 3.0 grade point average is required for degree completion.  A student that earns an “F” or a “C” or withdrawals from any course will be contacted by the program and will be encouraged to discuss methods for academic improvement with their academic advisor or the program director. 

Withdrawal from the Program

To withdrawal from a PGx program, the student must email the Registrar (registrar@manchester.edu) from their Manchester University email account.  Although not required, it is suggested that the student first discuss the withdrawal with the Director for Pharmacogenomics, and that the student copies the Academic Affairs and Assessment Coordinator for Pharmacy Programs while emailing the Registrar.

Petitions for Special Action

Students who believe extenuating circumstances merit consideration may petition the University Academic Standards Committee for exceptions to stipulated policies and regulations. Action on petitions will be taken only at regular meetings of the University Academic Standards Committee and will not be considered as a precedent for any future action. The decision of the University Academic Standards Committee is final and no further appeal procedure shall exist within the University.

Academic Dishonesty Procedures

Membership in the Manchester University community requires a devotion to the highest principles of academic and personal integrity, a commitment to maintain honor, and a continuous regard for the rights of others. There can be no rights without individual responsibility.

Manchester University faculty are committed to teaching and learning as a career and a profession. Each instructor is presumed to develop and use methods and techniques which enhance learning and which best fit his or her personality and subject matter area. At the same time, the instructor is expected to abide by the general principles of responsible teaching which are commonly accepted by the academic profession. These principles suggest that faculty keep complete records of student performance and that they develop and apply express, uniform criteria for evaluating student performance.

Students are free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study. While they may reserve judgment about matters of opinion, they are responsible for learning the content of any course in which they are enrolled. At the same time, students are expected to abide by the general principles of academic honesty which are commonly accepted in educational settings.

When a student chooses not to follow the general principles of academic honesty, the following policies and procedures will apply.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY POLICY
The Academic Dishonesty Policy applies in cases of plagiarism or cheating as defined below.

Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the presentation of information (either written or oral) as one’s own when some or all of the information was derived from some other source. Specific types of plagiarism encountered in written and oral assignments include the following:

• Sources have been properly identified, but excerpts have been quoted without proper use of quotation marks; or the material has been slightly modified or rephrased rather than restated in the student’s own words.
• Key ideas or items of information derived from specific sources that present material that is not common knowledge have been presented without proper identification of the source or sources.
• Unidentified excerpts from other sources have been woven into the student’s own presentation.
• A paper or speech may be a mosaic of excerpts from several sources and presented as the student’s own.
• An entire paper or speech has been obtained from some other source and presented as the student’s own.
• Texts in another language are translated into English and presented as the student’s own.

Cheating
Cheating consists of any unpermitted use of notes, texts, screen shots, or other sources so as to give an unfair advantage to a student in completing a class assignment or an examination. Intentionally aiding another student engaged in academic dishonesty is also considered cheating. Submission of the same work (essay, speech, art piece, etc.) to fulfill assignments in separate classes requires the permission of both instructors (if both courses are being taken in the same semester), or the permission of the second instructor (if they are taken during different semesters).

Academic Dishonesty Procedures

1. In a case of academic dishonesty, the instructor shall send a letter documenting the deception to the student (via e-mail and hard copy to student mailbox or home address), with copies emailed to the Director of Pharmacogenomics.
2. In cases of a first offense, the Director will contact the instructor to determine if grade sanctions have been applied and if the instructor wishes the University Academic Integrity Committee to review the case and consider additional sanctions. The Director will send a letter outlining the seriousness of academic dishonesty and the consequences of a second offense to first offenders not going through the University Academic Integrity Committee review.
3. In cases of a first offense, students who wish to appeal an instructor-imposed sanction may request a University Academic Integrity Committee hearing.
4. If requested by the instructor in cases of a first offense, or for any subsequent offenses, the chair of the University Academic Integrity Committee will convene a meeting consisting of the committee members, and one graduate student selected by the candidate’s program director. The chair will vote only in cases of a tie. The chair will schedule a hearing with the student and the University Academic Integrity Committee within two weeks of receipt of the tracking form. A registration “hold” will be placed in effect until the hearing has occurred.
5. Following the hearing the chair will inform the student and the instructor who filed the report of dishonesty of the University Academic Integrity Committee’s decision in writing. The chair will inform the registrar of any action which affects enrollment (i.e. suspension or expulsion). 

Penalties

1. The instructor has the sole discretion to impose specific grade sanctions such as failure of the assignment or failure of the course for any incident of academic dishonesty. When a failing grade for the course is imposed, the student will not be allowed to withdraw from the course with a grade of W.
2. For a first referred offense, the University Academic Integrity Committee has the discretion to impose disciplinary sanctions such as a letter of apology, monetary fine or community service requirement in addition to any grade sanction imposed by the instructor.
3. For a second or subsequent offense, a University Academic Integrity Committee hearing will occur, whereby additional sanctions up to and including suspension or expulsion from the University could be applied. 

Due Process
Students shall have a right to due process. This shall include the right

1. To be informed of the nature of the violation. 
2. To a fair hearing of the evidence leading to a decision in the case.
3. To be accompanied to any hearing by a faculty or administrative staff member from the University campus community.
4. To request an appeal based only on due process or new, exculpating evidence.

Appeal
An appeal for an academic dishonesty decision may be made ONLY with the vice president of academic affairs and ONLY on the basis of due process violations or the discovery of new, exculpating evidence. A request for appeal must be made with the vice president of academic affairs within five days of receipt of the University Academic Integrity Committee's decision.

ACADEMIC GRIEVANCE POLICY

The Academic Grievance Policy pertains only to cases in which a student believes the final course grade has been assigned in a capricious or unfair manner. Grievances unrelated to academic performance may be brought directly to the Office of Academic and Student Affairs.

Academic Grievance Procedures

1. The student and the instructor should discuss the student's grievance and make every effort to reach a satisfactory solution. A mutually agreed upon third party may be invited to observe the meeting.
2. If an agreement cannot be reached, the student will bring the issue to the Director of Pharmacogenomics. Final course grade grievance must be brought before the director no later than March 1 for fall semester and January session grades, and October 1 for spring semester and summer session grades. 
3. If an agreement cannot be reached through the Director of Pharmacogenomics, the student may initiate the formal grievance procedure. 

Exception: If the involved instructor is a member of the University Academic Standards Committee, the vice president of academic affairs will appoint a full-time faculty member from the same division to replace the involved instructor while the grievance is being reviewed or discussed, and a decision is being made. If the involved instructor is the academic dean, the chair of the University Academic Standards Committee will request that the president of the University appoint a full-time faculty member to replace the vice president of academic affairs while the grievance is being reviewed or discussed, and a decision is being made.

Professionalism Expectations and Procedures

Professional Behavior

All individuals are expected to behave professionally. Unprofessional behavior includes any act or omission that is unethical or improper, and/ or in violation of any local, state, or federal laws and regulations.  This includes unlawful or untoward actions that may result from substance abuse, including but not limited to: unlawful and unauthorized manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of narcotics, controlled substances, illicit drugs or alcohol.

Unlawful and illicit for these purposes means in violation of federal, state or local regulations, policy, procedures, and rules, including legal statutes. Educational setting means University or College operated buildings and grounds or while conducting University or College business away from the actual premises, including experiential or service- learning sites. Professional activities relate to professional meetings.

Students in the MU Master of Science in PGx Program are expected to demonstrate professionalism and integrity during class in service settings and in their personal lives. Whether attending a meeting, going to a continuing education program, or participating with other organizations, you are representing the Program, College, and University at all times. Strive to be the example that others may look up to and emulate.

Civility

An environment conducive to learning depends on behavior of mutual respect among students, faculty, administration, and staff. The Program does not tolerate disrespect or lack of civility toward any member of the College community. Lack of civility includes: inappropriate verbal, written, or e- mail remarks that disrespect, harass, discriminate, intimidate or demean the character of another individual.

Professionalism Violation Procedures

In a case of a professionalism violation, the instructor shall send a report documenting the deception to the student (via e-mail), with copies emailed to the Director of Pharmacogenomics, and the chair of the University Academic Integrity Committee.

Penalties

1. The instructor has the sole discretion to impose specific grade sanctions such as failure of the assignment or failure of the course for any unprofessional behavior. When a failing grade for the course is imposed, the student will not be allowed to withdraw from the course with a grade of W.
2. For a first referred offense, the University Academic Integrity Committee has the discretion to impose disciplinary sanctions such as a letter of apology, monetary fine or community service requirement in addition to any grade sanction imposed by the instructor.
3. For a second or subsequent offense, a University Academic Integrity Committee hearing will occur, whereby additional sanctions up to and including suspension or expulsion from the University could be applied. 

Due Process
Students shall have a right to due process. This shall include the right:

1. To be informed of the nature of the violation. 
2. To a fair hearing of the evidence leading to a decision in the case.
3. To be accompanied to any hearing by a faculty or administrative staff member from the University campus community.
4. To request an appeal based only on due process or new, exculpating evidence.

Appeal
An appeal for an academic dishonesty decision may be made ONLY with the vice president of academic affairs and ONLY on the basis of due process violations or the discovery of new, exculpating evidence. A request for appeal must be made with the vice president of academic affairs within five days of receipt of the University Academic Integrity Committee's decision.

Preparation for Graduation and Participation in Commencement

Degrees are conferred at the end of the semester following completion of the required credit hours. Diplomas are awarded at the May commencement.

No diploma or transcript will be released until all financial obligations to the University have been met.

Time Limit

The academic certificate must be completed within two academic years of the start date of the program.  The on campus program must be completed within two academic calendar years of the start date of the program.  The online program must be completed within five academic calendar years of the start date of the program.

Enrollment Status

An on campus student must complete fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the MS in PGx course work on campus. 

An online student must complete fifty-one (51%) or more of the MS in PGx course work online.  Online students in the MS in PGx program will be automatically withdrawn from the program if the student does not complete any course work during five (5) consecutive half-semesters.  If a student is automatically withdrawn from the program, the student is eligible to return to the program, but must reapply using the Admission Process outlined above.

A student may change enrollment status from online to on campus or from on campus to online one time during the duration of the program, if needed.  The request to change enrollment status is processed by the PGx Council, following the submission of the request to the Director for Pharmacogenomics.