Further explanation and additional university policies can be located in the most recent Academic Catalog. Students are encouraged to review for thorough understanding.
ALL STUDENTS
Academic Integrity
Academic dishonesty is a serious breach of conduct at North Central University and violations can result in serious discipline including the possibility of dismissal from the University. Academic dishonesty is defined as intentional plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, or attempting to help others to be dishonest which includes, but is not limited to, roster fraud and attendance deception.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is commonly defined as intentionally using the words, phrases, or ideas of another person as if they were your own. Direct quotations must be properly identified and cited. Standard protocols for acknowledgement of source is required when material from another source is copied directly, paraphrased, or summarized in an academic assignment.
The procedures for violating any academic integrity policy is listed in the most recent Academic Catalog located in Skyline.
Artificial intelligence
Definition of AI:
Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) refers to any computer system, software, app, or website able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. This includes, but is not limited to, generating text, images, or other content, analyzing data, making decisions, and providing recommendations.
Conditions for Using AI:
Use of generative Artificial Intelligence tools is permitted within coursework only when all three of the below conditions have been met:
1. Explicit Instructor Permission is Given
- The instructor explicitly states within written instructions that AI may be used in a
specified class activity or assignment. - For such tasks, the instructor will explain why AI is useful and how it can be used
ethically for the relevant task. - Permission to use AI for one activity, assignment or course does not imply permission
for any other activities, assignments or courses.
2. Assignment Instructions are Followed
- Typically, students use AI merely to assist in the creation of graded assignments.
- Instructors may allow or require the use of AI to create an artifact for analysis,
comparison, or as part of a creative process, etc. - Only in rare and unique circumstances specified by the instructor should generative AI
tools be used to complete an entire assignment.
3. Acknowledgement of Use
- Even when allowed by the professor, students must acknowledge and identify the use of any generative AI used in the creation of the work.
Special Note Regarding Grammarly and Tutor.com:
Grammarly is a flexible and useful resource, but certain of its functions fall under the category of “generative AI.” Students must discuss the use of Grammarly with their professors before using it in any way. It should not be assumed that Grammarly is allowed unless the professor gives permission. Alternatively, Tutor.com is a valuable resource that assists students by making recommendations without generating content.
Statement on AI:
Technology and generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT and Grammarly) are developing at an incredible pace and will continue to shape how people, organizations, and institutions operate. NCU encourages students to be familiar with and use these tools in appropriate ways in their own lives. Related to courses at NCU, students should be careful to use these tools only where and how the course syllabus states that they may be used (see “Conditions” above). Students are expected to use AI ethically, avoiding plagiarism and respecting intellectual property.
ONLINE COURSES
Attendance
Attendance for an online course at North Central University is assessed by student interaction utilizing the designated online platform.
Students meeting any one of these three criteria in a given calendar week will be deemed as having academically attended the course for that week if the student:
- Submits an academic writing assignment due that week
- Completes a required quiz or exam scheduled to be taken that week
- Makes a meaningful discussion post that meets all of the following conditions:
- Addresses the topic of the discussion for that week
- Adds an additional academic aspect to the discussion by responding to another student or makes an original post relevant to the topic, and
- Is submitted in the week for that week
Calendar weeks are counted from Monday to Sunday and include holidays.
Students who have not academically attended the course by midnight of day five of the course will be dropped administratively from the course.
Students whose absence from online activity totals more than two calendar weeks will be subject to mandatory withdrawal from the course, in accordance with university policies governing excessive absences.
RESIDENTIAL COURSES
Attendance
Attendance Expectations: Attendance is mandatory for all class sessions. You are
expected to attend every class unless there is a valid, pre-excused reason such as illness,
athletic competition, or a university-sanctioned event. Absences are not allowed except
in these circumstances, and excessive absences will significantly impact your grade. An
absence is defined as physically or cognitively missing from class. To be marked as
present, the student must be physically present and engaged in class.
Absence Policy:
- No Unexcused Absences: You must attend every class. Any unexcused absence
will negatively impact your participation grade and may reduce your overall grade. - Institutionally Approved Absences: The following are the only acceptable reasons
for missing class, provided you notify the instructor in advance or as soon as
possible:
- Illness (with a doctor’s note or other documentation).
- Athletic competition or sanctioned school events (with prior notification).
- Other pre-excused reasons (with prior approval from the instructor)
3. Notification: If you need to miss class for any of the reasons above, you must
inform the instructor in advance (or as soon as possible). Failure to notify in
advance may result in the absence being marked as unexcused.
4. Points: In the case of an excused absence, the student can make up or be exempt
from participation points.
5. Differing Policies: Please note that some majors have different attendance
requirements mandated by an accrediting body. In that case, the policy provided by
that accrediting body supersedes this policy.
Consequences of Missing Class:
- Impact on Grade: Missing class without an excused reason will result in a reduction
of participation points and could affect your overall grade. Furthermore, excessive
absences may affect your grade. - Make-Up Work: If you miss a class for an excused absence, it is your responsibility
to get any missed assignments, notes, or materials from another reliable student.
The instructor is not required to repeat the material for you.
Attendance Responsibility:
- Active Participation: Attending class is essential to engage in discussions, group
work, and other activities that contribute to your grade. Regular attendance will help
you stay engaged and succeed in the course.
Goal: The goal of this attendance policy is to encourage full participation and commitment
to the course. Attendance is a key factor in your success, and this policy reinforces the
importance of showing up to class unless there is a valid, pre-approved reason for your
absence.
Notes for Faculty
- Faculty are to take attendance in Colleague Self-Service.
- Courses without dates and times (online, directed research, etc.) are unable to take attendance. However, the Department of Education mandates that NCU submit the last date of attendance for financial aid. Therefore, please note this last day of attendance on Colleague Self-Service.
- If faculty notice a student has missed multiple classes in a residential course, please put an alert through Salesforce to Academic Success.
Documented Disability
Students who have documented disabilities and wish to discuss academic accommodations should make an appointment with the professor within the first two weeks of the semester. Students with disabilities need to ensure that these disabilities or conditions are documented with the Student Success Center (not Academic Affairs or Academic Success Center).
Work Load Expectation
NCU Credit Hour Policy states that for every course credit hour, the typical student should expect to spend a minimum of three clock hours per week of concentrated attention on course-related work, including but not limited to time in class, as well as out-of-class time spent reading, reviewing, organizing notes, preparing for upcoming quizzes/exams, problem solving, developing and completing projects, and other activities that enhance learning. Thus, for a three credit course, a typical student should expect to spend a minimum of nine hours per week dedicated to the one course.
Adding the Class Late
Students who add the course after the first class meeting are held to the same syllabi expectations as students who start the course on the official start date. These expectations include, but are not limited to assignments and attendance policy. It is the responsibility of the student to make up missed assignments, class notes, etc. The professor is not responsible.
COVID-19 Classroom Safety Guidelines
Students are responsible for following all university health and safety guidelines, including those pertaining to the classroom environment. University guidelines are subject to change and will be communicated through official university communication channels, including but not limited to NCU email, the Skyline web portal, and the NCU website. Students are responsible to know and follow all updated guidelines throughout the course of the academic year.
Security – Emergency System
In the event of an emergency, North Central will send a notification message to the community via email, phone call, text message and social media. The message will provide information about the emergency and the proper response. All students and employees are automatically opted into the emergency notification system. A student may change or update their information at:
http://www.northcentral.edu/content/emergency-notification-system-ens