Academic Support and Policies

All regulations found in this section apply to regular 16 week courses held in the fall and spring semesters. These regulations will also apply to all short courses, especially summer offerings, in a time sequence proportional to the length of the session. Students are subject to being governed by the general university policies and their respective departmental policies.

Adding a Course

The online registration guide and online academic calendar list the dates when a student may add a course. A course should be added via myNKU as the official process.  Contact the Office of the University Registrar, Lucas Administrative Center 301, if guidance is needed.

When adding courses, a student should see the course load policy for allowable limits. Unless specified by an academic department, students do not need approval to add a course prior to the published last day to add. After the published deadline for adding a course, students will be permitted to enter a course only with approval from the instructor of the course, the graduate program director and an assistant dean of the college offering the course.

Withdrawing from a Course - Student Initiated

Unless otherwise required by an academic department, students do not need approval to drop a course if the drop is initiated prior to the published deadline to drop. Once the semester has begun, students may withdraw from a course only during the session or semester in which the course is taken.

There are three time periods that relate to withdrawing from a course. The online registration guide and online academic calendar list the relevant semester dates and their equivalencies for courses of differing lengths.

• Weeks 1 through 3 or equivalent: during the first three weeks or equivalent of the semester, official course withdrawals are not reflected on the student’s transcript. That is, the transcript will not indicate that the student was ever registered for the course.
• Weeks 4 through 10 or equivalent: a student who withdraws from a course after the third week of the semester (or equivalent) and prior to the end of the 10th week of the semester (or equivalent) will receive a grade of W for the course.
• Weeks 11 through 14 or equivalent: course withdrawals after the 10th week or equivalent are not usually allowed. In circumstances beyond the student’s control, a W may be granted with approval of the instructor, graduate program director, and department chair or dean of the college the student’s program is housed in. In cases not approved, the student will receive the grade of F (failure).

Students withdrawing completely (withdrawing from all courses) after the 10th week need only the approval of the dean of the student’s program.

The instructor may not issue a W as the final grade for students who did not withdraw prior to the 10th week or equivalent if they are not covered by exceptions listed above.

Withdrawing from School

If, after midterm, a student wishes to withdraw completely from school, the student will need to submit a late withdrawal form signed by the dean of the college where the student’s program is housed.  Instructors will be notified of the withdrawal on revised class lists or final grade rosters by the Office of the University Registrar. Consult the Office of the University Registrar for exceptions to this policy.

The above regulations apply to fall and spring 16 week semesters. The dates for summer, shortened fall and spring terms, and winter term adds/drops depend upon the session in which the course is taken. The last dates to add or withdraw from a course will be made available on the Office of the University Registrar academic calendar for each semester at https://inside.nku.edu/registrar/calendars.html.

Retroactive Late Withdrawal

A retroactive late withdrawal from an individual course or from all courses after the last day of the semester is permitted only for circumstances beyond the student’s control. In cases where medical or employment reasons are the cause for withdrawal, explanatory documents from the physician or employer must be attached. Request for retroactive late withdrawal from a course solely because of poor performance will be denied. Approvals denied at any level (graduate program director, department chair, dean, VPGERO) will result in a denial of the withdrawal. For requests with appropriate approval (i.e. health care provider documentation on letters), a ‘W’ grade, rather than a failing grade, will be assigned.  The form to request a retroactive late withdrawal can be found on the Office of Graduate Education homepage.  If approved, the student may pursue a tuition adjustment via the tuition appeal process.  More information can be found by contacting Student Account Services or at https://inside.nku.edu/studentaccountservices/refunds/appeal.html.

Student Absence Due to Military Service

Northern Kentucky University recognizes and appreciates the important contributions made by Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, ROTC military students in service to their country of allegiance. The university understands that students may be called into active military service for periods longer than 14 days or be required to be absent from class for shorter durations to fulfill military obligations.

The University has adopted an Active Duty Military Absence option to be considered for absences longer than 14 days. The University also has developed a Short-Term Military Absence policy for absences that exceed the attendance policy for the course(s) or last up to two weeks during the fall and spring semesters. The Short-Term Military Absence policy will apply to an equivalent time period in reduced semesters (e.g., 7-week terms and summer sessions). 

Examples of Active Duty Military Absence include but are not limited to:  individual or unit calls to active duty for deployment, natural disaster response, or receipt of military permanent change of station orders. Short-Term Military Absences may include funeral honor guard details, periodic training/drill obligations, ROTC field training exercises or service related medical appointments.

Students must provide instructors with maximum advance notice of absences and provide copies of their official military documentation (paper, electronic orders, or a unit’s memorandum). It is the responsibility of the student to request the opportunity to complete missed work, and to complete coursework according to the terms mutually agreed upon between the instructor and the student. Registration for those courses in which instructors accommodate the absence will remain intact and tuition and mandatory fees will be assessed in full for those courses. 

The Certifying Official and Office of the University Registrar will collaborate together and obtain a copy of the official military documentation. The Certifying Official and the Office of the University Registrar will work with the student and instructor to ensure complete understanding of the policy and the impact of the policy on the academic record, All parties will be notified and provide assistance in completing the form if necessary. If the student is serving in a country other than the United States, International Student and Scholar Services may be required to verify the student’s military necessity for withdrawal.

Once the student is aware of call to duty, the student must discuss their circumstances with the Certifying Official located in the Office of the University Registrar. The student will be advised of the policy and given a Student Absence Due to Military Service form. Any withdrawal from the university may impact current and future VA benefits.

If a withdrawal is under any consideration the student will immediately notify and collaborate with the instructor. After discussion with the instructor, the only viable option may be to withdraw from some or all classes. Should a withdrawal be necessary or adjustments be made for a course, the student will follow the procedures identified in option A and B found in the Absence Due to Military Service Form.

The student should see the Certifying Official in the Office of the University Registrar. The student will be advised of the policy and given a Student Absence Due to Military Service form.  If a withdrawal is under any consideration the student will immediately notify and collaborate with the instructor.

The Certifying Official will collect a copy of the official military documentation and a completed Absence form. Any questions regarding the decision will be answered and explained to the student.

Per the student’s form, the following may occur:
        a.   Withdraw from all classes with a 100% refund with the report date used as the effective withdrawal date. Student is then de-registered using “Military/Civil Service” as reason for withdrawal.
        b.   Certifying official will request the grade earned to date by the report date from each instructor, and that grade will be recorded by the official in the Office of the University Registrar. Student is then de-registered using “Military/Civil Service” as reason for withdrawal.
        c.   Withdrawal from selected courses as indicated on the Notification form with the report date used as the effective withdrawal date.

Required reporting, outside of notifying Student Account Services, Financial Assistance and the instructors, includes notifying the VA Education Division for students using a GI Bill or VA Education Benefit. This will be done by the Certifying Official within 30 days of the withdrawal date. Student Account Services will process and return any federal Tuition Assistance refunds, and Financial Assistance will process and return any state Tuition Assistance refunds in accordance to Title IV.

Late submissions can be accepted and processed. However, retroactive withdrawals cannot be processed more than 6 months from the “end of active duty” date.  The Office of the University Registrar and the Certifying Official will verify end dates to determine whether or not a late withdrawal will be allowed.

Any withdrawals not included on the Absence form, meaning submitted by the student using myNKU, will be processed in accordance with the dates published on the University’s Academic Calendar and may not be eligible for a refund. Appeals will be considered within 6 months of the “end of active duty” date. The student will need to provide a copy of the official military documentation before an appeal will be considered.

Removal from a Course - University Initiated

A student who, without previous arrangement with the instructor or department, fails to attend the first class meeting of a given term may be dropped from the course. An instructor may drop a student for nonattendance only during the regular drop/add period of the term as defined by the academic calendar. Nonattendance does not release students from the responsibility to officially drop any course for which they have enrolled and choose not to complete.

A student may also be dropped from a course as a result of his or her disruptive classroom behavior. See NKU’s Community Standards & Student Rights at  https://inside.nku.edu/studentaffairs/departments/scra/student-rights/code-of-student-rights-and-responsibilities.html for more information.  

Removal Initiated by Graduate Program Director

Drops may be initiated by graduate program directors. The drop may be initiated if the graduate program director is notified by the instructor that the student has not attended class during the first two class meetings of the semester. A drop also can be initiated by the graduate program director if the student does not have the proper prerequisite, co-requisite, or consent of the instructor or has been found to be in violation of NKU’s Community Standards & Student Rights.

Class Attendance

NKU students are expected to attend the first day of each course for which they are enrolled.

For classes meeting more than once per week

If a student does not attend the first class meeting and has not contacted the instructor in advance to declare this absence, the instructor may drop the student for nonattendance. If the student also misses the second class meeting and still has not contacted the instructor about the absences beforehand, the instructor is compelled to drop this student for nonattendance.

For classes meeting only once per week

If the student misses the first class meeting and has not contacted the instructor about this absence beforehand, the instructor is compelled to drop this student for nonattendance.

For online classes

If the student does not log onto Canvas and access course materials or contact the instructor during the first week of classes, the instructor is compelled to drop this student for non-participation (i.e., nonattendance). Classroom participation is essential to the educational process in many disciplines. If a portion of the final grade is dependent upon classroom participation, the instructor will make a statement to that effect in the course syllabus. The syllabus will be provided to students no later than the first week of classes. Regardless of attendance policy, students are responsible for familiarity with material disseminated in the class and are not released from this responsibility due to nonattendance.  Students are responsible for becoming familiar with the deadlines that are published by the Office of the University Registrar regarding add/drop and withdraw dates.  Students who do not officially withdraw prior to published deadlines, and fail to successfully complete required coursework, will receive a failing grade.

Nonattendance

The university is required to return federal Title IV aid for students who have never attended a class for which they are registered. If students do not attend a class and do not submit a formal drop/withdrawal, they will be held responsible for tuition.

Course Evaluations

Evaluations are an important means of gathering information about instructors and courses. The information submitted will be used for the enhancement of student learning opportunities. It is an important responsibility of NKU students to participate responsibly in the instructor and course evaluation process and to include thoughtfully written comments.

Evaluation periods begin 1 week prior to final exams for the 8-week courses or 2 weeks prior to final exams for a full-semester course. Students are notified via email when the online evaluation process is available and are sent a reminder every three days until evaluations are completed. The evaluations ask students to reflect upon what they have learned in each of their courses, the extent to which they have invested the necessary effort to maximize learning, and the role the instructor played in the learning process.

Students who complete an evaluation for a particular course or select “opt out” within the online evaluation instrument will have access to their course grade as soon as the grade is submitted by the instructor.

Students who do not complete the course evaluation and do not select “opt out” within the online evaluation instrument will incur a 2-week delay in viewing the course grade, obtaining an unofficial and official transcript, and running a degree audit. The delay starts after the university’s official date for grade availability.

Student evaluations are strictly confidential, and results are not available to instructors until after final grades for the course are posted. The university has established extensive precautions to prevent individual student comments from being identified.

For more information and to view the instructor and course evaluation schedule visit the student evaluation homepage at https://inside.nku.edu/eval.html. 

Registration Holds

Registration holds prevent students from registering for courses. They are most often established because the student is required to meet with his or her advisor prior to registering or because the student owes money to the university. Registration holds must be resolved before a student can register online via myNKU. The student can still search for courses and place them in the registration cart, but the student must contact the office that placed the hold and resolve the issue before being able to register. For advising and probation holds, the student should contact their graduate program director to make arrangements for release of these holds. If a student has a fee-related hold, the fee must be paid before the hold will be released.  A complete list of holds can be found on the Office if the University Registrar website at https://inside.nku.edu/registrar/registration/registration-holds.html.

Transcript Availability

Transcripts of NKU coursework are available upon request. Students must request their official transcript through the National Student Clearinghouse. Students may view and print an unofficial transcript through myNKU.

The transcript fees, delivery options and additional information on this process can be found on the Office of the University Registrar website.

Transcripts Received from Other Institutions

When NKU receives transcripts from another institution, the transcripts are considered property of NKU. NKU does not reproduce or copy transcripts received from any sending institutions. Students should seek copies of transcripts from the institution that originally issued the transcript.

Diplomas

The diploma, which documents that one has earned a degree, is issued and dated only after all graduation requirements are met. NKU awards electronic and paper degrees in May, August, and December. Diplomas are emailed to the student NKU email address and U.S. mailed to the recipient’s U.S. diploma address submitted at the time of application. Delivery of the paper diploma generally takes at least six to eight weeks following commencement.

Academic Honesty

NKU is dedicated to creating an environment conducive to the development of educated and intellectually curious people. Cheating and plagiarism are in opposition to this environment. Therefore, NKU requires that all work submitted by a student be a product of that student’s own ideas and words.

Plagiarism is defined as using someone else’s thoughts and/or words and allowing other people to believe they are your own. It does not matter whether this is done intentionally or unintentionally. One is plagiarizing if one uses specific words, phrasing, or ideas of others without using quotation marks and citations. When paraphrasing an idea or sentence, the original source of that material must be cited.

Cheating is defined as copying from someone else’s exam, purchasing a paper to be submitted as your own, or using books and notes during exams (in class or take-home) when expressly forbidden to do so.

These examples of cheating and plagiarism are not meant to be exhaustive. Rather they are to be used as basic guidelines for appropriate academic behavior.

NKU takes academic dishonesty very seriously. A student found responsible of cheating or plagiarism may be sanctioned to an oral or written reprimand, a grade reduction or an F in the course, examination or assignment or course, or can be recommended for suspension or expulsion from the University. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated in any form. All work submitted by a student must represent that student’s own ideas and effort; when the work does not, the student has engaged in academic dishonesty.

Misrepresentation of NKU Credentials

Any person reporting their accomplishments or relationship with NKU is expected to do so in a completely truthful manner. Misrepresentation of accomplishments may relate to, but is not limited to, grades, coursework, co-curricular activities, honors, certificates, and degrees. Anyone misrepresenting his or her work or accomplishments at NKU may be barred from future enrollment and graduation from NKU. In addition, such behavior may be subject to criminal or civil prosecution.

Academic Requirements and Regulations Updates

The colleges of the university reserve the right to change requirements. Program changes will become effective at the beginning of the next fall semester and are applicable only to new students and to readmitted students as stipulated elsewhere in this catalog under Catalog of Record. Changes in program requirements with any other effective date require the approval of the provost; such changes will become effective when posted in the Lucas Administrative Center, the University Center, the Student Union, the Office of Graduate Education (for graduate programs only), and in each academic building. Students should refer any inquiries to the appropriate dean or the university registrar.

Email Accounts

All NKU students automatically receive campus email accounts that become activated when you obtain your NKU All Card. More information on your email account can be found by visiting: http://it.nku.edu/email.html.

Online Graduate Programs and Courses

Technology Requirements

NKU uses Canvas, a web portal that offers easy access to course materials and the ability to communicate with instructors and classmates from one location.  Canvas runs on Mac, Windows, Linux, and mobile device operating systems iOS and Android. Download the free Canvas App for use on your mobile device. Canvas recommends using the newest version of the following browsers and applications. 

• Instructure recommends you use Chrome, Firefox, or Safari for Canvas. 
• Flash - needed for media recording/streaming and viewing as well as uploading files to a course or an assignment
• Zoom

An Internet connection is necessary to participate in discussions and assignments, access readings, transfer course work, and receive feedback from your instructional associate and/or professor. For web-based courses, students should have a basic working knowledge of computers and Internet use as well as access to a computer with a broadband (DSL, cable, satellite) Internet connection. Other requirements for each course are listed in the university catalog.

At a minimum, you must have Microsoft Office 2003, XP, 2007 or OpenOffice. Microsoft Word is the standard word processing software, Microsoft Excel is the standard spreadsheet software, and Microsoft PowerPoint is the standard presentation software. Copying and pasting, along with attaching/uploading documents for assignment submission, will also be required.  Microsoft Office 365 is the standard office productivity software utilized by faculty, students, and staff and is free for all students. To download your free software, visit https://inside.nku.edu/it/service-catalog/software/softwarecatalog.html.  

Online Degree and Certificate Programs

The credits required for the following degree and certificate programs can be earned entirely online. For more information, visit https://www.nku.edu/admissions/adult/online.html.   

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing
• Nurse Practitioner Advancement Certificate
• Master of Science in Exercise Science
• Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics
• Master of Science in Business Informatics
• Master of Science in Health Informatics
• Graduate Certificate in Business Informatics
• Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management
• Graduate Certificate in Total Worker Health
• Master of Arts in Education: Teacher as Leader (selected concentrations)
• Rank 1 in Education (selected concentrations)
• Education Specialist - Teaching & Leading (selected concentrations)
• Education Specialist in Educational Leadership
• Master of Science in Health Science
• Doctor of Nursing Practice - Post Master’s specialization
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Accountancy (selected tracks)
• Master of Legal Studies
• Master of Science in Health Administration
• Health Care Commercialization Certificate
• Master of Social Work
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity

Community Standards & Student Rights

The Community Standards & Student Rights (the Code) document is designed to ensure that Northern Kentucky University students shall enjoy intellectual freedom, fair and legal treatment, the freedom of speech both on and off campus, freedom of press, the right of peaceable assembly, the right to petition for redress of grievances, the right to a fair hearing of charges made against one, and the right to responsible participation in the university community. Rights imply responsibilities; therefore, members of the University community must show both initiative and restraint. The Code is designed neither to be exhaustive nor to encompass all possible relationships between students and the institution. This document is endorsed and approved by the Northern Kentucky University Board of Regents. The Code is not rigid nor unchangeable. As the relationship between students and the University continues to grow, it may be necessary to modify the Code.

It is incumbent upon students to be aware of University regulations. Ignorance of these regulations does not excuse students from adherence to them. University Officials should endeavor to inform students of University rules, regulations, and policies, whenever the circumstance is applicable. 

The full Code is available online at https://inside.nku.edu/studentaffairs/departments/dean-of-students/student-conduct/community-standards-student-rights. 

Graduate Student Honor Code & Appeals Policy

The purpose of the Honor Code is to establish standards of academic integrity for graduate students at the university and provide procedures that offer assurances of fundamental fairness to any student accused of violating the Honor Code. This document also provides a process for graduate students to appeal certain decisions to the Graduate Council. Covered under this section of the document are university regulations applicable to graduate students, but not regulations relating to admission decisions, grade appeals, or violations of the Graduate Honor Code.

The procedures set forth in this document are specific to graduate students at the university. As Northern Kentucky University students, graduate students are also subject to the provisions of NKU’s Community Standards & Student Rights as adopted by the Board of Regents. Where provisions or procedures set forth in the two documents differ or conflict, this document will prevail in cases involving graduate students. Grade appeals that do not relate to consequences for violations of the Graduate Honor Code are covered by NKU’s Community Standards & Student Rights. It is incumbent upon graduate students to be aware of university regulations. Ignorance of these regulations does not excuse students from adherence to them.

The complete text of the Graduate Student Honor Code and Appeals Policy can be found at https://inside.nku.edu/studentaffairs/departments/dean-of-students/student-rights/academic-integrity/graduate-student-academic-integrity.html. 

Privacy Rights: FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords students certain rights with respect to their education records, including:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the university receives a request for access.
   1. Students should submit to the university registrar, dean, head of the academic department or other appropriate official a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect.
   2. The university official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
   3. If the records are not maintained by the university official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading.
   1. Students may ask the university to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the university official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.
   2. If the university decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the university 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 student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
   1. Disclosure without the student’s consent is permissible to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the university in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the university has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Regents; 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.
   2. FERPA allows the institution to routinely release information defined as “directory information.” The following student information is included in the definition: the student’s name, address, email address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletics teams, dates of attendance, enrollment status (including full time, part time, not enrolled, withdrawn, and date of withdrawal), degree and awards received, and the most recent previous education agency or institution attended by the student. When a student wants the directory information to remain confidential, an official request form must be completed in the Office of the University Registrar (Lucas Administrative Center 301).
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by NKU to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-8520

5. Students who have questions about FERPA, would like to grant access to their educational records to a third party, or wish to see their records should contact NKU’s Office of the University Registrar at 859-572-5556 or email the university registrar at registrar@nku.edu.

ADA Policy

The mission of the Office for Student Accessibility (http://nku.edu/osa) is to ensure that qualified students are provided equal access to academic and co-curricular programs through reasonable accommodations, appropriate to their disability, and student-centered assistance.  We seek to empower students with disabilities through self-advocacy and developing independence to the fullest extent possible.  Student Accessibility strives to increase disability and access awareness amongst all members of the campus community and is committed to the full participation of individuals with disabilities as defined under Federal law.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy

In order to ensure the university’s commitment to a quality educational and work environment, every faculty member, employee, and student has a right to work and learn in an environment free from the effects of abuse of alcohol and other drugs. It is the policy of the university to discourage the misuse and abuse of alcoholic beverages and other drugs.

NKU prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of drugs and alcohol on its property or as a part of its activities. A clear statement of unacceptable conduct and consequences related to student substance abuse is found in NKU’s Community Standards & Student Rights(https://inside.nku.edu/studentaffairs/departments/scra/student-rights/code-of-student-rights-and-responsibilities.html).

Students may be accountable to both civil authorities and to the University for acts that constitute violations of both the law and NKU’s Community Standards & Student Rights. Those charged with violations of NKU’s Community Standards & Student Rightsare subject to University student conduct proceedings independent of any pending criminal proceedings and may not challenge University proceedings on grounds that criminal charges for the same incident have been dismissed, reduced, or not yet adjudicated.

The following misconduct is subject to disciplinary action:

• unauthorized distribution, possession, or use of any controlled substance, illegal drug, or paraphernalia on University Premises or at University-sponsored activities.  Controlled substances are defined by the Kentucky Revised Statutes, chapter 218A
• the use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages on University Premises, except as modified by University policy
• appearing in a public place on University Premises or at University sponsored activities manifestly under the influence of a controlled or other intoxicating substance to the degree that there is danger to self, others, or property, or there is reasonable apprehension of such danger to persons in the vicinity.

The legal drinking age in Kentucky is 21. Individuals are personally responsible for knowing the laws that apply to substance abuse in Kentucky. In particular, individuals should be aware of the legal consequences for violation of the legal age, use of false identification, driving under the influence, and the sale or distribution of illegal drugs.

Recognizing that alcohol and drug abuse are serious problems in our society, NKU offers a variety of educational and assistance programs to the student population. For more information, students should contact the Office of Health, Counseling, and Student Wellness (http://hcsw.nku.edu), University Center 440, or by calling 859-572-5650.

Tobacco-Free Policy

Northern Kentucky University is a tobacco-free campus.

Tobacco use at all university-owned, operated, and leased properties is covered by this policy. Tobacco products are therefore prohibited in all interior and exterior building space, outside ground areas, walkways and parking structures, indoor and outdoor athletic facilities, and vehicles.

Numerous products are prohibited by this campus policy. They include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookah-smoked products, and oral tobacco such as spit/spitless, smokeless, chew, and snuff products. Products that contain tobacco flavoring or simulate tobacco use, such as electronic cigarettes, are also prohibited.

Violations of this policy will be addressed by the appropriate administrative departments. Concerns about tobacco use will be respectfully addressed. Support resources are available online at tobaccofree.nku.edu.

Sexual Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct

As members of the campus community, all university students, faculty and staff as well as guests and visitors have the right to be free from sexual misconduct. The university does not tolerate gender-based misconduct and does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs. The university is committed to treating those involved in an allegation of sexual misconduct with dignity and respect. Investigative and hearing proceedings are conducted in a timely, thorough, and impartial manner. This policy has been developed to reaffirm these principles and to provide recourse for those individuals whose rights have been violated. This policy is intended to define expectations and to establish a mechanism for determining when those expectations have been violated. More information on the university’s sexual misconduct policy can be found on the office of Title IX website (https://inside.nku.edu/titleix.html).

NKU prohibits all forms of discriminatory harassment that are unlawful under applicable local, state, and federal law, including sexual harassment. It is the policy of the university to provide every employee and student with an environment conducive to productivity and learning, free from intimidating, hostile, or offensive behavior. The university condemns all forms of sexual harassment on the part of any employee, student, or vendor toward any other employee, student, or vendor. Sexual harassment is the making of unwelcome and offensive sexual advances or of sexually offensive remarks or acts, especially by one in a superior or supervisory position or when compliance is made a condition of continued employment or advancement. Unwelcome behavior is behavior that is not welcome, not solicited, and not wanted by the offended person.

Title IX prohibits gender discrimination at all institutions receiving federal funding, including Northern Kentucky University. These requirements apply to all forms of sexual misconduct including, but not limited to sexual harassment and sexual violence, and are important for preventing and effectively responding to sex discrimination.

If you are a student who believes you have been subjected to (1) sexual harassment by University faculty or staff; or (2) any other form of gender discrimination under Title IX, you may report such misconduct or file a formal complaint with the Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Title IX. Complaints must be submitted in writing. If you are a student who believes you have been or are the victim of sexual harassment, including sexual assault, sexual violence or other sexual misconduct, by another University student, you may report such conduct or file a complaint under Title IX with the Title IX Coordinator. Complaints of student sexual misconduct are addressed by the NKU’s Sexual Harassment Policy (https://inside.nku.edu/titleix/policy/sexual-harassment-policy.html). Federal and state laws prohibit the taking of retaliatory measures against any individual who files a complaint in good faith. Contact information for the Title IX Coordinator, as well as additional information about Title IX legislation, may be found online (https://inside.nku.edu/titleix.html)

A report may also be filed by calling university police at 859-572-5500 or by completing an incident report form on the Office of Title IX website (https://inside.nku.edu/titleix.html).

Statement of Nondiscrimination

Northern Kentucky University does not discriminate based on national origin, race, color, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, genetic information, pregnancy, and Uniform Services or veteran status in its educational programs and activities, employment, daily operations and admissions policies, in accordance with all applicable federal, state local laws and university policies. No retaliation shall be initiated against any person who makes a good faith report of a violation.

Greater Cincinnati Consortium of Colleges and Universities (GCCCU)

Through an agreement with the Greater Cincinnati Consortium of Colleges and Universities, current NKU students may register for courses offered by other consortium institutions. Course credit and/or grades will be posted on the NKU transcript and treated as though earned at NKU.  Complete information may be obtained at https://inside.nku.edu/registrar/registration/gc3.html.  

Guidelines

To participate in the consortium during the fall and spring, students must be enrolled in at least three (3) hours of graduate course work from NKU during the semester in which a consortium course is taken. During the summer, graduate students may enroll in a consortium class without being enrolled in an NKU course provided they were enrolled at NKU at least half time during the preceding spring semester. Students must be degree seeking and may enroll for no more than two courses at the host institution in one semester. Students may not take a course through the GCCCU that will be offered by NKU within one calendar year unless they have applied officially for graduation and the required course is scheduled after the student will have graduated. Students cannot have registration holds. Students must observe all regulations of the host institution. Students must obtain written permission in advance from their graduate program director, director of graduate education, and the vice provost for graduate education, research and outreach before registering for courses through the consortium at other colleges or universities.  The graduate program director must approve acceptance of any GCCCU course as part of the student’s degree program.

Forms

Cross registration forms are available in the Office of the University Registrar.

GCCCU Tuition and Fees

In addition to regular tuition charges at NKU, students will be required to pay course-related fees at the host institution.

Member Institutions Offering Graduate Credit:

Art Academy of Cincinnati

Athenaeum of Ohio

Mount St. Joseph University

Hebrew Union College/Jewish Institute of Religion

Miami University

Northern Kentucky University

Thomas More College

University of Cincinnati

Union Institute & University

Xavier University

Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education

Through an agreement between the Greater Cincinnati Consortium of Colleges and Universities and Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education, NKU students may register for courses offered by the latter in fall and spring semesters if the courses needed are not available at the GCCCU schools. The same regulations apply as for the Greater Cincinnati Consortium.

Member Institutions:

Air Force Institute of Technology

Cedarville University

Central State University

United Theological Seminary

University of Dayton

Urbana University

Wright State University