UMF Policies

The student shall have the right to cancel the agreement and receive a full refund before the first lesson and materials are received or the third business day after enrollment, whichever is later. Cancellation is effective on the date the written notice of cancellation is made by the student. The withdrawal date is determined with the student providing a written notification to the school. The institution shall make the refund as per the calculation consistent with the Florida Administrative Code. Refunds shall be made within 30 days of determination that the student has canceled or withdrawn (regardless if the institution delivered the first lesson and materials before an effective cancellation notice was received).

In the event the institution does not accept the enrollment, a full refund of all monies will be made to the applicant. An applicant may cancel his/her enrollment within three (3) business days from the student signing of this enrollment agreement and all monies paid by an applicant will be refunded within three (3) business days after the student signed the enrollment agreement. An applicant subsequently requesting cancellation of enrollment prior to the class starting date shall be entitled to a refund of all monies paid. All monies due the applicant will be refunded within 30 days of the date of determination from the cancellation.

The refund policy for students who have started attending and withdraw during the Add/Drop period of the term in each semester, result in a refund of all monies paid, with the exception of the non-refundable application fee. The Add/Drop period is equal to one week. A student may drop and/or add courses through the first week of a course and the tuition will be adjusted for that term. Withdrawal after the drop/add period ends results in a student not being entitled to any refund.

The institution shall pay or credit refunds within 30 days of the date of determination of a student’s cancellation or withdrawal. For purposes of determining a refund, a student shall be considered to have withdrawn from an educational program when he or she withdraws or is deemed withdrawn by the date of determination and in accordance with the withdrawal policy stated in the institution’s catalog.

If an institution has collected money from a student for transmittal on the student’s behalf to a third party for a bond, library usage, or fees for a license, application, or examination and the institution has not paid the money to the third party at the time of the student’s withdrawal or cancellation, the institution shall refund the money to the student within 30 days of the date of determination of the student’s withdrawal or cancellation.

This institution shall refund any credit balance on the student’s account within 30 days of the date of determination after the date of the student’s completion by means of completing all courses required in the student’s program of study, or by withdrawal from, the educational program in which the student was enrolled.

A student must meet the following minimum standards of academic achievement and successful course completion while enrolled at UMF. Student records are reviewed at the conclusion of every semester to determine compliance with the SAP policy. There are two components to the SAP policy: 

a) Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average 

A student’s Cumulative Grade Point Average is based on all courses taken at UMF. Students must maintain a Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Academic records are reviewed at the completion of every semester to determine SAP. 

b) Maximum Time Frame 

Students are given a maximum time frame of 150% of the published program length to complete their declared degree program. For example, if students must earn 64 credit hours to complete their declared program, they must earn (complete) those credit hours while attempting no more than 96 credit hours overall. 

All attempted courses within the student’s program count toward the maximum time frame for program completion. If at any point it becomes evident that a student cannot complete the program within the 150% time frame, the student will be suspended from the Institution. 

As a general rule, any student whose GPA is below the minimum GPA at a specified measuring point of 25% will be counseled by the School and documented in the student’s file.

As a general rule, any student whose GPA is below the minimum GPA at a specified measuring points of 50% and 75% will be placed on academic probation by the School. A standard period of probation is three months. However, if the student’s academic achievement and course completion rate matches or exceeds the minimums described above during the probationary period, the student will be considered to be making satisfactory progress. Any student whose academic achievement or course completion rate is determined to be sub-standard at the end of the probationary period at an evaluation point will be suspended from regular status.

Students who fail to show improvement or achieve the minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 while on Academic Probation will be subject to Academic Dismissal from the institution. The Dean will make the decision on placing students on Academic Dismissal and will notify the affected students in writing. A student who is placed on Academic Dismissal will have a permanent record of the dismissal in the transcripts.

If approved by the Dean, a student may continue as a non-regular student for a period not to exceed one evaluation period in order to re-take courses in which the student was previously unsuccessful. During this period, the student will be charged tuition consistent with normal tuition fees. In no case may a student extend beyond the maximum program length in order to complete the program. A student wishing to extend his/her program must agree to these terms in writing. Credits earned during a period of extended enrollment will count towards the maximum time frame for completion of the program.

If a student demonstrates, after re-taking courses, that he/she is academically and motivationally prepared to continue with the program, the student may be reinstated as a regular student. The Dean will make this determination based upon a review of the student’s academic transcript and an interview with the student. The reinstatement will be based upon the student meeting the normal satisfactory progress parameters that were in effect at the evaluation point at which the student lost regular status. If reinstated as a regular student, the student will be placed on probation until at least the next evaluation point.

A student may repeat a course in which a grade has been earned. However, repeating courses in which a grade of “C” or better has been earned is not recommended. Only the second grade earned in a repeated course will be used in computing the grade point average. Credits for a repeated course are counted only one time in computing the grade point average. Hours for both courses will be used in computing the total course completion hours. Both grades remain as a permanent part of the student’s transcript. However, in no case may a student extend beyond the maximum program length in order to complete the program and receive the original credential. 

An “I” is assigned when course work is not completed in the appropriate times due to circumstances beyond the student’s control. Any “I” not removed by the student will be automatically converted to the otherwise earned grade, typically an “F”. An “I” is not calculated in the GPA but is counted in the course completion percentage. 

The School does not currently offer any pass/fail courses and the School does not issue “W” grades. 

Students who withdraw during the drop-add period and enroll in another course will receive no grade in the original course. Students may not withdraw from a course after the drop-add period without financial penalty. 

The Dean may, in his/her discretion, grant leaves of absence or waive interim satisfactory standards for circumstances involving poor health, family crisis, or other significant occurrences outside the student’s control. These circumstances must be documented and the student must demonstrate that they had an adverse impact on the student’s satisfactory progress. No waivers will be granted for graduation requirements.

The satisfactory progress standards apply to all students enrolled at the School in a regular status.

The School does not currently have a remedial program. All courses attempted at the School affect the calculation of the student’s satisfactory progress.

Any student who feels that a grade has been erroneously awarded, that an action to place him/her on probation or suspension is improper, or that has any other grievance, may appeal that action to the Dean. This appeal must be in writing and must be made within five (5) days of the action in question. 

The Dean will investigate the matter and will provide a response within ten (10) days of the appeal. Actions taken by the Dean may include the following: denial of any change in grade or action, change of grade, removal from probationary status, or reinstatement in the case of suspension. 

Any student who feels that a grade has been erroneously awarded, that an action to place him/her on probation or suspension is improper, or that has any other grievance, may appeal that action to the Dean. This appeal must be in writing and must be made within five (5) days of the action in question. 

The Dean will investigate the matter and will provide a response within ten (10) days of the appeal. Actions taken by the Dean may include the following: denial of any change in grade or action, change of grade, removal from probationary status, or reinstatement in the case of suspension. 

Please note that there are no D grades or plus or minus signs. 

Students are expected to participate and actively contribute in class assignments (including discussions), demonstrating knowledge of the concepts and theories studied, and the ability to apply that knowledge when analyzing current events, assigned case studies, or real business questions from their own organizations and communities. 

This institution’s policy on attendance is based on the premise that regular communication between the teacher and the student and, also, among students themselves, has significant value in the learning process. To assure this timely communication, the instructor will respond to each assignment submissions or exam submissions within 7 days. To further assure this timely communication, students must respond to each of the instructor’s inquiries within 7 days as well. 

A student must demonstrate regular and substantive interaction with the instructor. Regular and substantive interaction is defined as completing one of the following academically related activities once a week in order to be marked as having attended and actively participating: 

• Post to the course discussion board substantive comments relevant to the subject 
• Substantive exchanges with the instructor about course content, concepts, and assignments 
• Submit a graded unit assignment or exercise 
• Attempt a final exam 

Assignments should be completed timely and within the posted deadlines. Limited extensions of time may only be granted for unexpected business, health, or personal emergencies, whenever those are communicated in advance of missing a due date. Emergencies require a written proof. In the rare occurrence of a technical issue preventing students from submitting assignments on time, the late penalty will not be applied, provided the technical issue is outside of the control of individual students. 18 

It is important that students stay connected to the platform to review the materials, participate in class activities, and actively participate in the forums and all other activities related to the Institutions environment. Students may not be offline from the academic platform for more than seven (7) consecutive days. Students who miss more than seven (7) consecutive days will be administratively withdrawn. 

A student may request a Leave of Absence (LOA), whenever it is necessary to take an academic leave due to individual circumstances. A student seeking a LOA must submit a request to the Registrar. The Leave of Absence cannot exceed 180 days in any 12-month period. 

A student may not begin a Leave of Absence while an active course is in progress, rather a withdrawal procedure must be initiated by the student. The LOA can begin upon the completion of the active course term. Students ready to resume their studies after a leave of absence must contact the Registrar. Upon the student’s return from the leave of absence, the student will be permitted to complete the coursework from where they left prior to the Leave of Absence. If a student does not resume attendance on, before or at the end of an approved Leave of Absence, then the student will be withdrawn from the institution and may need to reapply into the program. 

UMF has and uniformly applies a published Withdrawal policy that complies with all state and federal agency requirements. 

1. A student choosing to withdraw from the school after the start of classes is to provide a written notice to the Dean. The notice must include the expected last date of attendance and be signed and dated by the student. The written notice may be submitted by mail or by electronic transmission. 

2. If special circumstances arise, a student may request, in writing, a leave of absence, which should include the date the student anticipates the leave beginning and ending. If a student does not resume attendance at the institution on or before the end of an approved leave of absence, the institution must treat the student as a withdrawal and the date that the leave of absence was approved should be considered the last date of attendance for refund purposes. 

3. A student will be determined to be withdrawn from the school if the student misses 14 consecutive instructional days and all the days are unexcused. 

4. All refunds must be received within 30 days of the determination of the withdrawal date. 

5. Approval of the withdrawal will allow the student to re-register and continue in the program on a date no later than the beginning of the start of the next class. 

6. A student granted readmission is subject to the tuition rate and fees at the time of re-entry. 

7. A student’s last date of attendance is the last day a student had academically related activity, which may include projects, discussion posts or examinations. The last date of attendance is when the school determines that the student is no longer in school. 

The school does not participate in either State or Federal financial aid programs, nor does it provide financial aid directly to its students. A student enrolled in an unaccredited institution is not eligible for federal financial aid programs.

UMF will communicate directly with students whose conduct was deemed to warrant disciplinary action. Cheating is defined as the attempt, successful or not, to give or obtain aid and/or information by illicit means in meeting any academic requirements, including examinations. Cheating includes falsifying reports and documents. Plagiarism is defined as the use, without proper acknowledgement, of the ideas, phrases, sentences, or larger units of discourse from another writer or speaker. Plagiarism includes the unauthorized copying of software and the violation of copyright laws. Instructors are expected to maintain appropriate standards in the area of academics: 

1. To take practical steps to prevent and detect cheating. 

2. To report suspected academic misconduct to the Dean. 

3. To report evidence of plagiarism, cheating on exams or lab/clinical reports, falsification of records to the Dean. 

Students are expected to maintain appropriate standards in the area of academics: 

1. To follow faculty instructions regarding exams and assignments. 

2. To be certain that special rules regarding documentation of papers, examination procedures, use of computer-based information and programs, etc. are clearly understood. 

3. If students believe that practices by the instructor are conducive to cheating, it must be reported to the Dean. 

The consequences of academic dishonesty, depending on the severity of the infraction, may result the student to: 

1. Receive a zero “0%” grade on the test, paper or exam; 

2. Have their course grade lowered and/or possibly fail the course; 

3. Under the standards of student conduct a student will be dismissed from the institution 

The Dean will communicate directly with a student whose conduct was deemed to warrant disciplinary action and will make the final decision if a student will not be allowed to be readmitted. 

UMF policies and regulations provide students many privileges. Students may exercise these rights and privileges as long as they do not interfere with the rights of others or the schools’ ability to provide a safe learning environment. Students have the rights to: 

1. Attend a safe, welcoming school and belong to a community that values and promotes learning. 

2. Expect courtesy, fairness, and respect from school staff members and other students. 

3. Expect that all property will be safe and not damaged. 

4. Express opinions freely through speech, assembly, petition, and other lawful means. 

5. Advocate for change in any law, policy, or regulation.

UMF expects students to balance expression of their rights with observance of their responsibilities. Students have the responsibility to: 

1. Attend school regularly \ and follow the assigned schedules. 

2. Follow rules, procedures, and processes. 

3. Respect the authority of staff members. 

4. Respect the rights and property of others. 

5. Respect others’ beliefs and differences. 

6. Refrain from using words, images, or gestures that are obscene, violent, disruptive, or disrespectful. 

7. Resolve disputes peacefully. 

8. Refrain from bullying or hurting other students. 

UMF is responsible to uphold its students’ rights and ensure that the non-discrimination policy is applied for students who choose to file a grievance against the institution for reasons involving discrimination, harassment, violation of a policy, etc. Students are not subject to unfair action/treatment for initiating a complaint. 

Students must use the following procedure to file a grievance: 

1. Students should first attempt to address the issue with the responsible party. 

2. If a satisfactory solution cannot be found, the student may submit a grievance form to the Dean within 10 calendar days of the alleged incident. The grievance form is available upon request from the Dean. 

3. The Dean shall issue a decision within 2 weeks of the grievance submission. 

4. The student may appeal the decision within 2 weeks of receiving the decision, and a final decision will be made by the Dean within 2 weeks of the student appeal. 

If the complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution’s grievance procedure, the student or any member of the public may file a complaint with the Commission for Independent Education at 325 W. Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400, (888) 224-6684 toll free or by completing a complaint form, which can be obtained on the Commission’s Internet web site http://www.fldoe.org/policy/cie/. 

Students who have been placed on Dismissal can appeal the decision based on mitigating personal circumstances. The appeal has to be submitted in writing to the Dean, who will make the final determination. If the appeal is approved, the student will be permitted to continue coursework at UMF under academic probation status. The Dean will communicate directly with students whose conduct was deemed to warrant disciplinary action and will make the final decision if a student will not be allowed to be readmitted.

Violations of the Harassment or Discrimination Policy of this institution will become part of the student’s record. Depending on the severity and/or frequency of the violation(s), the Faculty may take disciplinary action, including administrative withdrawal from the institution. A student who has become subject to disciplinary action may submit an appeal to the Dean per the Grievance policy. The Dean will communicate directly with a student whose conduct was deemed to warrant disciplinary action and will make the final decision if a student will not be allowed to be readmitted.

UMF will not accept of credits from another program from another post-secondary institution. Students will enroll from the beginning of a course or program. 

The transferability of credits you earn at UMF is at the complete discretion of an institution to which you may seek to transfer. Acceptance of the credits you earn in the educational program from UMF is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. If the credits that you earn at this institution are not accepted at the institution to which you seek to transfer, you may be required to repeat some or all of your coursework at that institution. For this reason, you should make certain that your attendance at this institution will meet your educational goals. This may include contacting an institution to which you may seek to transfer after attending UMF to determine if your credits will transfer.