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Unformatted text preview: Ashworth College Degree Catalog 2020 6625 The Corners Parkway Norcross, GA 30092 Phone: 1-800-957-5412 Fax: 770-417-3030 [email protected] DC6.0_200116 1 ~ IMPORTANT ~ This catalog is to be read by all Ashworth College students per student’s enrollment agreement. Important Note: For students enrolled in any of the below programs, it is important that you also read the information that is specific to your program in the applicable Student Handbooks at the end of this catalog. BSN (RN to BSN) Student Handbook Military (TEM) Student Handbook Veterinary Technician Student Handbook Ashworth College 2020 Catalog, Third Edition Copyright 2020 Ashworth College. All rights reserved. No part of this catalog and/or materials may be reproduced in any form or by any means without written permission. Purpose: The Catalog is the official document for all academic policies, practices, and program requirements. The general academic policies and policies govern the academic standards and accreditation requirements to maintain matriculated status and to qualify for a degree, diploma, or certificate. Ashworth has adopted a ‘grandfather clause’ policy such that students have a right to complete their academic programs under the degree requirements that existed at the time of their enrollment, to the extent that curriculum offerings make that possible. If program changes are made that effect student programs of study, every effort will be made to transition students into a new program of study that meets new graduation requirements. Students proceeding under revised academic policies must comply with all requirements under the changed program. Reservation of Rights: Ashworth College reserves the right to make changes to the provisions of this catalog and its rules and procedures at any time, with or without notice, subject to licensing requirements. This catalog is not a contract but merely a general outline of the programs being operated presently by the school. Certain policies may be grandfathered in at the time of enrollment and other revised policies supersede prior policies. 2 Table of Contents Introduction 9 Message 9 History 10 Legal Governance 11 Accreditation and State Licensing 14 National Accreditation 14 State Licensing 14 National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements 14 Student Tuition Recovery Fund Fee and Disclosure: California Residents Only 15 Mission, Values, and Student Learning Outcomes 17 Administration 19 Academic Year, Holidays, Contact Information, Hours of Operation 20 Academic Freedom 24 Admissions 25 Undergraduate 25 Graduate 25 Enrollment Agreement 27 Student Status 27 Student Identity Verification Procedures 28 Transcripts Homeschooled Students 29 30 Transfer Credits International Students Maximum Allowable Transfer Credits Applying for Transfer Credits Other Important Transfer Information 31 31 31 32 33 Credit by Exam 34 Student Referral Bonus 36 Family Savings 36 Alumni Rewards Discount 36 3 Why an Education is Worth the Effort 37 Study Skills and How to Succeed in Distance Education 38 Beware of Dreambusters 38 They’re Really Just Paper Tigers 38 You Can Be an ‘A’ Student 39 Learning to Read at a College Level 40 Organizational Skills 42 Power Tips for Successful Study 43 Student’s Use of Rubrics and Answer Keys 44 Financial Concerns 46 Summary 46 Academic Information 47 Instructional Model Open Enrollment Model Term Enrollment Model 47 47 47 Course Load 48 Undergraduate Programs Undergraduate Certificate Associate Degree Bachelor’s Degree 48 48 48 48 Graduate Programs Graduate Certificate Master’s Degree 49 49 49 Enrollment Status 49 Transcripts and Grade Reports 50 Changing Program of Study 50 Class Level 50 Course Format 51 Account Access 52 Communication with Students 52 Textbooks and Shipments 52 Student Community 53 Academic Status 53 How to Calculate GPA 55 Classes and Assignments 55 End-of-Course Survey 56 Completion Time 56 4 Undergraduate Programs Graduate Programs Academic Policies 56 57 58 Academic Honesty Policy 58 Revocation of Degree/Certificate Policy 60 Grading Policy 61 Exam/Assignment Retake Policy 63 Conduct and Communications Policy 64 Student Affairs 65 Registrar 65 Academic Advising 65 Standards of Progress 65 Academic Dismissal 66 Administrative Cancellation 66 Transferring Ashworth College Credit to a Different Institution 67 Proctored Exams 68 Scholarships and Awards 71 Gary Keisling ACCESS Scholarship 71 DEAC Student of the Year Award 71 Delta Epsilon Tau International Honor Society 71 Learning Resource Center and Library Services 72 Technology Requirements 73 Tuition, Fees, and Payment Options 74 Tuition 74 Fees* 74 Payment Options 77 Collections Policy 78 Payment Methods 78 Re-enrollment 79 Refund Policy 80 Rights and Responsibilities Student Responsibilities 82 82 5 Maintenance and Confidentiality of Student Records Policy FERPA Policy – Student Right to Privacy Policy Grade Challenge Policy and Procedures Student Complaint Policy Student Complaint Right to Appeal Student Grievance Policy Non-Discrimination Policy Students with Disabilities Act Graduates from High School Special Needs Programs Graduation Policy Graduation Requirements Graduation Items Graduation with Honors Graduation Ceremony Ashworth Personalized Career Services 82 83 84 86 88 89 89 89 89 90 90 91 92 92 92 Faculty and Academic Advisors 93 Undergraduate Programs 114 Graduate Programs 184 Course Electives 208 6 Course Descriptions 199 Undergraduate Course Listing and Descriptions 199 Graduate Course Listing and Descriptions 242 Military Student Handbook 254 Term Enrollment and Academic Calendar 254 Course Registration 254 Course Structure 256 Attendance and Participation Policy – TEM Students 257 Exam/Assignment Retake Policy – TEM Students 257 Course Add/Drop/Withdrawal Policy – TEM Students 258 Refund Policy – TEM Students 259 Program Extension Policy 259 VA Notification 260 Contact Information 260 RN to BSN Student Handbook 261 Introduction 263 Accreditation 264 Madison School of Healthcare Nursing Advisory Board 264 *Co-Chairperson 264 RN-BSN Program Mission, Organizing Framework and Student Learning Outcomes 265 Admissions Admission Requirements Application and Enrollment Process International Student Nursing Admission Requirements Transcripts Student Status Maximum Allowable Transfer Credits Applying for Transfer Credits 273 273 273 273 274 274 275 275 Credit by Exam 275 Instructional Model 275 Academic Status 276 Completion Time 278 Course Retake Policy 278 Nursing Course Grade Challenge Policy and Procedures 279 Tuition, Fees, and Payment Options 279 Graduation Policy 279 7 Nursing Faculty Veterinary Technician 279 Student Handbook 283 Introduction 285 Accreditation 286 Veterinary Technician Advisory Board 287 Veterinary Technician Program Mission Statement, Description and Student Learning Outcomes 288 Veterinary Technician Requirements 289 Contact Information 293 Student Status 294 Transfer Credits Maximum Allowable Transfer Credits Applying for Transfer Credits 295 295 295 Credit by Exam 295 Instructional Model 295 Academic Status 296 Completion Time 297 Course Retake Policy 297 Veterinary Technician Course Grade Challenge Policy and Procedures 298 Tuition, Fees, and Payment Options 299 Animal Care and Use Policies 300 Student Safety 300 Student Health 301 Veterinary Technician Faculty 303 Intellectual Property 305 A Student’s Guide to Avoiding Plagiarism 307 8 Degree Catalog 2020 Introduction Message Greetings, Welcome to Ashworth College. Since 1987, we have been setting new standards of excellence in education and providing education “on your terms.” Today we are a respected, worldwide leader in self-guided distance learning. We bring the finest, most comprehensive instruction, in the most flexible way possible. Ashworth also offers a broader array of study options than other online schools by providing more careerfocused instruction and support, greater accessibility to teachers and academic advisors, more opportunities to connect with other students, more affordable tuition, and easier payment plans. Overall, you can look forward to a first-class educational experience that meets your highest expectations. It takes discipline to complete a degree or certificate program as a distance education student. For more than 25 years, Ashworth has been educating busy people like you. In fact, hundreds of thousands of students have entrusted us to help them achieve a better life. Stay focused and set a specific time to study on a regular basis and you will be able to achieve your desired degree or certificate. Your courses have been carefully prepared, using the finest textbooks and eBooks available. The faculty and staff at Ashworth College are exceptional in their fields and in developing and supporting distance learning programs. Please read this catalog carefully. It provides helpful study guidance and information on our policies and programs. As a reminder we must receive an official copy of your high school transcript (college transcripts for graduate students). We will also need your official college transcript if you plan to transfer any credits. Please act as soon as possible so you can continue to study uninterrupted. Let Ashworth College help you study smarter, advance faster, and reach your goals. Here's to your new life! Cordially, Frank Britt Chief Executive Officer Ashworth College 9 Degree Catalog 2020 History Since its founding in 1987, the Professional Career Development Institute (“PCDI”) has developed a large selection of distance-learning programs. The PCDI started as a career school that offered one career course. Early programs focused on vocational and avocational education pathways for students, with the school exceeding 50 career diploma programs today. James Madison High School (“JMHS”) was established in 1996 to assist students, who needed a flexible approach to earning a high school diploma. JMHS offers the curriculum needed for students to complete one to four years of high school, ultimately leading to a high school diploma. In 2000, the PCDI established Ashworth College to offer associate degree programs; in 2004 it offered master’s degree programs; and in 2007, it offered bachelor’s degree programs. In 2004, the PCDI purchased the Distance Education Company (“DEC”), which operated both the New York Institute of Photography and the New York Institute of Art and Design (formerly Sheffield School). In 2017, the DEC opened the New York Institute of Career Development The PCDI Canada division began in 2005. This division offers Ashworth career diploma programs and the JMHS general diploma program to Canadian students. In 2007, all schools under PCDI merged under the Ashworth College umbrella. Today, the College offers 2 high school programs, 17 career certificates, 53 career diplomas, 14 undergraduate certificates, 15 associate degrees, 10 bachelor’s degrees, 7 graduate certificates, and 10 master’s degrees. All Ashworth course and program offerings are accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (“DEAC”). The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency. The DEAC is also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or CHEA. In addition, James Madison High School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (“SACS CASI”) and AdvancED. Students can begin their high school education at JMHS and continue to pursue their career and college aspirations through flexible, affordable, and accredited distance education programs all through Ashworth College. 10 Degree Catalog 2020 Legal Governance Professional Career Development Institute, LLC (PCDI) owns and operates the three Ashworth schools: Ashworth College, Ashworth Career, and James Madison High School. PCDI Canada and Distance Education Company (DEC) are wholly owned subsidiaries of PCDI. In 2009, PCDI was acquired by Sterling Partners. In 2019, Penn Foster Education Group, Inc. acquired Sterling Partners’ ownership interest. PCDI Canada offers Ashworth’s career and high school programs in Canada. • Canadian Agent: Michael Scott DEC operates three schools: New York Institute of Photography, New York Institute of Art and Design (formerly Sheffield School), and New York Institute of Career Development. The Board of Directors comprises the following members: • Frank Britt • Thomas Blesso 11 Degree Catalog 2020 The Program Advisory Council is comprised of the following members: Program Advisory Council (PAC) Subject Area Allied Health Allied Health Allied Health Allied Health - Chair Name Regina Forbes Allied Health Carole Schanel Art and Design Cayla Hickman Graphic Designer, CH Graphics; Creative Manager, NC UPC Mark Ramel Barbara DiLorenzo Co-founder & Creative Director, Armchair Studio Art and Design Art and Design Business Business Business Ellie Halibozek Dr. Beth Markham R. Michael Schafer Lucy Alvarez Blanche Barfield Dr. Michael Hillyard Title Pearson, Sales Director, Private Sector Medical Billing and Coding Curriculum Developer Chief Nurse Administrator, Ashworth College President, EdPartners, LLC. Former ABHES Commissioner Educator and Program Director (Retired). Former ABHES Commissioner Owner & Designer, Wavepaint Design Retired Executive Chef Ashworth Graduate, Travel Agent Program Consultant, Accreditation and Higher Education Strategy Business Sue Jenkins Assistant Professor of Art, Marywood University; Creative Director, Luckychair.com Business Business Business Business Hilton Joseph Scott Katz YuQuan Holloway Christina Mathews Co-Owner and Manager, Cuban/Spanish Themed Restaurant Group Vice President, Learning Solutions, SunTrust Banks Principal, Holloway Consulting Group, LLC Catering Sales Manager, Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners Business Dawn Taccone ServSafe Instructor, California State University Ponoma and Wedding Planner/Caterer Business Daniel Taccone Sr. eCommmerce Manager, Hilton Hotels Criminal Justice/Legal Studies Criminal Justice/Legal Studies Criminal Justice/Legal Studies Criminal Justice/Legal Studies Paul Andrew Ed Johnson Lori Raupe Amanda Sanchoo Partner, Andrew, Merritt, Reilly & Smith, LLP Human Resources Manager, City of Duluth, Georgia CEO, Lori Raupe Enterprises Criminal Justice Faculty Lead, Ashworth College Criminal Justice/Legal Studies Kyle Sokol Senior Enterprise Risk Investigator, PSCU Early Childhood Education Deann Deloney Early Childhood Education Jocelyn Jones Adjunct Faculty, ECE, Ashworth. Director, Bright Horizons Adjunct Faculty, ECE. Professional Development Specialist, CDA Council Early Childhood Education Patricia Neal First Grade Teacher, ESOL Teacher K-5, Chesnut Elementary Early Childhood Education Chermain Tolbert Assistant Director, Bright Horizons Early Childhood Education Dr. Linda Travers Early Care and Education Specialist, Quality Care for Children and Adjunct Teacher, ECE, Georgia Piedmont Technical College Early Childhood Education Veronica Williams Principal, Chesnut Elementary School General Ed/Psychology General Ed/Psychology - Chair General Ed/Psychology General Ed/Psychology General Ed/Psychology General Ed/Psychology Marta Anderton Megan Bowen Thayne Conrad Lauren Finnegan Larryssa Harris Shannon McGurk English Department Chair, JMHS Principal, James Madison High School Enterprise Account Manager, McGraw-Hill Education Educator and Doctoral Intern in Psychology, Rutgers University Assistant Principal for Assessments, Dunwoody High School Director, Distance Learning, Carolina Biological Supply Co. 12 Degree Catalog 2020 Technology Technology Technology Technology Technology Michael Induni John McSwain Jim Casteel YuQuan Holloway Kevin Wadle General Manager, Atlanta Flooring Design Centers, Charlotte, NC Founder/CEO, base10 Software Senior Client Solutions Manager, Allscripts Corporation Principal , Holloway Consulting Group, LLC IT Project Leader, Wells' Dairy, Inc. Trades Trades Jerome Barnes Randy Purdue Faculty at Ashworth and Maintenance Manager, Novelex Owner, Quality Repair Service Trades Leonard L. Adams, Jr. President/CEO, Quest Community Development Organization Trades Mark Lord Energy Manager, Building Maintenance Department, Gwinnett Co Schools Trades Bob Helbing President, Air-Tro, Inc. Trades Allen Wine Owner, Legacy Locksmith Trades Trades Trades Samuel Folds Erica Pierson Carter White Corporate Health & Safety Manger, OnSite Services Management Consultant/Project Manager, ARCADIS Telecom Installer, Crosspoint Communications 13 Degree Catalog 2020 Accreditation and State Licensing National Accreditation Ashworth College is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). There are different types of accreditation; therefore, students seeking to use their Ashworth experience to transfer to another institution or apply for a job or license should confirm that DEAC accreditation will be accepted. Licensing, certification, training and other requirements vary by vocation and state. Students should check with their state, local government and/or licensing board to find out which requirements are applicable in their state. Distance Education Accrediting Commission 1101 17th Street, NW, Suite 808 Washington, DC 20036 202-234-5100 202-332-1386 (Fax) State Licensing Ashworth College is authorized by the State of Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission to offer instruction in career programs, and associate, bachelor’s, and master's degree programs. State of Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission 2082 East Exchange Place, Suite 220 Tucker, Georgia 30084-5305 770-414-3300 770-414-3309 (Fax) National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements Ashworth College is approved by Georgia to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. 14 Degree Catalog 2020 Student Tuition Recovery Fund Fee and Disclosure: California Residents Only The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic losses suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition. You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program. It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95833, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589. To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following: 1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved b...
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