College!Unbound! PolicyManual! - 1.cdn.edl.io · CollegeUnboundPolicyManual&v.1515516& &5 &! College!Unbound!Mission! Our mission is to reinvent higher education for underrepresented

College Unbound

Policy Manual

College Unbound Policy Manual v.1-‐15-‐16

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Mission/Guiding Beliefs ......................................................................................................................................... 5 Program Overview ................................................................................................................................................... 7 Academic Policies ............................................................................................................................................... 11 Liberal Studies Policy ........................................................................................................................................... 13 Admissions Statement ......................................................................................................................................... 15 Target Market .......................................................................................................................................................... 15 Student Profile ........................................................................................................................................................ 15 Requirements for Admission ............................................................................................................................ 15 Enrollment Process ............................................................................................................................................... 16 Transcripts ............................................................................................................................................................... 16 Transfer Credit ........................................................................................................................................................ 16 Prior Learning Assessment ............................................................................................................................... 17 Residency Requirement ...................................................................................................................................... 18 Conditional Acceptance ....................................................................................................................................... 18 Tuition and Fees ..................................................................................................................................................... 18 Refund Policies ....................................................................................................................................................... 18 Additional Conditions .......................................................................................................................................... 20 Grading System ....................................................................................................................................................... 21 Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) .............................................................................. 24 SAP Appeal Process .............................................................................................................................................. 25 Student Code of Conduct .................................................................................................................................... 26 Academic Honesty ................................................................................................................................................. 30 Student Complaint Process ............................................................................................................................... 31 Student Support Services/Disabling Conditions ...................................................................................... 34 Administrative Policies ................................................................................................................................... 39 College Unbound Board of Trustees Bylaws .............................................................................................. 41 Conflict of Interest ................................................................................................................................................. 53 Organizational Chart ............................................................................................................................................ 58 Shared Governance ............................................................................................................................................... 59 Faculty Designations ............................................................................................................................................ 71 Faculty Hiring Policies ......................................................................................................................................... 72 Academic Freedom Policy .................................................................................................................................. 73 Record Retention/Document Destruction .................................................................................................. 77 Whistleblower Policy ........................................................................................................................................... 80 Drug-‐Free Workplace Policy ............................................................................................................................. 83 Federal Title IV Student Financial Aid Compliance – Commissions/Incentives/Bonuses .... 85 Internal Controls 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College Unbound Mission Our mission is to reinvent higher education for underrepresented returning adult learners, using a model that is individualized, interest-based, project-driven, workplace-enhanced, cohort-supported, flexible, supportive, and affordable. Through rigorous and engaged scholarship, College Unbound integrates the students’ own purposes for learning with the needs of their workplaces and communities, improving the lives of the students and the lives of those they touch. As a degree completion college, College Unbound provides access, support through completion, and career placement, ensuring that students get in, stay in, and move forward. Guiding Principles 1) Learners come to CU with prior experiences, knowledge, and abilities which must be

recognized, honored, used, and credited. The multiple roles of these adult learners (workers, community members, partners, parents) are used as assets, not barriers. They are supported as scholar practitioners.

2) Curriculum begins with the student and builds from there. It must be personalized around the unique skills, knowledge, and needs of individuals—acknowledging that students have different goals and are at different places in their lives.

3) Learning in the world is multi-‐faceted and interdisciplinary; it is not broken into compartmentalized subject-‐matter packages. Content of disciplines is important as a means to an end, not an end in itself.

4) Learning means paying attention to how one knows as well as what one knows; paying attention to why it matters and where it can be applied.

5) Learning is a process powered by the learner and supported and stimulated by collaboration with others; social interaction empowers making meaning.

6) Learning is not a linear process; learners choose to access content at different times for different purposes, in different contexts. Arbitrary sequencing decisions may actually impede learning.

7) Adult learners have a strong preference for learning that is real—problem-‐centered or task-‐centered (with immediate application) rather than subject-‐centered.

8) Expertise exists in many places and forms; expertise accessed beyond the professor is encouraged and honored.

9) The workplace provides rich opportunities for learning; it provides space in which action and reflection can take place in a continuous cycle.

10) When assessment is shared between professors, academic advisors, workplace mentors, field experts, and peers, the learning is rigorous, relevant, and ongoing. When students open their work to public analysis, the learning increases.

11) Competence is not demonstrated through a single event; rather, a range of evidence in different contexts over time must be presented before judging competence.

12) Technology must be used to do more than deliver content; it must be used by students to discover, create, use, share, assess, discuss, manipulate and reshape content, and to connect with others.


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College Unbound Overview College Unbound is a high-‐tech/high-‐touch, competency-‐based degree-‐completion college. Students work both online and on-‐ ground in an interest-‐based, project-‐driven, cohort-‐supported, workplace-‐enhanced bachelor’s degree program. The college is the adult learning initiative of Big Picture Learning, a non-‐profit organization dedicated to a fundamental redesign of education in the United States. Big Picture Learning’s (BPL) vision is to catalyze vital changes in K-‐Adult education by generating and sustaining innovative, personalized learning environments that work in tandem with the real world of the student’s greater community. This vision is being realized with 20 years of success building and sustaining a network of over 100 high schools in 27 cities across the nation, as well as schools in Australia and the Netherlands. BPL launched College Unbound in 2009. It operates independent of its parent organization with its own 501c3. The College is designed for adult learners with some college credit but no degree. These adult learners began degree programs at some point but left higher education to start families, to begin careers, or simply because they could no longer afford the time and money required to stay in the program. They come to College Unbound already engaged in the rich curriculum of their lives, juggling competing demands on their time. They are involved in partnering, parenting, and living and working in a diverse, complex, and ever-‐changing society. At College Unbound, those experiences are considered assets and are the driving focus of their curriculum. Coursework is not separate from the student’s life, something they get to in the evenings after a full day at work when the kids have gone to bed. Instead, students are asked to weave credit-‐bearing experiences throughout the day and take advantage of the opportunities that each learning environment provides. We call our highly integrated way of doing things “unbound.” Without the usual restrictions, limitations, and boundaries, our students’ various responsibilities no longer compete against one another. Instead, adult learners at College Unbound find graduating with a college degree is much more possible—and they simultaneously gain the credentials, deep knowledge, and increased abilities that are meaningful to themselves and to the marketplace. With College Unbound’s support and integrated design, work more easily translates into college-‐level learning, time spent in seminars is fully relevant to students’ careers, and each student’s own goals are always the most important ones for how he or she will learn. High-‐Tech/High-‐Touch At College Unbound, students are engaged in learning both online and on the ground. College Unbound students are required to meet weekly with a Faculty Advisor, and weekly with a learning cohort. They use curated online courses and resources to develop their content knowledge and skills and also use online technologies to create, shape, share, and assess content. College Unbound's uses Digication’s E-‐portfolio and Assessment Management System (www.digication.com) as its Learning Management System (LMS)


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Digication's. This LMS provides access to CU faculty-‐designed courses and other resources, access to their learning cohort through discussions, and access for developing and maintaining a shared Personal Learning Plan. The LMS also provides space for students to develop and maintain ongoing e-‐portfolios of their work. Analytics allow instructors and college administrators to track student engagement and progress. College Unbound Program Description College Unbound facilitates a real-‐life curriculum built around projects which students design in connection to their work and interests. The development of Leadership and Change Habits of Practice and Mind and field specific knowledge and skills are interlaced through a combination of learning experiences, field studies, and in-‐depth work on projects with meaningful impact. At the center of these projects are the College Unbound Leadership and Change Habits of Practice and Mind (The Big 10), the skills identified as essential by employers and necessary for success in life.

-‐ Accountability -‐ Advocacy for Self and Others -‐ Collaboration -‐ Communication -‐ Creativity -‐ Critical Thinking -‐ Intercultural Engagement -‐ Problem Solving -‐ Reflection -‐ Resilience

In addition to The Big 10, the curriculum has been carefully designed around competencies identified and recognized as important within the Association of American Colleges and Universities Liberal Education and America’s Promise (LEAP) goals, the US Department of Labor’s competency models, and the Lumina Foundation Degree Qualifications Profile (DQP). College Unbound students engage in continual field study, examining their spheres of interest or professions through direct observation and face-‐to-‐face conversation with experts. Each real-‐world project requires research, interviewing and building relationships with content experts, and testing theories and ideas in ways that are meaningful to the student and beneficial to the community and/or organization. Courses are designed so that students are credited for demonstrating competence in the skills and knowledge necessary for personal development, career development, and community involvement. They demonstrate competence in their ability to select and apply appropriate theories and concepts to solve problems. Competency statements focus on application and process, requiring working knowledge of necessary content. A list of indicators follows each competency statement, allowing students to demonstrate competence in a variety of forms and contexts over time. The focus is not on seat time, but on learning. Regardless of their educational background prior to attending College


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Unbound, our graduates leave with high levels of competence in the skills necessary for lifelong learning and success. Academic Support Each student at College Unbound is supported by Course-‐Based Faculty and a Faculty Advisor, as well as a Personal Learning Network composed of peers, professional mentors, and field experts. They meet weekly with their Faculty Advisor in a one-‐on-‐one meeting and weekly with a learning cohort of their peers. They engage in discussion both virtually and face-‐to-‐face with course instructors, professional mentors and field experts as needed for project development, implementation, and assessment. Assessment of Student Work At CU, students are accustomed to a culture of evidence. Assessment is both formative and summative, with students being asked weekly to provide evidence that they are learning and meeting competencies. They make their thinking visible to peers and instructors in online discussion boards, giving and receiving feedback, and by posting assignments for peer and instructor evaluation. Students at CU also demonstrate competence by designing and implementing projects which integrate multiple competencies from different knowledge and skills areas. Project and competency progress are assessed in weekly meetings with a Faculty Advisor, in relation to course assignments evaluated by Course-‐Based Instructional Faculty, in Personal Learning Plan discussions with the student’s Personal Learning Network, and at exhibitions. Students complete a self-‐evaluation each semester, and receive evaluations from their Advising Faculy, Course-‐Based Instructional Faculty, and Professional Mentors. In addition, they receive verbal and written feedback at end-‐of-‐term learning exhibitions. Evaluations consider CU rubrics for The Big 10 Leadership and Change Habits of Practice and Mind as well as rubrics for course-‐specific competencies. Shared assessment is critical to student growth. Professional Mentors, Field Experts, and community members ensure that students are addressing real-‐world/industry standards. Course-‐Based Instructional Faculty play a key role, clarifying CU learning outcomes for courses and parameters for performance. Advising Faculty keep the student’s Personal Learning Plan front and center and assess progress toward key goals. Each member of the team contributes to painting an overall picture of student learning and performance.


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Academic Policies


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Liberal Studies Policy College Unbound is committed to preparing students to become lifelong learners. Our general education requirements ensure that students build the analytical and critical thinking skills and intellectual perspectives necessary to engage in ongoing action research that supports their goals. A minimum of 90 credits in the liberal arts is required in order to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree at College Unbound. 52 of these 90 credits are prescribed below. The remaining 38 credits are open for student further exploration in liberal arts areas of interest. College Unbound’s liberal arts requirements are in place to broaden student views of our increasingly global and diverse world. A foundation in liberal studies ensures that students: 1) Develop and demonstrate effective uses of language. 2) Develop mathematical and information literacy. 3) Develop an understanding of the natural sciences and their contributions to human culture.

4) Develop an understanding of human behavior, society, and culture. 5) Integrate knowledge at an advanced level. 6) Develop the skills for personal and professional research. 7) Develop the lifelong learning competencies that employers and life in a complex society demand:

-‐ Accountability -‐ Advocacy for Self and Others -‐ Collaboration -‐ Communication -‐ Creativity -‐ Critical Thinking -‐ Intercultural Engagement -‐ Problem Solving -‐ Reflection -‐ Resilience


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Admissions College Unbound seeks to serve all persons regardless of race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, national or ethnic origin, or disability in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies and employment policies as well as in the policies governing all programs that it offers or administers. Target Market While open to all students with a minimum of nine college credits, College Unbound seeks to serve underrepresented, low-‐income, adult learners with some college credit but no degree who are employed full-‐time in low wage jobs with little possibility of advancement. Our program is designed specifically for underrepresented, non-‐traditional, working adult learners who wish to advance in their current careers or move into new careers that improve their quality of life. Demographics of our current student body: Ethnicity Black 40% White (non-‐Hispanic) 29% Hispanic 25% Asian 1% Gender Female 60% Male 40% Income Pell Grant Eligible 80% Credits Upon Enrollment 9 – 29 20% 30 – 59 30% 60 – 89 40% 90+ 10% Requirements for Admissions The requirements for admission as a degree candidate are that the applicant:

• have a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent (e.g., G.E.D.). • has earned at least 9 college credits. The nine (9) credits required for admission

must include Composition 101 and demonstrate academic readiness. The Composition course must have been taken at an accredited college or university. Other credits may have been earned through an accredited college or university, through the armed services, by assessment of prior learning experiences, or by completing standardized college-‐level proficiency exams with an acceptable score.

• have a minimum 2.0 career (total) gpa, or have received notice of conditional acceptance.


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• be employed or willing to take on a 10 hour per week internship. • have basic computer skills. • have computer and internet access. • participate in an admissions interview.

Enrollment Process Prospective students are required to go through the following process:

1. Attend a College Unbound open house. 2. Request and gather official transcripts from high school and all colleges

attended. 3. Complete and submit an application/enrollment agreement with fee and

transcripts for review. 4. Participate in interview to examine program requirements and ensure fit. 5. Take writing and technology assessment. 6. Participate in second interview, if requested. 7. Meet with College Unbound Financial Planning advisor; apply for Financial Aid if

appropriate. 8. Receive acceptance. 9. Enroll and register.

Transcripts Once applicants are admitted to College Unbound and have confirmed their intent to enroll, they must send a complete set of academic credentials from all institutions attended by the enrollment deadline. Student records, including the academic transcript, are protected by the FERPA privacy act. Only the student may request a copy of his or her academic record. Family or friends are not permitted access to student records without the written consent of the student. Only College Unbound transcripts may be requested or released. Transcripts and documents from other institutions are the property of College Unbound, and, as such, are under the control of the Office of the Registrar. Under federal policy, a student has the right to view the documents in his or her file; the College is not required to provide (or allow the making of) copies of these documents. Transcripts submitted to College Unbound for admission or credit transfer become the property of the College and cannot be returned to the student or forwarded to other institutions. Accepting Transfer Credit College Unbound accepts transfer credit from regionally accredited institutions of higher education and from recognized candidates for accreditation. Students who have attended non-‐regionally accredited institutions of higher education may request that their coursework be evaluated for transfer credit. Credit will be evaluated on a case-‐by-‐case basis, and students may be asked to provide course descriptions and/or syllabi to assist in evaluating the coursework.


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Equivalent Programs College Unbound awards transfer credits for those courses that are applicable to degree requirements. Once a course has been accepted for transfer credit, it is evaluated to determine whether it will be placed as a direct equivalent or an elective. Courses that are designed to give students the necessary background for college-‐level work are not accepted for transfer credit. Examples of remedial courses include basic writing skills, pre-‐algebra, and English as a Second Language (ESL). Non-‐Semester Hour Based Transfer Credit College Unbound will award transfer credit for courses completed on other credit systems (quarter-‐hour, unit-‐based, etc.) as long as the requirements listed above are met. Courses from other systems will be converted to their semester-‐hour equivalent during the transfer credit evaluation process. GPA Requirement College Unbound awards credit for those courses in which a passing grade was earned. When the grade earned was at least C, transfer credits may be accepted for courses that apply to the student's curriculum and do not duplicate other courses for which credit has been awarded. It is important to remember that specific courses and credit hours transfer, course grades and quality points do not. Credit by Exam College Unbound may award credit by examination, provided there is no duplication of other academic credit, and the scores presented meet CU standards. Vocational and Technical Credit Vocational and technical credit from approved institutions or American Council on Education-‐approved organizations, when applicable, may be accepted as elective credit only. Credit for Prior Learning College Unbound may award college credit for knowledge and skills acquired outside the classroom. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) may be accomplished through standardized tests, course challenge examinations or demonstration of competency through portfolio. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) may be awarded upon the recommendation of appropriately qualified College Unbound faculty. Transfer Credit Evaluation Appeals Students requesting an appeal should be prepared to provide additional information (including course descriptions and/or syllabi) to assist in re-‐examining the course. Appeal request must be submitted in writing within the student’s first term of enrollment.


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Residency Requirement To earn a bachelor degree students must successfully complete 120 units minimum of course work and satisfy all College Unbound requirements. A student must complete a minimum of 30 undergraduate credit hours at College Unbound in order to earn a bachelor degree. The following forms of credit may not be used to fulfill the residency requirement: transfer credit; proficiency exam and credit for prior learning.

Conditional Acceptance A student who is accepted into the College with less than a 2.0 career (total) GPA will be placed on a type of academic probation called conditional acceptance. The student will have one semester or twelve (12) credits to earn a 2.0 career GPA, or he/she will be dismissed from the College. A student who is placed on conditional acceptance probation will be allowed to take a maximum of six (6) credits during his/her first semester. If the student earns a semester GPA of 2.0 or higher during the first semester of conditional acceptance, the student is then eligible to take more than six (6) credits of course work in the following semester. Graduation Requirements 1) Complete all requirements for program of study, maintaining satisfactory academic progress, 2) Return all property belonging to College Unbound, and 3) Fulfill all financial obligations to College Unbound prior to graduation and attend exit interviews. Tuition and Fees Application Fee = $100 This fee covers admissions and advising staff resources necessary to serve students. Course Tuition = $330 per credit Most College Unbound students enroll in two 15-‐credit semesters per year, making their yearly tuition $9,900. Refund Policies Application Fee An Application Fee of $100.00 is required at the time of enrollment to secure your spot. The fee is refundable for first-‐term students and only if cancellation of enrollment is received by College Unbound seven days prior to the start of the term. If eligible, the refund will be processed within 30 days upon receipt of the cancellation notice. Applicants not accepted by College Unbound shall be entitled to a refund of all monies paid. The current tuition will be $330 per credit hour. The tuition per credit hour is subject to change. Tuition and fees are subject to change with 30 days of notice.


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CANCELLATION OF ENROLLMENT AGREEMENT: You may cancel your Enrollment Agreement without any penalty or obligation if requested in writing and delivered to College Unbound management within three business days after signing the agreement. NOTICE TO STUDENTS: If you withdraw from College Unbound up through the 60 percent point in any payment period and received federal financial aid in the form of grant or loan funds, federal law requires that College Unbound, and in some cases, you, the student, return funds you did not earn to the U.S. Department of Education. The amount of federal financial aid that you have earned is computed by (1) determining the percentage of the payment period for which federal financial aid was awarded and completed, and (2) multiplying such percentage by the total amount of federal financial aid that was, or could have been, disbursed on your behalf for the payment period as of the date you withdrew. After the 60 percent point in the payment period, you will have earned 100 percent of the federal financial aid funds already disbursed to you. This calculation concerning federal financial aid is separate and distinct from the institutional refund policy and may result in your owing additional funds to College Unbound to cover tuition charges previously paid by federal financial aid prior to your withdrawal. If you plan to withdraw from College Unbound, please contact the financial aid office to determine the amount of funds, if any, that must be retuned on your behalf. WITHDRAWAL AFTER COMMENCEMENT OF CLASSES: The effective withdrawal date for a student shall be when any of the following occur: 1) The date the student notifies College Unbound of withdrawal or the date of withdrawal, whichever is earlier. 2) The beginning date of any term in which a student fails to start classes. 3) The first business day following any 21 consecutive calendar days of absences (excluding scheduled breaks). 4) The date when College Unbound terminates the student’s enrollment, or 5) The date that the student is scheduled to return from a leave of absence and fails to do so. All refunds due will be made within 30 days of the student’s effective withdrawal date. The last date of actual participation is used in calculating any refund amount. Students who are continuing or restarting their enrollment at College Unbound are subject to the College Unbound Refund Policy. Under this policy, the percentages of refundable charges are as follows: Students Withdrawing Refund Prior to the first day of the term 100% Tuition During the first 6 calendar days of the first term 100% Tuition During the first day through 10% of the term 90% Tuition* After more than 10% and through 25% of the term 50% Tuition* After more than 25% and through 50% of the term 25% Tuition* After more than 50% and through 100% of the term 0% Tuition *Less $100 Administrative Fee


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In case of prolonged illness, accident, death in the family, or other circumstances that make it impractical to complete the program, a refund that is reasonable and fair to both parties shall be made. Additional Conditions 1) College Unbound will not deny admission because of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, nondisqualifying disability, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or veteran status. 2) This agreement, its addenda, and its attachments constitute the complete agreement between College Unbound and the student, and no verbal statements or promises will be recognized or enforced. 3) College Unbound does not imply, promise, or guarantee transferability of earned credits to any other institution. 4) College Unbound has the right, at its discretion, to make reasonable changes in program content, materials, schedules, sequence of courses, or locations in the interest of improving the student’s education, or where deemed necessary due to industry changes, academic scheduling, or professional requirements. College Unbound is required to make changes in programs or policies when ongoing federal, state, or accrediting changes affect students currently in attendance. 5) College Unbound does not provide health services for students.


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Grading System Any student taking courses from College Unbound are subject to the following grading policies. Instructors will use the following grading system:

A, A-‐, B+, B, B-‐, C+, C, C-‐, D+, D, F The instructor must explain the grading system in the course syllabus, and must apply it to all the students in the class. Grade-‐point average (GPA) All letter grades are assigned a grade point value according to the following table. Grade Grade Points for Each Semester Hour A (Superior) 4.00 A-‐ 3.67 B+ 3.33 B (Above Average) 3.00 B-‐ 2.67 C+ 2.33 C (Average) 2.00 C-‐ 1.67 D+ 1.33 D (Below Average) 1.00 F (Failing) 0 *FX (Administrative Fail) 0 *The instructor in lieu of a grade of F assigns FX (Administrative Fail) when a student never attended or ceased attending the class, rendering an assessment of academic performance impossible. Instructors will be asked to provide the last date of attendance. The following grades may appear on your transcript or permanent record; however, they will not affect your grade-‐point average. AUS Audit Successful AUU Audit Unsuccessful IP In Progress N Nonpass P Pass The following marks may also appear on your transcript or permanent record. They are not grades, and (except for the second-‐grade-‐only option) will not affect your grade-‐point average. I Incomplete O No grade reported You can calculate your grade-‐point average by dividing the total number of grade points you have earned by the total number of credit hours you have taken, excluding courses


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with grades of AUS, AUU, IP, N, P, or marks of I, O. For example, if you are a first-‐year student who has completed the following coursework and earned the following grades—

• English 102 (3 s.h.): A • Gateway (3 s.h.): B • Intro to IOC (3 s.h.): A • Workplace Lab I (3 s.h.): C-‐

—your total number of grade points would equal 39, because (4 x 3) + (3.00 x 3) + (4.00 x 3) + (1.67 x 3) = 38. Your GPA would be 3.2, because 38 ÷ 12 = 3.2. In other words: for each course you’ve taken, multiply the appropriate grade points you earned by the number of semester hours in each course, then add up all the grade points you’ve earned to date, and then divide this by the number of semester hours you’ve taken to date. Mid-‐Semester Reports Halfway through the semester, College Unbound requires instructors to report grades for students whose work is below C-‐. These reports are sent to the Office of the Registrar, which distributes them to the individual students and their advisors. These grades are not recorded on the students’ permanent records. Audit Successful/Audit Unsuccessful (AUS/AUU) If you audit a course (i.e., take a course normally offered for credit for zero credit), you will receive a “grade” of “AUS” (Audit Successful) or “AUU.” (Audit Unsuccessful). In Progress (IP) The mark of IP is used to denote a course in progress. Pass/Nonpass grading option (P/N) Students have the option of taking elective courses P/N (Pass/Nonpass) with the permission of the course instructor and/or the department offering the course. You may register for the P/N grading option beginning the first day of classes up to the last day for undergraduates to add a course (date listed on the Registrar’s Academic Deadlines calendar). To take a class P/N, first ask the course instructor if he/she allows P/N grading. Then, print a grade option form and have both your academic advisor and the course instructor sign it. Submit the completed form to the Registrar’s Office before the published deadline. You may not change your P/N registration after the deadline. P/N course policies: You may request P/N grading only in courses you are using as electives, so:

• You may not use courses taken P/N to satisfy General Education Program requirements. • You may not use courses taken P/N to satisfy a major, minor, or certificate requirements.


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• Instructors and/or departments may deny students the option to register P/N for any course.

• Hours of P/N coursework are not used in computing GPAs. Hours of coursework graded P count toward graduation, but hours of coursework graded N do not.

• The College accepts a maximum of 15 s.h. of P credit from College Unbound toward the bachelor's degree, and a maximum of 30 s.h. of P and S grades from all sources (CU as well as transfer work) toward the bachelor's degree.

Incomplete (I) A student unable to finish a course may ask an instructor for a mark of I (Incomplete). Course instructors may approve or deny a student's request. You may be granted a mark of “Incomplete” only if • you have finished 2/3 of the coursework (exceptions may be made for research, thesis, or

independent study courses), and • you have an reason acceptable to the instructor for not completing the course, and • your standing in the course is satisfactory. Students cannot graduate with an “I” mark on their record. They must either complete the course for a passing grade, or allow the Incomplete to lapse to an “F.” To complete an “incomplete” course, first consult with your instructor about the due date for the remaining work and to make sure you understand all the course requirements. You must then complete the unfinished portion of the work, and your instructor must submit a final grade for you, by following the Registrar’s change-‐of-‐grade procedure. This grade change must be submitted on or before grades are due for the subsequent spring or fall semester. (Since the summer and winter sessions are not technically semesters, a student with an Incomplete from the spring semester is exempt from completing the work during the subsequent summer session; a student with an Incomplete from the fall is exempt from completing the work during that winter session.) If the grade change is not submitted by this deadline, the "I" will automatically convert to an "F" (or "U"), even if you do not enroll afterward. If warranted, the instructor may submit a grade change after the "I" has become an "F" or "U."


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Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for Financial Aid Grade Point Average Students must maintain a cumulative minimum grade point average of 2.0 each semester. Pace Students must successfully complete 67% of the cumulative attempted credit hours each year. Attempted hours are determined by the number of credit hours registered for at the end of the sixth day of the semester. Successful grade completions are: A, B, C, D, P Unsuccessful grade completions are: F, W, INC If students repeat a course, both grades will appear on the academic record, and the most recent grade will be used to calculate the grade point average. Attempted Credits Required Completion Rate

12 8 credits 15 10 credits 18 12 credits 21 14 credits 24 16 credits 27 18 credits 30 20 credits

Evaluation of Progress At the end of each term attended, academic progress will be evaluated based upon the standards above. Students who fail to meet any of the standards of academic progress will receive a notification letter from College Unbound. Consequences for Failure to Meet SAP After the first term in which Standards of Academic Progress are not met, students are placed on financial aid warning for one subsequent term. During the warning period, they remain eligible for federal financial aid. College Unbound requires that students in financial aid warning status meet with their Faculty Advisor and submit a plan for meeting their educational goals. After the second term in which Standards of Academic Progress are not met, students become ineligible for federal financial aid. In order to regain federal financial aid eligibility, students must pay for classes out-‐of-‐pocket until they reach the 67% completion rate and an appropriate cumulative GPA.


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SAP Appeal Process Students with unusual or mitigating circumstances may submit an appeal requesting to continue to receive federal financial aid. Mitigating circumstances must be documented and approved by the Standards of Academic Progress Appeal Committee. The appeal must be submitted by the last day to register in the term in which the student is applying for continued federal financial aid. If federal financial aid is reinstated as a result of the appeals process, the student is placed on probation for one term. During the probationary period the student must complete all registered courses and achieve the required grade point average to remain eligible to receive federal financial aid. Once the student is at a 67% completion rate for all attempted courses and a qualifying grade point average, good standing is reinstated. Appeal Procedure

STEP ONE: Complete the Standards of Academic Progress Appeal form and submit it to the Financial Aid Office along with an explanation and documentation of the reasons for failing to comply with the stated academic standards. The explanation must include improvements made to ensure future academic success.

STEP TWO: The Standards of Academic Progress Appeal Committee will review the appeal and render a decision.

STEP THREE: The student will receive the written decision of the Academic Progress Appeal Committee within ten business days of the committee meeting. The decision of the Standards of Academic Progress Appeal Committee is final.


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Student Code of Conduct The purpose of the Student Code of Conduct and the Conduct Review Process that supports it is to help the college maintain a safe, healthy and positive learning community and online environment for living, learning and working where individuals act lawfully and in compliance with college policies and rules, and act with honesty, integrity, civility and respect for themselves and others and for the college community and the communities in which we live. Any behavior that is inconsistent with these goals, whether on campus or off, is prohibited and constitutes a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. For purposes of the Student Code of Conduct and the Conduct Review Process only, any person subject to the Student Code of Conduct will be referred to as a "student" regardless of whether the person is registered for classes. Additionally, during the Conduct Review Process, the person making the complaint will be referred to as the "Complainant," and the student responding to the complaint will be referred to as the "Respondent." Conduct that violates the Student Code of Conduct includes: 1. Harming or Endangering Yourself or Others a. Use of physical force or violence b. Threatened use of physical force or violence c. Dating violence or domestic violence d. Fighting (physical or verbal) e. Endangering or threatening the health or safety of oneself or another person f. Intentional possession of a dangerous article or substance that may be used to injure

or cause discomfort to any person g. Possession or use of firearms or other weapons, ammunition, BB guns, air guns,

airsoft guns, fireworks, incendiary devices, explosives or other items that resemble a firearm or weapon

h. Initiating or circulating a report or warning of an impending bombing, fire or other crime, emergency, or catastrophe, knowing that the report is false

i. Intentionally or recklessly starting a fire j. Misuse of or tampering with fire safety equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, smoke

detectors, exit signs and pull stations) k. Aiding, abetting, encouraging, or participating in a riot, commotion, or disturbance,

or other disorderly conduct If Student Conduct assigns a charge of dating violence or domestic violence, the College is required by law to inform the Complainant in the matter of the outcome of the Conduct Review Process. 2. Bias and Harassment a. Any Student Code of Conduct violation against another person committed with bias,

hatred, or animus based on the person’s actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, pregnancy, marital status, or


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any other category protected by law b. Harassment or the creation of a hostile environment based on race, religion, color,

national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, pregnancy, marital status, or any other category protected by law

c. Physical, verbal, nonverbal, written, electronic, or technological harassment of another person, including harassment on social networking sites and other online forums

d. Stalking e. Intimidation f. Bullying If Student Conduct assigns the charge of stalking, the College is required by law to inform the Complainant in the matter of the outcome of the Conduct Review Process. 3. Sexual Misconduct a. Sexual assault (any nonconsensual oral, vaginal or anal sex or any other

nonconsensual penetration of the genital or anal opening, however slight, by any part of a person’s body or by any object, including instructing an individual to penetrate his/her own genital or anal opening, or engage in oral sex, against his/her will)

b. Other unlawful sexual activity c. Sexual harassment d. Lewd, indecent, or obscene behavior If Student Conduct assigns a charge of sexual assault, other unlawful sexual activity or sexual harassment, the college is required by law to inform the Complainant in the matter of the outcome of the Conduct Review Process. 4. Drugs a. Possession of drug paraphernalia (such as bongs, scales, or pipes) b. The actual or intended purchase, possession or use of illegal drugs, narcotics or

controlled substances c. The actual or intended sale, distribution, cultivation or manufacture of illegal drugs,

narcotics, controlled substances or prescription drugs A finding of responsibility for intended or actual sale or distribution can be based on the mere presence of a distributable quantity of illegal drugs, narcotics, controlled substances or prescription drugs, or the presence of paraphernalia used for the sale or distribution of illegal drugs, narcotics, controlled substances or prescription drugs. Students can be found responsible for a drug violation based on the presence of residue or paraphernalia alone. The College may inform local police of illegal drug violations.


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5. Alcohol a. Possession or use of alcohol anywhere on college property, except for legal use at

events, operations, programs, premises or facilities sanctioned by the college 6. Theft and Abuse of Property a. Actual or intended theft or unauthorized use or possession of the resources, property

or services of College Unbound or of another person, business or government b. Unauthorized use of the College’s name, logo or seal c. Unauthorized use of ATM cards, cell phones, credit cards, checks, long distance

accounts, identification cards, key combinations, passwords, PIN numbers or other property, equipment, or accounts belonging to the college or another person, business or government

d. Possession or use of resources, property, or services, which the student knows or should know have been stolen

e. Unauthorized entry (including forcible entry), use, presence in, or occupancy of any premises or facilities

f. Vandalism g. Reckless damage to or destruction of college property or the property of others It is the College’s practice to cooperate with local, state and federal law enforcement authorities in their investigation of theft, identify theft, computer/Internet crimes and other similar crimes, including providing copies of incident reports and other evidence to these authorities. 7. Failure to Comply and Interference a. Failure to comply with the directions of a college representative acting in the

performance of his/her duties b. Failure to participate in the college’s Conduct Review Process c. Failure to comply with any college policy or rule d. Failure to evacuate any building in which a fire or other emergency alarm has been

sounded or when directed to evacuate by a college representative e. Failure to comply with any or all sanctions imposed under the Student Conduct

Review Process by the dates specified f. Failure to pay restitution as required by the college for damage to college property

(both real and personal) g. Failure to present a student identification card upon request from a college

representative h. Interference with college personnel carrying out their duties or other college

business i. Interference with any member of the college community in the pursuit of the college’s

mission or purposes j. Actions which obstruct, disrupt or physically interfere with the use of the college’s

equipment (including safety and security equipment), premises, buildings, rooms or passages

k. Retaliation against any individual who has made a good faith complaint against another individual or who has participated in the Conduct Review Process.


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If a student violates a No Contact Order or the directions of a college representative to avoid another person, the student will be charged with a violation of the Student Code of Conduct for failure to comply, and may be interimly suspended until the completion of the Conduct Review Process. 8. Dishonesty a. Academic dishonesty, including, but not limited to, cheating, plagiarism and

unauthorized collaboration b. Knowingly furnishing false information c. Forgery, alteration, or unauthorized use of student or college documents, records,

identification, passwords, library materials or property d. Misrepresentation, fraud or deceit e. Possession or use of falsified forms of identification f. Knowingly bringing a false complaint against another person g. Falsification, distortion or misrepresentation of information before a panel or hearing

officer in the Conduct Review Process 9. Other Prohibited Conduct a. Illegal gambling, wagering, betting, or bookmaking b. Gathering for the purpose of inciting, participating in, or encouraging a disturbance of

the peace c. Unauthorized operation of a business on college property or using college resources e. Disorderly conduct f. Behavior that would offend or frighten a reasonable person g. Conduct that interferes with student learning or with the mission of the college h. Conduct that adversely affects the security of the college community, local residents

or property, the name of the college, or the integrity of the educational process i. Any conduct by a guest of a student that violates college rules or policies including

the Student Code of Conduct (Note: Students are responsible for the behavior of their guests and must accompany their guests at all times).


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Academic Honesty 1. College Unbound believes that the respect for ideas and intellectual property rights is a critical value in academic communities. All members of the College Unbound community share responsibility in ensuring that the authentic expression of those ideas is observed.

2. The expression of authentic ideas is observed when (a) a person credits or documents the use of the unique ideas or words of another (in speech or in writing), and (b) a person refuses to submit or assist someone else in submitting work prepared by another.

3. All assignments submitted and all assessments taken by a student shall be solely performed by the student, except where assessment protocol indicates that the student may work with another or others.

4. Students may not submit work that is plagiarized (representing the work of another as one’s own) or that otherwise violates the copyright laws of the United States of America.

5. Cheating is also a violation of this policy. Cheating is defined as taking unfair advantage for the purpose of completing assignments, assessments, or related activities.

6. Alleged violations of College Unbound’s policy on Academic Honesty are reviewed and initially adjudicated by Assessment Staff. The following guidelines are employed: • When it appears that plagiarism was due to a "lack of skill" (30-‐50% plagiarized,

citations inconsistent), an email is sent to the student’s Faculty Advisor asking them to make sure the student understands all the rules that apply to plagiarism.

• A caution is given at a first offense when there is less than 75% quoted material, and citations are present but not consistent, or three minor offenses have been received from that student.

• A warning is given at a first offense when there is greater than 75%, or none of the quoted material is cited.

• A probation notice is given after a second offense. • The case is referred to the Academic Standards Committee if there is another

occurrence.

7. The Academic Standards Committee may choose to continue the student on probation or suspend the student. Suspension must be for a minimum of six months and requires application for readmission. Any subsequent violation of Academic Honesty for students previously on suspension results in permanent dismissal from College Unbound. The Committee may make other reasonable requirements of the student such as participating in a writing course or a plagiarism remediation program. The judgments of the Academic Standards Committee may be appealed to the Provost, whose decisions are final in these matters.

8. The Academic Standards Committee consists of an experienced mentor from each academic area. The members select a chair from among their members. Members are appointed by the appropriate Director/Dean and serve open ended terms.


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College Unbound Complaint Process

Recommended Details for Complaints A complaint should contain the Complainant’s contact information, including name, address, telephone number, and email address and specify whether the complainant is a prospective, current, or former student. Complaints should contain as much detail as possible, including the names of individuals involved, dates, supporting documentation, and requested solution. Internal Complaint Process College Unbound recommends that students and prospective students first file complaints internally before resolution is sought from College Unbound’s state licensing entity or accreditor. Internal complaints may be filed with College Unbound administrators referenced below. Prospective Student Complaints College Unbound prospective students may report all complaints to the College Unbound Director of Admissions, 325 Public Street, Providence, RI 02905. College Unbound Student Complaints College Unbound students may report complaints to the applicable Vice President, Dean, or department head having jurisdiction over the matter. For example, academic matters may be reported to the Dean of the applicable school and student matters may be reported to the Provost. Contact information for Vice presidents, Deans, and department heads is located on College Unbound’s website (http://www.collegeunbound.org). If matters are not resolved internally, students may follow the procedures recommended by the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education for institutions authorized to operate in the state.

Rhode Island Board of Governors’ Student Complaint Procedure Actual policy may be accessed at: http://www.ribghe.org/pdfs/BOGStudentComplaintProcessII011012.pdf Provided In Response to U.S. Department of Education Final Rules Published October 29, 2010, regarding Program Integrity issues. Summary of Program Integrity Rules The United States Department of Education Regulation 34 CFR 600.9, the “Program Integrity Rule,” as part of its State authorization provisions, requires states to provide a process for students to file complaints relating to programs offered by postsecondary educational institutions authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. The specific types of complaints covered by these regulations are:

• Allegations of state consumer protection violations, including, but not limited to fraud and false advertising;


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• Allegations that state laws or rules addressing the licensure of postsecondary institutions have been violated; and

• Allegations regarding the quality of education or other accreditation requirements. In compliance with the Federal Program Integrity Rule, the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education, the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and the Community College of Rhode Island have listed the following alternatives for individuals who wish to submit complaints regarding URI, RIC and CCRI, as well as the other institutions that are under the jurisdiction of the Board of Governors. It is expected that any student complaint will be first filed in accordance with any student complaint procedures currently in place at the student’s institution before resolution is sought from the Board’s Office of Higher Education or the institution’s accreditation body. In the absence of a specific procedure, a student’s complaint should be filed with the institution’s President. Recommended Content of the Complaint Initial complaints should include the complainant’s full name, address, and contact information, including e-‐mail address and telephone number. Complaints should specify enrollment status-‐ whether the student is a current, former or prospective student; and they should be specific in describing the nature of the complaint and relevant information: the name of the parties involved, including witnesses, dates, the name of the institution, the policy or procedure violated (if known), and contact information. Any supporting material that substantiates the complaint should also be included. For complaints alleging consumer fraud, false advertising, and deceptive trade practices: Commissioner of Higher Education RI Office of Higher Education 80 Washington Street, Suite 524 Providence, Rhode Island 02903 Written complaints and supporting documentation should be filed with the Commissioner of Higher Education at the Rhode Island Office of Higher Education, and they will be reviewed accordingly. In addition, students or other individuals with complaints involving an allegation of criminal activity will be referred to their local police department, or the Rhode Island State Police. For complaints regarding state licensing of postsecondary institutions: Commissioner of Higher Education RI Office of Higher Education 80 Washington Street, Suite 524 Providence, Rhode Island 02903 Written complaints and supporting documentation should be filed with the Commissioner of Higher Education at the Rhode Island Office of Higher Education, and they will be reviewed accordingly.


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For complaints relating to quality of education or accreditation requirements: Commissioner of Higher Education RI Office of Higher Education 80 Washington Street, Suite 524 Providence, Rhode Island 02903 Written complaints and supporting documentation should be filed with the Commissioner of Higher Education at the Rhode Island Office of Higher Education, and they will be reviewed accordingly. Complaints involving quality or accreditation requirements may also be filed directly with: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Commission on Institutions of Higher Education 209 Burlington Road, Suite 201 Bedford, Massachusetts 01730 (781)541-‐5413 http://cihe.neasc.org/information for the public/comments amp complaints In addition, complaints involving programs at the institutions that are accredited by a specific accrediting entity may be filed with that accrediting entity. Before submitting a complaint, a student is encouraged to try to address and reconcile his/her complaint by meeting with the appropriate official(s) at their institution, or by initiating a review through the school’s internal dispute resolution/complaint process and/or academic grievance procedure. All students and /or third party individuals who file the above and other types of complaints with the Office of Higher Education will be initially directed to follow the school’s internal complaint procedure. If that procedure fails to resolve the complaint, the Office of Higher Education will then refer student and/or third party individuals with complaints related to federal or state laws or regulations to the appropriate federal or state agency. In addition, students or other individuals with complaints involving an allegation of criminal and/or illegal activity will be referred to their local police department, or the Rhode Island State Police. Complaints involving allegations of discrimination will be referred to the institution’s Affirmative Action Office and /or the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights (or the applicable federal EEOC office).


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Student Support Services/Disabling Conditions College Unbound provides accommodations and supports to students with disabling conditions. All on ground facilities are physically and socially accessible and staff are creative about accommodations that make it possible for students to achieve their academic goals. Students who wish to request reasonable accommodations must schedule an appointment with their Faculty Advisor and present documentation of a disability diagnosed by a an appropriate practitioner (e.g., Neuropsychologist or Clinical Psychologist, Neurologist, Psychiatrist, Audiologist, Otolaryngologist, School Psychologist, Social Worker – LICSW, Speech Language Clinician, Optometrist, Ophthalmologist). In addition to agreed upon accommodations, College Unbound offers on-‐ground and e-‐ tutoring for math, writing, and other subjects, and a weekly on-‐ground writing lab is open to all students. Academic Accommodations Appeal Procedures Appeals for Academic Accommodations (such as but not limited to exams, courses, degree programs, degree requirements):

• A College Unbound member or a student may request a review of an accommodation decision.

• The request for review is to be submitted to the student’s Faculty Advisor who will liaise with Student Support Services.

• Student Support personnel will attempt to facilitate a mutually acceptable accommodation agreement by discussion with the student, the professor, and other staff as needed.

• If no acceptable agreement can be reached, the request for reconsideration will be forwarded to the Provost for Academic Affairs.

• The Provost will review the information received, request additional information if necessary, and make a final decision. The Provost will transmit a decision to the student, the College Unbound member and Student Support Services.

Bias, Discrimination, Or Harassment Any student who is disturbed by or who experiences incidents of Bias, Discrimination or Harassment may avail themselves of supports and resources for assistance from the Provost’s office. General Policies Inconsistencies With Other Institutions of Higher Education The Americans with Disabilities Act provides the premise upon which equal access to education is based. The document does not attempt to provide specific guidance for equal access. It is the policy of College Unbound, in discussion with students regarding accommodations, to take into consideration the accommodations provided by the students previous institution. However, College Unbound retains the right to make decisions based on its own policies, curriculum guidelines, and procedures; College Unbound is not


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obligated to provide the same or similar accommodations, as did another institution. Accommodations are made case-‐by-‐case, in accordance with official documentation, taking into consideration both reasonableness and appropriateness of the request. When accommodations previously provided by another institution conflict with those provided by College Unbound, the latter will take precedence. Emergencies and Crisis Management: Non-‐Traditional Circumstances Student Support Services relies heavily on the concept of thorough and adequate documentation that is prepared by a qualified, appropriate, and licensed professional. In addition, the recent date of the documentation and the rationale to support the need for accommodations is key to establishing adequacy of the documentation. However, in emergency and crisis management situations and in non-‐traditional circumstances the professional staff of Student Support Services will use their discretion in allowing flexibility in the standard protocol described in the working policy document. All such decisions made under these conditions are reviewed as soon as possible after the emergency situation subsides. Students with disabilities are partners in their own academic success. They respond to the same expectations and assume the same responsibilities as their non-‐disabled peers, albeit WITH the support of Student Support Services and reasonable accommodations. Persons with disabilities are assured reasonable access to programs, opportunities, and activities at College Unbound that is equal to the access afforded non-‐disabled persons. Inclusion of persons with disability in all aspects of life at College Unbound will benefit the community and improve the quality of life within College Unbound community. Therefore, accessibility beyond the minimum requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act/Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, is the standard. Disability is a concern of cultural diversity/equal opportunity, therefore accessibility is a community concern. Achieving full participation and integration of people with disabilities requires the cooperative efforts and responsibility of all College Unbound’s departments, offices, and personnel. Colleagues from diverse areas of expertise collaborate to create an accessible environment. To this end, College Unbound will continue to strive to achieve excellence in its services and to assure that its services are delivered equitably and efficiently to all of its members. Student Rights and Responsibilities Rights:

• Nondiscrimination. Equal access. • Individualized Assessments • Right to not disclose specific disability to faculty. (Confidentiality) • Effective academic adjustments/aids

Responsibilities: • Request “reasonable” modification. • Meet eligibility standard for qualified status. • Provide necessary information to Disability Services to obtain Accommodation Letter.


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• Present Accommodation Letter to faculty for signatures. • Make best effort to demonstrate mastery of course material.

(Source: Educating Students with Disabilities: A Shared Responsibility – NASPA 1995) Faculty Rights and Responsibilities Rights:

• Determine content of each course, and how it is taught. • Decide how to best instruct students and assess student learning. • Consult with knowledgeable professionals on methods to accommodate learning

needs of students with disabilities. • Receive notice of accommodation needs, with reasonable advance notice. • Maintain academic standards of courses. • Question and negotiate specific accommodations to ensure that they will not change

essential requirements of course. • Determine grades appropriate to the level of student’s demonstration of mastery of

material, with or without disability accommodations. • Respectful treatment by all students. • Enforce student handbook policies equally for all students.

Responsibilities: • Reasonably accommodate students who provide documentation of a disability

through Disability Services. • Maintain student confidentiality in all environments. • Respect student privacy about the disability; discuss only academic performance

needs. • Address the accommodation letter from Disability Services in a timely manner. • Understand policies and laws regarding students with disabilities. • Communicate the availability of support for students with disabilities via a syllabus

statement and/or by class announcement. • Understand that student conduct issues require appropriate counseling, regardless of

the presence of a disability (Source: http://www.rosscenter.umb.edu/text/sh5.htm#five)

Guidelines for providing documentation of disability to College Unbound Disability is defined as a permanent, longstanding significant condition that substantially or significantly limits one or more of the major life functions (including but not limited to: seeing, hearing, walking, breathing, learning, working, concentrating, etc). Students with qualifying disabilities may be eligible, under the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008 (ADA), for reasonable accommodations that will support equal opportunity and inclusion in College Unbound programs and services. Documentation from a credentialed examiner is required to substantiate the presence of a possible disability and to establish the possible need for accommodations at College Unbound. These guidelines are summarized below.


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Temporary conditions are NOT regarded as ADA eligible, however, depending on the nature of the temporary condition and on the availability of resources, environmental supports may be provided. Essential Elements of Quality Documentation College Unbound’s guidelines for quality documentation are:

1. Licensed or credentialed evaluator, with specific training or expertise related to the condition being diagnosed, and who is not related to the individual. (ex. hearing disability diagnosed by certified Audiologist (CCC-‐A) or by an Ear, Nose, & Throat M.D.)

2. Clear diagnostic statement, including diagnostic sub-‐types where relevant, that describes how the condition was diagnosed and provides information on the functional impact of the condition. A full clinical description will convey this information, as will diagnostic codes from the DSM (Diagnostic Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association) or the ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health of the World Health Organization.)

3. Description of the diagnostic methodology used including diagnostic criteria, evaluation methods, tests and dates of administration, clinical narrative, observations, and results. Diagnostic methods must be congruent with the particular disability and with current professional practices in the field.

4. Description of the current functional limitations of the disabling condition helps establish the possible disability and identify possible accommodations. A combination of the individual’s self report, results of formal evaluation procedures, and clinical narrative are recommended. Quality documentation will demonstrate how a major life activity is significantly, amply, or substantially limited by providing evidence of frequency and pervasiveness of the conditions(s).

5. Description of the progression or stability of the disability over time and in context.

6. Description of current and past accommodations, services or medications. 7. Recommendations for accommodations, assistive devices, assistive services,

compensatory strategies, and/or collateral support services. Note: The Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act of 2008 broadened the definition of disability in the number and types of conditions that could be considered. The new law also strengthened the importance of quality, detailed documentation in determining who is eligible for accommodations. Many conditions may now be considered a disability, but in order to qualify for accommodations, a major life function must be significantly, amply or substantially limited in the College Unbound environment. (For example: a person may be considered “disabled” with a diagnosis of ADHD; but the same person with mild-‐moderate limitations to a major life function may not be eligible for accommodations. However, the person whose documentation demonstrates substantial, significant or considerable impact to a major life function, may be eligible for accommodations.)


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All determinations for accommodations and disability eligibility are made on a case-‐by-‐case basis by disability services staff in consultation with the individual student. The following practitioners are accepted to provide documentation on the respective disabilities or conditions (all must be appropriately credentialed and licensed in their respective fields): Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Neuropsychologist or Clinical Psychologist,

Psychiatrist, Neurologist, Neurodevelopmental Physician

Chronic Illness/Health Gastroenterologist, Rheumatologist, Endocrinologist, Internal Medicine, or other physician knowledgeable to condition

Developmental Disability (such as Asperger Syndrome)

Neuropsychologist, Psychiatrist, Clinical Psychologist, Neurodevelopmental Physician

Head Injury/TBI Neurologist, Neuropsychologist Hearing Audiologist (CCC-‐A), Otolaryngologist Learning Disabilities School Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist,

Neuropsychologist, Neurodevelopmental Physician

Mental Health or Psychiatric Psychiatrist, Clinical Psychologist, Social Worker (LICSW), Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Mobility/Physical Physical Therapist, Orthopedic Surgeon, other physician knowledgeable to condition

Speech and Communication Conditions Speech Language Clinician Vision Optometrist, Ophthalmologist


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Administrative Policies


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THE CENTER FOR THE TRANSFORMATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION TO WORK d/b/a COLLEGE UNBOUND

1ST AMENDED BYLAWS

Enacted March, 2015

These 1st Amended Bylaws shall regulate the affairs of The Center for the

Transformation of Higher Education to Work, d/b/a College Unbound (the “Corporation”), subject to the provisions of the Rhode Island Nonprofit Corporation Laws (R.I. Gen. Stat. Sec. 7-‐6-‐1 et. seq. (as amended, the “Act”)).

Article I GENERAL

Section 1.1 Name. The name of the organization shall be The Center For the Transformation of Higher Education to Work, d/b/a College Unbound (hereafter, the “Corporation”).

Section 1.2 Principal Office. The principal office of the Corporation shall be located at 325 Public Street, Providence, Rhode Island. The Corporation may have such other offices or places of business, either within or outside the State of Rhode Island, as the business of the Corporation may require and as the Board may from time to time establish.

Section 1.3 Registered Office. The registered office of the Corporation need not be identical to its principal office and shall be located at 325 Public Street, Providence, Rhode Island. The registered office may be changed from time to time by the Board in compliance with the provisions of applicable law.

Section 1.4 General Purpose. The purpose of the Corporation shall be to reinvent higher education in the creation, development and implementation of a degree completion college for underrepresented returning adult learners, using a model that is individualized, interest-‐based, project-‐driven, workplace-‐enhanced, cohort-‐supported, flexible, supportive and affordable, and to conduct such additional activities as a) the Board of the Corporation may determine are consistent with such purpose, and b) any activities ancillary and related to such purpose and which fall under the non-‐profit guidelines of the Internal Revenue Service of the United States and of the State of Rhode Island. The Corporation shall obtain funds for its stated purpose through, without limitation, grants, donations, receipt of membership fees from participating schools and receipt of license income from license of its intellectual property.

Section 1.5 Non-‐profit Status. The Corporation is a non-‐profit corporation

organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. In no event will any part of the assets of the Corporation be applied directly for the benefit of any member of the Corporation in any manner that is prohibited by or may jeopardize the exempt status of the Corporation


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under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. And, any such improper action shall be void and ultra vires as to the Corporation, and the individual(s) responsible for such action shall be personally liable to the Corporation, for the full amount of the consequences of any acts contrary to the Bylaws of the Corporation including all costs and fees which would put the Corporation’s non-‐profit tax status in jeopardy.

Section 1.6 Net Earnings. No part of the net earnings of the Corporation shall

inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers or other private persons, except that the Corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in the purpose clause hereof. The Corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.

Section 1.7 No Unauthorized Activities. Notwithstanding any other provision of

this document, the Corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on a) by an organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or b) by any organization, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

Section 1.8 Distribution Upon Dissolution. In the event of dissolution, the

residual assets of the Corporation will be turned over to one or more organizations which themselves are exempt as organizations described in Sections 501(c)(3) and 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or corresponding sections of any prior or future Internal Revenue Code, or to the Federal, State or local government for exclusive public purpose.

Article II

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Section 2.1 Powers and Duties. The affairs of the Corporation shall be vested in and managed by the Board of Trustees (hereafter, the “Board”), as authorized under the Act. It shall be the responsibility of the Board to manage the affairs of the Corporation by establishing policies governing the organization’s activities. The Board shall ensure the general management and control of the activities, properties and affairs of the Corporation. Each member of the Board may be expected to serve as the chairperson or member of at least one of the Corporation’s standing or special committees.

Section 2.2 Composition. The Board shall consist of no less than eleven (11) and

no more than twenty-‐five (25) voting members (each, a “Trustee”) all elected at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the terms and conditions of these Bylaws. The Board shall be composed of a minimum of a) one (1) student or alumnus member representative of the Corporation’s college, b) one (1) faculty representative, c) six (6) community and/or education leaders, d) two (2) active board members of the Corporation’s parent organization, Big Picture Learning, and e) the president of the Corporation, ex officio.


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Section 2.3 Nomination, Elections and Terms of Office. Subject to the terms of

these Bylaws, at each Annual Meeting the Trustees shall fix the number of Trustees and elect a Trustee to fill each such Trusteeship, by vote of a majority of the Trustees then in office. Except as otherwise provided herein, each Trustee shall hold office until the next annual meeting of the Trustees and until such Trustee’s successor is elected and qualified, or until such Trustee sooner dies, resigns, is removed or becomes disqualified. Prospective Trustees may be offered for consideration to serve upon the Board by any student, faculty member, alumnus, Trustee or other friend of the Corporation. The Secretary (as defined hereafter) shall keep a roster of such candidates and the Board shall review said roster at such times as vacancies upon the Board are expected to occur.

Section 2.4 Terms of Office. Trustees shall hold office for terms of six (6) years,

and until such Trustee's successor is elected and qualified, or until such Trustee sooner dies, resigns, is removed or becomes disqualified. Trustees may serve no more than two (2) consecutive six-‐year terms, after which term a minimum of one (1) year hiatus is mandatory prior to any subsequent term thereafter.

Section 2.5 Vacancies. In the case of a vacancy on the Board, an affirmative vote of

the majority of the remaining Trustees may elect a successor to fill the unexpired term at any regularly scheduled meeting of the Board, or at any special meeting called for said purpose. The Board may in its discretion form a Nominating Committee.

Section 2.6 Removal From Office. Any Trustee may be removed from office by a

vote of not less than two-‐thirds (2/3) of the Board, with or without cause. Said Trustee shall be given an opportunity to address the Board prior to a vote by the Board. At the request of any Board member, said vote may be conducted by secret ballot.

Section 2.7 Resignations. Any Trustee may resign from the Board at any time

giving written notice to the Board or to the President. The resignation shall take effect at the time specified in the notice, and, unless otherwise specified, the acceptance of the resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. The unexcused absence of a Trustee from three (3) meetings of the Board may, at the Board’s discretion, be considered equivalent to resignation from the Board.

Section 2.8 Emeritus Trustees. The Board may elect a retiring Trustee as a

Trustee Emeritus. Trustees Emeriti shall be entitled to receive notice of all meetings of the Board and attend and participate in designated meetings, but shall not have the right to vote. Trustees Emeriti may be invited by the Chair of the Board to sit as members of any committee other than the Executive Committee.

Section 2.9 Prohibition on Compensation of Trustees. Trustees may not be paid

a compensation for performance of their duties as Trustees, except that Trustees may be reimbursed for out-‐of-‐pocket expenses spent in performance of their duties as Trustees. Subject to the provisions of the Corporation’s policies regarding conflicts of interest, no Trustee shall be precluded from serving on other boards of directors (including without


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limitation the parent corporation of the Company), and/or receiving compensation therefor.

Article III MEETINGS OF THE TRUSTEES

Section 3.1 Annual Meeting. An annual meeting of the Board shall be held on the

final Thursday of the month of September in each year or at such other time as the Board shall decide for the purpose of electing officers of the Board and transacting such other business as may properly come before it. The meeting shall take place on the College Unbound/Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center campus at 325 Public Street in Providence, Rhode Island unless a separate location is designated by the board, having given written notice of the location change at least five (5) days in advance thereof.

Section 3.2 Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board shall be held at such

time and place as the Board may designate. The Board Secretary shall give written notice of each such meeting to each Trustee at least five (5) days in advance thereof. The Board may provide by resolution the time and place for the holding of additional regular meetings without notice other than such resolution. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective Trustees at the addresses listed on the records of the Corporation.

Section 3.3 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board may be called by or at the request of the President or any two (2) Trustees. The President shall fix the manner and the place for holding any special meeting of the Board. Notice of any special meeting shall be given at least twenty-‐four (24) hours prior thereto by written notice delivered personally or mailed to each Trustee at the Trustee's address, or by facsimile, telegram or other electronic means, setting forth the purpose for such meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective Trustees at the addresses listed in the records of the Corporation. Notice shall include a statement of the reason for the meeting and shall indicate the person or persons who called the meeting.

Section 3.4 Quorum. Fifty percent (50%) plus one (1) member of the Board, excluding non-‐voting members, shall constitute a quorum. The affirmative vote of not less than a simple majority of the members of the Board present, excluding the non-‐voting members, shall be necessary for any action taken by the Board, unless a greater number of affirmative votes is specifically required by law or elsewhere in these Bylaws. In any event that less than a majority of the Board is present at a meeting, the majority of the Trustees present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice.

Section 3.5 Virtual Attendance. Unless prohibited by applicable law, meetings of Trustees may be held by means of a telephone or by teleconference and participation by telephone or teleconference shall constitute presence at such meeting.

Section 3.6 Action Without a Meeting. Any action that may be taken by the Board at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if a consent or consents in writing, setting


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forth the action so taken, shall be signed before or after such action by all of the Trustees. Such written consent or consents shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board.

Section 3.7 Voting by Proxy. Each Trustee entitled to vote at a meeting of the Board or to express consent without a meeting may authorize another person or persons to act for themselves by proxy, executed in writing by the Trustee or by their duly authorized attorney-‐in-‐fact. No proxy shall be valid after eleven months from the date thereof, unless otherwise provided in the proxy.

Section 3.8 Presumption of Assent. A Trustee of the Corporation who is present at a meeting of the Board at which action on any corporate matter is taken shall be presumed to have assented to the action taken unless the Trustee's dissent shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting or unless the Trustee shall file a written dissent to such action with the person acting as the Secretary of the meeting before the adjournment thereof or shall forward such dissent by certified mail to the Secretary of the Corporation within forty-‐eight (48) hours after adjournment of the meeting. Such right to dissent shall not apply to a Trustee who voted in favor of such action.

Article IV

OFFICERS

Section 4.1 Officers of the Board. By majority vote, the Board shall elect officers

of the Board at each Annual Meeting, consisting of a Chairperson, one or more Vice Chairs, a Secretary and a Treasurer. The Officers shall be elected from among the Board.

Section 4.2 Term of Office. The Officers of the Corporation may serve indefinite

terms at the pleasure of the Board. The officers of the Board shall be elected for one (1) year terms at the annual meeting of the Board. Each officer of the Board shall hold office until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and shall have qualified or until such officer's death or resignation or removal in the manner hereinafter provided.

Section 4.3 Chairperson. The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the Board and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to the Chair by resolution of the Board. The Chairperson may appoint committees and shall be a member ex officio of all committees of the Corporation, other than the Nominating Committee.

Section 4.4 Vice Chairs. In the absence of the Chairperson or in the event of the Chairperson’s inability or refusal to act, the Vice Chair (or in the event there is more than one Vice Chairs, the Vice Presidents in the order designated at the time of their election or in the absence of any designation, then in the order of their election) shall perform the duties of the Chairperson. The Vice Chair shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the Chairperson or by the Board.


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Section 4.5 Secretary. The Secretary shall: a) keep the minutes of the proceedings of the Board in one or more books provided for that purpose; b) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these By-‐laws or as required by law; c) be custodian of the corporate records and of the seal of the Corporation and see that the seal of the Corporation is affixed to all documents the execution of which on behalf of the Corporation under its seal is duly authorized; d) keep a record of the post office address of each Trustee which shall be furnished to the Secretary by such Trustee; and e) in general perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to the Secretary by the Chairperson or by the Board. The Secretary may delegate the above duties, but not the responsibility, to a member of the Corporation’s staff.

Section 4.6 Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be responsible for oversight and reporting to the Board regarding a) the stewardship of all funds and assets of the Corporation; b) recordkeeping of receipts and disbursements; c) quarterly and annual financial statements as required by applicable law and reasonable accounting standards; d) tax filings and other financial reports as required by applicable law; and shall be further responsible for such duties as may be assigned to him or her by the Board. The Treasurer may delegate the above duties, but not the responsibility, to a member of the Corporation’s staff.

Section 4.7 Removal. Any officer may be removed by the Trustees whenever in their judgment the best interests of the Corporation will be served thereby.

Section 4.8 Resignations. Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Chairperson or Secretary. The resignation shall take effect at the time specified in the notice, and, unless otherwise specified in such notice, the acceptance of the resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

Section 4.9 Vacancies. A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or otherwise, shall be filled by the Board in the manner prescribed herein. In the case of a vacancy in any of the offices specifically designated in these Bylaws, such vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the vacated term.

Article V

COMMITTEES

The Board may, in its discretion form any one or more of the following committees, as needed, and/or may form any such other committees as it shall deem reasonable in effecting the Corporation’s purpose or the management and organization of the Corporation:

Section 5.1 Executive Committee. Primary planning body with representation from all stakeholders.


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Section 5.2 Academic Committee. Responsible for developing, reviewing, and evaluating academic policies for the college. The Academic Committee of College Unbound functions to establish degree requirements, to review the program of individual candidates, and to validate specific credits. Considers all courses of study and programs, regardless of origin, including all experimental courses which have run for a maximum of two semesters, and to approve or reject individual courses to be offered for degree credit in existing or proposed programs. May include subcommittees as needed for addressing specific issues related to online course quality, evaluation, delivery and structure, the Corporation’s General Educations requirements, and/or faculty evaluation.

Section 5.3 Assessment Committee. Approves recommendations of outside

examiners, to appoint new Complementary Faculty, and to oversee special assessments of previously completed state or national certifications, licensures, or other student or industry specific trainings. The council addresses all matters pertaining to program review and assessment of student learning outcomes.

Section 5.4 Business and Finance Committee. Responsible for making recommendations consistent with sound fiscal management and the college’s strategic directions; Creates strategic directions to assist the college in achieving its mission in the context of anticipated complex challenges and opportunities within the next three to five-‐year period. Supports learning via a sound, safe, appropriate environment mindful of efficient use of the college’s physical facilities.

Section 5.5 Student Affairs Committee. Addresses all matters pertaining to students, tuition appeals, financial aid, disabilities, etc.

Section 5.6 Technology Committee. Provides input to the Board and/or the

Executive Commitee with regard to technology related issues, projects, implementation, costs, and priorities. Focuses on specific issues relating to implementation/support of tasks required to meet institutional administrative system priorities, student information, human resources, financial resources and all other administrative systems. Forwards appropriate recommendations to ITAC.

Section 5.7 Other Committees. In addition to the foregoing, the Chairperson, with the approval of the Board, may establish any one or more additional committees as the Chairperson shall deem prudent or appropriate for the efficient management of the Corporation’s affairs.

Section 5.8 Committee Management. The Board shall elect the chairs of the

committees at the annual meeting. The committees shall have the powers and duties set forth in these Bylaws and such other powers and duties as the Board may from time to time delegate to them and as may be set forth in committee charters. Committees shall meet at such times and places and upon such notice as they shall each determine, and shall file a copy of the minutes of each meeting with the Secretary of the Board. The Chairperson, the President of the college, and the Secretary of the Board shall be entitled to attend the meetings of each committee and to participate in all discussions; provided, however, unless named as members of a specific committee, those persons shall not have voting rights or count toward the presence of a quorum. A majority of the members of a committee shall be a quorum for the transaction of business. Any action required or permitted to be taken by


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a committee may be taken without a meeting by consent of a majority of the voting members of a committee represented by one or more written consents describing the action so taken, signed by the committee members voting, and filed in the minutes of the proceedings of the meeting. Each committee shall report its activities, findings and recommendations to the Board of Trustees.

Article VI PERSONNEL

Section 6.1 Officers. The Board shall designate a President of the Corporation, and with the assistance of the President, a Secretary/Executive Assistant to the President, a Vice President of Academic Affairs/Provost, a Vice President of Strategy and Planning, and a Vice President of Business Affairs. One person may hold more than one office. Said Officers shall be elected by the Board of Trustees and shall serve until their successors are elected and have taken office. The President, with the approval of the Board, may employ technical experts and other officers and agents and fix their qualification, duties and compensation, as they deem necessary for the proper and efficient operation of the Corporation, and may employ such other employees, permanent, and/or temporary, as they shall deem necessary. The Board may delegate to one or more of the Corporation’s agents or employees such administrative duties as it may deem proper.

Section 6.2 President. The President shall be the chief educational and administrative officer of the college, and shall be responsible to the Board for the supervision, management, and government of the college, and the interpretation and carrying out of the policies of the Board. The President shall have the powers and duties set forth in the charter of the College, these Bylaws, and such other powers and duties as the Board shall delegate from time to time. The President, or his or her designee, shall also preside at all academic functions and represent the college before the public, and preside at all meetings of the College Unbound Faculty. The President may veto any action taken by the college Faculty or any action taken by the faculty of any college or school in the college and state the reasons for such action. The President shall submit a proposed annual budget for the college to the Board prior to the beginning of each fiscal year covered, submit to the Board an annual report on the condition, operation, and needs of College Unbound, and recommend to the Board persons to be Officers of the college other than the President.

Section 6.3 College Unbound Secretary/Executive Assistant to the President. The Secretary/Executive Assistant to the President shall report to the President and shall have all of the powers and duties set forth in these bylaws and the powers and duties commonly incident to the office. The Secretary shall also have such further powers and duties as the President shall, within his or her authority, grant, and shall be the custodian of the seal of the college and shall affix and attest to same on all duly authorized contracts, deeds, and other documents.

Section 6.4 Vice President of Academic Affairs/Provost. The Vice President of Academic Affairs/Provost shall be the executive officer, under the President, responsible for all educational affairs and activities of the college, including research and the


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libraries. The Vice President of Academic Affairs/Provost shall have the powers and duties assigned by the President which shall include appointments and promotions of faculty, and strategic, academic, and budgetary oversight and authority for all Schools. The Vice President of Academic Affairs/Provost shall have the further powers and duties as the President shall, within his or her authority, grant, and shall report to the President. The Vice President of Academic Affairs/Provost shall be a member of the faculty of each college and school, and an ex officio member of each committee or other body concerned with matters for which the Provost is responsible. The Vice President of Academic Affairs/Provost shall receive recommendations developed by the faculty and educational officers for consideration and recommendation to the President.

Section 6.5 Vice President of Strategy and Planning. The Vice President of Strategy and Planning shall be the executive officer, under the President, responsible for institutionalizing and measuring change initiatives. The Vice President of Strategy and Planning shall have the powers and duties assigned by the President and report to the President, and shall collect, analyze, report upon and use data related to institutional effectiveness, accreditation, student success, satisfaction and retention, and campus performance against key benchmark indicators. The Vice President of Strategy and Planning shall also provide fact-‐based and data-‐based leadership on key strategic decisions, working closely with the President, Chief Academic Officer, and Vice President of Business Affairs to ensure that academic and financial plans for the college are instituted and achieved.

Section 6.6 Vice President of HR and Business Affairs. The Vice President of Business Affairs shall be the executive officer, under the president, responsible for all business and finance, including accounting and auditing, preparation of budgets, fiscal planning, and operating of services of College Unbound. The Vice President of Business Affairs shall have the powers and duties assigned by the President and shall report to the President, and shall have custody of all funds, records, contracts, agreements, deeds, and other documents of the college or relating to its operations or properties, except minutes of meetings. Additional responsibilities include directing the organization’s policies and objectives involving local, state and federal government regulations and affairs and leading analysis of proposed legislative action and determining potential impact on the organization as well as monitoring legislative and regulatory activities and assessing the environment for potential risks and developing organization positions.

Section 6.7 Vice President of Financial Affairs/Chief Financial Officer. The Vice President of Financial Affairs/CFO will be responsible for directing the organization's overall financial policies, overseeing all financial functions including accounting, budget, credit, insurance, tax, and treasury; and designing and coordinating a wide variety of accounting and statistical data and reports. The Vice President of Financial Affairs shall also submit to each regular meeting of the Board a report on the finances of the college and shall submit to the Board at the end of each fiscal year an account of all receipts and disbursements for the preceding fiscal year and a statement in such detail as the Board may require of the financial condition of the college at the end of such fiscal year. In the first three years of the operation of the college, while the student population is under 350, the CFO will also assume the Bursar function which will include overseeing the overall


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operations of student financial services, billing and receivables, and cashiering functions of the college, providing direction and leadership in financial management, fiscal policies review and changes, ensuring compliance with university, state, and federal regulations and standard accounting procedures.

Article VII FACULTY

Section 7.1 Faculty. The faculty of the college shall be composed of the Officers of the college as elected by the Board, all deans, professors, whether full or part time, instructional or advising, Registrar, and the College Unbound Librarian, and such other persons as may be designated by the President and approved by the Executive Committee or the Board of Trustees.

Section 7.2 Faculty Duties. The faculty of the college shall be responsible for the conduct of instruction and research in the various colleges and schools in the college. It may also consider and make recommendations to the President regarding any and all phases of education at College Unbound. The faculty shall approve and recommend to the Board the persons they deem fit to receive degrees or other marks of distinction, and the establishment of any new degree or diploma.

Section 7.3 Faculty Committees. The faculty may organize and exercise its functions through appropriate councils, committees, or other bodies. Section 7.4 Faculty Contracts and Academic Freedom. College Unbound has both advising and instructional faculty. Among them, individual professors may be full-‐time or part-‐time and may be granted one, three, five, or eight-‐year contracts or given a tenure designation. Each contract renewal or promotion is done upon approval by the Board upon the recommendation of the Provost, with the approval of the President. Faculty promotions and salary increases will be approved by the same process. Every professor with a teaching or advising appointment of any kind will be informed each year in writing of the renewal of the appointment. Members of the faculty, either as instructional or advising faculty, shall be compensated for training, course preparation, professional development, and salary structures. All members of the faculty are entitled to academic freedom as set forth in the 1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure, formulated by the Association of American Colleges and Universities and the American Association of University Professors. Time on approved leaves of absence shall not be deemed to interrupt continuous service. Modified designations among the faculty are defined in the Faculty Handbook.

Article VIII STUDENT BODY

The student body of College Unbound shall be composed of all full-‐time and part-‐time students regularly enrolled in the college. The student body may consider and make recommendations to the President regarding any and all phases of education and student


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life at the college or any school therein. The student body may organize and conduct its affairs under elected representative government or governments and through appropriate councils, committees, or other bodies.

Article IX ALUMNI

The Alumni of the college shall be composed of persons who were enrolled for at

least two semesters at the college in programs that lead toward degrees. Individual schools, colleges, and other components of the college may adopt policies which recognize, as alumni of that component, individuals who attended courses of study or training programs not leading to degrees. The Alumni may consider and make recommendations to the President and to the Board regarding any and all phases of education and alumni affairs of the University. The Alumni shall organize and conduct its affairs through the college Alumni Association and elected representatives to appropriate boards, councils, committees, and other bodies that are a part of that Association.

Article X

CONTRACTS, LOANS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS

Section 10 .1 Contracts. The Board may authorize any officer or officers or agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

Section 10.2 Loans. No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the Corporation and no evidences of indebtedness shall be issued in its name unless authorized by a resolution of the Board. Such authority shall be confined to specific instances. No loan shall be made by the Corporation to any Trustee.

Section 10.3 Checks, Drafts or other Similar Orders. All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Corporation, shall be signed by such officer or officers or agent or agents of the Corporation and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board.

Section 10.4 Deposits. All funds of the Corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Corporation in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as the Board may select.

Article XI INDEMNIFICATION

Section 11.1 Indemnification of Trustees. A Trustee of the Corporation shall not

be personally liable to the Corporation for monetary damages for breach of the Trustee’s duty as a Trustee, except for (i) liability for any breach of the Trustee’s duty of loyalty to the Corporation (ii) liability for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional


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misconduct or a knowing violation of law, or (iii) liability for any transaction (other than transactions approved in accordance with the Act) from which the Trustee derived an improper personal benefit. If the Act is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of the Trustees, then the liability of a Trustee of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent so permitted. Any repeal or modification of this provision by the Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection or a Trustee of the Corporation existing prior to such repeal or modification.

Section 11.2 Definitions. These Bylaws shall be interpreted to indemnify each Trustee, officer, employee or other agent of the Corporation (each, an “Indemnified Person”), to the greatest extent permitted by the Act, including without limitation hereby, the following:

(a) Subject to the provisions of this Article, the Corporation shall on behalf of an Indemnified Person pay any Loss or Expenses arising from any claim or claims which are made against the Indemnified Person (whether individually or jointly with another Indemnified Person or Persons) by reason of any Covered Act of the Indemnified Person.

(b) For the purposes of this Article, when used herein:

(i) “Trustees” means any or all of the Trustees of the Corporation or those one or more officers, agents or other persons who are exercising any powers normally vested in the Board; (ii) “Loss” means any amount which an Indemnified Person is legally obligated to pay for any claim for Covered Acts and shall include, without being limited to, damages, settlements, fines, penalties or, with respect to employee benefit plans, excise taxes; (iii) “Expenses” means any expenses incurred in connection with the defense against any claim for Covered Acts, including, without being limited to, legal, accounting or investigative fees and expenses or bonds necessary to pursue an appeal of an adverse judgment; and (iv) “Covered Act” means any act or omission of an Indemnified Person in the Indemnified Person’s official capacity with the Corporation and while serving as such or while serving at the request of the Corporation as a member of the governing body, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, including but not limited to companies which are subsidiaries or affiliates of the Corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, other enterprise or employee benefit plan.

(c) These Bylaws and the indemnification contemplated hereby expressly cover any Loss or Expenses arising from any claims made against a retired


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Indemnified Person, the estate, heirs or legal representative of a deceased Indemnified Person or the legal representative of an incompetent, insolvent or bankrupt Indemnified Person, where the Indemnified Person was an Indemnified Person at the time the Covered Act upon which such claims are based occurred.

(d) The Board may provide for the advancement of Expenses to an

Indemnified Person prior to the final disposition of any action, suit or proceeding, or any appeal therefrom, involving such Indemnified Person and based on the alleged commission by such Indemnified Person of a Covered Act, subject to an undertaking by or on behalf of such Indemnified Person to repay the same to the Corporation if the Covered Act involves a claim for which indemnification is not permitted under clause (v), below, and the final disposition of such action, suit, proceeding or appeal results in an adjudication adverse to such Indemnified Person.

(e) The indemnification contemplated hereby shall not indemnify an

Indemnified Person from and against any Loss, and the Corporation shall not reimburse for any Expenses, in connection with any claim or claims made against an Indemnified Person which the Corporation has determined to have resulted from (1) any breach of the Indemnified Person’s duty of loyalty to the Corporation; (2) acts and omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or knowing violation of law; or (3) a transaction (other than a transaction approved in accordance with the Act) from which the person seeking indemnification derived an improper personal benefit.

Article XII

CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY

Section 12.1 Definitions.

(a) Interested Person. Any Trustee, principal officer, or member of a committee with governing board delegated powers, who has a direct or indirect financial interest, as defined below, is an interested person.

(b) Financial Interest. A person has a financial interest if the person has, directly or indirectly, through business, investment, or family:

(i) An ownership or investment interest in any entity with which the Organization has a transaction or arrangement; (ii) A compensation arrangement with the Organization or with any entity or individual with which the Organization has a transaction or arrangement; or (iii) A potential ownership or investment interest in, or compensation arrangement with, any entity or individual with which the Organization is negotiating a transaction or arrangement. Compensation includes direct and indirect remuneration as well as gifts or favors that are not insubstantial. A


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financial interest is not necessarily a conflict of interest. A person who has a financial interest may have a conflict of interest only if the appropriate governing board or committee decides that a conflict of interest exists. Section 12.2 Procedures.

(a) Duty to Disclose. In connection with any actual or possible conflict of

interest, an interested person must disclose the existence of the financial interest and be given the opportunity to disclose all material facts to the Trustees and members of committees with governing board delegated powers considering the proposed transaction or arrangement.

(b) Determining Whether a Conflict of Interest Exists. After disclosure of

the financial interest and all material facts, and after any discussion with the interested person, he/she shall leave the governing board or committee meeting while the determination of a conflict of interest is discussed and voted upon. The remaining board or committee members shall decide if a conflict of interest exists.

(c) Procedures for Addressing the Conflict of Interest: (i) An interested person may make a presentation at the governing board or committee meeting, but after the presentation, he/she shall leave the meeting during the discussion of, and the vote on, the transaction or arrangement involving the possible conflict of interest. (ii) The chairperson of the governing board or committee shall, if appropriate, appoint a disinterested person or committee to investigate alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement. (iii) After exercising due diligence, the governing board or committee shall determine whether the Corporation can obtain with reasonable efforts a more advantageous transaction or arrangement from a person or entity that would not give rise to a conflict of interest. (iv) If a more advantageous transaction or arrangement is not reasonably possible under circumstances not producing a conflict of interest, the governing board or committee shall determine by a majority vote of the disinterested Trustees whether the transaction or arrangement is in the Corporation’s best interest, for its own benefit, and whether it is fair and reasonable. In conformity with the above determination it shall make its decision as to whether to enter into the transaction or arrangement. (d) Violations of the Conflicts of Interest Policy. (i) If the governing board or committee has reasonable cause to believe a member has failed to disclose actual or possible conflicts of interest, it shall


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inform the member of the basis for such belief and afford the member an opportunity to explain the alleged failure to disclose. (ii) If, after hearing the member’s response and after making further investigation as warranted by the circumstances, the governing board or committee determines the member has failed to disclose an actual or possible conflict of interest, it shall take appropriate disciplinary and corrective action.

Section 12.3 Records of Proceedings. The minutes of the governing board and all committees with board delegated powers shall contain:

(a) The names of the persons who disclosed or otherwise were found to have

a financial interest in connection with an actual or possible conflict of interest, the nature of the financial interest, any action taken to determine whether a conflict of interest was present, and the governing board’s or committee’s decision as to whether a conflict of interest in fact existed.

(b) The names of the persons who were present for discussions and votes

relating to the transaction or arrangement, the content of the discussion, including any alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement, and a record of any votes taken in connection with the proceedings.

Section 12.4 Compensation.

(a) A voting member of the governing board who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the Organization for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member’s compensation.

(b) A voting member of any committee whose jurisdiction includes

compensation matters and who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the Organization for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member’s compensation.

(c) No voting member of the Board or any committee whose jurisdiction

includes compensation matters and who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the Organization, either individually or collectively, is prohibited from providing information to any committee regarding compensation. Section 12.5 Annual Statements. Each Trustee, principal officer and member of a

committee with governing board delegated powers shall annually sign a statement which affirms such person:

(a) Has received a copy of the conflicts of interest policy;

(b) Has read and understands the policy;


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(c) Has agreed to comply with the policy; and

(d) Understands the Organization is charitable and in order to maintain its

federal tax exemption it must engage primarily in activities which accomplish one or more of its tax-‐exempt purposes. Section 12.6 Periodic Review. To ensure the Organization operates in a manner

consistent with charitable purposes and does not engage in activities that could jeopardize its tax-‐exempt status, periodic reviews shall be conducted. The periodic reviews shall, at a minimum, include the following subjects:

(a) Whether compensation arrangements and benefits are reasonable, based

on competent survey information, and the result of arm’s length bargaining. (b) Whether partnerships, joint ventures, and arrangements with

management organizations conform to the Organization’s written policies, are properly recorded, reflect reasonable investment or payments for goods and services, further charitable purposes and do not result in inurement, impermissible private benefit or in an excess benefit transaction.

Section 12.7. Use of Outside Experts. When conducting the periodic reviews as

provided for in Article VIII, Section 6, the Organization may, but need not, use outside advisors. If outside experts are used, their use shall not relieve the governing board of its responsibility for ensuring periodic reviews are conducted.

Article XIII MISCELLANEOUS

Section 13.1 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin on the first day of July and end on the last day of June.

Section 13.2 Parliamentary Authority. The parliamentary authority shall be Robert's Rules of Order or rules and procedures adopted by the Board to the extent they are not inconsistent with these By-‐laws.

Section 13.3 Waiver of Notice/Electronic Mail Permitted as Notice. Whenever any notice is required to be given to any person under the provisions of these By-‐laws or under the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation or under the provisions of applicable law, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice. The attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when a person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the Board need be specified in any written waiver of notice of such


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meeting. Except as expressly provided otherwise in these Bylaw, whenever notice “by mail” is required, electronic mail shall be deemed sufficient for purposes of said notice.

Section 13.4 Interpretation. Whenever the context of these By-‐laws so dictates, (i) the singular shall include the plural and the plural shall include the singular and (ii) the masculine, feminine and neuter shall be deemed to have been used interchangeably.

Section 13.5 Severability. If any provision of these By-‐laws is held to be invalid or unenforceable, all other provisions shall nevertheless be valid and remain in full force and effect.

Section 13.6 Books and Records. The Corporation shall keep correct and complete books and records at its principal office. Also, the Corporation shall keep at the principal office its three most recent annual IRS informational returns, along with a copy of any tax exemption application and IRS determination letter, such documents to be available for public inspection during regular business hours.

Article XIV AMENDMENTS

Except as otherwise provided by law, these Bylaws may be amended or repealed

and new Bylaws may be adopted by the affirmative vote of two-‐thirds (2/3) majority of the members of the Board at any regular or special meeting of the Board; provided that notice in writing of such changes to be made to these Bylaws is mailed to each Board member and members of the Corporation at least thirty (30) days prior to such meeting.


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Shared Governance Structure The College Unbound Board of Trustees Bylaws provide for the forming and disbanding of committees as necessary. Following are descriptions of those committees and how they function. Article I: Committee Structure The Governance structure of College Unbound follows a shared governance model. We define shared governance as a set of processes and procedures through which college faculty, staff, and administrators collaborate to make recommendations about issues of institutional importance in the following areas: Academic, Business, Strategic Planning, Student Affairs, and Technology. The composition of each committee will remain consistent in representation, though the numbers may change according to the size of College Unbound. This ensures that part-‐time faculty, full-‐time faculty, Course-‐Based Instructional Faculty, Advising Faculty, and students are appropriately represented and have voice in institutional decisions. Committees 1) Executive Committee Purpose: Primary planning body with representation from all stakeholders. Membership Structure: President (1 member); Vice President of Strategy and Planning (1 member); Vice President of Academic Affairs/Provost -‐ VPAA (1 member); Vice President of Financial Affairs (1 member); Director of Communications/Public Information (1 member); Director of Financial Aid (1 member); Academic Committee (2 members); Assessment Committee (2 members); Student Representatives (2 members); Board of Trustees (1 member). Total: 13 members. 2) Academic Committee Purpose: Responsible for developing, reviewing, and evaluating academic policies for the college. The Academic Council of College Unbound functions to establish degree requirements, to review the program of individual candidates, and to validate specific credits. Considers all courses of study and programs, regardless of origin, including all experimental courses which have run for a maximum of two semesters, and to approve or reject individual courses to be offered for degree credit in existing or proposed programs. Membership Structure: Full-‐Time Faculty (4 members distributed as follows: Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences -‐ 2 members; Business, Science, & Technology -‐ 2 members); Part-‐Time Faculty (4 members distributed as follows: Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences -‐ 2 members; Business, Science, & Technology -‐ 2 members); Academic Dean (1 member appointed by VPAA), Faculty Advisor Representative (2 members), Student Representatives (2 members), Board of Trustees (1 member). Total: 14 members.


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3) Assessment Committee Purpose: The Assessment Committee of College Unbound functions to approve recommendations of outside examiners and to oversee special assessments of previously completed state or national certifications, licensures, or other student or industry specific trainings. The council addresses all matters pertaining to program review and assessment of student learning outcomes. Membership Structure: Academic Dean (1 member appointed by the VPAA); Full-‐Time Faculty (4 members distributed as follows: Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences -‐ 2 members; Business, Science, & Technology -‐ 2 members;); Part-‐Time Faculty (4 members distributed as follows: Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences -‐ 2 members; Business, Science, & Technology -‐ 2 members;); Student Representatives (2 members); Advising Faculty (2 members). Total: 15 members. Academic Committees a) Distance Learning Committee Purpose: Address matters pertaining to online course quality, evaluation, delivery, structure. Membership Structure: Full-‐Time Faculty (4 members distributed as follows: Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences -‐ 2 members; Business, Science, & Technology -‐ 2 members;); Part-‐Time Faculty (4 members distributed as follows: Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences -‐ 2 members; Business, Science, & Technology -‐ 2 members;) Library Services (1 member); Assessment Coordinator (1 member appointed by VPAA), Academic Dean (1 member appointed by the VPAA), Student Support Services (1 member), Student Representatives (2 members). Total: 15 members. b) General Education Committee Purpose: Address matters, courses, policies pertaining to College Unbound’s General Education requirements. Membership Structure: Academic Dean (1 member appointed by the VPAA), Full-‐Time Faculty (4 members distributed as follows: Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences -‐ 2 members; Business, Science, & Technology -‐ 2 members;); Part-‐Time Faculty (4 members distributed as follows: Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences -‐ 2 members; Business, Science, & Technology -‐ 2 members); Advising Faculty (2 members); Student Representative (1 member); and, Student Support Services (1 member). Total: 13 members. c) Faculty Evaluation Committee Purpose: This committee meets each semester to review faculty contracts, promotion, and appointments of new faculty. The committee is also responsible for setting the criteria and procedures for departmental evaluations. Membership Structure: Academic Dean (1 member appointed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs), Full-‐Time Faculty (4 members distributed as follows: Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences -‐ 2 members; Business, Science, & Technology -‐ 2 members;); Part-‐Time Faculty (4 members distributed as follows: Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences -‐ 2


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members; Business, Science, & Technology -‐ 2 members); Advising Faculty (2 members); Student Representatives (2 members); Dean of Students (1 member). Total: 13 members. Business Committees a) Budget/ Capital Expenditures Purpose: Responsible for making recommendations consistent with sound fiscal management and the college’s strategic directions. Membership Structure: Business Office representative (1 member appointed by the Vice President of Business Affairs -‐ VPBA); Vice President for Business Affairs (1 member); Student Support Services (1 member); Academic Deans (2 members appointed by the VPAA); Facilities Representatives (2 members, appointed by VPBA); Department Chairs (3 members); Information Technology (1 member appointed by Chief Information Officer). Total: 11 members. Facilities Committees a) Emergency Response/ Environmental Health & Safety Purpose: To make recommendations toward and provide a safe environment for faculty, staff and students supported by clear guidelines, protocols, and procedures for responding to emergency conditions. Membership structure: Facilities (1 member, appointed by Vice President of Business Affairs); Director of Communications (1 member); Student Representative (1 member); Business Office (1 member, appointed by VPBA); Academic Affairs representative (1 member, appointed by VPAA); Full-‐Time Faculty Representatives (3 members), Information Technology (1 member). Total: 9 members. b) Educational Spaces Purpose: To support learning via a sound, safe, appropriate environment mindful of efficient use of the college’s leased physical facilities. Membership structure: Information Technology (1 member); Facilities (1 member); Business office (1 member appointed by VPBA); Student Representative (1 member); Academic Affairs Representative, appointed by the VPAA (1 member), Full-‐Time Faculty (4 members distributed as follows: Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences -‐ 2 members; Business, Science, & Technology -‐ 2 members); Part-‐Time Faculty (4 members distributed as follows: Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences -‐ 2 members; Business, Science, & Technology -‐ 2 members). Total: 13 members. Technology Committees a) Institutional Technology Advisory (ITAC) Purpose: Provide input to the Executive Committee with regard to technology related issues, projects, implementation, costs, and priorities. Membership Structure: Chief Information Office (1 member appointed by VPBA); Admissions Representative (1 member appointed by VPBA); Full-‐Time Faculty (4 members distributed as follows: Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences -‐ 2 members; Business, Science, & Technology -‐ 2 members;); Part-‐Time Faculty (4 members distributed as follows: Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences -‐ 2 members; Business, Science, & Technology -‐ 2 members);


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Director of Communications (1 member appointed by VPBA); Chief Financial Officer’s office (1 member, appointed by VPBA); Student Representative (1 member); Coordinator of Academic Affairs (1 member appointed by VPAA); Advising Faculty (1 member). Total: 13 members. b) Information Systems Advisory (ISAC) Purpose: Focuses on specific issues relating to implementation/support of tasks required to meet institutional administrative system priorities, student information, human resources, financial resources and all other administrative systems. Forwards appropriate recommendations to ITAC. Membership Structure: Chief Information Officer (1 member appointed by VPBA), Human Resources (1 member), Admissions (1 member), Controller’s office (1 member), Full-‐Time faculty (3 members); Part-‐Time Faculty (3 members); Academic Affairs Coordinator (1 member appointed by VPAA). Total: 11 members. c) Academic Technology Advisory Committee (ATAC) Purpose: Focuses on specific issues relating to technology required in support of teaching and learning. Forwards appropriate recommendations to ITAC. Membership Structure: Instructional Technology Representatives (2 members); Business Office (1 member appointed by VPBA); Admissions (1 member); Academic Affairs Coordinator (1 member appointed by VPAA); Full-‐Time Faculty (4 members distributed as follows: Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences -‐ 2 members; Business, Science, & Technology -‐ 2 members); Part-‐Time Faculty (4 members distributed as follows: Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences -‐ 2 members; Business, Science, & Technology -‐ 2 members); Advising Faculty (2 members); Student Representatives (2 members). Total: 15 members. Institutional Planning Committees a) Strategic Plan Committee Purpose: Create strategic directions to assist the college in achieving its mission in the context of anticipated complex challenges and opportunities within the next three to five-‐year period. Membership structure: Senior Officers/Vice Presidents of the college (4 members appointed by President); Academic Deans (4 members appointed by VPAA); Full-‐Time Faculty (4 members distributed as follows: Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences -‐ 2 members; Business, Science, & Technology -‐ 2 members); Part-‐Time Faculty (4 members distributed as follows: Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences -‐ 2 members; Business, Science, & Technology -‐ 2 members); Advising Faculty (2 members); Human Resources (1 member); Information Technology (1 member); Student Representative (1 member). Total: 21 members. President of the college will serve as the chair or appoint his/her designee. b) Student Advisory Committee Purpose: Address all matters pertaining to students. Membership structure: Office of Academic Affairs (1 member); Admissions (1 member); Student Support Services (1 member); Student Representatives (2 members) Full-‐Time


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Faculty (2 members), Part-‐Time Faculty (2 members), Academic Dean (1 member, appointed by the VPAA). Total: 10 members. c) Tuition Appeals Committee Purpose: Tuition Appeals are for students who are requesting a refund, credit or balance waiver of their tuition charges due to extenuating circumstances that occurred during a given term. Membership structure: Academic Affairs (2 members); Advising Faculty (2 members); Bursar’s Office (1 member); Senior Financial Aid Officer (1 member); Administrative Assistant from Student Affairs (1 member). Total: 7 members. d) Standards of Academic Progress Appeal Committee Purpose: Formed to review students’ requests to reestablish academic eligibility for financial aid. Membership structure: Academic Affairs (1 member); Advising Faculty (3 members); Admissions (3 members). Total: 7 members. e) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Committee: Purpose: Formed to ensure an open, welcoming campus climate that is fully accessible for all persons. Membership structure: Director of Human Resources (1 member); Dean of Students (1 member); Admissions (1 member); Student Support Services (1 member); Human Resource staff (1 member); Staff representing Office of President (1 member); Communications (1 member); Faculty (2 members), CIO IT (1 member). Total: 10 members. Article II: Committee Nominations, Voting & Elections: Article II applies to the election of members of committees that are not governed by contract. 1. Soliciting Nominations & Scheduling Elections a) CU Governance Facilitator will post a listing of open Governance Committee positions on the CU Governance Committee website during the first week in February of each calendar year. b) CU Governance Facilitator will, in conjunction with CU Marketing & Communications, notify the college community of these postings and invite interested persons to nominate (through the use of a link to Governance Committee website) or self-‐nominate a candidate for election to fill committee member positions and enter into an election for these positions. c) CU Governance Facilitator will allow a 14-‐day period for the college community to respond with nominations; it is anticipated that nominations would close before the end of February each calendar year. d) Once nominations close, CU Governance Facilitator will send an email to all nominated persons confirming their participation in the election process.


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e) CU Governance Facilitator will utilize electronic technology to facilitate Governance elections. f) CU Governance Facilitator will email the college community with directions and a link to vote for committee members. g) CU employees will be required to enter CU email or user ID in order to vote.

i. To vote to fill any seat other than a seat allocated to students or adjunct faculty, a person must be a full-‐time employee of CU.

ii. Each voter will be allowed one vote on each seat for which that voter is

entitled to vote. When an elected seat is allocated to a particular group of employees (e.g., a union, full-‐time faculty, adjunct faculty, academic division or department, administrative department or function), only employees in that group shall be eligible to vote to fill that seat.

iii. Student committee memberships will be filled by voting within CU student

government. iv. CU Governance elections will be available to the College community between

(TBD). v. CU Governance elections will be available to the College community for a 14-‐

day period during March of each calendar year. vi. CU Governance Facilitator will announce the Governance voting results with

a posting on the Governance Committee website, two (2) days after the election closes.

vii. In the case of a tie vote on any committee position, CU Governance Facilitator

will hold a ‘run off’ election to begin within five (5) days of the close of the original election.

viii. In populating committees, all positions must stand for election with the

exception of those members designated as appointed. 2. Transition Meetings a) The April meeting of each committee will serve as a transition meeting for outgoing committee members as well as incoming members. b) Chair of existing committee will schedule transition meeting and serve as chair throughout that meeting.


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c) A new chair will be elected at the April meeting each calendar year. The new chair will take office and assume responsibility at the conclusion of the April meeting. d) A committee chair may serve in that role for two consecutive academic years, but must be elected each year. Article III: Responsibilities of Members 1. Membership a) Committee members will be elected according to the designated slots indicated in the descriptions of each committee, with the exception of positions that are appointed positions. b) Members will be elected if they receive a simple majority vote. c) Members will serve two year terms on each committee. In the initial year of the revised Governance structure, and once the committee members are elected or appointed, the Committee will vote on which positions are one year in length and which are two years in length in order to establish a process by which committee replacements are staggered, allowing for a smooth transition of committee work. The results of this decision will be noted in the minutes of the initial meeting of the committee. d) Members may run for a second term, but they may not serve more than two consecutive terms (maximum of four years) on the same committee without taking a year off, with the exception of appointed committee members (special considerations will be given to smaller departments). e) Members terms will last through the date a replacement member has been elected/appointed and begins serving on the committee. 2. Electing a Chair/Secretary a) At the committee’s transition meeting each year, the newly constituted members will elect a Chair and a Secretary. At this meeting the committee members will elect a Chair and Secretary. b) The Chair and Secretary will be appointed if they receive a simple majority vote of committee members. c) These results will be noted in the Minutes of the initial meeting. d) The electronic posting of committee memberships will include identifying the Chair and Secretary of each Committee. 3. Meeting Attendance a) Members will prepare diligently for and attend all quarterly Committee meetings.


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b) If a member of the Committee misses two (2) consecutive regular meetings or three (3) meetings during the course of a calendar year, the Committee may choose to have that member removed and replaced. If this situation were to arise, the remaining committee members may appoint, through a majority vote, an interim candidate from the same designated area to fill the remaining term of the absentee member. 4. Responsibilities a) Members are expected to be in attendance at all scheduled meetings which are published on the CU Governance website. b) Members are expected to communicate committee business and outcomes in a timely manner to faculty/staff within the departments/areas they represent. c) Members are expected to be available to hear concerns or comments pertaining to upcoming agenda items and to share those concerns/comments at committee meeting. Article IV: Responsibilities of Chairs 1. Preliminary Meetings Committee Chairs will:

• Attend the preliminary training sessions sponsored by the Human Resources Office • Agree to abide by Robert’s Rules of Order in conducting Committee business. • Schedule meetings, secure appropriate facilities, and make special arrangements,

etc. • Attend all meetings of the Committee, and if unable to attend a meeting, will

designate an interim chair to oversee that meeting. • Develop and post an electronic agenda for upcoming meetings, adhering to the

timelines and protocols reviewed in these materials and in the training provided by Human Resources.

• Forward appropriate documents to the Committee Secretary and Senior Officer who has oversight for the area addressed by the action item.

• Post and keep current the Committee membership including members’ names, role at the College, beginning term date, and ending term date on the committees’ website.

• Provide appropriate support for transitions in committee leadership, for example by transferring files and other materials to incoming co-‐chairs.

Committee Secretaries will:

• Attend all meetings, and prepare minutes of the meeting using the prescribed protocols, and post the results electronically within five (5) business days after minutes have been approved.

• Prepare and forward approved document to the Committee Chair within seven business days of the meeting.


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Article V: Action by Majority Vote a) Ex-‐officio members of committees will not be considered voting members and will not be included in the numerator or denominator when determining the existence of a quorum (simple majority). b) In order to vote on an action item, there must be a quorum of committee members present. c) After adequate discussion, the chair will seek a vote on each action item. d) Actions will pass if they receive a simple majority voting. e) Action items may be amended at the Committee meeting following Robert’s Rules of Order. f) Once an action item has been approved by a simple majority, it will be recorded that a decision has been reached, and the chair will state the decision position for the record. g) If any Committee members who do not vote in favor of a motion wish to have their concerns noted in the minutes, the Secretary will do so. h) There are no provisions for in-‐absentia or proxy votes. i) While meetings are open to the CU community, only committee members are allowed to vote. j) Committees guided by Robert’s Rules of Order may elect to allow for further deliberation and consideration and postpone voting to a period of one to three business days from the close of the meeting. k) Delayed voting decisions could be conducted in person or electronically as designated by the committee chair. If voting electronically, the chair must post the window of time open for voting to occur. Minutes of this transaction must also be posted in accordance with the previously stated guidelines Article VI: Forwarding Action Items to the President’s Council a) Once an action item has received approval by a Committee, the Chair of the Committee will forward the action item with supporting material to the Senior Officer of the area most relevant to the action item. b) Committee chairs have the option to request a meeting with the Senior Officer of the area along with the chairs of other committees in the same area within five days of committee vote in order to invite further review and discussion and vetting of the proposed item.


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c) The Senior Officer will request that the recommendation be placed on the agenda of the next President’s Council after having met with the committee chairs if so requested. If no request has been made, the Senior Officer will present the item at the President’s Council meeting. d) The Senior Officer will invite the chair of the forwarding committee to attend the President’s Council meeting where the item will be discussed. e) The President’s Council will review the submitted item and share their response with the President. f) The President will review the submitted item(s), and make a final decision on implementation. The President’s assistant will fill out the Tracking Sheet, obtain the President’s signature, and forward the Tracking Sheet to the Committee Chair of origin for posting on the Governance web site. Article VII: Committee Meetings 1. The Meeting Schedule

a. The Committees will meet quarterly within an academic year (October, December, February, April). The designated meeting time slot for each Committee has been designated in advance of elections so that all interested members are aware in advance of when they must be available for committee meetings. The Committee, once elected, may choose to select another time to meet if, and only if, all elected and/or appointed members can meet at the newly designated time. If a new time frame is selected for the quarterly meeting times, that change must be noted in the minutes and posted electronically within seven (7) business days of the meeting in which it was approved.

b. A meeting schedule will be posted for the academic year at the first committee

meeting of the year. The schedule will include date, time and tentative location for each meeting. Schedule will be available on the Governance website.

c. It is recommended that Committees hold quarterly meetings in October, November,

February and April, and that they add additional meeting times as required to review items submitted for their consideration.

d. Summer meetings are left to the agreement of all committee members.

2 . Order of the Meeting

a) Meetings will: • Begin on time • Follow the agenda which designates the time allowed for discussing each

item


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• Be led by the Committee Chair or his/her designee • Be open to all • End on time

b) Agendas and all pertinent material MUST BE circulated seven (7) business days before the scheduled meeting.

Article VIII: Overview of the CU Governance Process

a) Proposals submitted to committee chair a minimum of ten (10) business days prior to meeting date in order for chair to develop meeting agenda. b) Committee Chair submits agenda and any attachments to designated content manager for posting on CU Governance website a minimum of five (5) business days prior to meeting date. c) Committee members review agenda and attachments in advance of meeting date. d) Committee meets on appointed date and votes on action items. e) Meeting minutes/attendance/action items are recorded by Secretary. f) Meeting minutes are posted on the CU Governance website within 5 business days after the minutes have been approved by the committee. g) Once an action item has received approval by a committee, the Chair of the committee will forward the action item with supporting material to the Senior Officer of the area most relevant to the action item. h) Committee Chairs have the option to request a meeting with the Senior Officer of the area along with the Chairs of other committees in the same area within five (5) days of committee vote in order to invite further review and discussion and vetting of the proposed item. i) The Senior Officer will request that the recommendation be placed on the agenda of the next President’s Council. j) The Executive Committee will review the submitted item and share its response with the President. k) The President will review the submitted item(s) and make a final decision on implementation. The President’s assistant will fill out the tracking sheet, obtain the President’s signature, and forward the Tracking Sheet to the Committee Chair of origin for posting on the Governance web site.

Article IX: Amendments


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a) When there are proposed amendments to the existing Governance system, a notice of the proposed amendments will be circulated electronically to the CU community. b) The President or his/her designees will chair/host an open forum with video links to answer questions about the proposed changes. c) Within two (2) calendar weeks of the open forum, the college community will have one (1) week to vote on the proposed changes. d) A proposed change will take effect if it receives a majority of those voting.


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Faculty Designations College Unbound has two different types of faculty—Instructional Faculty and Advising Faculty. Advising Faculty members are required to be based within commuting distance of the College Unbound offices. Instructional Faculty may be based out of state. Course-‐Based Instructional Faculty: Course-‐Based Instructional Faculty have Master's degrees or higher or the requisite experience as practitioners in their field. Faculty with a M.A. or higher may be hired to develop College Unbound courses. Part-‐Time Faculty may be appointed on a contingent basis for advisory and/or evaluative services to augment the scope of professional expertise of the Core Faculty. They are core members of a students learning team and have roles ranging from Professional Mentor to Content Expert. They may be asked to review student portfolios or prior learning or called upon to assess mastery in College Unbound competencies. These faculty members must complete faculty orientation and must be approved by a committee composed of Core and Associate Faculty of College Unbound. Advising Faculty The Advising Faculty are responsible for learning cohorts of no larger than 15, with a full student load no larger than 36. They meet with their students weekly in 1:1 meetings and weekly at whole group seminars. They work with the student to develop a Personal Learning Plan, assist student progress toward achievement of the goals of that plan, and help to assess their progress along the way. Full-‐Time Equivalent (FTE) Definitions The FTE designations are: 4 courses/semester = Full-‐Time Course-‐Based Instruction 36 students/semester = Full-‐Time Advising 9 students may be substituted for one course, or vice-‐versa, to maintain full-‐time status.


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Faculty Hiring Policies Recruitment Policies: In College Unbound’s foundational years, faculty members have been hired through public searches in higher education. Procedures for recruitment and appointment of faculty are designed to assure that a thorough and systematic effort is made to recruit broadly and affirmatively for qualified persons. Every effort is made to assure that College Unbound’s faculty is representative of the faculty composition of Rhode Island’s higher education community as a whole. Faculty members are recruited from advertisements, and through unsolicited applications. Faculty members are interviewed and credentials are checked by the Provost or his/her designee. Appointment Policies: Initial faculty appointments shall be issued by the Provost, who shall routinely consult with and seek recommendations from members of the respective academic areas through which the appointment will be made. Unless otherwise impractical, a search committee will be established which shall include faculty from the respective academic disciplines involved. It is recognized that the Provost makes the final determination in these matters. The same general procedures will apply in the case of initial appointments of all Librarians. The Provost will notify the President of College Unbound of all appointments of full-‐time faculty members and provide copies of all letters of initial appointment on or before October 1 for fall appointments and March 1 for spring appointments. Faculty shall be appointed initially to the rank of part-‐time or full-‐time Advising Faculty or Instructional Faculty. All initial offers of employment shall be reduced to writing and shall specify the individual's conditions of appointment including rank, compensation, area of appointment and nature of appointment. Retention Policies: All appointments and reappointments to the Advising and Instructional Faculty of the College shall be made by the governing board on recommendation of the Provost and nomination by the President. Faculty members are initially hired on one or three year contracts but upon fulfillment of the terms of the contract, may request a five or eight year retention contract. Faculty are asked annually to update a portfolio in their personnel files that:

• begins with a framing statement that narrates the arc of their work, locating it relative to one or more disciplines or fields, explains its contributions to the mission of College Unbound, establishes its originality, and points to future directions; and

• documents projects through a variety of relevant materials, e.g., public and scholarly presentations, multimedia and curricular materials, individual and co-‐authored publications, site plans, policy reports, participant interviews, workshops, and planning and assessment tools.


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Academic Freedom Policy Conversations with the New Faculty Majority have influenced these guidelines to ensure equitable working conditions, compensation, and governance for College Unbound’s faculty. College Unbound plans to have ongoing relationship and oversight with the NFM organizations as its faculty grows. In accordance with the ideals of the state and the nation, and in order that the institutions under its jurisdiction might perform well the functions for which they are established, College Unbound affirms its unqualified acceptance of the principle of freedom in inquiry and expression. Academic freedom has been defined and codified in a statement of principles that was prepared by representatives of the American Association of University Professors and the Association of American Colleges. Adopted by both organizations in 1941 and later endorsed by many other professional and learned societies, it is known as “The 1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure.” In using the title Faculty, College Unbound wants to reaffirm that these principles apply equally to part-‐time and full-‐time faculty as well as both Course-‐Based Instructional Faculty and Advising Faculty. All are critical to the culture of academic freedom we wish to cultivate in our faculty and student body. Every faculty member shall be free to exercise all the rights of citizenship, including political and religious activities. The exercise of such rights shall in no way adversely affect his/her employment or constitute grounds for discipline or discrimination. In extra-‐mural utterances and activities, faculty members shall indicate that he/she is not an institutional spokesperson. While these policies have been written and approved with an eye towards academic freedom for faculty within academia, College Unbound also endorses their application to all employees of and affiliates in connection with College Unbound who work in the production of the intellectual labor of the college in order to best ensure that all who work within, learn from, or engage with the institution known as College Unbound do so as a full participant in the process with the ability to hold accountable the institution itself as an actor in this process. Similarly, in extra-‐mural utterances and activities, faculty members shall indicate that he/she is not an institutional spokesperson. College Unbound endorses the 1940 Statement, and takes the occasion to highlight the following passage:

"Institutions of higher education are conducted for the common good and not to further the interest of either the individual teacher or the institution as a whole. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research. Freedom in research is fundamental to the advancement of truth. Academic freedom in its teaching aspects is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the teacher in teaching and of the student to freedom in learning. It carries with it duties correlative with rights.”


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College Unbound would also like to highlight the following passages from the AAUP’s 1915 Declaration of Principles on Academic Freedom and Academic Tenure that clearly articulates the faculty's responsibility to the public and recognizes the potential controversial knowledges that emerge in trans-‐disciplinary learning that lays at the heart of College Unbound:

“The tendency of modern democracy is for men to think alike, to feel alike, and to speak alike. Any departure from the conventional standards is apt to be regarded with suspicion. Public opinion is at once the chief safeguard of a democracy, and the chief menace to the real liberty of the individual. It almost seems as if the danger of despotism cannot be wholly averted under any form of government. In a political autocracy there is no effective public opinion, and all are subject to the tyranny of the ruler; in a democracy there is political freedom, but there is likely to be a tyranny of public opinion. An inviolable refuge from such tyranny should be found in the university. It should be an intellectual experiment station, where new ideas may germinate and where their fruit, though still distasteful to the community as a whole, may be allowed to ripen until finally, perchance, it may become a part of the accepted intellectual food of the nation or of the world. The responsibility of the university teacher is primarily to the public itself, and to the judgment of his own profession; and while, with respect to certain external conditions of his vocation, he accepts a responsibility to the authorities of the institution in which he serves, in the essentials of his professional activity his duty is to the wider public to which the institution itself is morally amenable.”

College Unbound is committed to valuing public engagement and community-‐based pedagogy in its evaluation of faculty, and it will draw on such resources as Imagining America’s report "Scholarship in Public" to establish rigorous standards for assessing excellence in such work. Additionally, College Unbound affirms that if ever graduate students are employed as instructors while receiving graduate training, they will be recognized as employees with the same rights as College Unbound part-‐time faculty. The following also present specific examples of faculty protections under this commitment to academic freedom: Personnel Files 1. There shall be two (2) official personnel files for each faculty member. One file shall be designated as the "records file," and shall be kept and maintained at the direction of the Human Resources office. The second file shall be designated as the faculty member’s "professional file," and shall be kept and maintained by the Provost. The "records file" shall contain personnel materials such as records pertaining to the payroll, medical status, pension, benefits, and employment status. The contents of this file shall be kept confidential within the norms established by law and accepted personnel


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practices. The "professional file" shall contain documents related to: the faculty member’s original application and appointment; performance evaluations and materials submitted therewith; records of educational and professional achievement, honors, or other recognition; and other documents related to performance as a faculty member such as documents pertaining to hiring, retention, evaluation or promotion. At reasonable times, any faculty member may examine and reproduce at his/her own expense any document in either of his/her files, except those which relate to his/her original application and appointment at College Unbound. Faculty members are asked annually to update their portfolio in their personnel files to ensure the scope of their work, teaching, and public scholarship is accurately reflected. As a loose guide, College Unbound asks that portfolios:

• begin with a framing statement that narrates the arc of their work, locating it relative to one or more disciplines or fields, explains its contributions to the mission of College Unbound, establishes its originality, and points to future directions; and

• documents projects through a variety of relevant materials, e.g., public and scholarly presentations, multimedia and curricular materials, individual and co-‐authored publications, site plans, policy reports, participant interviews, workshops, and planning and assessment tools.

Intellectual Property 1. Intellectual Property Overview A faculty member who writes, produces, or creates any work, creation, design, invention, software, or other intellectual property, independent of specific funding and/or resources of College Unbound, shall have exclusive rights thereto, including patent, literary or artistic copyright. Sabbatical leaves and Leaves of Absence are not considered specific funding. A faculty member will have exclusive rights to any work produced during his/her sabbatical leave. In the case of literary or artistic works, computer software inventions, designs, technical developments or other intellectual property made or created by faculty members with more than the de minimis use of the College Unbound funds, technical facilities, support or technical personnel, the faculty member(s) shall hold 50% and College Unbound 50% of any right, title, or interest arising therefrom, unless other arrangements have been previously negotiated and reduced to a written Agreement between College Unbound and the faculty member(s). Rents, royalties, and other net profits shall be shared equally between the faculty member and College Unbound, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties taking into consideration the relative contribution of each. 2. Course Materials College Unbound has designed course templates for the purposes of the framing and overview of the curriculum. Any alterations/edits/additions made to these templates for a specific semester of instruction fall under the ownership of faculty members, including lecture notes, handouts, presentation slides, case studies, scientific and laboratory experiments, role playing exercises, examinations, quizzes, problem sets, simulations, or similar instructional or teaching materials (whether traditional or innovative) prepared on


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their own initiative for educational or professional purposes and utilized in conjunction with a course that the faculty member has been or is assigned to teach, and shall be entitled to the benefit of any royalties derived therefrom. College Unbound may contract with a faculty member to create new templates or course materials for the institution’s core curriculum. 3. Patents and other Technical Copyrights College Unbound waives, disclaims and abandons any interest in or claim to any invention, improvement, design or development made by a faculty member without the use of the College Unbound’s funds, facilities and/or support or technical personnel. Such inventions, copyrights and patents arising therefrom shall be the sole property of the faculty member who is the inventor/creator. Conversations with the New Faculty Majority have influenced these guidelines to ensure equitable working conditions, compensation, and governance for College Unbound’s faculty. College Unbound plans to have ongoing relationship and oversight with the NFM organizations as its faculty grows.


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RECORD RETENTION AND DOCUMENT DESTRUCTION POLICY Purpose In accordance with the Sarbanes-‐Oxley Act, which makes it a crime to alter, cover up, falsify, or destroy any document with the intent of impeding or obstructing any official proceeding, this policy provides for the systematic review, retention, and destruction of documents received or created by College Unbound in connection with the transaction of organization business. This policy covers all records and documents, regardless of physical form, contains guidelines for how long certain documents should be kept, and how records should be destroyed (unless under a legal hold). The policy is designed to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, to eliminate accidental or innocent destruction of records, and to facilitate College Unbound’s operations by promoting efficiency and freeing up valuable storage space. Document Retention College Unbound follows the document retention procedures outlined below. Documents that are not listed, but are substantially similar to those listed in the schedule, will be retained for the appropriate length of time. Corporate Records Annual Reports to Secretary of State/Attorney General Permanent Articles of Incorporation Permanent Board Meeting and Board Committee Minutes Permanent Board Policies/Resolutions Permanent Bylaws Permanent Construction Documents Permanent Fixed Asset Records Permanent IRS Application for Tax-‐Exempt Status (Form 1023) Permanent IRS Determination Letter Permanent State Sales Tax Exemption Letter Permanent Contracts (after expiration) 7 years Conflict of Interest disclosure forms 4 years Correspondence (general) 3 years Accounting and Corporate Tax Records Annual Audits and Financial Statements Permanent Audit Management Letters Permanent Depreciation Schedules Permanent IRS Form 990 Tax Returns Permanent General Ledgers [7 years/Permanent] Chart of Accounts 7 years Business Expense Records 7 years IRS Forms 1099 7 years Journal Entries 7 years


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Accounts Payable Ledger 7 years Investment Performance Reports 7 years Investment Consultant Reports 7 years Investment Manager Correspondence 7 years Investment Manager Contracts 7 years Invoices 7 years Cash Receipts 3 years Credit Card Receipts 3 years Bank Records Check Registers [7 years/Permanent] Bank Deposit Slips 7 years Bank Statements and Reconciliation 7 years Electronic Fund Transfer Documents 7 years Payroll and Employment Tax Records Payroll Registers Permanent State Unemployment Tax Records Permanent Earnings Records 7 years Garnishment Records 7 years Payroll Tax Returns 7 years W-‐2 Statements 7 years Employee Records Employee Personnel files Permanent Employment and Termination Agreements Permanent Retirement and Pension Plan Documents Permanent Employee Medical Records Permanent Employee Handbook Permanent Records/Promotion, Demotion, or Discharge 7 years after termination Accident Reports/Worker’s Compensation Records 5 years Salary Schedules 5 years Employment Applications /Résumés 3 years I-‐9 Forms 3 years after termination Donor and Grant Records Donor Records and Acknowledgment Letters 7 years Grant Applications, Grant Agreement Letters 7 years after completion Post Grant Reports 7 years after completion Consulting Services Consulting Contracts 7 years after termination Legal and Insurance Records Copyright Registrations Permanent Insurance Policies Permanent


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Stock and Bond Records Permanent Trademark Registrations Permanent Leases 6 years after expiration General Contracts 3 years after termination Technology Software Licenses & Support Agreements 7 years after completion Electronic Documents and Records Electronic documents will be retained as if they were paper documents. Therefore, any electronic files, including records of donations made online, that fall into one of the document types on the above schedule will be maintained for the appropriate amount of time. If a user has sufficient reason to keep an email message, the message should be printed in hard copy and kept in the appropriate file or moved to an “archive” computer file folder. Backup and recovery methods will be tested on a regular basis. Emergency Planning College Unbound’s records will be stored in a safe, secure, and accessible manner. Documents and financial files that are essential to keeping College Unbound operating in an emergency will be duplicated or backed up at least every week and maintained off-‐site. Document Destruction College Unbound’s Chief Financial Officer is responsible for the ongoing process of identifying its records, which have met the required retention period, and overseeing their destruction. Destruction of financial and personnel-‐related documents will be accomplished by shredding. Document destruction will be suspended immediately, upon any indication of an official investigation or when a lawsuit is filed or appears imminent. Destruction will be reinstated upon conclusion of the investigation. Compliance Failure on the part of employees to follow this policy can result in possible civil and criminal sanctions against College Unbound and its employees and possible disciplinary action against responsible individuals. The chief financial officer will periodically review these procedures with legal counsel or the organization’s certified public accountant to ensure that they are in compliance with new or revised regulations.


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WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY General College Unbound Code of Ethics and Conduct (“Code”) requires directors, officers, and employees to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. As employees and representatives of the organization, we must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Reporting It is the responsibility of all directors, officers, and employees to comply with the Code and to report violations or suspected violations in accordance with this Whistleblower Policy. A person’s concerns about possible fraudulent or dishonest use or misuse of resources or property should be reported to his or her supervisor or, if suspected by a volunteer, to the staff member supporting the volunteer’s work. If, for any reason, a person finds it difficult to report his or her concerns to a supervisor or staff member supporting the volunteer’s work, the person may report the concerns directly to the president. Alternately, to facilitate reporting of suspected violations where the reporter wishes to remain anonymous, a written statement may be submitted to the president. No Retaliation No director, officer, or employee who in good faith reports a violation of the Code shall suffer harassment, retaliation, or adverse employment consequence. An employee who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment. This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable employees and others to raise serious concerns within the organization prior to seeking resolution outside the organization. Definitions Whistleblower An employee, consultant, or volunteer who informs a supervisor or president about an activity relating to College Unbound which that person believes to be fraudulent or dishonest. Fraudulent or Dishonest Conduct A deliberate act or failure to act with the intention of obtaining an unauthorized benefit. Examples of such conduct include:

• Forgery or alteration of documents • Unauthorized alteration or manipulation of computer files • Fraudulent financial reporting • Pursuit of a benefit or advantage in violation of College Unbound’s Conflict-‐of-‐

Interest Policy


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• Misappropriation or misuse of College Unbound resources, such as funds, supplies, or other assets

• Authorizing or receiving compensation for goods not received or services not performed

• Authorizing or receiving compensation for hours not worked Acting in Good Faith Anyone filing a complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation of the Code must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation of the Code. Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and which prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense. Rights and Responsibilities Supervisors Supervisors are required to report suspected fraudulent or dishonest conduct to the president. Reasonable care should be taken in dealing with suspected misconduct to avoid

• Baseless allegations • Premature notice to persons suspected of misconduct and/or disclosure of

suspected misconduct to others not involved with the investigation • Violations of a person’s rights under law

Due to the important yet sensitive nature of the suspected violations, effective professional follow-‐up is critical. Supervisors, while appropriately concerned about “getting to the bottom” of such issues, should not in any circumstances perform any investigative or other follow-‐up steps on their own. Accordingly, a supervisor who becomes aware of suspected misconduct

• Should not contact the person suspected to further investigate the matter or demand restitution.

• Should not discuss the case with attorneys, the media, or anyone other than the president.

• Should not report the case to an authorized law enforcement officer without first discussing the case with the president.

Investigation All relevant matters, including suspected but unproved matters, will be reviewed and analyzed, with documentation of the receipt, retention, investigation, and treatment of the complaint. Appropriate corrective action will be taken, if necessary, and findings will be communicated to the reporting person and his or her supervisor. Investigations may warrant investigation by independent persons such as auditors and/or attorneys. Whistleblower Protection College Unbound will protect whistleblowers as defined below:


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• College Unbound will use its best efforts to protect whistleblowers against retaliation. Whistleblowing complaints will be handled with sensitivity, discretion, and confidentiality to the extent allowed by the circumstances and the law. Generally, this means that whistleblower complaints will only be shared with those who have a need to know so that College Unbound can conduct an effective investigation, determine what action to take based on the results of any such investigation, and in appropriate cases, with law enforcement personnel. (Should disciplinary or legal action be taken against a person or persons as a result of a whistleblower complaint, such persons may also have the right to know the identity of the whistleblower.)

• Employees, consultants, and volunteers of College Unbound may not retaliate against a

whistleblower for informing management about an activity which that person believes to be fraudulent or dishonest with the intent or effect of adversely affecting the terms or conditions of the whistleblower’s employment, including but not limited to, threats of physical harm, loss of job, punitive work assignments, or impact on salary or fees. Whistleblowers who believe that they have been retaliated against may file a written complaint with the president. Any complaint of retaliation will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective measures taken if allegations of retaliation are substantiated. This protection from retaliation is not intended to prohibit supervisors from taking action, including disciplinary action, in the usual scope of their duties and based on valid performance-‐related factors.


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Drug-‐Free Workplace Policy College Unbound provides a safe and drug-‐free work environment for our students and employees. College Unbound explicitly prohibits:

• The use, possession, solicitation for, or sale of narcotics or other illegal drugs, alcohol, or prescription medication without a prescription on College Unbound premises or while performing a College Unbound assignment.

• Being impaired or under the influence of legal or illegal drugs or alcohol away from College Unbound premises or off-‐campus sites, if such impairment or influence adversely affects the employee’s work performance, the safety of the employee or others, or puts at risk College Unbound’s reputation.

• Possession, use, solicitation for, or sale of legal or illegal drugs or alcohol away from College Unbound premises or off-‐campus sites, if such activity or involvement adversely affects the employees work performance, the safety of the employee or others, or puts at risk College Unbound’s reputation.

• The presence of any detectable amount of prohibited substances in the employee’s system while at work, while on the premises of the company or its customers, or while on company business. “Prohibited substances” include illegal drugs, alcohol, or prescription drugs not taken in accordance with a prescription given to the employee.

College Unbound may conduct drug and/or alcohol testing under any of the following circumstances:

• Random Testing: Employees may be selected at random for drug and/or alcohol testing at any interval determined by College Unbound.

• For-‐Cause Testing: College Unbound may ask an employee to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test at any time it feels that the employee may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, including, but not limited to, the following circumstances: evidence of drugs or alcohol on or about the employee’s person or in the employee’s vicinity, unusual conduct on the employee’s part that suggests impairment or influence of drugs or alcohol, negative performance patterns, or excessive and unexplained absenteeism or tardiness.

• Post-‐Accident Testing: Any employee involved in an on-‐the-‐job accident or injury under circumstances that suggest possible use or influence of drugs or alcohol in the accident or injury event may be asked to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test. “Involved in an on-‐the-‐job accident or injury” means not only the one who was or could have been injured, but also any employee who potentially contributed to the accident or injury event in any way.

If an employee is tested for drugs or alcohol outside of the employment context and the results indicate a violation of this policy, or if an employee refuses a request to submit to testing under this policy, the employee may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and possibly including discharge from employment. In such a case, the employee will be given an opportunity to explain the circumstances prior to any final employment action becoming effective.


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Federal Title IV Student Financial Regulations Commissions and Incentives Policy College Unbound is compliant with all federal Title IV Student Financial Aid regulations. College Unbound will not provide any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based in any part, directly or indirectly, upon success in securing enrollments or the award of financial aid, to any person or entity who is engaged in any student recruitment or admission activity, or in making decisions regarding the award of Title IV, HEA program funds. This policy is also included in the Conflict of Interest section of the College Unbound Board of Trustees Bylaws.


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INTERNAL CONTROLS PROCEDURES Budget The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) prepares a draft budget based on previous year’s figures and projections for the new year, including any decisions for salary increases. The draft budget is reviewed, making revisions where necessary. The proposed budget is then presented to the Executive Committee for their review and approval. (The Executive Board, through definition in the bylaws, represents the full board to approve the annual budget.) Once approved by the Executive Board the budget is sent to the full board for their review. Once the budget is approved, revisions are made only when additional funding is received. Reporting The CFO prints out the monthly budget vs. actual reports for all cost centers and compares the difference of budget vs. actual for each cost center. All cost centers, along with the consolidated income statements and balance sheets for College Unbound are reviewed monthly with the President and an outside accountant, comparing all reports with the previous month and answering any question relative to the monthly financial statements. The CFO also compares the individual cost center reports to the consolidated income statement to make sure that all reports equal the total to make sure that no reports are missing. The CFO also prepares a quarterly budget vs actual report, which is then reviewed with the President, and then sent to the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees for their review. Year-‐end financial statements are reviewed by July 15 and finalized by August 31st annually. The CFO analyzes and reviews routine and non-‐routine events and transactions occurring near year end to ensure that they are accounted for in the correct accounting period in accordance with GAAP and College Unbound’s accounting and disclosure policies. The audit report and management letter are reviewed by the CFO each year before being presented to the Audit Committee by the auditor. Approval of the audit report is documented in the board minutes. The CFO ensures that all necessary consents, waivers, communications, and other legal documents are obtained prior to the issuance of the financial statements. Receipts – Support Cash receipts The CFO gives the person handing over the cash a receipt and the cash is deposited in the bank in a timely manner. The cash is locked up until it is brought to the bank. The CFO will prepare a listing of all cash receipts along with the deposit slip. The cash receipts listing will be compared to the validated deposit slip and initialed by the Administrative Assistant. The CFO will then make the bank deposit.


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Check receipts The CFO will stamp all checks with “Deposit Only” when s/he prepares the bank deposit and copies all checks. A copy of the check and the check stub are attached to a copy of the deposit slip and the bank deposit receipt. The CFO will then prepare a listing of all cash receipts, along with the deposit slip, and generate cash disbursements. The cash receipts listing will be compared to the validated deposit slip and initialed by the Administrative Assistant. The CFO will then make the bank deposit and record the cash receipts into the accounting system. Checks are deposited at least once per week. The CFO records the deposit, then prints out a cash report and makes sure it agrees with the deposit slip. The CFO investigates any discrepancies and issues related to cash. The CFO maintains cash receipts journal. All general journal entries are reviewed and initialed by the CFO on a monthly basis, after which these entries will be posted to the accounting records. Wire Transfer receipts Notice is sent to College Unbound from Citizens Bank of the transfer/deposit. The CFO enters the transfer into Peachtree on the same day as the notification from the bank and matches it against the appropriate invoice. Credit Card receipts Credit card payments are accepted though PayPal. Upon receipt of the money in College Unbound’s PayPal account, the CFO draws down the funds directly into College Unbound’s bank account and then enters the receipt into the accounting system. Receipts -‐ Program revenue Cash receipts The CFO gives the person handing over the cash a receipt and the cash is deposited in the bank in a timely manner. The cash is locked up until it is brought to the bank. The CFO will prepare a listing of all cash receipts along with the deposit slip. The cash receipts listing will be compared to the validated deposit slip and initialed by the Administrative Assistant. The CFO will then make the bank deposit. Check receipts When checks are received for program fees, the CFO will match the checks to the appropriate invoice. The CFO will investigate any discrepancies and issues related to the checks and invoices. Checks held overnight are kept in a locked file cabinet. The CFO will stamp all checks with “Deposit Only” when he prepares the bank deposit and copies all checks. A copy of the check and the check stub are attached to a copy of the deposit slip


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and the bank deposit receipt. The CFO will then prepare a listing of all cash receipts, along with the deposit slip, and generate cash disbursements. The cash receipts listing will be compared to the validated deposit slip and initialed by the AA. The CFO will then make the bank deposit and record the cash receipts into the accounting system. Checks are deposited at least once per week. CFO records the deposit into Peachtree, then prints out a cash report from Peachtree and makes sure it agrees with the deposit slip. CFO investigates any discrepancies and issues related to cash. CFO maintains cash receipts journal. All general journal entries are reviewed and initialed by the CFO on a monthly basis, after which these entries will be posted to the accounting records. Wire Transfer receipts The CFO enters the transfer into Peachtree on the same day as the notification from the bank and matches it against the appropriate invoice. Credit Card receipts Credit card payments are accepted though PayPal. Upon receipt of the money in College Unbound’s PayPal account, the CFO draws down the funds directly into College Unbound’s bank account and then enters the receipt into the accounting system. Receipts -‐ Grants/Contracts Cash Receipts N/A, none for grants/contracts. Check receipts Checks are received from any grant or contract. All checks go directly to CFO, who compares to the contract billings and/or award letters. Same procedure as for Program Revenue above. Wire Transfer receipts Notice is sent to College Unbound from Citizens Bank of the transfer/deposit. CFO enters the transfer on the same day as the notification from the bank and matches it against the appropriate invoice. Credit Card receipts N/A, none for grants/contracts.


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Disbursements Cash Disbursements N/A, there are no cash disbursements. Check disbursements Checks are pre-‐numbered and used in sequence. All disbursements are made by check as there is no “petty cash” on hand. All checks are signed and invoices approved by the approved check signors. The supporting documentation is presented along with the check. Voided checks are cancelled and retained. Checks payable to “cash” or “bearer” are prohibited. Blank checks are also prohibited. CFO prepares checks when invoices are received. Invoices are stamped “Entered” with a date and the G/L account number is entered on the invoice as well. Invoices are then marked “Paid”, along with the check number and date of payment. Only one signature is required for all checks, except those that exceed $25,000, which require a second signature. A signature stamp is never used to sign checks. Signature authorities are Dennis Littky, and CFO (to be determined). The CFO signs the checks and invoices, mails the checks, and returns the signed invoices on a monthly basis. CFO edits the vendor file and investigates discrepancies and issues involving expenditures and cash. Hand-‐written checks are available for emergency situations only, and the amount/check MUST be approved before the issuance of the check. All hand-‐written checks must have appropriate receipts and/or W-‐9 prior to issuing the check. A copy of the check and appropriate backup (receipts, invoices, W-‐9) must be sent to the CFO to be recorded and filed. W-‐9s are collected from contractors for which we then issue 1099s to unincorporated contractors and incorporated and unincorporated lawyers. Wire Transfer disbursements Wire transfers can be made only for credit card payments via telephone and internet and must have prior approval of one of the signature authorities. Credit Card disbursements College Unbound maintains five (5) credit cards. The holders are Dennis Littky, Adam Bush, Tracy Money, CFO (TBD) and VPBA (TBD). There are five (5) cardholders. If a card is lost or stolen, or if a cardholder leaves College Unbound employ, the card is immediately cancelled. Cancelled cards are shredded and the bank is notified immediately to remove the user. College Unbound policy requires all receipts to be submitted to the CFO within two (2) weeks of use.


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Bank Reconciliations All bank accounts will be reconciled on a monthly basis by the CFO. The CFO will then review all bank reconciliations, print, and initial them after which they will be filed for review during the annual audit. Any outstanding checks older than one year are voided. Bank charges and interest are recorded into the accounting system monthly. Petty Cash N/A Investments COLLEGE UNBOUND’s reserve fund investment accounts are with Citizens Financial Services Vanguard, and Commonfund. The investment policy and portfolio have been reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees. The investment account is reviewed on a monthly basis by the CFO with quarterly reports to the Finance Committee and annual reports to the Board of Trustees. Profit/loss is recorded on a monthly basis, with notification to the board as needed. The CFO reconciles the account on a monthly basis. Support (Donations, Fundraising, Special Events) Cash receipts N/A Restricted gifts N/A Program Fees, A/R Note: Programs have own cost centers to keep track of P&L. Cash receipts N/A Billing CFO sends invoices in accordance with the billing cycle established in the contract, and enters the receivables into the accounting system.


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Accounts Receivable Aged receivables are reviewed by the CFO on a monthly basis. Past due notices are sent if necessary followed by a follow-‐up letter. A letter will be sent when an account is 60-‐90 days past due. Grant and Contracts Note: Each grant and award has own cost center. CFO reviews each cost center on a monthly basis, correcting any discrepancies. Cash receipts N/A Billing Grantors automatically send the grant funds based on a signed grant agreement letter, which indicates the time frame for funds to be disbursed. Grants Receivable Grant agreement/award letter is sent to the CFO. Grant funds are received and entered into the accounting system, following the Check Receipts for Grant/Contracts procedure above. Restricted income (received) Each grant and award has its own cost center. CFO reviews each cost center on a monthly basis, correcting any discrepancies. The budget listed in the cost center identifies the specific use of the grant funds, based on the approved budget submitted with the grant application. Monthly reviews of each grant cost center ensure that the funds are spent in accordance with the grant agreement. Donated Materials, Facilities, and Services N/A Cash Disbursements Purchasing All office supplies and computer purchases are handled by the CFO. Cash Disbursements N/A


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Check disbursements N/A Wire Transfer disbursements N/A Credit Card disbursements Credit cards are paid on a monthly basis either online or by check, and all payments are approved by one of the signature authorities. Travel & Business Expenses This policy is included in our Employee Handbook as stated below: Travel COLLEGE UNBOUND will reimburse employees for reasonable business travel expenses incurred while on assignments away from the normal work location. All business travel must be approved in advance by the immediate supervisor. When approved, the actual costs of travel, meals, lodging, and other expenses directly related to accomplishing business travel objectives will be reimbursed by COLLEGE UNBOUND. Employees are expected to limit expenses to reasonable amounts. Travel and Hotel Reservations It is the policy of COLLEGE UNBOUND to arrange travel in the most cost effective way. We will try to arrange the shortest flight at the most reasonable price and provide a cost efficient hotel/car. If you choose to request an airline/hotel/car that is more expensive, you will be responsible for the difference in cost. All travel, hotels, and car rentals are to be booked through the Controller. All travel should be arranged within a minimum of 7-‐14 days prior to date of departure. Any travel arrangements made within less than 7 days need prior approval from the CFO. Once travel arrangements are confirmed any changes to these arrangements must be approved by the CFO. If your trip gets cancelled for any reason, you are to notify the Controller immediately. If you leave the hotel before the end of your reservation, you are responsible for canceling any future reservations so that COLLEGE UNBOUND does not have to pay a “no show” fee.


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Car Rental Car rentals should be for compact cars only. Any upgrades are at your expense. The car is to be returned with a full tank of gas if not then COLLEGE UNBOUND will only pay for the amount owed if the car had been fueled properly. COLLEGE UNBOUND will not reimburse for insurance or the prepaid fuel option. Meals Meal allowances, with receipts, are as follows: Breakfast -‐ $11.00 Lunch -‐ $15.00 Dinner -‐ $33.00 The above per meal allowances are a guide; however meal expenses may not exceed $59.00 per day. If your meal receipt is for more than one person, please list all names on the receipt. If you are entertaining and anticipate a larger than normal expense, prior approval for this meal should be obtained from your immediate supervisor. PLEASE NOTE: COLLEGE UNBOUND does not reimburse for alcoholic beverages. Mileage Mileage is reimbursed, for work-‐related travel only, at the current IRS rate. COLLEGE UNBOUND does not reimburse for mileage to and from the airport. Accounts Payable When CFO receives an invoice/bill, CFO puts it onto Peachtree as an A/P. Usually CFO pays bills within a week of receiving the bill. A/P are reviewed by the CFO. All invoices are double checked by the CFO for accuracy. All invoices are matched up with supporting documentation. The invoices are marked paid, as well as the date paid and check number, and are approved for payment by one of the signature authorities. Accrued Expenses N/A Payroll and Related Liabilities COLLEGE UNBOUND has written personnel policies, job descriptions, conflict of interest policy, and non-‐discrimination policies. The personnel files are maintained by the CFO. Each file has a W-‐4, I-‐9, date of hire, pay rate authorization form, letter of termination, annual contract and the forms for pension, health, dental and life insurance that COLLEGE UNBOUND offers. Payroll is prepared by the CFO. ADP is used as the payroll service. ADP uses CFO’s signature stamp to sign payroll checks for those employees who do not have direct deposit. ADP is responsible for tax filings, payments and W-‐2’s. ADP calculates the payroll using database files holding employee information. When CFO receives payroll


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from the payroll service, CFO reviews the payroll. Then CFO enters everyone’s salary and wages onto an excel spreadsheet to allocate to cost centers. CFO disburses the payroll checks and resolves employee payroll inquiries. The totals by cost center are then inputted by FM onto Peachtree as a journal entry. CFO reviews the allocation of payroll costs to accounts, programs and other functions. CFO controls unclaimed checks. CFO ensures that all employee salaries have allocations for grants/contracts, if applicable. Personnel files and payroll registers are kept locked up in CFO’s office. CFO is responsible for determining whether individuals are employees or independent contractors and the CFO issues the 1099’s. CFO receives a Form W-‐9 from new contractors. CFO does not pay contractor until a W-‐9 is received. CFO has W-‐9’s on file for contractors that are used on a regular basis. CFO is responsible for monitoring pension and other employee benefit matters. Benefits include health/dental and life insurance benefits. Employees can contribute to a 403(B) with no limit. There is no matching by COLLEGE UNBOUND. Property and Equipment CFO initiates and authorizes property and equipment purchases. When a fixed asset is purchased, CFO records in Peachtree as a fixed asset, unless it is paid for by a grant or contract, in which case it is temporarily expensed and then re-‐classed as a fixed asset at year-‐end. Capitalization policy is $5,000. Fixed assets do not have to be approved by the board. Fixed asset inventory and detail list is updated on a yearly basis. Review of adequate insurance coverage is done annually, with insurance coverage based on actual property values. Depreciation is calculated annually. No board approval needed for deletions. At year-‐end deletions are taken off the books. CFO initiates property and equipment disposals. CFO reconciles the property and equipment sub ledger to the G/L. Inventory An annual inventory is taken of all property with the valuation determined at the time of the inventory. Other Assets N/A Liabilities and Other Debt N/A Security Cash, checks received, blank check stock and confidential files are kept in a locked fire-‐resistant cabinet in CFO’s office, which is locked at night. Supplies and surplus equipment


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are locked up in either the CFO’s office or the IT department. Postage meter is kept in the Executive Assistant’s office, which is locked at night. Peachtree has a password and is backed up every night onto the server. Insurance Coverage All insurance policies are reviewed on an annual basis by the insurance carrier, the insurance company and CFO, to make sure coverage is adequate. COLLEGE UNBOUND has workers’ comp, general liability (including abuse and molestation and employee benefits liability), professional liability, computers, crime, commercial auto, directors and officers, and umbrella (excess coverage) insurance coverage. Computer Systems Peachtree is backed up daily to the server and is password protected. The files on the server are backed up on a weekly basis. The servers are password protected and kept in a locked storage area at all times. Only authorized personnel have access to the servers. Each computer is password protected. All financial information is printed on a monthly basis. All financial statements from the previous fiscal year are printed as well. Accounting files are backed up daily. Journal Entries Journal entries are made as necessary, and include an explanation and documentation for each entry. All journal entries are made and initialed by the CFO on a monthly basis, after which these entries are posted to the accounting records.