Academic Affairs

Recognitions

Vaughn College is an independent, not-for-profit corporation chartered by the Board of Regents of the state of New York as a senior college for the purpose of conducting programs of instruction leading to the master, bachelor and associate degrees appropriate to the curriculum.

Vaughn College curricula are registered by the New York State Education Department under the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education.

The following are the master of science and master of business administration degree programs offered at the College with its corresponding HEGIS code number. Enrollment in other than registered or otherwise approved programs can jeopardize a student’s eligibility for certain student aid awards.

Master of Science Degree Curricula

• Airport Management 0510

Master of Business Administration Degree Curricula

• Aviation Management 0506

Accreditation

Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104 (telephone: 215.662.5606). The Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education and the Commission on Higher Education Accreditation.

Vaughn College also holds accreditation for its associate of applied science degree in airport management; bachelor of science degrees in airport management, airline management and general management; and the master of science degree in airport management and the master’s in business administration in aviation management through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

Approvals

1. This institution is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students.
2. The New York State Education Department has approved Vaughn for the training of veterans.
3. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in partnership with Vaughn, has chosen Vaughn as one of 36 institutions nationwide participating in the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program (see undergraduate catalog)

Affiliations

Vaughn College is associated with distinguished organizations that provide valuable relationships important to the student’s educational program, including:

Religious Holidays

Vaughn College, in recognition of the various religious faiths represented on campus, provides that a student absent from class because of his or her religious beliefs shall not be penalized for any class, examination or assignment deadline missed on that day(s). A student shall be permitted to make up any exam or classwork or assignment after an absence due to religious observance and no prejudice or adverse effect shall result to any student because of such religious observance. A student who anticipates being absent for religious observance should notify the appropriate faculty member in advance.

Academic Definitions

The following are academic definitions used by Vaughn:

• A master of science degree refers to the degree program that will be awarded upon successful completion of all requirements relating to the degree program.
• A master of business administration degree refers to the degree program that will be awarded upon successful completion of all requirements relating to the degree program.
• Curriculum refers to the specific courses of study that need to be completed to be awarded a degree.

Academic Advising

The academic progress of students is of primary concern to every member of Vaughn College’s faculty and staff.

From registration through graduation, the guidance and progress of the student is the responsibility of the office of academic affairs, the office of student affairs, the student advisement center and the faculty advisers. Students can seek their advice and counsel at any time throughout their studies at Vaughn.

Successful performance at the College depends in part upon proper scheduling. To ensure that subjects are completed in logical sequence, schedule advisement is provided during each registration period by the academic department and is reviewed together with the student’s objectives and abilities. Realistic academic goals are established for the immediate semester and the overall course of study. The pattern of prerequisites has been designed to assist students in planning their programs.

Changes in schedules or programs require further consultation with the advisor and the department chair.

Faculty members are the first and most important advisers in academic matters and should be consulted frequently both in and out of the classroom. Consultation hours are scheduled by faculty and professional advisers available in the student advisement center. Each student is personally responsible for consulting with his or her adviser at least twice each semester.

Department chairs of Vaughn can be consulted should the student feel that their assistance will be beneficial.

The associate vice president of academic support services and the services of the Student Advisement Center (SAC) are also available to assist students in obtaining registration materials and guidance in completing the registration process. Students who are on academic probation are required to use the services of the Teaching and Learning Center to incorporate academic support, as part of a study plan, into their course schedule.

Division of Academic Success Operations (ASO)

The Division of Academic Success Operations has a number of support units available to students. Pursuing an education requires time and commitment, and there are many occasions when extra academic help and support are needed. These services help students improve academic performance and supplement their education. All Vaughn College students are encouraged to take advantage of these services.

Academic Success Center (ASC)

The Academic Success Center (ASC) offers a variety of programs that complement the education received within the classroom including the Math and Writing Center, peer tutoring, supplemental instruction, workshops, advisement, and testing. It also provides a collaborative area to study. The ASC has operations on the first and second floors of the Library.

Peer Tutorial Program

Students who need tutoring in various subjects have the option of turning to their peers for extra help. Peer tutors work with their fellow students on a one-on-one or small group basis.

Computer-aided Instruction

Computer-aided instruction offers students a self-help program using electronic and online resources.

Audiovisual Library

Instructional tapes covering mathematics, science, English, and a variety of aviation and aerospace- related subjects are available for individual and small-group viewing in the ARC screening section. They range from general aeronautical information to more specific, detailed topics. The viewing of these tapes may be required for some classes.

Attendance Policy

All students are encouraged to attend their courses on a regular basis and abide by the departmental and course-specific attendance requirements (as provided in course syllabi). Additionally, students are required to attend registered courses at least once during the first three weeks of each semester. Failing to meet this minimum requirement can affect registration in the course(s) for that semester. If a student does not meet the minimum attendance requirement, he or she will be informed by the registrar’s office regarding the attendance status and appropriately advised thereafter by the student academic support services department.

Academic Standards, Categories and Procedures

• Good academic standing: Students must earn no less than a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) to graduate. Students earning a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) or better and making progress toward their degree are considered in good academic standing.
• Warning: Any student who, in any one semester, earns a GPA of less than 3.0 or does not complete 60 percent or more of attempted credits, will be notified of his/her standing. He or she will be required to have the registration form signed by the chair of the department under which his or her program falls and will be recommended to meet with the associate vice president of academic support services or a representative.
• Probation: Any student who, in two consecutive semesters, earns a GPA of less than 3.0 or does not complete 60 percent or more of attempted credits will be notified of his or her standing. He or she will be required to have the registration form signed by the chair of the department under which his or her program falls and to meet with the associate vice president of academic support services to arrange weekly meetings to resolve academic problems.
• Extended Probation: Students whose semester GPA remains below the minimum requirements for more than two semesters can be continued on extended probation only if their cumulative GPA is greater than 3.0.
• Suspension: Any student who in three consecutive semesters earns a cumulative GPA of less than 3.0 or does not complete 60 percent of attempted credits will be automatically suspended pending an appeal to the academic standards committee. At that time the committee may issue requirements regarding credits and courses to be taken.

Students will not be allowed to register for a course more than two times without permission of a department chair. Students who fail any course three times will automatically be suspended pending an appeal to the academic standards committee.

Any course or courses that cause the student’s overall GPA to drop below 3.0 or B average, such as when the course grade is less than a B, must be repeated during the following semester. The student may be allowed to schedule advanced subjects if all prerequisites are met, or may be allowed to repeat subjects already passed to raise the average, if approved by the academic standards committee.

If a student is suspended and, upon appeal, receives approval from the academic standards committee to register, he or she is considered on probationary status. If the overall GPA is less than 3.0 and remains less than 3.0 despite a greater than 3.0 GPA for the semester he or she re-entered in, and the student continues to receive a term GPA of less than 3.0, he or she is now on extended probation.

• Academic Dismissal: If a student, after an appeal to the academic standards committee, is allowed to register and continues to receive a term grade point average of less than 3.0, the student will not be allowed to re-enroll until he or she has demonstrated improved academic performance by taking at least nine credits at another institution and attaining at least a 3.0 GPA for those courses.
• Incomplete: Subjects must be completed to the satisfaction of the faculty member within one semester.
• Issues: Students must address all issues related to academic progress to the academic standards committee for review. Once the committee issues its decision or recommendation, if unsatisfactory, students can appeal the decision to the vice president of academic affairs. The vice president’s decision is final.

Academic Status

A matriculated student is one who has been accepted into and is pursuing a program consisting of a sequence of subjects leading to a degree.

An admitted student is considered a conditional matriculant until the receipt of all admission documents. Registration for advanced subject matter requires the completion of prerequisites.

Students who wish to audit classes must obtain written permission from the appropriate department chair. Auditing students can attend selected classes, but will not receive credit. They will not be required to write examinations or to satisfy prerequisites.

A student can be removed from matriculated status and placed in non-matriculated status for academic deficiencies.

Academic Performance

The faculty evaluate students as they progress through their studies. The faculty make formal student evaluations twice during each term: at midterm a P (pass) or F (fail) grade is given, and a letter grade is issued for the final grade.

Advanced Standing, Transfer and Prior Learning Credit

Vaughn will consider granting a maximum of six transfer credits (advanced standing) for equivalent studies completed at other accredited institutions. These studies must meet the College’s standards as determined by the faculty.

Applicants seeking transfer credit must submit official transcripts of their previous education and the appropriate catalogs describing these credits. The documents should be filed in the admissions office at the earliest possible date.

Transferring students must have a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) or better to transfer a course. Students seeking transfer credit can confer with the department chairs no later than the student’s registration day to discuss his or her status and establish an academic schedule.

The respective department chair’s approval is required for transfer credits (advanced standing) given in that department.

If a student anticipates transfer of credit for a particular course, he or she should be discouraged from enrolling in the same course. If a student elects to enroll in the course for whatever reason (e.g., obtain full-time status for financial aid, increase GPA, etc.), transfer credit will no longer apply. The academic grade will be the grade of record. If the student withdraws from the course or receives a failure in the course, he or she will have to retake the course at Vaughn College.

Academic Honesty Policy

Vaughn College is committed to ensuring quality and integrity in all its academic and evaluative activities. A learning environment that promotes high academic standards is beneficial to students and faculty alike. Academic dishonesty of any form is in opposition to the values and mission of the institution and will not be tolerated.

Academic Appeals

Students concerned about their grade in a given course should first try to resolve the issue with their instructor and explain their concerns about the grade, asking for a resolution.

If unsuccessful, the student should contact the academic department chairperson. In writing, the student must detail his or her argument for a grade change, specifically identifying and documenting those factors that the student believes affected his or her grade. The student must submit this written statement no later than 30 days from the start of the fall or spring semester directly following the semester in which the grade in question was assigned. The chair will forward this statement to the instructor and then meet with the instructor and the student to mediate the dispute. The student will receive a written reply from the department chair within 15 days from receipt of the appeal.

If the problem is still not resolved and the student wishes to continue the petition, he or she can make an appeal in writing to the academic standards committee. The committee shall begin with the presumption that the original grade was assigned correctly, and the burden of proof will lie with the student. If the committee determines that the grade assigned was based on factors other than the student’s academic performance in the course, the committee can determine a new grade and submit a change of grade form.

If the student does not find the committee’s decision satisfactory, he or she can petition the vice president of academic affairs, in writing. The vice president of academic affairs will review the decision of the committee and can let the committee’s decision stand or reverse it and resolve the problem utilizing the academic rules and standards of the College. The vice president will then forward the final decision to the student as well as to the registrar’s office.

Definition of Academic Credit

College Credits

College credits are granted for successful completion of courses offered by the arts and sciences, engineering and technology, management and aviation departments.

One credit toward graduation is granted for each 15 hours of lecture or 45 hours of laboratory per semester. Students should allow two preparation hours for each lecture hour.

Transfer credits refer to those subjects for which credit is earned at another college or by non- traditional methods.

Credit Loads

The maximum credit load allowed in the fall or spring semester for full-time students is nine (9) credits. The maximum credit load during a summer semester is three (3) credits. Approval from the department chair is required to register for more than the maximum credit load. Students on academic probation are assigned a reduced load maximum during the probationary period.

An adviser’s approval does not mean that a course can be substituted to fulfill a degree or program requirement. In cases where one course is to be substituted for another, official approval must be granted by the department chair and documented on an evaluation form located in the registrar’s office.

Incompletes

A grade of “I” (incomplete) is to be awarded very rarely, only when the student has not completed a small portion of the coursework due to exceptional circumstances. Granting of this grade is up to the discretion of the instructor, but it is not recommended when a student has not completed significant portions of course tasks. The instructor must notify the department chair.

A signed “Change of Grade” form must be submitted to the registrar’s office no later than the end of the semester immediately following the semester in which the student received a grade of “I.” For example, if an “I” grade is received in the spring or summer semesters, the grade change form must be submitted by the end of the following fall semester, and so on.

Failure to complete the course work in a timely fashion, and to the satisfaction of the instructor, will automatically result in the conversion of an “I” grade to the grade of “F” (failure).

Grade Change Policy

Grade changes from “F” are generally not permitted. Students receiving final grades of “F” must repeat the course. Under extenuating circumstances, requests will be handled through the vice president of academic affairs.

Due to certain extraordinary circumstances (makeup assignments, retesting, clerical error, etc.), a student can request a grade change. If a student received a previous grade of A, B+, B, or C and wishes to receive a grade change, he or she must formally initiate an academic appeal. If the appeal is approved, the student must fill out an official “Grade Change Request” form. The form must be submitted to the instructor of the course in question.

Once the instructor signs the form, it must then be submitted to the department chair for approval and signature. The department chair will then sign the form and forward it to the vice president of academic affairs for approval. The vice president of academic affairs’ signature (as well as the signature of the instructor and department chair) must appear on the form before it is sent to the registrar’s office for processing. The proper paperwork must be submitted to the registrar’s office no later than the end of the fall or spring semester directly following the semester in which the grade in question was assigned. Grade change requests outside this time requirement will be denied.

Repeating A Course

If a student repeats a course, both grades will remain on the student’s record. However, only the last grade received in the repeated course will be computed into the student’s grade point average.

Degree Project/Degree Thesis

Candidates for a master’s degree in airport management must complete a final project or a comprehensive research project before the end of their last semester. Students must register their project or thesis with their academic adviser/chair no later than the first week of the final semester.

Students who have received a final grade of “F” (failure) for the final project or course may not receive a grade change. Under extenuating circumstances, students can appeal to the academic standards committee.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation is recommended to the board of trustees by the faculty upon completion of these criteria:

1. A grade of B or higher in sufficient courses to ensure an overall GPA of B or 3.0.
2. All assigned work must be completed satisfactorily.
3. The thesis or master’s project requirement must be satisfied.
4. Transfer students with advanced credit must complete 30 credits in residency.
5. All financial obligations must be satisfied.
6. Graduation application requirements must be completed as listed under “Applying for Graduation.”
7. Students must complete all academic course requirements in their degree program.
8. Students must complete exit interviews with the office of financial aid.

In cases where a course is no longer offered, the department chair can make course substitutions. Students should consult with the department chair and the office of the registrar to determine which courses can be used as electives in their major.

Applying for Graduation

Students must:

1. File a “Graduation Declaration” form with the registrar’s office. All degree declaration forms must be returned to the registrar’s office the semester prior to the semester in which the student plans to graduate. For example: students applying for May graduation must file no later than October 15; for December graduation, no later than July; for August graduation, no later than April 15.
2. A nonrefundable $100 fee is required when the graduation declaration form is submitted.
3. Graduation of candidates with more than six outstanding credits, or who have not filed by the deadlines stated above, will be postponed until the next graduation date.

Commencement

Commencement is held once per year at Vaughn, generally the third Saturday in May. Graduates from August, December and May candidates can participate. Candidates who participate in commencement are still considered graduate candidates. Participation in the ceremony does not imply conferral of a degree. Degrees are finalized and conferred upon a final academic and financial review. To expedite publishing of the commencement program, cumulative grade point averages may not reflect the semester in which the commencement exercise takes place.

Graduates must complete all requirements as stated under “Graduation Requirements” on this page.

Grading System

Grade point average (GPA) is computed by multiplying the number of quality points by the number of credits of the course. Total number of quality points is divided by the sum of total credits passed and failed to obtain the grade point average. Developmental and special courses carrying credits and receiving pass, pass/exempt or unsatisfactory grades are not computed into the GPA.

Example of a Computed Grade Point Average: