Academic Policies

Lynn Powell Dougherty
ldougherty@uarts.edu
Registrar
Office of the Registrar
Second Floor, Dorrance Hamilton Hall
215-717-6420
215-717-6417 (Fax)
Office of Registrar email: Registrar@uarts.edu

The policies stated herein apply to all matriculated UArts undergraduate and graduate students unless otherwise noted.

The Office of the Registrar maintains the official academic record for each student and is responsible for certifying completion of requirements for graduation. Students who are formally admitted to the University, have paid all applicable tuition and fees, and have a program of courses approved by the required advisor(s) are allowed to register. All students are advised to obtain a copy of their curriculum requirements as soon as possible after admission to the University and to check them against their transcripts after each term. This can be done through the MyUarts Portal. Please note that course and program transactions and changes become official only when properly processed through the Office of the Registrar.

Directory Information

The following is considered directory information at the University of the Arts and will be made available to the general public unless the student submits a petition to the Office of the Registrar requesting to withhold this information prior to the end of the last day of registration.

• Name
• Address
• Telephone number
• E-mail address
• Major field of study
• Dates of attendance
• Current enrollment status (full-time/part-time)
• Class standing
• Last institution attended
• Participation in officially recognized activities
• Receipt or non-receipt of a degree
• Academic awards received (Dean’s list, honor roll)

Under the provisions of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 students have the right to withhold disclosure of directory information.

Please consider carefully the consequences of withholding directory information.  Should you decide not to release directory information, all requests for such information from the University of the Arts will be refused.  For example, organizations such as potential employers, scholarship agencies, members of the press, loan agencies, educational organizations and others will not be given access to the student’s directory information, and will not be able to contact the student. Opting out of directory information may mean that you will miss out on valuable employment, educational, cultural and other opportunities.  Additionally, the University cannot notify your hometown newspaper about awards and honors you receive (e.g., Dean’s list).

To Request Directory Information to be Withheld

A signed petition from the student is required to process this request.  Once processed directory information will not be released until a signed petition to rescind the request is received or until after the student has deceased.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

In 1974, the Congress of the United States enacted the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Public Law 93-380, as amended, setting out requirements designed to protect the privacy of students. Specifically, the statute governs 1) access to records maintained by certain educational institutions and agencies, and 2) the release of such records. In brief, the statute provides that such institutions must provide students access to official records directly related to themselves and an opportunity for a hearing to challenge such records; that institutions must obtain the written consent of the student before releasing personally identifiable data from records to other-than-specified exceptions; and that students must be notified of these rights.

1. Student Rights. As such, all students of The University of the Arts have the following rights with regard to educational records maintained by the University:
   1. The right to review educational records that are maintained by the University.
      These records generally include all records of a personally identifiable nature; however, they exclude the financial records of parents and confidential letters and statements of recommendation received prior to June 1, 1975.
   2. The right to inspect and review records.
      Such requests may be made by completing an “Access Request for Educational Records,” which is available in the Office of the Registrar. Upon receipt of a request an appointment will be made to review records within 45 days.
   3. The right to appeal misinformation in the files.
      If a student believes any information in the file is inaccurate or misleading, that individual may request, in writing, the custodian of the record to amend, delete, or otherwise modify the objectionable material. If said request is denied, the student may request that a hearing be held to further pursue the request. At this hearing, the student may be represented by a person of his or her choice, if so desired. If after the hearing the request to amend is again denied by the University, the student has the right to place in the file a statement or other explanatory document, provided that such statements or documents relate solely to the disputed information.
   4. The right to appeal violation of rights.
      If a student believes that any of his or her rights hereunder have been violated by the University, he or she should make such facts known to the Dean of Students in writing. If the Dean of Students does not resolve the matter and the student still feels that his or her rights have been violated, he or she may so inform the Department of Education in writing.
   5. The right to file a complaint with the US Department of Education.
      Students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:
      Family Policy Compliance Office
      U.S. Department of Education
      400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
      Washington, D.C. 20202-5920
   6. The right to select a physician or other appropriate professional, at personal expense, to review records on a student’s behalf, that have been created or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other recognized professional or paraprofessional while an individual has been a student at the University, filed with The University.
2. Definitions
   1. The Educational Record maintained by the University will consist of:
      1. Directory information as noted above
      2. Application for admission
      3. Applicant’s secondary school records
      4. Cumulative University of the Arts records of grades, credits, grade-point average, and academic actions
      5. Correspondence (or copies thereof) re: admission, enrollment, registration, probation
      6. Student petitions
      7. Disciplinary actions
      8. Departmental appraisals and evaluations of student progress
   2. The Educational Records do not include:
      1. Parents’ and students’ confidential financial documents
      2. Counseling psychologists’ files
      3. Health Office files
      4. Faculty and staff memoranda/files retained for personal/professional use
   3. Educational Records are maintained by the following:
      1. Office of the Registrar
      2. Office of the Dean of Students
      3. Financial Aid Office
      4. Finance Office
      5. Office of Continuing Studies
   4. A dependent student is defined as one who is declared a dependent by his or her parents for income-tax purposes.
   5. A student is defined as a person who attends or has attended the University. Persons who have applied to but who have not attended the University as an enrolled student are not covered under FERPA.
3. University Rights & Responsibilities.
   1. The University may not generally release any information outside the University that is maintained in educational records without prior consent or waiver. However, the University does have the right to release the following information:
      1. Name
      2. Address
      3. Email address
      4. Telephone listing
      5. Date and place of birth
      6. Major field of study
      7. Participation in officially recognized activities
      8. Dates of attendance
      9. Degrees and awards received
      10. The most recent previous educational institution attended by the student.
      11. Enrollment status.

      If a student does not wish any of this information made public, either in a directory of students or in any other manner, the student must inform the Office of the Registrar no later than the end of the third week of classes each semester of the information not to be released.

   2. The University may disclose FERPA-related information without consent to school officials when there is a legitimate educational interest. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, or research or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); or a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent). A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an educational record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
   3. While release of information from educational records to outside parties requires the student’s explicit consent, the following exceptions do not require the student’s consent:
   4. 1. Compilation of general enrollment data for reports required by U.S. Government and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania authorities;
      2. Participatory information-sharing with educational service associations such as the College Scholarship Service and the American Council on Education;
      3. Information about an individual student in the event of a personal emergency that is judged to threaten the health and/or safety of that student;
      4. Compliance with judicial orders and lawfully issued subpoenas;
      5. Reference by appropriate University of the Arts faculty and professional staff.
      6. In cases of violent crime, the results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by the University against an accused student to the alleged victim.

      7. Any release of information as outlined above that identifies an individual student and requires that student’s consent will be recorded in his or her permanent record.

   5. The University reserves the right to inform parents/guardians of dependent students where it deems appropriate-specifically when it has cause to believe that a student’s status at the University may be in jeopardy due to disciplinary reasons.
   6. Requests for the records of a deceased student must be accompanied by a notarized statement from the executor of the estate of the deceased approving the release of records. Requests concerning students who have long been deceased will be evaluated by the University based on legitimate educational interest.
4. Directory Information The University of the Arts has determined that the following information will be considered “directory information” and may release it without prior consent from the student:
   • Name
   • Address
   • Telephone listing
   • Email address
   • Date and place of birth
   • Major field of study
   • Participation in officially recognized activities
   • Dates of attendance
   • Enrollment status
   • Degrees and awards received
   • Last institution attended

Verification of Enrollment

Students often need to send additional information concerning their enrollment to insurance companies, loan services, scholarship programs, and other outside parties. The student can either request an enrollment verification in writing or through the MyUArts Portal. Any request for verification of enrollment beyond the directory information listed above must be made in writing and signed by the student wishing to release the information. The request for verification must state exactly which information the student wants released and who is authorized to receive it. There is no fee for this service. The Office of the Registrar will verify enrollment for a future semester only after the student has registered in classes and has been cleared by the Student Billing Office. Normal service for other verifications of enrollment is three to five working days from the time the request is received. For immediate service (24 hours/7 days per week) - Enrollment verification requests may be made via to the National Student Clearing House secure Website to make your request. There is a small fee for each request made of $2.50. The Website address is: http://www.studentclearinghouse.org.

Transcript Request Procedures

“Unofficial” transcripts may be viewed and printed through the MyUArts portal or obtained from the Office of the Registrar at no charge.

Students may request an “official” transcript by completing a transcript request form (available in the Office of the Registrar) or via the MyUArts Portal by providing the following information:

• Name under which the student attended the University or any predecessor institutions
• Current address and telephone number
• Social Security number
• Date of birth
• Last date of attendance
• Major/Degree program
• Address where transcript is to be sent
• Signature Transcripts will not be released without the original signature of the requesting student.

Fees:

Official transcripts are subject to a $5 fee, with the following exceptions for special services:

• $10 fee for faxed requests, which must include a credit card number, expiration date, and an authorizing signature. The University accepts Visa or MasterCard payments.
• $12 fee for emergency service that will be processed within one day of receipt of request and sent via U.S. Mail.
• $30 fee for overnight service for distribution only in the U.S. The transcript request will be processed within one day and sent via FedEx overnight service.
• $40 fee for International service that will be processed within one day and sent via DHL.
• Transcripts will not be processed if there is a financial hold on the student’s account. Please allow three to five working days to complete requests.

Mail requests to:

Office of the Registrar
The University of the Arts
320 S. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Attention: Transcript Requests

or Fax requests to:

Office of the Registrar
The University of the Arts
Attention: Transcript Requests
215-717-6417

Academic Progress and Student Responsibility

Each student is responsible for observing all regulations in the UArts Course Catalog that may affect academic progress, financial obligations, relationships with University authorities, transferability of credits, acceptance of credits for graduation, and eligibility to graduate, as well as:

• Knowing regulations regarding withdrawals, refund deadlines, program changes, and academic policy.
• Registering each semester in accord with the posted schedule (see Academic Calendar). Failure to register will result in a late registration fee.
• Meeting any financial or academic requirements that have caused a hold to be placed on their student record. A student cannot officially register until clearance has been obtained from the Student Billing Office.

Academic advising at the University is designed to assist students in directing and completing their degree programs by providing guidance through contact with informed advisors and information available in various UArts publications. Students are expected to refer to the University Course Catalog and course bulletins for information on policies, procedures, and deadlines. Students are assigned a faculty advisor in their department and when in doubt about any College or University regulation should seek advice from their academic advisor or the Office of the Registrar.

Registration

Registration information can be found here. 

Registering for Other Categories of Study

Registering for other categories of study can be found here. 

Grading Policies

Grading Policies can be found here. 

Academic Grievance Procedure including requests for a Change of Grade

Students who have a concern or grievance regarding any academic matter, other than actions taken by the Academic Review Committee, may use the following process to address those concerns. If the concern or grievance is directly related to actions taken by the Academic Review Committee, please submit a letter of grievance directly to the Office of the Provost.

Grievances must be submitted no later than the end of the seventh week of the semester following the one in which the cause of the grievance occurred. This deadline has been set to allow time for the resolution of incomplete grades from the previous semester in accordance with the policies noted elsewhere in this catalog. Please also note that requests for a change of grade for graduated students must adhere to the guidelines noted at the end of this section.

Please note that a student may request the assistance of any staff member of the University at any stage of the grievance process.

1. Students who have a concern or grievance regarding an academic matter are encouraged to discuss their concern directly with the instructor.
2. If they are not comfortable presenting their concern in person, or are not satisfied with the outcome of the discussion, they should submit their grievance in writing to the instructor, and send a copy to the chair/director of the department in which the instructor teaches, and the dean of the college.
3. The instructor must respond, in writing, to the student within 20 business days from the date in which a grievance is received. In the case of a grievance filed during winter, spring, or summer breaks, the clock will stop until the first day of the regular academic calendar. The department Chair or Director is available for consultation by either the student or the faculty member, and must be copied on the instructor’s response. The chair/director has the right to forward the concern to the Office of the Dean should he/she conclude that either the student or instructor’s concerns warrant further review or intervention.
4. If the student believes that his/her concern requires further attention, he/she may submit the matter in writing to the Office of the Dean of the college in which the course is offered, or to the Office of the Dean of Liberal Arts when applicable.
5. The Dean/Director of Liberal Arts must either rule on the case or charge an Academic Grievance Committee within 10 business days. If the Office of the Dean/Director of Liberal Arts does not wish to rule on the matter, he/she may convene an Academic Grievance Committee or similar committee to review the concern. The composition of the Academic Grievance Committee is determined by the Dean/Dean of Liberal Arts.
6. As a last resort, the Office of the Dean/Director and/or the student may forward concerns to the Office of the Provost for final resolution.

Change of Grade

An instructor may change a grade only if an error occurred in computing or recording the final grade, or if re-evaluation of previously submitted work is warranted. Extra work, beyond that required of other class members during the period when the class met, or work handed in after the completion of the course, may not be offered as reasons for a grade change.

In exceptional circumstances, a student may be granted an Incomplete, which is posted to the transcript as an “I.” Once the work for the course has been completed, a Change of Grade Form must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar in order to convert the “I” to the earned grade. Please refer to the section of this catalog titled “Grade of Incomplete” for more information.

If a student questions the correctness of a grade, the student should address his/her concern in accordance with the Academic Grievance Procedures listed above. Any change of a final grade may be made only by the course instructor, who must personally submit the signed Change of Grade form, including the signature of the academic dean, to the Office of the Registrar no later than the end of the semester following the one in which the grade was given.

Please note that graduated students who wish to seek a change of grade or file an academic grievance must do so no later than three days after the last grades required to fulfill degree requirements are posted.

Academic Review

Undergraduate Grade-Point Average Requirements

Undergraduate students who maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative and semester grade-point average (GPA) are considered to be in good standing. In some programs students must also satisfy minimum grade requirements in major coursework. (Please refer to the department sections of this catalog for more specific information on minimum grade requirements for certain majors.)

Students who have taken Incompletes will not be evaluated by the Academic Review Committee until the seventh week of the following semester, when final grades are due. Please note that, as a result, financial aid for the semester in progress may be adversely affected.

Graduate Grade-Point Average Requirements

A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for good standing and for graduation for graduate students. If a student is unable to achieve a semester or cumulative GPA of 3.0, he or she will be placed on probation. If a 3.0 GPA and/or other conditions are not attained by the following semester, the student may be dismissed from the program. While on Probation, a student will be ineligible to hold a graduate assistantship or to receive a University supplemental grant-in-aid or scholarship.

Undergraduate and Graduate Academic Review Policies

Students who fail to meet these minimum requirements will be reviewed by the Academic Review Committee (ARC). The Committee evaluates the records of such students, determines their academic status, gives benchmarks for progress in order to assist their return to good standing, and, when appropriate, dismisses students, according to University policy. It is the duty of the Committee to determine appropriate forms of censure for any student who is considered by the committee to be in academic jeopardy. The determination of academic jeopardy may be made as necessary and determined by the ARC on a case-by-case basis. Inadequate progress in the pursuit of degree requirements and multiple non-sequential semesters on probation are criteria for additional censure.

Academic Dishonesty

The University of the Arts does not condone any form of academic dishonesty, including cheating on exams, plagiarism, or similar types of behavior. Lack of knowledge of citation procedures, for example, is an unacceptable explanation for plagiarism, as is having studied together for remarkably similar papers submitted by two students. Penalties for any form of academic dishonesty may include a reprimand, a failing grade or non-credit for a particular assignment, a failing grade in the course, disciplinary probation, suspension, dismissal, and/or expulsion.

If an instructor suspects a student of any form of plagiarism or academic dishonesty, the instructor may address the issue directly with the student. The instructor shall determine an appropriate course of action after meeting with the student and may impose penalties, which include repeating the project, resubmitting the paper, failing the project or paper, or failing the course. The department chair or director must be notified in writing when the student receives a failing grade in the course as a result of academic dishonesty on the student’s part.

Both the instructor and the student have the right to forward the case, in the form of a written complaint, to the chair or director of the department. (If the instructor is also the chair or director of the department, the case goes directly to the Office of the Dean, and to the Provost if the instructor is one of the academic deans.) If the instructor considers the act of dishonesty serious enough to warrant a more serious penalty, he/she must forward the case to the next level, i.e., the department chair or director, or the Dean of the College or the Provost.

If the student or instructor chooses to appeal the decision made by the chair or director, the student or instructor may forward the case to the Dean of the College. A request for such an appeal must be submitted in writing. The Dean has the right to assemble a committee to address the case, or when suspension or expulsion may result, to forward the case to the Dean of Students.

If the student seeks a further appeal, the case may be brought to the Provost, who has the right to assemble a committee to review the case. Please note that the Provost’s decision is the final and binding decision in such cases and no further appeal will be entertained.

Academic Censure

Probation

The Academic Review Committee (ARC) places students who are no longer in good standing on Probation, in accordance with University policy. The Committee can also place additional requirements on students to encourage adequate progress towards completion of the degree and improved academic performance. These additional requirements may include repeating courses, meeting with advisors, limiting the number of credits taken in a given semester, tutoring, and/or counseling. Students placed on Probation will receive a letter from the dean’s office of their college on advisement from the Academic Review Committee, in which the terms and conditions of the Committee’s decision are explained.

While undergraduate students may be placed on probation three times prior to dismissal, the ARC may reduce the number of semesters that precede dismissal each time the semester GPA is below 1.5, or when the student fails to fulfill the requirements previously set by the ARC, or when the ARC determines that the student is in sufficient academic jeopardy to warrant additional censure.

Dismissal

The Academic Review Committee may also dismiss students:

1. After three semesters on Probation
2. After a single semester GPA below 1.0
3. After continued failure to fulfill academic probationary requirements specified by the Academic Review Committee

Students who are being dismissed will receive a Letter of Dismissal from the Office of the Dean of their college. Guidelines for appeal of a dismissal, in the event of extenuating circumstances, are described in the Letter of Dismissal. Any student whose appeal of dismissal is upheld and who is permitted to enroll will automatically be placed on Probation until the stated conditions are met, and will not be eligible to appeal future dismissals.

Academic Censure and Financial Aid

Academic censure imposed by the Academic Review Committee may have financial aid ramifications, including but not limited to the loss of financial aid after two consecutive semesters on Probation, (or as the result of not completing the minimum number of credits per year). Please refer to the Financial Aid section of this catalog for more specific information.

Disciplinary Dismissals

In addition to Academic Dismissal, the University may dismiss students for disciplinary reasons. In such cases, students will automatically receive the grade of “W” for all classes in which they were enrolled at the time of dismissal. For more information on disciplinary action, please refer to the Student Code of Conduct section in this catalog.

Appeals

Students who are dismissed may make an appeal to the Academic Review Committee regarding the dismissal. In order to request a hearing for an Appeal by the Academic Review Committee, students must contact the Dean’s office of their college by the date indicated in the Letter of Dismissal. Students must also deliver a written request for an appeal to the Committee at the time of the hearing, and will be notified of the Committee’s decision at the completion of the hearing.

Students who wish to contest the outcome of the Appeal, or who wish to file a grievance regarding the Academic Review proceedings, should write a letter directly to the Office of the Provost. 

Automobiles

Students living in the University’s residence halls are not permitted to maintain vehicles (except bicycles) on campus. Any resident student found to be maintaining a vehicle (except a bicycle) on campus will be subject to disciplinary action. Students with disabilities may request parking from the Office of Disability Services.

Counseling Services

Brian Hainstock, Director
bhainstock@uarts.edu
Gershman Hall, Rm. 308
215-717-6614

The Counseling Center at UArts provides individualized personal counseling and referrals to other professionals. Counseling Services encourages students who were receiving treatment prior to their arrival in Philadelphia to establish a relationship with a counselor on or near campus to provide a more immediate level of care and help to monitor symptoms and medications. All counseling conversations and records are confidential except in cases of emergency.

Disability Services

Neila Douglas, Director
ndouglas@uarts.edu
Gershman Hall, Rm. 309
215-717-6616

The University of the Arts is committed to providing equal educational opportunities and full participation for students with disabilities. Students who would like to access services must self-identify and provide appropriate verification of their disability showing that it currently substantially limits a major life activity. The University determines eligibility for appropriate and reasonable accommodations of either an academic or personal nature on an individual basis. The University of the Arts follows the documentation guidelines established by the Educational Testing Service.

 Health Services

Suzanne Scott, Director
sscott@uarts.edu
Anderson Hall, Mezzanine and Terra, Rm. 401
215-717-6230

The University’s Health Services office is open Monday through Friday and staffed with a registered nurse. The office renders first aid, treats minor illnesses, provides wellness/disease prevention counseling, and refers students to other professionals within the area. Jefferson Family Medicine Associates (JFMA) provides medical services free of charge for students with a referral from Health Services. Besides treating acute and chronic illnesses, JFMA also provides services for drug abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, birth control and mental health. Students will be charged for specialists, X-rays, laboratory work, ambulance service, and emergency room visits; therefore, students are required to have adequate health insurance either through their own insurance company or through a plan offered by Academic HealthPlans and billed through UArts.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires that all colleges and universities screen first-time students for immunizations. Therefore, entering students must schedule a physical exam, have a physician fill out and sign the University of the Arts Health Information Form, and return it to Health Services. Students are also required by Pennsylvania law to fill out the Meningitis Waiver Form. The University is not able to allow students to complete registration, move into University housing, or attend classes without proper health information filed with Health Services.

In the event of an emergency after office hours, JFMA physicians are on call and may be reached at 215-955-7190. JFMA is located at 9th and Chestnut Streets.

School Closings

In the event of inclement weather, UArts emergency closings can be monitored through the following mechanisms:

• Call the University’s recorded hotline (215) 717-6996, and follow necessary prompts, dialing “5” to receive the latest closing information on a pre-recorded message. This is the most effective option for additional news on weekend and/or evening closings.
• Tune to NBC-10 TV where school opening delays or closings are aired beginning at 5:00 a.m. and throughout morning programming. Information aired on NBC will be displayed on the bottom of the television screen by school name. You can also check school closing/delay information online by accessing http://www.nbc10.com/closings/.
• Tune to KYW-News Radio 1060AM, and listen for the UArts closing number - 116, which is announced twice every hour. In addition to this, information is listed online at: www.kyw1060.com.
• KYW-TV 3 also lists the schools by name across the bottom of the television screen during morning programming.

Please refer to the Academic Calendar  for scheduled school closings and holidays. Regularly observed holidays include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, the 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the following day, and Christmas.

Sexual Harassment and Other Prohibited Harassment

The University of the Arts is committed to maintaining an environment in which students, faculty, and staff can pursue academic, artistic, and professional excellence. This environment can be secured only through mutual respect and unconstrained academic and professional interchange among faculty, staff, and students. Faculty, staff, and students of the University are entitled to participate in and obtain the benefits of University programs, activities, and employment without being discriminated against on the basis of their sex, race, religion, creed, age, ethnicity, national origin, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, or military status. The University regards any act of sexual harassment or harassment because of race, religion, creed, age, ethnicity, national origin, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, or military status to be a violation of the standards of conduct required of all persons associated with the institution. The prohibition against sexual harassment and other forms of harassment applies to all interactions occurring on campus, in University facilities, or within the context of University-related activities. The rights defined by this policy apply to all faculty, staff, and students of the University, and the obligations are binding on all faculty and staff as part of their employment, regardless of tenure or years of service, and all students, regardless of academic status. Harassment constitutes a serious offense and the University will take all necessary disciplinary actions to eradicate it from the University. Those who commit harassment prohibited by this policy are subject to the full range of discipline, up to and including immediate dismissal from the University faculty or employment, or expulsion from the University, as appropriate. The prohibitions set forth in this policy include acts of retaliation against members of the University community who have filed complaints under this policy.

What is Harassment/Sexual Harassment?

Harassment can take many forms, and is not necessarily sexual in nature. It may be, but is not limited to, unwelcome physical contact, intimidation, words, messages and sometimes even jokes and pranks. Keys to determining whether conduct is harassment include (i) whether it is unwelcome or unwanted; (ii) whether it is of the type that a reasonable, objective person would find offensive, hostile, or abusive; and (iii) whether the harassment is based on a protected status such as gender, race, or religion. The term “sexual harassment” has a special meaning and refers to unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment, advancement, or success at the University; (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for decisions affecting such individual; or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, offensive, or abusive working or educational environment, or otherwise unreasonably interferes with an individual’s terms and conditions of employment or enrollment as a student. Sexual harassment also may include:

• unwanted physical contact or conduct of any kind, including sexual touching, lewd gestures, or flirtation;
• unwelcome sexual advances or propositions;
• requests for sexual favors;
• verbal abuse, threats, or jokes of a sexual nature;
• demeaning, insulting, intimidating, or sexually suggestive comments about an individual or his or her dress or body;
• the display in the workplace of demeaning, insulting, intimidating, or sexually suggestive objects, words, or pictures, including nude photographs;
• the broadcast, publication, communication, or electronic mailing of demeaning, insulting, intimidating, or sexually suggestive written or recorded messages or images.

Although these examples of conduct may constitute harassment, it must be stressed that some of the types of conduct outlined above do not always rise to the level of prohibited harassment. Each situation must be evaluated in context. Similarly offensive conduct directed at an individual because of his or her race, religion, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, pregnancy, disability, or military status also may constitute prohibited harassment.

Staff/Student Interaction -Additional Prohibitions

In addition to the general prohibitions against harassment of any type, the University imposes an obligation on its staff members with regard to their interactions with students. No staff member may ask for a date, make a sexual advance to a student, or in any other way become romantically or sexually involved with a student. This rule is for the protection of students, staff, and the University. If a staff member has any doubt or question about whether his or her relationship with a student violates this policy, the staff member should refrain from further interaction with the student and contact the Director of Personnel Services for advice. A staff member may not use, in any way, his or her status as a staff member to intimidate a student or advance a personal or sexual relationship.

Procedures for Reporting Sexual Harassment

A student, employee or faculty member who feels that he or she has been the victim of harassment, must promptly report, either orally or in writing, the harassment to the (i) the Director of Personnel Services, who also serves as the Equal Opportunity Officer for the University, or (ii) the Provost when the alleged harassing party is a member of the faculty; or (iii) the Dean of Students when the alleged harassing party is a student. The matter should be reported as soon as possible after the conduct has occurred, so that it can receive prompt and appropriate attention. If, for any reason, the student, employee, or faculty member is uncomfortable discussing such matters with one of the above officials, he or she must promptly report the matter to the President, or if they are unavailable, to the most senior available administrator. In the event that a complaint of harassment – formal or informal, written or oral, from the alleged victim or otherwise – is made to an administrator, faculty member, or staff supervisor other than those specifically identified above, that administrator, faculty member or staff supervisor must: (a) inform the person making the complaint that the matter will be referred to the Director of Personnel Services; (b) ask the person making the complaint to write down the conduct or event(s) believed to be harassment, or record the complaint and obtain the alleged victim’s agreement that the record is accurate; and (c) promptly report, either orally or in writing, such complaint to the Director of Personnel Services. Every University administrator, faculty member, and staff supervisor has a duty to maintain a workplace/educational environment free of any form of harassment.

Investigation Process

In the event of any report, orally or in writing, of harassment, a prompt inquiry will be made to determine whether any harassment has occurred. If a preliminary inquiry into the matter indicates there may be validity to the charges, then the University will promptly proceed with a formal, thorough, and impartial investigation. If such a formal investigation proceeds, interviews and/or statements will be obtained from all available involved parties, including the accuser, the accused, and witnesses, if any. If applicable, documents and other evidence will be reviewed. During the investigation, intermediate measures- such as scheduling changes to avoid contact between the parties – may be taken to ensure that further harassment does not occur. The investigator(s), upon completion of the factual investigation, will reach factual conclusions, summarize them in writing, and report them to the Director of Personnel Services. Based upon the factual investigation and conclusions, and any other information that becomes available, the Provost, Dean of Students, or Director of Personnel, in consultation with the investigator(s), will reach a conclusion as to whether harassment occurred.

Remedial and Disciplinary Measures

If harassment is found, the University will take immediate steps to stop the harassment, implement appropriate corrective and disciplinary action, and initiate any necessary preventive measures to ensure the harassment does not occur again. Even if the University concludes that harassment did not occur, or that it is unable to determine one way or the other what occurred due to the lack of verifiable or credible evidence, the University may take disciplinary or preventive measures, such as training and monitoring, to ensure harassment does not occur in the future. Within 14 days of the complaint to one of the above officers (or after a longer period, if needed), the Director of Personnel Services, in conjunction with the Provost, or the Dean of Students, as applicable, has the authority, after investigation, to resolve the matter with or without the imposition of sanctions. A written record of the complaint, any investigation, and the resolution of the complaint will be kept in a confidential file in the Director of Personnel Service’s office. Any conclusion from the inquiry or investigation will be communicated to both the accuser and the accused, stressing the confidentiality and anti-retaliation provisions outlined in this policy. The accuser and the accused shall have the right to review the written factual findings and conclusions of the investigator.

Further Review

If the complaining party or the accused party is not satisfied with the resolution of the matter, he or she may request a meeting with the President within seven days of being informed of the proposed resolution. The complaining party and the named harassing party have the right to appear before the President, or the President’s designated representative for the matter, to provide information and to answer questions. The Provost may provide additional information relating to the investigation and alleged harassment. At the conclusion of any such review, the President shall either affirm the prior conclusion or recommend alternative action. A written determination will be issued, and both the complaining party and the accused will be informed of this decision. No further University review is available. If a recommendation for dismissal is not upheld after exhaustion of the tenured faculty appeal process, the President shall nonetheless take remedial actions, including disciplinary actions short of dismissal, which are reasonably calculated to prevent any future harassment. Such actions are not subject to further review.

Retaliation Prohibited

Retaliation or reprisal of any kind against anyone reporting allegations of harassment, or cooperating in an investigation of such a report, is strictly prohibited. Such retaliation shall be considered a serious violation of this policy and shall be punishable by discipline up to and including termination, regardless of whether the charge of harassment is substantiated. Examples of prohibited retaliation include: threatening reprisals against the employee or student who complained or cooperated in the investigation; unfairly changing the evaluations, assignments, or working conditions of such a student or employee; or otherwise continuing any harassment against such person. If an employee or student is found to have intentionally lied about a claim of harassment, or brought the claim in bad faith, knowing that the allegation is false, then that employee or student may be subject to discipline.

Questions Regarding the Harassment Policy and Procedure

All questions regarding this Policy and Procedure should be directed to the Director of Personnel Services or to the Dean of Students.

Smoking Policy

The University of the Arts maintains a smoke-free environment. Smoking is permitted only out of doors.

Solicitation

In an effort to assure a productive and harmonious work environment, persons not employed by The University of the Arts may not make solicitations or distribute literature at the University at any time for any purpose.

The University recognizes that students and alumni may have interests in events and organizations outside the University. However, students and alumni may not make solicitations or distribute literature concerning these activities on the University campus or by electronic mail.

Student Assistance General Provisions

In accordance with the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, The University of the Arts has available, upon request, information regarding academic programs, financial assistance, and institutional policies and statistics. This information may be found in the University’s catalog.

The Student Assistance General Provisions report includes information on the following:

• Accreditation
• Current degree programs including related facilities and faculty
• Tuition, fees, and other estimated expenses
• Withdrawal and refund policies
• Description of financial aid programs, including eligibility, award criteria, and application procedures, as well as students’ rights and responsibilities upon receiving financial assistance (such as continued eligibility, exit counseling, and options for payment deferral)
• Requirements for the return of Title IV grant or loan assistance
• Services available for students with disabilities
• Graduation rate

In addition, each October, the Public Safety Department publishes an annual report on the University’s security policies and crime statistics, which is available to all current and prospective students and employees.

To request a copy of the Student Assistance General Provisions report, please contact the Office of the Provost, The University of the Arts, 320 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102.

Substance Abuse Policy

The members of The University of the Arts community and their health and safety are of paramount concern. The University will not tolerate drug and alcohol abuse, as it imperils the health and well-being of its faculty, staff, and students, and threatens the operation of its educational programs.

The use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs and abuse of other controlled substances, in or out of class, or on University premises is inconsistent with law-abiding behavior expected of all students, and may result in discipline, up to and including expulsion.

The University prohibits the illegal and/or unauthorized manufacture, sale, or delivery, holding, offering for sale, possession, or use of any controlled substance as defined under the Pennsylvania Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, 35 P.S. Section 780-102, the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, the Uniform Narcotic Drug Act, or the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. Section 301 et seq., on University property.

Such controlled substances for the purposes of this policy shall include but not be limited to alcoholic beverages, narcotics, hypnotics, sedatives, tranquilizers, stimulants, hallucinogens, and other similar known or habit-forming drugs and/or chemicals as defined under the aforesaid laws.

Tuition and Expenses

Tuition and Expenses information can be found here. 

University Guidelines for Responsible Computing

The University of the Arts provides access to computing and information resources, telephones, and other equipment and resources for students, faculty, staff, and other authorized users in support of the University’s mission of teaching, creative exploration, research, and public service. Computing resources include host computer systems, University-sponsored computers and workstations, peripherals, software, electronic files, the UArts network, email services and the My UArts Portal. Proper use demonstrates respect for intellectual property, ownership of data, systems security mechanisms, and each individual’s rights to privacy and to freedom from intimidation, harassment, and unwanted annoyance.

Recognizing the value of such resources to our educational and artistic mission, the University has made substantial investment in such resources and equipment and expects them to be used only for University purposes in accordance with University rules, policies, and directives. No University resources or equipment may be used improperly by any faculty, student, or staff member, or for personal gain or profit.

Under the auspices of the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, (CFAO), all University computer systems, including user files, may be monitored and/or confiscated at any time should any portion of the system be threatened, or its integrity, security, or proper use be in question, or for any reason, at the sole discretion of the CFAO. Members of the University community should understand that all computer files and communications are subject to review, and should not expect such files and communications to be private.

All users of the University’s information and technology resources are expected:

1. to respect the rights of others and not use such resources to threaten, endanger, harass, intimidate, or insult others, or to engage in unlawful, defamatory, or obscene activity;
2. to abide by all applicable licenses, copyrights, patents, intellectual property rights, contracts, security agreements, University policies, and other restrictions; and
3. to use such resources solely for University-related activities and purposes;
4. to behave responsibly with respect to these resources at all times, respecting the integrity and security of these resources;
5. to respect the rights and property of others, including the right of privacy and confidentiality, the freedom of thought, inquiry, and expression.

The University reserves the right to restrict or rescind computing privileges, or the use of any other University facilities or resources, in accordance with this and other applicable University policies when the user has exhibited inappropriate behavior in the use of such resources. Other discipline and remedial measures may be appropriate, as set forth in other applicable University policies.

The same policies and laws that govern faculty and student publications in traditional media are applicable to publications in computer media. With few exceptions, Web pages, electronic mail, and electronic files may not contain copyrighted material without the approval of the owner of the copyright. Likewise, theft or misuse of private property-whether it be tangible or intellectual property-is prohibited.

Examples of Inappropriate Behavior

This policy covers all types of inappropriate behavior. The following types of activities are selected examples of behaviors that are unethical, unlawful, and/or inappropriate.

• Attempting to alter system, hardware, software, or account configuration
• Accessing or monitoring another individual’s accounts, files, software, electronic mail, or computer resources without the permission of the owner
• Misrepresenting one’s own identity, role, or the identity of any other person in any type of electronic communication
• Intentionally or negligently revealing passwords or permitting another to use one’s personal account
• Altering, or destroying communications, or intentionally compromising the security of electronic information passing through the UArts network
• Misrepresenting or implying that the content of a personal home page constitutes the views or policies of the University, or altering the University’s official Website or related pages without prior authorization in writing
• Misusing the University’s computing resources so as to reduce their efficiency or to affect access to the detriment of other users
• Producing chain letters or broadcasting messages to individuals or lists of users, or producing any communication that interferes with the work of others
• Breaching or attempting to breach computer security systems, with or without malicious intent.
• Engaging in any activity that might be harmful to systems, the network or to any stored information such as creating or propagating viruses, worms, Trojan horses, or other rogue programs, disrupting services, or damaging files
• Wasting system resources or overloading the UArts network with extra data
• Violating copyright and/or software license agreements
• Using computing resources for commercial or profit-making purposes without the written authorization of the University
• Downloading or posting to University computers, or transporting across University networks, material that is illegal, proprietary, in violation of University contractual agreements, or in violation of University policy
• Violating local, state or federal laws

The University considers any violation of these regulations to be a serious offense. Violations may result in revocation or restriction of computer privileges; disciplinary action as outlined by the Student Judicial System,  the Faculty and Staff Handbooks, and other University policies and procedures; or a referral to local, state, and/or federal authorities.

Privacy and Email

Both the nature of email and the character of The University of the Arts environment make email less private than users may anticipate. The privacy of email messages may be compromised by the fact they must routinely pass through numerous computers and are sometimes seen by system administrators in the course of maintaining these systems, redirecting lost mail, or by assistants routinely screening colleagues’ mail.

Email Monitoring and Disclosure

The University of the Arts does not routinely monitor or inspect email. Nonetheless, email is subject to a number of laws, policies, and practices that apply to the disclosure and protection of The University of the Arts’ records. Examples include but are not limited to the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act; University personnel policies; disclosure pursuant to litigation; and other provisions of The University Guidelines for Responsible Computing.

The University of the Arts may access email accounts to satisfy a legal obligation or to ensure proper operation of the electronic mail facilities, and it reserves the right to take appropriate investigatory and/or disciplinary action.

University of the Arts Email Policy

Students are responsible for regularly reading and responding to email sent by the University faculty, staff, and administration to the students’ UArts email account for the entirety of the time they are enrolled at the University. Students are also required to use their UArts email account for all email correspondence with the University’s faculty, staff and administration. Therefore, the University’s offices and faculty will only accept email when sent via the student’s UArts email account.

Each student is assigned an email account upon enrolling, and is responsible for activating their account by the first day of classes of their first semester of attendance. Students can activate their email account online through the University Portal. A letter containing the user account and pin number will be mailed to the student’s home residence before the start of classes. The portal URL address is https://myuarts.uarts.edu. Email and Portal support can be obtained by visiting Network Services in Room 250 in Hamilton Hall, via telephone at 215-717-6997, or by emailing portalsupport@uarts.edu.

Students are also expected to regularly check the My UArts Portal for University-related announcements and notifications. The portal is the primary source for student information, which includes grades, class schedules, transcripts, degree audits, and GPAs. Please note that information such as this is no longer mailed to students via U.S. mail, except upon request. Access to the portal, including student email, is available in the open computer labs on campus.

Email and portal accounts remain active for enrolled students and students on approved hiatus and will not be terminated unless the student is withdrawn from the University. The accounts for students who graduate from the University will remain active for one year from the graduation date, however, those interested in keeping their accounts beyond this time period can call the Development office at 215-717-6140 to make appropriate arrangements.

Workplace Violence

The University is committed to maintaining a safe working, learning, and living environment for all members of the University community.

Threats, acts of aggression, and violence are unacceptable in the University community. Any such threat or violent act, regardless of intent, will be considered serious misconduct and may be the basis for disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

In addition, the University prohibits the possession of firearms, explosives, and other dangerous weapons on campus and at University functions off-campus.