Policies

Housing Requirement 

Undergraduate Students
All ACM undergraduate students are required to reside in an ACM homestay for the first year of their program. Thereafter, they may continue to reside in a homestay or may choose to live independently. 

Graduate Students
Students in the Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) or Master of Arts in French Studies (MAFS) program must reside in an ACM homestay during their first semester. Thereafter, they may continue to reside in a homestay or may choose to live independently. 

Academic Policies

Enrollment at ACM requires adherence to its standards of academic integrity and behavior. Students are expected to approach their academic work with dedication and integrity, understanding that they are responsible for enhancing their own learning through personal effort. They also agree to be fully prepared for each class session and not to engage in any of the Prohibited Academic Actions listed below.  Students should note that this list is not exhaustive and merely represents a sampling of unacceptable offenses. Violation of these or any other acts that are deemed unsuitable and which reflect poorly on a student, classmates, and/or ACM, is grounds for dismissal from the program without refund.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

General Requirements

Students are required to make satisfactory progress toward their degree. Satisfactory progress standards apply to all students regardless of enrollment status (full-time or part-time). Students are evaluated at the end of every semester.

Students are considered in good standing if they have at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA). The percentage of credit hours successfully completed versus the hours attempted (pace) must be at least 67%. Accountability starts with the student’s entry date at the college and progress is assessed on a cumulative basis.

Treatment of Various Grades

All withdrawals, incompletes, and repetitions are taken into consideration when determining SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress). Incompletes and withdrawals are not considered as credits completed but do count as credits attempted. For repeated coursework, the higher grade will count toward the CGPA, but all course attempts are counted toward the pace measure. Transfer credits are counted as both credits attempted and credits earned, but do not affect the CGPA.  

Failure to Meet SAP Standards

Students who do not meet the required SAP standards will be placed on a Warning status. Students that are still below standards at the end of the semester on Warning status will be placed on Probation.

Students who do not meet the required SAP standards at the end of the probation period will be withdrawn from the program. A student may appeal the withdrawal status by following the appeal and reinstatement policy below.

Maximum Timeframe

All students must complete their program within 150% of the normal program length, as measured in semester credit hours. Students who change programs or majors can address this issue in the appeal process.

Appeal and Reinstatement

Students with mitigating circumstances wishing to appeal their withdrawal may do so, in writing, to the Dean’s Office. Mitigating circumstances may include but are not limited to illness or injury of the student or immediate family member; death of a relative; or other special circumstance. The Dean will evaluate the appeal and determine whether the student may be allowed to continue to on Secondary Probation with an Academic Plan.   

The student’s appeal must address the following:

1) The basis for the appeal—a description of the special circumstance AND
2) The reason why the student failed to meet the SAP standard(s) AND
3) What has changed in the student’s situation so that they will now be able to meet the SAP standards?

Students are encouraged to submit supporting documentation with their appeals. Students will generally be limited to two appeals during their education at the college, regardless of the reason or other circumstance. 

Probation and Academic Plan

If an appeal is granted the student will have an Academic Plan created. A student on secondary probation is required to regain SAP standing by the end of the probationary semester; the terms of the probation will be included in the notice sent to the student when the appeal is granted. 

If a student cannot regain SAP standing by the end of one semester, the student may be placed on continued Academic Plan status. 

The terms of the Academic Plan will be included in the notice sent to the student when the appeal is granted, and will generally include 100% completion (no Ws, INC or NC grades) and a minimum semester GPA. The Academic Plan is structured to assist the student in regaining SAP status by a projected point in time not to exceed the Maximum Timeframe.   

Student progress will be reviewed every semester while on the Academic Plan status; if a student fails to meet the requirements of the Academic Plan, they will be withdrawn from the program. If a student continues to meet the terms of the Academic Plan, they remain eligible to participate in the program until SAP status is regained.

Reinstatement of SAP Status

A student has his SAP status reinstated when he once again meets the SAP requirements. For example, at the end of the Warning semester, a student who once again meets the SAP standards has regained SAP status. 

Grade Reporting and Transcripts

At the end of each semester, ACM students will be emailed an unofficial transcript. Students may also order a grade report (necessary for some employment reimbursements or other purposes) by emailing the ACM Registrar at registrar@acmfrance.org.  This request generates a hard copy grade report – that does not bear a signature nor ACM seal - that may be either picked up at the Registrar’s Office in person or mailed to a specified address. Semester Term Grade reports may be ordered within one academic year of the time of the semester. Individual semester grade reports more than one year old are not available – the student must order a transcript in those cases.

Ordering Transcripts

The transcript is the official record of the academic performance of the student at ACM. Students may acquire either an unofficial transcript (which may be used to informally see classwork or grades) or an official university transcript, which is the official document recording the student’s academic record at the university. Either may be requested at ACM’s Transcript Request page.

Official Transcripts may be mailed directly to the student or to the institution of the student's choice (address required), or may be ordered for pick-up in the Registrar's Office. The first official transcript is free for current students. Veterans and active military are not charged for transcripts. Alumni and Former ACM students may use the same site to order Official Transcripts. Non-current ACM students are charged $10 per transcript. 

Registration

Upon acceptance to ACM and receipt of the $1,000 deposit, ACM’s advisors will review student course selections and complete their course registration. Questions regarding course enrollment can be directed to admissions@ACMFrance.org. 

Transcripts

At the end of each semester, ACM students will be emailed an unofficial transcript. Students may also order a grade report (necessary for some employment reimbursements or other purposes) by emailing the ACM Registrar at registrar@ACMFrance.org. This request generates a hard copy grade report – that does not bear a signature nor ACM seal - that may be either picked up at the Registrar’s Office in person or mailed to a specified address. Semester term grade reports may be ordered within one academic year of the time of the semester. Individual semester grade reports more than one year old are not available. In those cases, the student must order a transcript.

The transcript is the official record of the academic performance of the student at ACM. Students may acquire either an unofficial transcript or an official university transcript. Either may be requested at ACM’s Transcript Request page at www.acmfrance.org/alumni/transcript. 

Official transcripts may be mailed directly to the student or to the institution of the student's choice (address required), or may be ordered for pick-up in the Registrar's Office. The first official transcript is free for current students. Veterans and active military are not charged for transcripts. Alumni and former ACM students may use the same site to order official transcripts. Students who are not currently enrolled are charged $10 per transcript request. There is no fee for unofficial transcripts.

Unit and Grade Point Requirements

Students are required to make satisfactory progress toward their degree each term. Satisfactory progress standards apply to all students regardless of enrollment status (full-time or part-time). Students are evaluated at the end of every semester.

Students are considered in good standing if they have at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA). The percentage of credit hours successfully completed versus the hours attempted (pace) must be at least 67%. Accountability starts with the student’s entry date at ACM and progress is assessed on a cumulative basis. 

Grading Procedures

Grades are assigned by the professor of the course. No grade may be changed except for reasons of material or clerical error. If a student with a grade of “D” or “F” in a course enrolls at ACM in a subsequent semester, they may retake the course once to improve their grade and obtain credit for the course. The original grade “D” or “F” remains on the student’s transcript. 

Evaluation

Student evaluations will be based on the following:

• Assignments and Projects
• Midterm Exams
• Final Exam
• Class Participation and Attendance

Grading Scale

 

Credit and Grading System

COURSE LOAD

In the fall and spring semesters, unless program-specific requirements prescribe differently, students are expected to carry a normal academic load of at least 15 credit hours (5 courses). The normal summer course-load is six credits (two courses). A student wishing to carry a heavier or lighter load must first have written approval from the Program Dean. 

CREDITS

ACM awards semester credits based on contact hours. Typically, the number of hours of class meetings per week over a 13-week semester determines the credit awarded per class. Short-term traveling seminars may vary as much of the instruction is done in the field. However, ACM’s standard is 3 semester credits for 39 contact hours (4 semester credits for 52 contact hours, etc.). The studio arts classes adhere to a different standard in which 6 contact hours per week would correspond to 3 semester credits.

LANGUAGE COURSE REQUIREMENT

Undergraduate Students
As part of its core curriculum, ACM students are required to enroll in 12 units - or the equivalent of - a second language including French language, literature, or culture: the level of which will be determined by a placement exam.

Graduate Students
All students are required to take at least 6 units of French at ACM, with possible substitution of Spanish or Arabic, in consultation with a French advisor. When feasible, students are encouraged to participate in 12 credits of language and culture.  

DROP/ADD

Students may change their course selection in consultation with the Dean by the end of the sixth day of classes in the fall and spring semesters and by the end of the third day of classes in the summer.

PASS/FAIL

Students who are taking 15 credit hours on a graded basis may elect to take one course on a pass/fail basis. The choice must be declared no later than the end of the drop/add period and may not be changed after that date. For purposes of pass/fail grading, “pass” is considered a grade of C- or above. Students electing a pass/fail grade must have approval of the Dean.

WITHDRAWAL PASS/FAIL

From the end of the drop/add period to the end of the eighth week of classes, (end of the third week in the summer session), a student may withdraw from a course with the consent of the Dean. Students who withdraw will receive a notation of W (Withdraw) on their transcript. 

AUDITING

A student may audit a class, in addition to their normal class load, with the permission of the Dean, and the professor, and on condition that they attend the course on a regular basis throughout the semester. No grades may be awarded for audited courses. However, notation of the audit may be entered on the student’s transcript. Such a choice must be declared no later than the drop/add period and may not be changed after that date.

INCOMPLETES

A professor may grant or deny a student's request for an incomplete grade and must inform the Dean in writing of their decision. The Dean may approve or refuse the professor's recommendation. The last day for a student to request an incomplete (“I”) grade for a course is no later than the last day of regularly scheduled classes. Normally, an incomplete (“I”) grade should only be granted for extraordinary extenuating circumstances (such as illness or family emergency). Simple failure to complete assigned work in a timely fashion does not justify the granting of an incomplete (“I”) grade. Course work must be completed satisfactorily within the regular semester immediately following the semester in which the incomplete (“I”) grade was granted, or the course grade will become a permanent grade of “F”.

GRADING POLICIES

Grades are assigned by the professor of the course. No grade may be changed except for reasons of material or clerical error. If a student with a grade of “D” or “F” in a course enrolls at ACM in a subsequent semester, they may retake the course once to improve their grade and obtain credit for the course. The original grade “D” or “F” remains on the student’s transcript. 

GRADE DISPUTE POLICY

ACM expects that most grievances regarding grades will be resolved informally between the professor and the student. If such informal discussions do not satisfy the student, the student wishing to dispute a final course grade must write and sign a petition addressed to the Dean requesting a grade review. If the professor in question is the Dean, the matter will automatically be referred to the President of ACM. The student shall have six weeks, calculated from the date of the submission of the final course grade, to initiate this formal procedure. The Dean (or President) will ask the professor concerned to review the disputed grade and explain the rationale for their judgment. The Dean (or President) may request to review the student's work, and, at their discretion, can invite other professors with appropriate expertise for advice. The President makes the final decision.

REPEATING A COURSE NOT FOR CREDIT

A student may retake a class or carry a course on a refresher basis if the student wishes to repeat a course that she/he has already passed and earned college credit.  Students will sometimes do this to improve their foundation for more advanced coursework. Students are required to do all the work in the course, attend classes on a regular basis, participate in class discussions, and take all exams. The course counts as part of the regular credit load for the semester and the student earns a final grade that is included in computing the semester and cumulative grade point average. However, credits earned for the refresher course do not count as degree credits. In other words, degree credit will not be granted for the same course twice (or multiple times).

Prohibited Academic Actions

Plagiarism 

Submitting material that in part or whole is not entirely one's own work without attributing those same portions to their correct source.

Cheating

Using unauthorized notes, study aids, or information on an examination; altering a graded work after it has been returned, then submitting the work for re-grading; allowing another person to do one's work and submitting that work under one's own name; submitting identical or similar papers (or major parts of papers) for credit in more than one course (or more than once in a single course) without prior permission from the course professors. Persons who assist in cheating by sharing their work are also guilty of cheating.

Fabrication

Falsifying or inventing any information, data, or citation; presenting data that were not gathered in accordance with standard guidelines defining the appropriate methods for collecting or generating data and failing to include an accurate account of the method by which the data were gathered or collected.

Obtaining an Unfair Advantage

(a) Stealing, reproducing, circulating, or otherwise gaining access to examination materials prior to the time authorized by the professor; (b) stealing, destroying, defacing, or concealing library materials with the purpose of depriving others of their use; (c) collaborating in an unauthorized manner on an academic assignment; (d) retaining, possessing, using or circulating previously given examination materials, where those materials clearly indicate that they are to be returned to the professor at the conclusion of the examination; (e) intentionally obstructing or interfering with another student's academic work; (f) otherwise undertaking activity with the purpose of creating or obtaining an unfair academic advantage over other students.

Falsification of Records and Official Documents

Altering documents affecting academic records; forging signatures of authorization or falsifying information on an official academic document, grade, report, letter of permission, petition, drop/add form, ID card, or any other official document.

Unauthorized Access to Computerized Academic or Administrative Records or Systems

Viewing or altering computer records, modifying computer programs or systems, releasing or dispensing information gained via unauthorized access, or interfering with the use or availability of computer systems or information.

 

Behavioral Policies

Students enrolled at ACM are expected to act in a respectful and courteous manner towards classmates, host families, ACM faculty members and staff, community members, and local authorities. Because it is very important to stay safe in a study abroad experience, students must be active participants in the matter of their own safety and health. Behavior that risks one’s own welfare or the welfare of others will not be tolerated. Any questions about proper conduct while in France may be addressed to ACM staff. ACM reserves the right to dismiss students without refund because of acts which violate these principles.

Sexual Harassment and Discrimination

ACM is firmly committed to intellectual honesty, freedom of inquiry and expression, and respect for the dignity of each individual. Acts of discrimination or intimidation are inconsistent with this commitment and will not be tolerated. Prohibited acts include harassment and intimidation motivated by discriminatory intent based on race, national origin, sex, handicap or disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ancestry, belief, or genetic information. Any such harassment or intimidation of or by a student or host family should be referred to the Dean of Student Affairs. Similarly, acts of sexual harassment will not be tolerated. ACM students will receive sexual and cultural training as part of their orientation. 

Incident Response

ACM is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy educational and work environment in which all members of the ACM community are supported by all Institutional resources in responding to any acts of violence and/or assault. ACM has no tolerance for any acts of violence, sexual or otherwise, either within the educational community or because of altercations involving members of the ACM community, whether linked with ACM programs and activities or not. Swift action and response will follow should the Dean be alerted of ACM community members’ having been victims or assailants in any assault or physical altercation. Upon reception of complaints regarding any violence or assault either within ACM facilities, ACM host families, or elsewhere in the region, the Dean’s office will determine, in counsel with the ACM Wellness Director, whether said victim or assailant should be interviewed directly by the Dean. Otherwise, the Wellness Director, as a professional counselor, will conduct the interview, writing a report of the information gathered and submitting to the Dean. Simultaneously, if warranted, the Dean’s Office will contact local authorities to report the incident to ensure that altercations are handled within the legal framework of local sanctions. If the student is a minor, parents will also be notified. If the student is 18 years or older, the ACM Dean’s Office will notify the parents only with the student’s consent. 

Alcohol and Drug Policy

Binge drinking - generally referred to in the U.S. as having 5 or more drinks (men) or 4 or more drinks (women) on one occasion - and drinking to get drunk are considered culturally inappropriate in Europe. Alcohol may be consumed, within reasonable limits, by students who are of legal age in France. Students who choose to consume alcohol do so with the knowledge that they always remain responsible for their actions at all times and are expected to drink responsibly and refrain from putting themselves or other students in danger. The policy at ACM states that excessive and irresponsible drinking (as reported by faculty and administration, homestay hosts or other students) leading to intoxication and behavior that interferes with the program or the rights of others, is subject to the following consequences:

First offense:

• Student is called to meet with the Dean of ACM to discuss the reported incident and review the contracted, expected, and acceptable behaviors during the time enrolled at ACM.
• Student receives a warning to change the direction of their behavior.

 Second offense:

• Student is called to meet with the Dean of ACM to discuss the reported second incident.
• Student will be referred to the Wellness Director for assessment and recommendations

(recommendations to be sent to the Dean for inclusion with the letter of warning).

 Third offense:

• Student is called in to meet with the Dean of ACM to assess the third and final incident and make arrangements for immediate dismissal from the program with no refund or credit.

Students are prohibited from selling, using, or possessing any drug considered by host country law to be illicit or illegal. Students are cautioned that the possession of drugs is often dealt with harshly by host country law enforcement. ACM policy regarding possession or use of illegal drugs is one of zero tolerance.

NOTE: Any drug infraction will be considered a grave violation of ACM policy and will result in immediate dismissal from the program without refund or credit. Furthermore, ACM reserves the right to notify students’ parents or legal guardians should any student’s alcohol consumption be deemed excessive and ultimately dangerous to the student’s health and well-being.

 Academic Integrity
  

The American College of the Mediterranean is an academic institution, an instrument of learning. As such, ACM is predicated on the principles of scholastic honesty. It is an academic community all of whose members are expected to abide by ethical standards both in their conduct and in their exercise of responsibility towards other members of the community. Academic dishonesty is an affront to the integrity of scholarship at the school and a threat to the quality of learning. 

To maintain its credibility and uphold its reputation ACM procedures to deal with academic dishonesty should be uniform and understood by all. This document outlines ACM sanctions against cheating and the procedures by which they are implemented. 


I. Academic Dishonesty

An act of academic dishonesty may be either a serious violation or an infraction. The professor or supervisor of the academic exercise will have responsibility for determining that an act is an infraction or may be a serious violation.

Serious violations are the following acts:

a. Examination Behavior. Any intentional giving or use of external assistance during an examination shall be considered a serious violation if knowingly done without express permission of the professor giving the examination.

b. Fabrication. Any intentional falsification or invention of data, citation, or other authority in an academic exercise shall be considered a serious violation unless the fact of falsification or invention is disclosed at the time and place it is made.

c. Unauthorized Collaboration. If the supervisor of an academic exercise has stated that collaboration is not permitted, the intentional collaboration between one engaged in the exercise and another shall be considered a serious violation by the one engaged in the exercise, and by the other if the other knows of the rule against collaboration.

d. Plagiarism. Any intentional passing off another's ideas, words, or work as one's own shall be considered a serious violation.

e. Misappropriation of Resource Materials. Any intentional and unauthorized taking or concealment of course or library materials shall be considered a serious violation if the purpose of the taking or concealment is to obtain exclusive use, or to deprive others of use, of such materials.

f. Unauthorized Access. Any unauthorized access of a professor's files or computer account shall be considered a serious violation.

g. Serious Violations Defined by professor. Any other intentional violation of rules or policies established in writing by a course professor or supervisor of an academic exercise is a serious violation in that course or exercise.

Infractions are the following acts:

a. Any unintentional act is an infraction that, if it were intentional, would be a serious violation.

b. Any violation of the rules or policies established for a course or academic exercise by the course professor or supervisor of the academic exercise is an infraction in that course or exercise if such a violation would not constitute a serious violation.

II. Academic Dishonesty: Sanctions and Procedures

Academic dishonesty and allegations of academic dishonesty are matters of ACM-wide concern in the same way that academic integrity is a matter of ACM-wide concern. Students bear the responsibility not only for their own academic integrity but also for bringing instances of suspected academic dishonesty to the attention of the proper authorities. Members of the faculty are obligated, not only to the college but also to the students they supervise, to deal fully and fairly with instances and allegations of academic dishonesty.

The ACM administration bears the responsibility of dealing fairly and impartially with instances and allegations of academic dishonesty. Academic honesty begins in the course or classroom. For this reason, the responsibility to ensure academic honesty, and to initiate action with respect to suspected academic dishonesty, likewise begins in the course or classroom. If the professor of a course or supervisor of an academic exercise appears to be unable or unwilling to assure the academic integrity of the course or exercise, then those engaged in the course or exercise should bring the situation to the attention of the professor's or supervisor's department chair or dean. 

The following sanctions and procedures will be followed with respect to instances and allegations of academic dishonesty:

1. Initiation of Procedures. The professor or supervisor has the initial responsibility for determining whether a person has engaged in academic dishonesty in a course or academic exercise. Therefore, information concerning possible academic dishonesty in a course or academic exercise should be brought to the attention of its professor or supervisor. If the professor or supervisor is unavailable, then information concerning possible academic dishonesty should be brought to the attention of the appropriate department head or dean, who will then assume the role of the professor or supervisor in the procedures that follow.

1. When information of an act of academic dishonesty comes to their attention, the professor or supervisor must undertake an investigation of the information or allegation in a manner that is reasonable under the circumstances.

2. Unless it clearly appears that there has been no dishonesty, the professor or supervisor must contact the person who may have engaged in the dishonest act and give that person the opportunity to deny or to explain the events with respect to which allegations of dishonesty have been made.(If the person in question is not able to be contacted or fails to respond, then the professor or supervisor will notify the dean who will attempt to contact the person on behalf of the professor or supervisor.)

3. After investigation and reasonable efforts to discuss the matter with the affected person, the professor or supervisor must determine whether (a) no act of academic dishonesty has occurred, (b) an infraction has occurred, or (c) a serious violation probably has occurred.

4. The professor or supervisor must prepare a written record of the investigation and summary of discussions with the affected person, if any, together with their determination made in accordance with paragraph (3) above. A copy of this record, together with any penalty imposed upon the person by the professor or supervisor with respect to the course or academic exercise, must be made available to the affected person.

2. Sanctions Regarding Course or Exercise; Procedures Regarding Infractions. Unless the professor or supervisor has erred in their determination that the affected person has engaged in an act of academic dishonesty, the professor's or supervisor's imposition of penalty with respect to the course or academic exercise is final and unreviewable.

1. The professor or supervisor of a course or academic exercise may impose a penalty for dishonesty with respect to the course or academic exercise, regardless of whether the affected person has engaged in an infraction or likely serious violation.

2. Penalties imposed by the professor or supervisor with respect to a course or academic exercise may include reduction in grade of the affected person in the course or exercise; the requirement that the affected person withdraw from the course or exercise; the requirement that all or part of the course or exercise be retaken; the requirement that the person engage in additional work in connection with the course or exercise.

3. One who has been determined by the professor or supervisor to have committed an infraction may appeal the determination of infraction but may not appeal the sanction imposed by the professor or supervisor unless the determination of infraction is successfully appealed, in accordance with "Administrative Procedures" discussed below. Any such appeal must be initiated with 15 days after the notification of the determination of infraction.

3. Hearing Committee. Each allegation of serious violation, and each appeal from the determination of an infraction, will be heard by a Hearing CommitteeHearing Committee will be composed of five members of the college community, as follows:

1. The Dean, Associate Dean, or Acting Dean of ACM with jurisdiction over the course or exercise in which the act of academic dishonesty is alleged to have occurred;

2. A member of the full-time faculty of ACM with jurisdiction over the course or exercise in which the act of academic dishonesty is alleged to have occurred;

3. Two students of ACM with jurisdiction over the course or exercise in which the act of academic dishonesty is alleged to have occurred;

4. One member of the full-time faculty from schools or colleges other than the school or college with jurisdiction over the course or exercise in which the act of academic dishonesty is alleged to have occurred.

The deans of each school or center covered by this guide, shortly after commencement of each academic year, will appoint two members of the full-time faculty and two students at that school or college to serve on Hearing Committees, with respect to allegations of academic dishonesty either in that school or center or in other schools or centers. In making these appointments, the dean may rely on recommendations made by the faculty or general student organization of that school or college.

No dean, faculty member, or student who has a conflict of interest with respect to the subject matter of the hearing may participate as a member of the Hearing Committee. One who, having a conflict of interest, is appointed to serve on a Hearing Committee must disqualify himself or herself, after which the dean will appoint another member of the same category as the disqualified member [see section II.3.a above] to serve on the Hearing Committee as an ad hoc member.

4. Administrative Procedures. The following procedures apply when (a) a professor or supervisor has determined that a serious violation probably has occurred [section II,1.c(3) above]; or (b) one appeals from a professor's or supervisor's determination of infraction [section II.2.c above].

1. Administrative procedures commence upon filing written notice of their invocation with the dean of the school or college in which the course or academic exercise was given.

2. Upon request of the dean, the professor or supervisor must promptly transmit to the dean a copy of the written record in accordance with section II.1.d above.

3. Upon receipt of the written record, the dean will convene a Hearing Committee to hear the matter.

4. The Hearing Committee, as soon as is practicable after reviewing the record prepared by the professor or supervisor, and after consultation (or attempted consultation) with the professor or supervisor who has determined an infraction or alleged serious violation and with the person who is accused of having engaged in the dishonest act, will: (1) establish the procedures that are to be applied with respect to the hearing to be held, and communicate those procedures to the affected persons (2) establish the date, place, and time at which a hearing before the Hearing Committee will be held or, if the hearing is to be by written presentations only, the date and place by which written presentations are to be submitted to the Hearing Committee; (3) hold a hearing and determine whether the serious violation or infraction in fact occurred; and (4) in the event a serious violation has occurred as alleged by the professor or supervisor, determine the appropriate sanction.

5. The hearing held before the Hearing Committee, and the deliberations of the Hearing Committee, will be closed to the public, except that the Hearing Committee has the discretion to hold a public hearing at the request of the person who has been accused of having engaged in the dishonest act. 

6. If the Hearing Committee determines that a serious violation has occurred, it must determine the sanction to be imposed. A sanction may be: (1) expulsion from ACM; (2) suspension from ACM or any or all of ACM rights and privileges, for a period up to one academic year, except that any such suspension may not have the effect of determining the grade received in any course; (3) letter of censure; (4) the requirement that additional courses or credits be taken as a prerequisite to graduation from ACM; (5) in the event of (2), (3), or (4), imposition of a period of probation on such conditions as the Hearing Committee considers to be appropriate.

7. If a Hearing Committee determines that no serious violation or infraction has in fact occurred, it will remand the matter to the professor or supervisor who determined the infraction or probability of serious violation with a request that the professor or supervisor take further action with respect to the course or exercise that is consistent with the Hearing Committee's determination.

8. The Hearing Committee must prepare a written record of the proceedings, including a summary of the procedures for hearing that it has established, a summary of the information submitted to it by interested persons, and its decision in accordance with sections II.4.a(3) and (4) above, together with any dissenting opinions and any other material the Hearing Committee deems appropriate to include.

9. A copy of this record, together with any sanction imposed upon the person by the Hearing Committee, must be made available to (a) the affected person, (b) the affected professor or supervisor, (c) the dean of the school or center with jurisdiction over the course or academic exercise involved, and (d) the Dean and President of ACM.

10. In the event the Hearing Committee determines that expulsion is the appropriate sanction, or in the event of two dissenting votes on the Hearing Committee, the person who is adversely affected by the Hearing Committee's decision may appeal that decision to the President, who may finally determine the matter in the exercise of sound discretion.

ATTENDANCE

Regular class attendance is expected of all students. Class attendance is a factor in the final assessment of a student’s academic performance. A student with what the professor or Dean considers excessive absences may be dismissed from ACM. ACM professors are empowered to impose academic sanctions (including a lowered grade or even failure) upon students for unexcused absences, frequent tardiness, work submitted late, or any other actions or behaviors which violate ACM’s academic standards and policies.

STUDENT RE-ENROLLMENT

A former student requesting to re-enter a program previously withdrawn from should do so in writing. Supporting documentation and/or information should be providing regarding the mitigating circumstances that caused the withdrawal, along with the change in circumstances that will allow the student to successful complete the program.   A reinstatement committee shall notify the former student of the re-entry review decision within 30 days following the decision. The decision of the committee is final.

LOA POLICY

Undergraduate students withdrawing or taking a Leave of Absence (LOA) from The American College of the Mediterranean during a semester, or for a future semester, must file an Undergraduate Student Withdrawal/Leave of Absence Form with the Dean.

A leave of absence is a temporary break in a student’s attendance during which they are continuously enrolled.

A student must request the leave of absence in writing in advance of the beginning date of the leave of absence unless unforeseen circumstances prevent the student from doing so. If a student does not request a leave of absence within the timeframe of the maximum allowed absence they will be withdrawn from the program.

A leave of absence is limited to 180 calendar days in any 12-month period or one-half the published program length, whichever is shorter. Multiple leaves of absence may be permitted provided the total of the leaves does not exceed this limit.

If the leave of absence is approved the student must sign and date the leave of absence request and specify a reason for the leave. The reason must be specified for the institution to have a reasonable expectation of the student’s return within the timeframe of the leave of absence as requested. The student will be withdrawn from the program if they do not return on the date notified to return.

The student must attest to understanding the procedures and implications for returning or failing to return to their course of study.

Any portion of tuition and fees that has not been utilized at the time the LOA occurs will be forwarded/applied to the term in which the student returns. The student will not be assessed any additional charges because of the leave of absence.

An approved leave of absence may be extended for an additional period provided that the extension request meets all of the above requirements, and the total length of the leave of absence does not exceed the specified limit.

PROGRAM OR COURSE CANCELLATION

If a program or course is canceled by the college due to the program start date being canceled or a course being canceled, the student will receive a refund of all money they paid.

STUDENT RECORDS

Student records will be maintained on site at the administrative site for five years from the last date of attendance.  Transcripts are maintained permanently.

 

Student Grievance Procedure

When a concern occurs, the student is asked to discuss the concern directly with their ACM faculty member or representative with whom they have the concern. If a resolution cannot be reached, the student should document the concern in writing and make an appointment to speak with The American College of the Mediterranean’s Dean. The formal written concern must state the issue and desired outcome and should include any documentation that supports the concern. The Dean will review the written statement and any supporting documentation, gather facts, and conduct interviews, as applicable, to provide a written response to the student within fourteen (14) business days. The Dean’s decision is final.

For grievances related to recruitment matters only, if the complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution’s grievance procedure, the student may file a complaint with the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. The student must contact the State Board for further details. The State Board address is 1400 W. Washington Street, Room 260, Phoenix, AZ 85007, phone # 602-542-5709, website address: www.ppse.az.gov.

Non-Discrimination Policy

The American College of the Mediterranean (ACM) admits students of any race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. ACM does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information in its administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs and other school-administered programs.

Financial Policies

Please refer to ACM's Cancellation and Refund Policy for more information.

Financial Statements

To request a copy of ACM’s audited financial statements, please contact CFO Kristin Mylander-Ouerfelli.

GDPR

ACM is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. In our capacity as a data controller in France, please be aware that we collect and process personal information in connection with the application process and educational programs of ACM. The responsible official for this data is Vice President of Administration Philip Breeden, who you can reach at philip.breeden@iau.edu.

In compliance with articles 13 and 14 of the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 of the European Parliament and European Council of April 27 2016 and article 32 of the “Information Liberties” law of January 6, 1978, we hereby inform you that:

ACM collects data for the sole purpose of administrative processing and the organization of ACM educational programs. The responsible official may designate other administrative personnel of ACM under their authority to handle this data. 

All personal data collected is for the sole purpose of the planning, organization, and security of ACM programs. It will be processed and handled in accordance with ACM policies and the aforementioned law and EU GDPR, guided by the principles of fairness, lawfulness, transparency, purpose limitation, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity, confidentiality and accountability, as well as the utmost protection of your privacy.

Data collected is held for five years from the time of registration. You have the right to access, correct, or erase your personal data by requesting it via email or mail to the responsible official (Vice President of Administration).

ACM keeps a record of how it uses your personal data, which you can consult if you wish. ACM only uses sensitive personal data, such as health conditions and food habits, for the purposes for which we collect it, such as your health and safety.

You have the right to limit the use of your personal data.

You have the right to object to how your personal data is used.

You have the right to the portability of your personal data.

You have the right to withdraw your consent to the use of your personal data at any time by writing a letter to: IAU/ACM, 8 rue de Littera, BP30970, 13604 Aix en Provence, France or email to: philip.breeden@iau.edu. You can also make a claim to the CNIL (Commission Nationale de l’Informatique et des Libertés)

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