assignment of credits, program length and tuition · assignment of credits, program length and...

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1 Assignment of Credits, Program Length and Tuition NDSU operates on a semester system. The fall and spring semesters each consist of 15 weeks of standard instruction followed by a final examinations week. The summer semester consists of one 12-week session, one four-week session and one eight-week session with final examinations typically administered on the last day of the class. Courses of variable length and those with shorter-sessions meet the same number of contact (class) hours as a standard semester regardless of semester. Evidence: Attachment 1. Academic Calendar In accordance with federal guidelines, NDSU assigns academic credit to a course by determining the amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes. NDSU assigns academic credit to classes as follows: 1. One semester hour of credit is awarded for 750 minutes of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of 1,800 minutes of out-of-class student work; over a 15-week semester, this is equivalent to one 50-minute period of direct instruction and two hours of out-of-class work each week; or 2. The following are deemed equivalent to the work required in the above for academic activities that lead to academic credit such as laboratory work, internships, practicums, studio work and other academic work: a. For laboratories, a minimum of 100 minutes per week for 15 weeks is equivalent to one credit. b. For field experiences (courses numbered 196/296/396/496; 595/695/795), one semester credit requires a minimum of 40 hours of direct experience. Students may earn up to 15 credits per semester with the number of credits to be determined in consultation with the student's academic adviser/department. Cooperative Education credits and limits are determined by the Career Center. c. For undergraduate research experiences, a minimum of 360 minutes per week for 15 weeks is equivalent to one credit. d. Because hybrid and online courses do not meet the faculty contact requirements, credit is awarded based on the equivalent face-to-face course or by assessing the amount of work required by the student. Credit value determination is reviewed and approved by the NDSU Academic Affairs committee and Graduate Council. The groups use the NDSU definition of academic credit as well as the Academic Credit Matrix to guide credit determination. Evidence: Attachment 2. Academic Credit Attachment 3. Assignment of Credit Hours (Parts 1 – 4) Attachment 4. Academic Credit Matrix Attachment 5. Cooperative Education-Internship Credits Report Undergraduate degree programs require between 122 and 148 semester credits. All undergraduate programs include the following two components: 1) a 39-40 credit minimum general education requirement and 2) a major requirement consisting of a minimum of 32 credits. Differences in program length reflect curricular guidance by faculty, national standards and accreditation

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Page 1: Assignment of Credits, Program Length and Tuition · Assignment of Credits, Program Length and Tuition NDSU operates on a semester system. The fall and spring semesters each consist

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Assignment of Credits, Program Length and Tuition NDSU operates on a semester system. The fall and spring semesters each consist of 15 weeks of standard instruction followed by a final examinations week. The summer semester consists of one 12-week session, one four-week session and one eight-week session with final examinations typically administered on the last day of the class. Courses of variable length and those with shorter-sessions meet the same number of contact (class) hours as a standard semester regardless of semester. Evidence: Attachment 1. Academic Calendar In accordance with federal guidelines, NDSU assigns academic credit to a course by determining the amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes. NDSU assigns academic credit to classes as follows:

1. One semester hour of credit is awarded for 750 minutes of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of 1,800 minutes of out-of-class student work; over a 15-week semester, this is equivalent to one 50-minute period of direct instruction and two hours of out-of-class work each week; or

2. The following are deemed equivalent to the work required in the above for academic activities that lead to academic credit such as laboratory work, internships, practicums, studio work and other academic work:

a. For laboratories, a minimum of 100 minutes per week for 15 weeks is equivalent to one credit.

b. For field experiences (courses numbered 196/296/396/496; 595/695/795), one semester credit requires a minimum of 40 hours of direct experience. Students may earn up to 15 credits per semester with the number of credits to be determined in consultation with the student's academic adviser/department. Cooperative Education credits and limits are determined by the Career Center.

c. For undergraduate research experiences, a minimum of 360 minutes per week for 15 weeks is equivalent to one credit.

d. Because hybrid and online courses do not meet the faculty contact requirements, credit is awarded based on the equivalent face-to-face course or by assessing the amount of work required by the student.

Credit value determination is reviewed and approved by the NDSU Academic Affairs committee and Graduate Council. The groups use the NDSU definition of academic credit as well as the Academic Credit Matrix to guide credit determination. Evidence: Attachment 2. Academic Credit Attachment 3. Assignment of Credit Hours (Parts 1 – 4) Attachment 4. Academic Credit Matrix Attachment 5. Cooperative Education-Internship Credits Report Undergraduate degree programs require between 122 and 148 semester credits. All undergraduate programs include the following two components: 1) a 39-40 credit minimum general education requirement and 2) a major requirement consisting of a minimum of 32 credits. Differences in program length reflect curricular guidance by faculty, national standards and accreditation

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requirements. Details about degree requirements for each undergraduate and graduate program are published annually in the NDSU University Bulletin. Evidence: Attachment 6. University Degree and Graduation Information Attachment 7. Graduate Programs Attachment 8. Accrediting Agency Degrees and Programs Tuition and fees are available on the NDSU website. The website lists other fees that student might pay, including fees for late payment, dropping and adding classes, course fees and program fees. Information on how to appeal assessments of tuition and fees is available on this website, in addition to relevant appeal forms. Differential tuition rates exist for undergraduate programs in architecture and landscape architecture, business, engineering, nursing and pharmacy. Differential tuition rates exist for graduate programs in architecture, business, engineering, nursing and public health. Differential tuition rates have all been approved by NDSU’s governing board, the State Board of Higher Education (SBHE), and reflect differences in the costs of providing such programs. Budgetary justifications were submitted to the SBHE as part of the approval process. Evidence: Attachment 9. Tuition and Fee Rates Institutional Records of Student Complaints The university has defined both a student grievance and a student complaint. A student grievance is defined as: A written statement by a student regarding the university’s provision of educational and academic services claiming a violation of a university rule, policy or established practice that affects that student’s education. The written complaint must be submitted to the Office of the Provost in order to rise to the level of a grievance. A student complaint, which can be either academic or non-academic in nature, is defined as: A written claim concerning a college or university issue brought by a student alleging improper, unfair or arbitrary treatment. Complaints may be submitted by email to the Provost (for academic matters) or the Vice President for Student Engagement and Inclusion (for non-academic matters). Non-academic problems and complaint guidelines and form are available on the Vice President for Student Engagement and Inclusion (VPSEI) website. Currently, the VPSEI hosts a database with non-academic problems and complaint records dating to 2013. Prior to this database, the Student Affairs Office retained an Excel file dating from the 2007-08 academic year to 2013. Any files prior to 2007 were purged in accordance with the NDSU records retention schedule as defined by functional area Administrative 601301 Grievances: www.nd.gov/itd/files/retention/235/235-NDSU-Web-Retention-Schedule.pdf The Student Affairs Office logged nine student complaints during the 2013-14 academic year and eight student complaints in the 2014-15 academic year. Categories of complaints included academic/courses (referred to Academic Affairs), discrimination (referred to the former office of the Vice President for Equity Diversity and Global Outreach), Financial Aid, Residency, Residence Life, Student Organizations, Graduation Requirements, FERPA and Disability Services. In the majority of cases, complaints were referred to another office or resolved by the Student Affairs

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Office within one day. Two complaints took approximately two weeks to resolve. One complaint of particular complexity took seven months to resolve. The database contains information about the nature of the complaint, actions taken and the resolution. While the Office of the Provost has received complaints in the past, a formal process for logging the complaints and documenting resolution was implemented spring 2015. This information will be used in the future to guide decisions for improvement in teaching and learning as warranted. Processes adopted by the Provost and the VPSEI office were established to respond to student grievances and complaints in a timely and consistent manner. In addition, various other NDSU offices have processes in place for students to communicate concerns for both academic and non-academic issues: • Dean of Student Life Student Health Services

• Disability Services • Customer Account Services • Office of Registration and Records • Fraud hotline and data on complaints received Evidence: Attachment 10. Provost Attachment 11. VPSEI Problem and Complaint Form Attachment 12. NDSU Bulletin VPSEI for Student Complaint Database – available upon request for review from LaDonna DeGeldere [email protected] Publication of Transfer Policies NDSU appropriately and clearly discloses its transfer policies and practices to students and the public by providing accurate information regarding admission requirements, transfer credits and other related areas. The NDSU Office of Registration and Records administers and makes available to students and the general public the NDSU policies governing the acceptance of undergraduate credit from other institutions of higher education. Guidelines for the evaluation of credit from both U.S. and international institutions is outlined in the Bulletin and on the NDSU website. Transfer student admission procedures and requirements are cited in several locations, including hard copy publications (Transfer Viewbook and Transfer First-Look) and the "Transfer Students" section of the Office of Admission website. NDSU also provides detailed information about policies regarding general transfer and receipt of previously earned credits. Transfer admission policies are also described through the online NDSU Undergraduate Bulletin.

NDSU has articulation agreements and a transfer database listing hundreds of U.S. and international institutions to provide guidance in the transfer process.

Evidence: Attachment 13. Transferring Credits to NDSU Attachment 14. Transfer and Test Credit Attachment 15. Articulation Agreements

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Attachment 16. NDUS Policy 402.4 - Transfer Applicants Attachment 17. NDUS Policy 402.9 – New International Students Practices for Verification of Student Identity NDSU verifies the identity of its distance education and correspondence students and takes necessary precautions to protect their privacy. Students must be admitted to NDSU prior to registering for courses. During the admission process, students are issued a University system ID number. Upon admission, students receive instruction on how to establish electronic enrollment services; this includes setting up the following: • North Dakota University System (NDUS) account for the student information system Campus Connection • NDSU electronic ID for the online learning management software Blackboard • NDSU email account. To establish these services, students first complete an Acceptable Use Quiz that informs them of appropriate uses of technology to uphold academic integrity, prior to account creation. Once the accounts are created, students are required to establish a strong password (predefined minimum length and requiring multiple character types) and password recovery options that meet requirements as outlined by policy, procedure and IT Security. Electronic services are only accessible through secure, encrypted connections using HTTPS. This ensures that electronic identifiers (usernames and passwords) and all information related to the student’s electronic services are confidential and secure when accessed and transmitted across the campus network and Internet. NDSU follows all applicable laws, policies and procedures when managing and using student information (defined at NDSU as “Sensitive Data”) related to electronic services. A complete list of these laws, polices and procedures can be found at: www.ndsu.edu/its/security/security/data_standards_hub/data_standards/. NDSU ITS personnel ensure positive identification of all students before their electronic information is accessed or used to provide IT support for services to the student. All ITS staff routinely complete training on positive identification through the use of campus or state issued IDs, personally identifiable information, user authentication and other methods as governed by policy or procedure. Evidence: Attachment 18. Policies related to sensitive data Title IV Program Responsibilities North Dakota State University understands and complies with all rules and regulations under Title IV requirements. The university is in good standing with the U.S. Department of Education and remains eligible to participate in all federal aid programs. 1. General Program Responsibilities NDSU participates in all Title IV federal aid programs, including the Federal Pell Grant, Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Teach

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Grant, Federal Work Study, Federal Perkins Loan and Federal Direct Loan programs. NDSU ensures compliance with all applicable rules and regulations by following developed policies and procedures. NDSU receives notifications of updated rules and regulations by subscribing to the Information for Financial Aid Professional weekly email notification system and the National Association for Student Financial Aid Administrators daily updates. All new notifications are pushed out to financial aid professionals in the form of Dear Colleague Letters (DCL) and NDSU reviews all DCL to implement any necessary changes and to stay on top of any needed enhancements. NDSU Student Financial Services (SFS) conducts regular staff training and holds bi-monthly staff meetings so all staff members are knowledgeable and up-to-date regarding regulations affecting federal aid compliance. Resources also are allocated for SFS staff members to attend local, state, regional and national financial aid training conferences and all staff members are encouraged to participate in at least one training event each year. Sufficient staffing and resources are made available to manage all financial aid programs, and the university conducts yearly staffing requests to provide an opportunity to add staff when necessary. NDSU maintains documentation with the U.S. Department of Education to participate in federal financial aid programs. The documentation includes the following:

Program Participation Agreement (PPA) Eligibility and Certification Approval Report (ECAR) Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP)

NDSU’s Title IV federal aid status remains in good standing and the university was reapproved at the end of December 2014 via the updated Program Participation Agreement. The PPA is approved through Sept. 30, 2020. NDSU has not received any recent findings from Title IV program reviews, inspections or audits. In addition, there have been no material weaknesses in the processing of financial aid. Evidence: Attachment 19. Student Financial Services Policy Manual 2. Financial Responsibility Requirements Through its affiliation with the North Dakota University System (NDUS), NDSU is included in the annual NDUS financial report. The NDUS is also a Component Unit of the State of North Dakota and, as such, is included in the state’s single audit required by OMB Circular A-133. The financial audit for fiscal year 2013-14 found no matters at NDSU involving the internal controls over financial reporting and operations with respect to any material weaknesses or significant deficiencies. The most recent operational audit (through 6/30/2013) of NDSU, that covers financial and non-financial operating issues, contains two insignificant findings related to a recommendation to improve documentation of processes and procedures surrounding controls on non-cash credit adjustments and student residency determinations. The recommended documentation will be in place by June 30, 2015. The most recent federal compliance audit (through June 30, 2014) of the State of North Dakota included three relatively insignificant findings directed to NDSU, as well as some other institutions. Two of the three findings related to minor reporting errors (FISAP and SEFA reports); and the other

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finding related to a PeopleSoft control that will be in place by June 30, 2015. None of these three federal findings involve questioned costs. NDSU’s overall financial position is good. The CFI, primary reserve ratio, current ratio, working capital ratio, operating income margin and net income margin are solid. The viability ratio is slightly below 1.0 at .9 but has improved since fiscal year 2011 and is not a concern at this time. Long-term liabilities decreased 13 percent and enrollment increased 3 percent from fiscal year 2011. Standard and Poor’s affirmed its "AA-" rating with a stable outlook in a report dated Dec. 17, 2014. According to S&P, “The rating reflects our view of NDSU’s strong enterprise and financial profile, specifically its position as the designated land-grant and flagship institution and leading research university in North Dakota, growing and geographically diverse enrollment base, good operating performance and adequate financial resource ratios for the rating category." Moody’s affirmed its "Aa3" rating with a stable outlook in a report dated Dec. 22, 2014. According to Moody’s, “The Aa3 rating on the university's housing and auxiliary facilities revenue bonds is based on NDSU's status as the state's land grant university with growing research activity combined with strong state support, and favorable enrollment growth. The stable outlook reflects our expectation of continued enrollment growth, positive operating performance and modest financial resource growth with no material increase in debt.” “As a designated elite research university, NDSU should stand well in at least maintaining its research profile in an intensely competitive research environment.” NDSU monitors its Composite Financial Index (CFI) score on an annual basis. The chart below shows the past five-year history of NDSU’s CFI, which is composed of four separate ratios: • Primary Reserve Ratio • Net Operating Revenues Ratio • Return on Net Assets Ratio • Viability Ratio The ratios are calculated using the consolidated results of NDSU, NDSU Development Foundation, NDSU Research and Technology Park, NDSU Research Foundation and NDSU Team Makers. In each of the years presented, NDSU’s CFI is well above the floor of the Composite Index Zone in the “Above” category resulting in an outcome of “No Review” required. NDSU has enjoyed steady improvement of this index over the past three years. In years prior to fiscal year 2014, NDSU state appropriation revenues were recognized only to the extent needed to fund expenses in the first years of the state’s two-year appropriation, resulting in a lower CFI in even numbered years compared to odd numbered years. In fiscal year 2014, NDSU’s method of state appropriation revenue recognition changed so a clearer CFI trend will be evident in the future.

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Evidence: Attachment 20. VPFA Annual Report Attachment 21. ND University System Annual Financial Reports Attachment 22. Financial Reviews Attachment 23. NDSU Audit Report Attachment 24. Federal Compliance Audit Attachment 25. Annual NDSU Financial Reports

3. Default Rates The default rates listed below are a combination of two- and three-year rates as the U.S. Department of Education is moving to a three-year rate. In the interim, NDSU will publish both two- and three-year rates to allow for a reasonable comparison with the national rates. NDSU’s cohort default rate is consistently lower than the national average.

NDSU Student Loan Default Rates NDSU 2-year

Default Rate National 2-year

Default Rate NDSU 3-year Default Rate

National 3-year Default Rate

FY2011 2.5% 10.0% 3.3% 13.7% FY2010 2.3% 9.1% 3.2% 14.7% FY2009 2.1% 8.8% 3.6% 13.4% FY2008 1.8% 7.0% Not available Not available FY2007 1.6% 6.7% Not available Not available

NDSU Student Financial Services utilizes the following strategies to encourage minimal borrowing of student loans:

The Federal SEOG grant is awarded to all Federal Pell Grant recipients, as long as funding is available.

Scholarship, grant and work-study funds are awarded to students prior to awarding student loans.

Loan funds are reduced whenever additional scholarship and/or financial resources are received on behalf of the student.

Private loan fund requests are not be certified until verification is complete to ensure students do not receive excess financial aid.

-

2.00

4.00

6.00

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

2.40

4.50 3.20

3.90 4.25

CF

I

Fiscal Year

NDSU - Composite Financial Index (CFI)

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Financial aid files selected for verification must be completed prior to releasing any federal aid.

Social media is used extensively to provide communication to students regarding scholarship options, work options and reducing the “need” to borrow loans as a last resort.

Adjustments are made to Cost of Attendance components when students are enrolled less than full time and loans are reduced accordingly.

All freshmen are required to take the UNIV189 Skills for Academic Success course designed for students to learn skills and techniques to become successful college students.

A “Budget Calculator Worksheet” is available on the website in the "Cost of Attendance" section to help students understand the total cost for their education and plan for the amount of loans they need.

All student loan borrowers receive a “Right to Rescind” notification after each disbursement so they have an opportunity to cancel all or a portion of their loan in which they just received funds.

NDSU Student Financial Services utilizes the following strategies to minimize defaults on student loans borrowed at NDSU:

All student borrowers are required to complete a loan entrance counseling session through the U.S. Department of Education before any Federal Direct Loans or any Federal Perkins Loans are disbursed.

An email is sent to all student loan borrowers after graduating, withdrawing or falling below half-time status advising them to complete an exit loan counseling session through the U.S. Department of Education.

A “View Your Loan Debt” link is embedded on the website in the loan section to ensure students have access to important loan information on the National Student Loan Data System (http://www.ndsu.edu/bisonconnection/finaid/loans/

NDSU utilizes Student Loan Service Center (SLSC) to provide loan servicing for institutional loans that includes monitoring, reporting and collecting on loans in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. SLSC is an entity of the North Dakota University System (slsc.ndus.edu/).

Evidence: Attachment 26. Budget Calculator Worksheet

4. Campus Crime Information, Athletic Participation and Financial Aid, and Related

Disclosures

Title IV responsibilities related to campus crime information, athletic participation and financial aid, and related disclosures are publicly available on the NDSU Consumer Information webpage. NDSU does not have any findings regarding these disclosures from the Department of Education. NDSU is committed to providing a safe and secure campus environment in conjunction with individuals exercising reasonable safety and security practices. NDSU abides by the requirements of the Clery Act to provide annual and timely notifications of campus crime information. Evidence: Attachment 27. Consumer Information Attachment 28. Equity in Athletics 2014: Institution Information Attachment 29. Equity in Athletics 2014: Screening Questions

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5. Student Right to Know NDSU makes information of interest available to students and parents, including information and notifications required under Title IV. An e-mail notification of the availability and location of consumer information is sent each semester to all students by Student Financial Services and is available via the NDSU website, www.ndsu.edu/bisonconnection/finaid/other/consumerinfo/ and, where required, in hard copy format. 6. Satisfactory Academic Progress and Attendance Policies NDSU has a financial aid policy regarding satisfactory academic progress that is in compliance with Title IV program requirements. The Office of Student Financial Services publishes the complete policy on its website under the heading "Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy." The policy requires that students successfully complete 66.67 percent of their attempted credits for the semester and cumulatively. Students must complete their degree within the maximum timeframe. Maximum time frame is calculated based on attempted credits for undergraduate students and semesters of enrollment for graduate students. Students must have a 2.0 semester and cumulative GPA. Students must achieve a grade of C or higher in all remedial level courses. The policy explains the appeal process as well as how to re-establish eligibility without appealing. Guidance regarding attendance can be found on the Office of registration and Records website as well as in the NDSU Policy Manual (section 333). The Financial Aid Withdrawal Policy found on the Office of Student Financial Services website provides information regarding the impact on Title IV aid of official and unofficial withdrawals. Students can also find instruction on the proper procedure for withdrawing to zero credits within this policy. Evidence: Attachment 30. Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy Attachment 31. Policy 333 – Class Attendance Policy and Procedure Attachment 32. Financial Aid Withdrawal Policy 7. Contractual Agreements NDSU has no contractual agreements at this time. 8. Consortial Relationships NDSU has the following HLC-approved consortial agreements:

Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (GPIDEA) – for a listing of programs see attachment 33 (list of programs) and attachment 34 (signed documents).

North Dakota State University and University of North Dakota – Doctor of Philosophy in History – attachment 35

North Dakota State University and Minot State University – Bachelor of Science in HDFS and Bachelor of Social Work – attachment 36

North Dakota State University and Valley City State University – Bachelor of Science in HDFS and Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Teaching – attachment 37

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North Dakota State University and Chungnam University and Chung-Ang University – Master of Science in Economics – attachment 38

Evidence: Attachment 33. List of GPIDEA Programs Attachment 34. The signed GPIDEA documents Attachment 35. NDSU and UND Doctor of Philosophy in History Attachment 36. NDSU and MSU Bachelor of Science in HDFS and Bachelor of Social Work Attachment 37. NDSU and VCSU Bachelor of Science in HDFS and Bachelor of Elementary Education and Teaching Attachment 38. Chungnam University and Chung-Ang University Master of Science in Economics Public Information: Required Information for Students and the Public NDSU makes information available to students and the public that is accurate, fair and complete. Information is available in catalogs (Bulletins), student handbooks and other publications. In addition, NDSU provides a centralized website for consumer information which contains a comprehensive list of information for students related to student financial assistance, cost, health and safety, student outcomes, intercollegiate athletics and institutional policy and procedure. NDSU participates in two voluntary programs, Voluntary System of Accountability (VSA) and Student Achievement Measure (SAM), which provide consumer information related to degree progress and completion, cost, student experiences and perceptions and student learning outcomes. Evidence: Consumer Information: www.ndsu.edu/bisonconnection/finaid/other/consumerinfo/ The NDSU Graduate and Undergraduate Bulletin http://bulletin.ndsu.edu/

Calendar Grading Admissions Academic program requirements Tuition and fees Refund policy

Attachment 39. Admission Requirements Attachment 40. Tuition Fees and Refunds

Tuition and fee rates Payment information Refund information

Public Information: Advertising and Recruiting Materials and Other Public Information NDSU University Relations staff members are committed to the highest standards of ethical and honest communication practices. In all instances, the institution is committed to ensuring that all forms of communication from NDSU are truthful and accurate. NDSU University Relations employees are affiliated with and follow ethical standards as outlined by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, American Advertising Federation and Public Relations Society of America. Recruitment centers at NDSU (Office of Admission and Graduate School) adhere to professional codes of ethics that guide their recruitment practices. The Undergraduate Office of Admission

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adheres to the National Association for College Admission Counseling “Statement of Principles of Good Practice,” which outlines mandatory practices of ethics in the promotion of an institution and the recruitment of students. The NDSU Graduate School is a member of NAGAP, the National Association for Graduate Enrollment Management, and adheres to its standards of admission-related policies and practices. NDSU presents its accreditation status on the Provost’s website along with contact information for the Higher Learning Commission; this information also appears in the undergraduate and graduate bulletin. Evidence: Attachment 41. Provost website Attachment 42. Accreditation and Assessment Attachment 43. NDSU Overview Attachment 44. Office of Admission Prospective Student page Review of Student Outcome Data NDSU regularly reviews student outcome data; evidence is provided in the assurance document under Criterion 4. The Office of Institutional Research and Analysis produces both internal and external reports that detail information related to both students and faculty, including reports on student ratings of instruction, the College Learning Assessment, IPEDS feedback report, NSSE, and others. The Office of Registration and Records reports on enrollment, graduation, and grade distributions. Employment statistics for baccalaureate graduates are available in the annual employment report published by the Career Center; this data is available in aggregate and by college of graduation. Pass rates on licensing exams are summarized in a table on the Office of Institutional Research and Analysis website and demonstrate pass rates at or exceeding the national average for most programs. This information is used in program review, to make strategic budget decisions, and in annual evaluations of administrators. The State Board monitors retention and graduation rates as part of its strategic planning process. Evidence: Attachment 45. Employment Report 2014 Attachment 46. Pass Rates on Licensure Exams 2014 Standing with State and Other Accrediting Agencies NDSU is authorized to operate and award degrees as a postsecondary educational institution regulated by the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education under North Dakota Century Code, chapter 15-10. Specialized accreditation is maintained by 60 degree programs through one or more of 25 specialized accreditors. A full list of accredited programs is published in the NDSU Bulletin. This list is reviewed and updated annually to ensure accuracy. At this time, all programs are in good standing with their respective accrediting agencies.

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The ultimate legal foundation for NDSU is in the North Dakota Constitution in Article VIII, Section 6, Subsection 1(b). The current statutes pertaining specifically to NDSU can be found at Chapter 15-12 of the Century Code. Statutes applying generally to higher education can be found throughout Title 15 of the Century Code: www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t15.html. NDSU is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA), as well as the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) and Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) compacts. The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement is an agreement among member states, districts and territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. Twenty-seven states are current members of SARA. For non-member states, NDSU establishes individual state authorization agreements. Information about state authorization is available on the NDSU website along with information on how to file a complaint with the state approval entity. Evidence: Attachment 47. ND Constitution Attachment 48. ND Century Code Chapter 15-12 Attachment 8. Accrediting Agency Degrees and Programs Attachments 49 A. through 49 Y. Comprehensive evaluation report and action letters Public Information: Public Notification of Opportunity to Comment NDSU notified the public of their opportunity to comment in multiple venues: NDSU’s Facebook site (40,000 friends), NDSU Twitter (16,000 followers), Forum of Fargo-Moorhead newspaper (41,226 circulation), and Bismarck Tribune newspaper (23,000 circulation). These notifications were published between August 4 and August 21, 2015. A survey was sent to students enrolled in the spring 2015 semester through the official student email listerv on April 13, 2015 asking for student feedback related to accreditation. Email notification was sent to faculty and staff through the respective official listservs on May 20, 2015, asking for feedback on the draft assurance argument.

Two open-forums were held for the NDSU community. One on Tuesday, April 14, 2015, from 9-10:30 a.m. in the Meadowlark Room of the Memorial Union and another on Monday, April 20, 2015, from 2-3:30 p.m. in the Rose Room of the Memorial Union. Evidence: Attachment 50. Third Party Comment Notice Attachment 51. Email notification to faculty Attachment 52. Email notification to staff Attachment 53. Email notification of survey to students Attachment 54. First Email notification to faculty Attachment 55. Email notification to students Attachment 56. First Email notification to staff