Undergraduate Academic Regulations

• Day (Traditional) Students

  • ​Transfer Credit
  • ​Graduation Policies

• CPS (Evening and Online) Students

  • Undergraduate
  • Graduation Policies

Day (Traditional) Students

Advising

Students have access to academic advisors; they are assigned academic advisors after the initial registration process. Unless there is a need for reassignment (as determined by the Registrar’s office) or discussion between students and advisors occurs and they realize there is a need to make a change, students will continue to be assigned to the same advisors throughout their time at Indiana Tech.

Registration

All students are expected to register on the dates indicated in the academic calendar and the schedule of classes. Students must follow their degree curricula, as they provide the path toward graduation. Students are able to receive assistance from advisors with planning their schedules.

For traditional undergraduate classes, students may make adjustments to their schedules based on class/section availability and/or dropping/adding classes during the first five (5) days of the semester. After the fifth day of the semester, students (with the permission of the class instructor, advisor, and as applies, coach) also are able to withdraw from individual classes prior to or on the last day of course withdrawal. In these cases students will have an assigned “W” on their transcripts.

Class enrollment records become official after the fifth class day. A class day is identified as a day (Monday through Friday) on which classes are held in accordance with the official term schedule.

Based on college credits earned, sophomores and juniors, who are in good academic standing and have met with their advisor on the issue, may elect to take no more than one online course per fall and spring semester. The respective college dean may approve a second online course in an extenuating circumstance for sophomores and juniors. No limits will be set on summer sessions. Senior students may take up to two online courses per semester.

Class Periods & Credit Hours

In the traditional day program, a lecture class period, associated with one hour of credit, is fifty (50) minutes in duration. In courses without laboratories the number of credit hours normally indicates the number of times during the week that the course is scheduled to meet. For example, a three credit-hour course in mathematics is scheduled to meet 150 minutes each week (such as Monday, Wednesday and Friday for fifty (50) minutes or Tuesday and Thursday for seventy-five (75) minutes). In some courses, a part of the scheduled time each week is spent in laboratory work.

Eighteen hours is the maximum allowable load. Students carrying more than seventeen (17) hours are considered to be in overload and typically this overload is not covered by financial assistance. In order to carry nineteen (19) hours or more, students must have a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.30 and the approval of the corresponding dean of the college. Students enrolled in twelve (12) or more credit hours per term are classified as full-time students.

Attendance 

Because attendance is a predictor of success in college, Indiana Tech has an attendance policy. Students must attend every meeting of all the classes for which they are registered. Certain absences are permissible with proper authorization, which is determined by the class professor.

Credit Hour Policy

In order to fulfill its mission of preparing learners for professional careers and advancement, Indiana Tech delivers courses and programs in several different formats.  This provides the means to meet the educational goals of students with varying backgrounds, educational needs and preparation.

The policy provides a framework and sets expectations to assure course and program quality.  It assures student learners the opportunity to master course, program, and university learning objectives via the varied delivery modalities and activities designed by faculty.

The credit hour policy provides a guideline for delivering credit courses to: 

• Undergraduate students studying in the campus environment via face-to-face delivery.  These students are entering directly from high school or within a few years of high school completion.
• Working adults who are motivated to pursue courses and degrees which will support entry or advancement in a selected career field.
• Working adults seeking career mobility by pursuing graduate degrees.

   

Courses are designed in accordance with the credit hour policy.  The same learning outcomes and assessments are applied in all delivery modes.

Three credit, face-to-face courses meet for 15 weeks and follow the formula of 45 hours of direct instruction and 90 hours of related learning activities (1:2 ratio) per credit. Several different types of learning activities are included within the delivery of the courses and are designed in accordance with the following expectations:

1. Classroom instruction requiring at least 45 hours.
2. Readings from required texts/articles and other related materials requiring at least 30 hours.
3. Preparation of papers and projects related to the reading and/or required activities requiring at least 30 hours.
4. Assessment activities requiring at least 15 hours.
5. Direct interaction with faculty, library staff members, and classmates using office hours, phone calls, and other interactions of at least 15 hours.

All credit courses follow the same 1:2 ratio per credit hour. 

Undergraduate internship courses are offered for one to six credits according to the following expectations:

Laboratory courses require 3 hours per week for 15 weeks of hands-on activity per credit.

Release of Student Information

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, with which Indiana Tech complies fully, was enacted to protect the privacy of educational records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their education records and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading statements. Indiana Tech has established the following student information as public or directory information, which may be disclosed by the institution at its discretion:

• Student name
• Address
• Phone numbers
• University email
• Major field of study
• Current course load/enrollment
• Dates and/or verification of attendance
• Degrees received
• Graduation date
• Academic awards received
• Sports photograph
• Position, weight and height of athletes

Students may request that Indiana Tech withhold the release of directory information by notifying the registrar’s office in writing. Students may also sign a form (obtained through the Registrar’s office) to release academic information to identified individuals. Students have the right to file complaints with the Family Policy Compliance Office in Washington, D.C., concerning alleged failure by the university to comply with the Act. Questions concerning the Act should be directed to the Registrar’s Office.

Statement of Academic Integrity

Indiana Tech is an academic community that values and promotes academic integrity. All members of our community have an obligation to themselves, their peers and the institution to uphold the code of ethics by demonstrating honesty, accountability, respect and professionalism. When academic integrity is compromised, learning is minimalized and the goals of the academic community cannot be realized.

In order to maintain academic integrity, faculty are expected to adhere to the following guidelines:

• Maintain and role model personal academic integrity
• Clearly define for students the expected level of collaboration (as it applies) on assignments/projects/homework
• Confront academic dishonesty when it is believed to have occurred and adhere to the policy as stated on their course syllabi
• Report incidences of academic dishonesty by completing infraction cards and submitting them to the academic dean of their college
• Act to prevent violations of academic integrity

In order to maintain academic integrity, students are expected to adhere to the following guidelines:

• Maintain personal academic integrity
• Ask faculty to clarify any aspects of permissible or expected cooperation on any assignment
• Treat all graded academic exercises as work that is to be conducted individually, unless otherwise permitted
• Report any instance of academic dishonesty to the instructor or academic dean of their college

Types of Academic Dishonesty

Examples of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to:

• Cheating, which includes submitting the work of another person as one’s own work, or using unauthorized aids.
• Plagiarism, which is the misrepresentation of another person’s work as one’s own. Submitting any writing that does not properly acknowledge the quoting or paraphrasing of another person’s words or that fails to give proper credit for another person’s ideas is plagiarism. Acts of plagiarism can also include the unacknowledged use of other forms of media including, but not limited to music, video, audio, theater projects, compositions, website and computer software.
• Self-Plagiarism (or Recycling Fraud), which is the resubmission of part or all of one’s own work to fulfill academic requirements in the same course or in other courses without providing proper acknowledgment of the original work with accurate citations.
• Fabrication, which is the falsification or invention of information or data in any academic undertaking.
• Facilitating Academic Dishonesty, which involves assisting someone in an act of dishonesty.

Consequences

Academic dishonesty is regarded as a serious offense against the academic community.  When a student has violated the principles of academic integrity, consequences will result as follows:

1.  Violations of academic integrity will be handled by the faculty at the course level with an academic penalty for the course as stated on the course syllabus.  The instructor will notify the student of the penalty and that the incident will be documented at the university level through the submission of an Academic Integrity Violation Reporting Form.

2.  Once a second violation of academic integrity has been documented at the university level through the Academic Integrity Violation Reporting process, the student will be required to meet with the appropriate dean (day school) or assistant dean (CPS/online).  At this meeting, the dean or assistant dean will discuss the seriousness of the integrity violations and notify the student that any further integrity violations may result in dismissal from the university.  A letter from the dean or assistant dean will also be provided to the student documenting the information that was discussed at the meeting.

3.  Upon subsequent violations, the appropriate dean or assistant dean will meet with the student to discuss the seriousness of the offense and/or make a decision on dismissal in consultation with the Vice President of Academic Affairs.  The student may appeal the decision by following the appeal procedures on conduct sanctions documented in the Student Handbook.

Undergraduate Grading System

Grades for most of the college credit courses are as follows; some professors also utilize the plus-minus system:

Incompletes

A grade of “I”(Incomplete) is only to be assigned when a student, through no fault of his or her own, is unable to complete the requirements of a course by the end of the semester. An “I” will not be assigned for a course in which a student is definitely earning an “F.” In order to receive credit for the course in which an “I” is assigned, the student must complete the course requirements by the date specified on the approval for incomplete form within the first eight weeks of the following semester of enrollment. After the eighth week of the following semester or after one calendar year for a student who interrupts his or her enrollment, the “I” will revert to the grade based on work completed to date.

Please note that the policy for assigning an incomplete (“I”) grade excludes Independent Study courses. Any deviation from the above rules must receive special permission from the vice president for academic affairs.

Grade Point Average 

A student’s GPA is calculated based upon a point system. Term and cumulative GPAs are determined in the following manner:

Multiply course credit hour value by point value of grade earned in the course to get the total point value.

See example:

• Add total course credit hour values
  Example from above: 13
• Add total point values
  Example from above: 43
• Divide summed total point value by summed course credit hour value
  Example from above: 43/13 = 3.3076923 (using the chart above, this is a “B” average)

Grade Reports

The registrar’s office will not mail paper final grade reports. Students may view and print their grades online via my.indianatech.edu.

Freshman Orientation

The freshman orientation begins with a two-day introduction to campus that occurs prior to the start of classes. A freshman seminar, University Experience, meets once per week during the student’s first semester.

Academic Honors

An undergraduate student who earns a GPA of 3.5 or higher during any semester and has a 2.0 career GPA will be placed on the semester Academic Honors List in recognition of high academic achievement. No monetary scholarships are awarded to academic honors recipients.

Graduation honors are conferred upon those students who maintain outstanding academic records while attending Indiana Tech. These honors, based on the cumulative GPA in courses completed at Indiana Tech are as follows:

Grade Appeals

This policy is intended for a student who believes that his/her final course grade is incorrect based on the course syllabus.  A formal Grade Appeal must be initiated after the course grade has been issued (since that is what is being appealed) but within fourteen calendar days of the next session or semester start. 

The specific steps for initiating a Course Grade Appeal are:

        Step 1      The student must first address the specific grading issues with the instructor of the course.  If the instructor is unavailable, the dean of the college (day school students) or assistant dean (CPS/online students) will authorize an extension of time for the appeals process or will allow the student to proceed to Step 2.  This step must be initiated after the course grade has been issued but within fourteen calendar days of the next session or semester start.

        Step 2      If discussion with the instructor does not resolve the problem, the student may appeal the decision of the instructor to the appropriate dean (day school students) or assistant dean (CPS/online students) within 14 calendar days of the instructor’s decision.  To appeal, the student will prepare a formal Course Grade Appeal packet with documentation to support his/her request.  The formal Course Grade Appeal packet must state the student’s name, ID, the specifics of the grading issue, and the outcome of the initial meeting with the instructor.  The dean or assistant dean will make a determination within 14 days of receiving the Course Grade Appeal packet.  A letter will be provided to the student from the dean or assistant dean, informing him/her of the decision.

        Step 3      Students may appeal the decision of the dean or assistant dean by submitting an updated Course Grade Appeal packet to the Vice President for Academic Affairs (day school students) or the appropriate dean (CPS/online students). The updated Course Grade Appeal packet must include the information previously submitted to the dean or assistant dean in Step 2, the documentation of the dean’s or assistant dean’s decision, and any substantial new information. The Vice President of Academic Affairs or appropriate dean will make a determination within 14 days of receiving the updated Course Grade Appeal packet.  A letter will be provided to the student from the Vice President of Academic Affairs or the dean informing him/her of the decision.  All appeal decisions are final with the Vice President for Academic Affairs (day school students) or appropriate dean (CPS/online students).

Note:  If a student is dissatisfied with an individual grading event (such as an examination, paper, or project) he/she should meet with the instructor immediately for resolution.   If not resolved, the student should use individual grading events as evidence to support their request for a change in course grade.

Exchange of F, D and C- Grades and Repeating Courses

A grade exchange is allowed on courses in which a grade of “C-” or lower has been earned. Although a given course may be repeated more than once, by choice or necessity, the grade exchange provision above will apply only the first time the course is repeated. The “C-” or lower grade will be exchanged with the grade earned in the first repeat attempt, regardless of if that grade is greater than, equal to, or less than the original “C-” or lower grade. The exchange grade as well as any subsequent grades earned by repeating the class are used to calculate the cumulative GPA and degree major cumulative GPA. The following detail regulations apply to the grade exchange:

• No grade exchange will be made unless the student completely repeats the course.
• All grades will remain on the student’s transcript.
• It is not intended that this system of grade exchange shall alter the probation procedures now in effect; specifically, the academic dismissal procedures shall not be postponed to take advantage of this provision.
• The system of grade exchange became effective June 15, 1970, and does not apply to any course taken prior to this date.

Class Standing

Proficiency Examinations

Proficiency examinations are available for selected courses at Indiana Tech. A proficiency examination is used to establish credit in a course for which credit has not been earned by either transfer credit or attendance in a class at Indiana Tech. A proficiency examination cannot be taken in any course for which a grade has been issued at Indiana Tech or a course that has been audited at the university. Credit in the course is issued based on a pass/fail grade. If a student fails a proficiency exam, he or she may not retake the exam. A student who wishes to take a proficiency exam must see his or her advisor or dean for a list of available exams.

Students may elect to take standardized exams through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) or the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) program to demonstrate knowledge in specific subject areas. Credit can be earned for what a student has learned through self-study, advanced high school courses and non-credit courses. For a list of available exams and the Indiana Tech equivalent course, students can visit the Registrar’s webpage at IndianaTech.edu. For more information, students can contact the Registrar’s office.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit may be granted for courses completed with grades of “C” or higher at other regionally accredited colleges or universities. Courses completed at unaccredited institutions or programs will be reviewed on an individual basis by the Registrar’s Office, and credit may be granted if evaluation of the institution and the courses indicates that such credit is appropriate.

Transfer credit from accredited colleges or universities will be considered for curriculum-related course work with grades of “C” or better. An official transcript is required. Students also may be required to submit college catalogs, course descriptions or course syllabi to aid in the university’s decision on whether to grant credit.

No more than 90 credit hours of transfer credit can be applied towards a Bachelor’s degree. Additionally, at least 21 of the final 30 credits must be completed at Indiana Tech.

Courses must be taken or competency demonstrated in the sequence as determined by the prerequisites. Transfer credit after a student has been placed by Indiana Tech will not be accepted unless it adheres to the sequence indicated above.

For an associate degree candidate, no more than 45 credit hours can be transferred from regionally accredited schools, and 30 from non-regionally accredited schools. For a bachelor’s degree candidate, no more than 90 credit hours can be transferred from regionally accredited schools, and 60 from a non-regionally accredited school.

If students wish to have previous university-level course work from international studies evaluated for transfer credit, they must have a course-by-course evaluation report completed by one of the following services:

• Global Credential Evaluators, Inc.
  P.O. Box 36
  28 Westhampton Way
  Richmond, VA 23173
  (804) 639-3660
  gcevaluators.com
• Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
  P.O. Box 514070
  Milwaukee, WI 43203
  (414) 289-3400
  ece.org
• World Education Services, Inc.
  P.O. Box 745
  Old Chelsea Station
  New York, NY 10113-0745
  (212) 966-6311
  wes.org
• American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)
  International Education Services
  One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 520
  Washington, D.C. 20036-1135
  (202) 296-3359
  aacrao.org
• UCredo

  P. O. Box 3044

  Windermere, FL  34786

  (407) 965-2733

  ucredo.com

Undergraduate Change of Curriculum

Students wishing to change degree programs must complete the appropriate Change of Curriculum Form available on our website at registrar.IndianaTech.edu. Traditional undergraduate students who make changes to their curriculum will require a signature from their current advisor and the new dean’s signature.

Students may change to the curriculum of the current year with the approval of the registrar. Students may not change to a curriculum in force prior to their enrollment, nor may students revert to previous curriculum requirements after officially changing to a current year curriculum.

Students are notified upon completion of their change of curriculum through their Indiana Tech email.

Academic Probation and Dismissal

It is expected that each student will strive to maintain the highest academic record. Once semester grades are issued, students who have completed their first semester must have earned at least a 1.5 cumulative GPA or they will be placed on academic probation. Once on probation, these students must earn a cumulative GPA of 1.5 or higher for the following semester or they will be academically dismissed.

Once semester grades are issued, students who have completed their third semester and beyond must maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA or they will be placed on academic probation. Once on probation, these students must earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher for the following semester or they will be academically dismissed.

Students placed on academic probation or who have been dismissed will be informed of their status through Indiana Tech email within two weeks of the end of the academic semester that determined the status.

Students placed on academic dismissal status for the first time may apply for readmission after a period of one semester, not including winter or summer semesters. The Registrar’s office determines whether or not a student is readmitted and will notify these students through email of the decision within two weeks of the student requesting readmission. Upon readmission, these students will be placed on academic probation and will need to earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher, or they will be academically dismissed. Students academically dismissed for the second time may apply for readmission to the University but may not apply for readmission to the same academic major for at least one calendar year.

Students on academic probation or dismissal status may not hold office in any campus fraternity organization; may not participate in intercollegiate athletics; and may be required to live in campus housing unless married or living with close relatives.

Academic Dismissal Appeal

Students who are academically dismissed have an opportunity to appeal the dismissal if extenuating circumstances occurred during the semester that led to the academic dismissal. The letter notifying these students of their dismissal status also outlines the process for appealing the academic dismissal. Students must submit appeals no later than two weeks prior to the beginning of the following semester. Appeals are reviewed by the Financial Aid-Academic Dismissal Appeals Committee. Students will be notified of the outcome of the appeal review through email. If a student disagrees with the outcome, a second appeal can be made to the vice president for academic affairs, whose decision is final.

Academic Intervention for Students on Probation

The academic intervention program provides services to current and entering students placed on academic probation and concentrates on the individual student. This applies to Day students and not CPS (Adult and Online) students. Once they have been notified of their probationary status, students are assigned to faculty and staff advisors who serve as Academic Intervention Specialists (AIS). AIS advisors are matched with students based on Indiana Tech’s commitment to providing relationship-based education; consideration for the pairings is given to major area of study, academic and co-curricular involvement, and past and current advisor-advisee familiarity. Students and AIS advisors work together by creating personalized contracts. This includes identifying and setting realistic goals as well as the steps needed to achieve them, terms of mutual accountability, and resources that can assist students both in short- and long-term bases. AIS advisors and students work together toward a common goal of helping students improve and achieve academic and overall success in college.

Academic Bankruptcy Policy

Academic Bankruptcy involves a student’s request to forgive grades and credits. Only students who have not been enrolled at Indiana Tech for the previous 5 academic years are eligible for Academic Bankruptcy.  By petitioning and receiving approval from the Vice President of Academic Affairs, all D and F grades would be ignored from GPA calculations but not removed from the transcript.  Academic bankruptcies are approved based on a student’s poor academic progress because of extreme personal, emotional, or financial circumstances so devastating that it became impossible to perform academically at a level approximating the usual record of achievement. (Summer sessions are considered one academic semester). The following specific guidelines apply to any Petition for Academic Bankruptcy:

1. Academic Bankruptcy is only applicable to those pursuing an undergraduate degree program.
2. Once a student has graduated, the Academic Bankruptcy will not be applied.
3. No more than one petition for Academic Bankruptcy may be granted during the student’s academic career at Indiana Tech. When granted, it is irrevocable.
4. A petition for Academic Bankruptcy is filed with the Vice President of Academic Affairs, whose decision is final. The Registrar’s Office will notify the student of the outcome on their Academic Bankruptcy petition. If approved, the Registrar’s Office will provide the student a plan of action outlining the criteria for academic bankruptcy.
5. The extenuating circumstances for which the student is requesting academic bankruptcy must be compelling, and they must be clearly and unquestionably proven. The burden of proof is entirely on the student. Verifiable documentation of the extenuating circumstances, such as letters from medical doctors or others, must be submitted with the petition.

When academic bankruptcy is granted, the students’ grades in which he/she received a D or F in the courses will be forgiven and noted on their academic transcripts.

Under this policy, the term “academic bankruptcy” would be reflected on the transcript. This policy will only be granted once during a student’s academic career at Indiana Tech. Implementation of academic bankruptcy at Indiana Tech does not obligate any other institution to approve or recognize this distinction.

Grade Forgiveness Policy

When a student changes majors from one school or college to another, courses not required in the new major may be dropped from the student’s cumulative totals if the grades earned were less than “C.” Once courses are dropped in this way, they cannot be retaken in the new major. This policy does not change the approval process for changes of curriculum.

The Grade Forgiveness policy is available to provide students with an opportunity to begin studies in a new major without the repercussions of poor grades from their previous major. All grades will appear on their transcripts; the dropped ones will just no longer count toward the cumulative GPA. The following specific guidelines apply to any Petition for Grade Forgiveness Policy:

This policy applies only to students moving majors from one school or college to another, as in the following:

Colleges:

• Business
• Engineering
• General Studies

Schools:

• Computer Sciences
• Education

1. Grade Forgiveness Policy is only applicable to those pursuing an undergraduate degree program.
2. A petition for Grade Forgiveness is filed with the Dean of the new college, whose decision is final. Upon review, the Registrar’s Office will notify the student of the outcome on their Grade Forgiveness petition after the change of curriculum to the new major has been updated.
3. The Grade Forgiveness will not omit the student from graduating with honors from their new major.
4. Grades cannot be forgiven if the course is required as part of their new major.
5. Students who have earned 30 credits or less must have a 1.50 cumulative GPA after grade forgiveness has been applied in order to qualify. Students with 31 credits or more must have a 2.00 cumulative GPA after grade forgiveness has been applied in order to qualify.

General Education Requirements

Although Indiana Tech has historically focused its academic programs in areas that lead directly to career opportunities, the university also recognizes the importance of providing students with a well-rounded education. The goal of the general education requirements is to provide students pursuing bachelor’s degrees with the skills and flexibility they will need to be successful in a rapidly changing world. The University’s core of general education courses ensures that our graduates have this solid foundation on which to build more specific professional training within the chosen major.

The general education component at Indiana Tech is organized around several desired outcomes. Many of these components are taught across the curriculum (such as critical thinking skills and creativity). However, there are also cases where specific courses can be identified which more directly aim toward fulfillment of the identified competencies. In some cases, the specific course required depends upon the degree program that the student is pursuing.

Communication Skills: Three courses required.

• ENG 1250 English Composition I
• ENG 1270 English Composition II
• EGR 2000 Engineering Communication (Engineering) or  ENG 2320 - Professional Communication 

Cultural and Ethical Awareness: Three courses required.

• Three Humanities courses, one of which must be literature.

Technology: One course required.

• MIS 1300 or equivalent or proficiency exam for credit.
• Self-study option followed by a repeat of proficiency exam.

Mathematical Reasoning: Two courses required

Note: MA 1005 or test out is a prerequisite for MA 1025; credits may not count toward degree requirement.

• MA 1025 or equivalent
• MA 2025 or equivalent

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking skills should be developed and honed throughout the student’s coursework at Indiana Tech. IIT 1270 may be required by the student’s major.

Understanding Ourselves and Society: Three courses required.

• PSY 1700 Introduction to Psychology
• Two additional psychology, social science or personal finance courses to be determined by major.

Science: One of the following courses:

• Physics or Physical Science: PH 1000 or equivalent
• Biology: BIO 1000 or equivalent
• Chemistry: CH 1000 or equivalent
• General Science: SCI 2000 or equivalent

General Learning Outcomes

The curricula at Indiana Tech are constructed to assure that students will master the following learning outcomes:

Composition and Communication

• Demonstrate flexible strategies for generating, revising and editing verbal texts.
• Practice appropriate means of documenting work and understanding the ethics and legalities of proper documentation.
• Limit errors in surface features as syntax grammar, punctuation, spelling and diction.
• Define and demonstrate conventions of format and structure, and adopt voice, tone and level or formality to the rhetorical situation.

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving

• Given a problem or situation, identify possible resolutions (hypotheses).
• Assemble sufficient information/data to determine a resolution.
• Determine relevance and reliability of the information gathered.
• Analyze the information gathered so as to identify likely conclusion(s).

Quantitative Reasoning

Be able to solve problems that involve:

• Numeric or arithmetic contexts: estimation and approximation, percentages, ratio and proportion, simple and compound interest and simple formulas.
• Conceptual contexts: pattern recognition, symbolizing data, graphing analysis, algebraic expressions, equations and modeling.
• Algebraic contexts: manipulations of variable expressions, solving equations, exponents, slope and equation of a line, linear equations and simultaneous equations.
• Data representation and chance elements contexts: counting techniques, data distribution, basic statistical measures and elementary probability.

Apply Technology

• Collect and access credible information/data and present it to demonstrate a particular perspective/result.
• Prepare and present information using word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and e-mail software.
• Use specialized software or equipment appropriate to the field.

Assessment Program

Indiana Tech recognizes that it is our responsibility as an institution of higher education to evaluate systematically the academic progress of our students within the context of our University’s mission statement. A comprehensive assessment plan has been instituted to ensure that this evaluation is carried out on a timely basis and that the results of this assessment can be used to continuously improve our educational programs and instruction.

The goal of the assessment plan at Indiana Tech is to enhance further the academic and personal development of our students and to provide a means for continually refining and improving the university.

Day (Traditional) Graduation Policies

Petition for Graduation

All students who wish to receive a degree from Indiana Tech, must file a Petition for Graduation with the registrar’s office. The graduation process is complete after the student has achieved academic and financial clearance to graduate. Diplomas and final transcripts are sent only after financial clearance is received.

Petitions are accepted when students are within two semesters of completing their degree requirements.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for graduation from Indiana Tech, you must successfully complete:

• Submission of all official transcripts from transfer institutions from which you are receiving transfer credit.
• All necessary credits required for the degree. The Bachelor’s degree requires a minimum of 30 credits earned at Indiana Tech.  At least 21 of those 30 credits earned must be among the last credits completed at Indiana Tech before graduation.  The Associate degrees require a minimum of 15 credits earned at Indiana Tech and must be among the last 15 credits completed at Indiana Tech before graduation.  Examples of these tests are Clep and Dantes.
• Individual exception to this policy can be made only with written request to the Dean of the school of the student’s major. If approved, this approval should be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar for processing. Approval must also be given prior to taking a class elsewhere and for tests such as Clep and Dantes.
• Required courses in all areas of major study with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
• All courses, required and elected, at an overall minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
• All financial obligations to the university.

Second Baccalaureate Degree

Students who have earned a degree from Indiana Tech or from another accredited college or university may earn a second degree at Indiana Tech. All specified requirements for the second degree must be met, and the program of studies completed for the second degree must include at least 15 credits in residence for an associate degree and 30 credits for a bachelor’s degree beyond those required for the first degree.

Commencement Participation-Petition to Graduate

To participate in the Commencement ceremony, traditional undergraduate students must have no more than 9 credits or an internship remaining on their degree after the spring semester. Petition deadlines are February 1 for spring/summer graduation and October 1 for fall graduation. To participate in the May commencement ceremony, a student’s petition must be received by the February 1 deadline.

CPS (Evening and Online) Students

Registration

All students are expected to register on the dates indicated in the academic calendar and the schedule of classes. Students must follow their degree curricula, as they provide the path toward graduation. Registration can be handled on my.indianatech.edu or through the Warrior Information Network. All registrations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. By registering for classes, the student agrees to abide by the university’s policies and regulations.

Enrollment Status

• A full-time undergraduate student is one who is enrolled for 12 or more credits per semester.
• A three-quarter-time undergraduate student is one who is enrolled for 9 to 11 credits per semester.
• A half-time undergraduate student is one who is enrolled for 6 to 8 credits per semester.
• A full-time graduate student is one who is enrolled for 9 or more credits per semester.

Textbooks

Textbooks are loaned to students enrolled in courses meeting face-to-face. Instructors collect textbooks at the last class meeting. If you are unable to return the textbook to the instructor, it must be returned to Indiana Tech no later than two weeks after the session ends. Textbooks for online classes are loaned to students and must be returned to Indiana Tech no later than two weeks after a session has ended via the shipping envelope and postage paid label provided by the university. You will be billed for books not returned within the policy guidelines. If you wish to purchase a textbook, you can keep the textbook and your account will be billed.

Computer Requirement

Students will be required to have access to a personal computer outside of the classroom. It is recommended that this computer be a Windows-based platform with Microsoft Office software.

Academic Credit Load

Undergraduate students are allowed to register for two classes per session up to 18 credits in a semester. The 18 credit limit includes all methods of delivery.

The criteria to enroll in additional credits in a semester are as follows:

• The student must be in good academic standing with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
• The student must have completed at least 24 credits at Indiana Tech.
• The student should obtain approval from the dean.
• Graduate students are limited to two classes per session. Exceptions must be authorized by the assistant dean. The criteria to enroll in three classes in one session are as follows:
• The student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better.
• The student must have completed core courses.

Attendance

Due to the accelerated pace of the courses, students are required to attend each class for the full allotted class time. Logging into your course on Blackboard during the first week of the course is considered an attendance in that class.

If you know that you will be unable to attend the first class, do not register for the class. At times, an unforeseen occurrence may cause a student to miss the first class. If you are unable to attend the first class, you must contact the Warrior Information Network (WIN) within three (3) days of the absence. Failure to notify the WIN within 3 days of a first night absence will result in an administrative withdrawal of the student from class. An absence from class does not alleviate the student from responsibility for assignments due the class of the absence or assignments due the next class following the absence. Be aware that an absence could result in a grade reduction. Two absences during a single-session course and three absences from a two-session course will result in a failing grade.

Credit Hour Policy

Courses are offered within different modalities and class durations within the nontraditional College of Professional Studies programs.  Courses in this modality are offered at an accelerated pace with identical curricula, program learning outcomes, and course learning outcomes to the traditional program offerings in order to meet the learning styles of professional, working adult learners. The number of weeks and the frequency of class meetings is determined by the content of the courses.

Three credit, online (College of Professional Studies) course: courses are delivered online using Blackboard as the course management system.  Several different types of learning activities are included within the delivery of the courses and are designed in accordance with the following expectations:

1. Readings from required texts/articles and other related materials requiring at least 45 hours.
2. Preparation of papers and projects related to the reading and/or required activities requiring at least 60 hours.
3. Assessment activities requiring at least 20 hours.
4. Direct interaction with faculty, library staff members, and classmates using live discussion platforms, phone calls, discussion board postings requiring at least 10 hours.

Three credit, face-to-face (College of Professional Studies) five week accelerated course: several different types of learning activities are included within the delivery of the courses and are designed in accordance with the following expectations:

1. Readings from required texts/articles and other related materials requiring at least 45 hours.
2. Preparation of papers and projects related to the reading and/or required research activities requiring at least 45 hours.
3. Assessment activities including feedback from faculty on papers/research projects, revisions, and discussion board posts and responses as well as tutoring services, requiring at least 25 hours.
4. Direct interaction with faculty and classmates face-to-face instruction, at least 20 hours.

Three credit, face-to-face (College of Professional Studies) course that meets at an accelerated rate of twice a week for five weeks or a course that meets for ten weeks: several different types of learning activities are included within the delivery of the courses and are designed in accordance with the following expectations:

1. Readings from required texts/articles and other related materials requiring at least 45 hours.
2. Preparation of papers and projects related to the reading and/or required research activities requiring at least 35 hours.
3. Assessment activities including feedback from faculty on papers/research projects, revisions, and discussion board posts and responses as well as tutoring services, requiring at least 15 hours.
4. Direct interaction with faculty and classmates face-to-face instruction methods, at least 40 hours.

Academic Withdrawal Policy

For classes in the College of Professional Studies, including online classes, you can withdraw without academic record until the end of the first week of the course (all session lengths). Withdrawals with record are allowed until the end of week 3 for five- and six-week courses; until the end of week 5 for 10-week courses; and until the end of week 6 for 12-week courses. You must contact the Warrior Information Network to withdraw, or you will receive a failing grade and be charged for the class.

Release of Student Information

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, with which Indiana Tech complies fully, was enacted to protect the privacy of educational records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their education records and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading statements. Indiana Tech has established the following student information as public or directory information, which may be disclosed by the institution at its discretion:

• Student name
• Address
• Phone numbers
• University email
• Major field of study
• Current course load/enrollment
• Dates and/or verification of attendance
• Degrees received
• Graduation date
• Academic awards received
• Sports photograph
• Position, weight and height of athletes

Students may request that Indiana Tech withhold the release of directory information by notifying the registrar’s office in writing. Students may also sign a form (obtained through the Registrar’s office) to release academic information to identified individuals. Students have the right to file complaints with the Family Policy Compliance Office in Washington, D.C., concerning alleged failure by the university to comply with the Act. Questions concerning the Act should be directed to the Registrar’s Office.

Statement of Academic Integrity

Indiana Tech is an academic community that values and promotes academic integrity. All members of our community have an obligation to themselves, their peers and the institution to uphold the code of ethics by demonstrating honesty, accountability, respect and professionalism. When academic integrity is compromised, learning is minimalized and the goals of the academic community cannot be realized.

In order to maintain academic integrity, faculty are expected to adhere to the following guidelines:

• Maintain and role model personal academic integrity
• Clearly define for students the expected level of collaboration (as it applies) on assignments/projects/homework
• Confront academic dishonesty when it is believed to have occurred and adhere to the policy as stated on their course syllabi
• Report incidences of academic dishonesty by completing infraction cards and submitting them to the assistant dean of their college
• Act to prevent violations of academic integrity

In order to maintain academic integrity, students are expected to adhere to the following guidelines:

• Maintain personal academic integrity
• Ask faculty to clarify any aspects of permissible or expected cooperation on any assignment
• Treat all graded academic exercises as work that is to be conducted individually, unless otherwise permitted
• Report any instance of academic dishonesty to the instructor or assistant dean of their college

Types of Academic Dishonesty

Examples of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to:

• Cheating, which includes submitting the work of another person as one’s own work, or using unauthorized aids.
• Plagiarism, which is the misrepresentation of another person’s work as one’s own. Submitting any writing that does not properly acknowledge the quoting or paraphrasing of another person’s words or that fails to give proper credit for another person’s ideas is plagiarism. Acts of plagiarism can also include the unacknowledged use of other forms of media including, but not limited to music, video, audio, theater projects, compositions, website and computer software.
• Self-Plagiarism (or Recycling Fraud), which is the resubmission of part or all of one’s own work to fulfill academic requirements in the same course or in other courses without providing proper acknowledgment of the original work with accurate citations.
• Fabrication, which is the falsification or invention of information or data in any academic undertaking.
• Facilitating Academic Dishonesty, which involves assisting someone in an act of dishonesty.

Consequences

Academic dishonesty is regarded as a serious offense against the academic community.  When a student has violated the principles of academic integrity, consequences will result as follows:

1.  Violations of academic integrity will be handled by the faculty at the course level with an academic penalty for the course as stated on the course syllabus.  The instructor will notify the student of the penalty and that the incident will be documented at the university level through the submission of an Academic Integrity Violation Reporting Form.

2.  Once a second violation of academic integrity has been documented at the university level through the Academic Integrity Violation Reporting process, the student will be required to meet with the appropriate dean (day school) or assistant dean (CPS/online).  At this meeting, the assistant dean will discuss the seriousness of the integrity violations and notify the student that any further integrity violations may result in dismissal from the university.  A letter from the dean or assistant dean will also be provided to the student documenting the information that was discussed at the meeting.

3.  Upon subsequent violations, the appropriate dean or assistant dean will meet with the student to discuss the seriousness of the offense and/or make a decision on dismissal in consultation with the Vice President of Academic Affairs.  The student may appeal the decision by following the appeal procedures on conduct sanctions documented in the Student Handbook.

Undergraduate Grading System

Grades for most of the college credit courses are as follows; some professors also utilize the plus-minus system:

Incompletes

These are the general guidelines for submitting a course incomplete request.

• More than 50% of the course session has elapsed.
• The student has encountered an unexpected situation that is beyond his or her control.
• The student is:
  • In good academic standing - up to date on all of the course assignments and has at least an overall passing grade.
  • Able to complete all of the remaining coursework within a session (5 weeks for an undergraduate course; 6 weeks for a graduate course) that immediately follows the session in which the student is currently enrolled.
  • Able to provide support documentations to substantiate the need for extra time should the student not be able to complete the course requirements.

Grade Point Average 

A student’s GPA is calculated based upon a point system. Term and cumulative GPAs are determined in the following manner:

Multiply course credit hour value by point value of grade earned in the course to get the total point value.

See example:

• Add total course credit hour values
  Example from above: 13
• Add total point values
  Example from above: 43
• Divide summed total point value by summed course credit hour value
  Example from above: 43/13 = 3.3076923 (using the chart above, this is a “B” average)

Grade Reports

The registrar’s office will not mail paper final grade reports. Students may view and print their grades online via my.indianatech.edu.

Academic Honors

An undergraduate student who earns a GPA of 3.5 or higher during any semester and has a 2.0 career GPA will be placed on the semester Academic Honors List in recognition of high academic achievement. No monetary scholarships are awarded to academic honors recipients.

Graduation honors are conferred upon those students who maintain outstanding academic records while attending Indiana Tech. These honors, based on the cumulative GPA in courses completed at Indiana Tech are as follows:

Grade Appeals

This policy is intended for a student who believes that his/her final course grade is incorrect based on the course syllabus.  A formal Grade Appeal must be initiated after the course grade has been issued (since that is what is being appealed) but within fourteen calendar days of the next session or semester start. 

The specific steps for initiating a Course Grade Appeal are:

        Step 1      The student must first address the specific grading issues with the instructor of the course.  If the instructor is unavailable, the dean of the college (day school students) or assistant dean (CPS/online students) will authorize an extension of time for the appeals process or will allow the student to proceed to Step 2.  This step must be initiated after the course grade has been issued but within fourteen calendar days of the next session or semester start.

        Step 2      If discussion with the instructor does not resolve the problem, the student may appeal the decision of the instructor to the appropriate dean (day school students) or assistant dean (CPS/online students) within 14 calendar days of the instructor’s decision.  To appeal, the student will prepare a formal Course Grade Appeal packet with documentation to support his/her request.  The formal Course Grade Appeal packet must state the student’s name, ID, the specifics of the grading issue, and the outcome of the initial meeting with the instructor.  The dean or assistant dean will make a determination within 14 days of receiving the Course Grade Appeal packet.  A letter will be provided to the student from the dean or assistant dean, informing him/her of the decision.

        Step 3      Students may appeal the decision of the dean or assistant dean by submitting an updated Course Grade Appeal packet to the Vice President for Academic Affairs (day school students) or the appropriate dean (CPS/online students). The updated Course Grade Appeal packet must include the information previously submitted to the dean or assistant dean in Step 2, the documentation of the dean’s or assistant dean’s decision, and any substantial new information. The Vice President of Academic Affairs or appropriate dean will make a determination within 14 days of receiving the updated Course Grade Appeal packet.  A letter will be provided to the student from the Vice President of Academic Affairs or the dean informing him/her of the decision.  All appeal decisions are final with the Vice President for Academic Affairs (day school students) or appropriate dean (CPS/online students).

Note:  If a student is dissatisfied with an individual grading event (such as an examination, paper, or project) he/she should meet with the instructor immediately for resolution.   If not resolved, the student should use individual grading events as evidence to support their request for a change in course grade.

Exchange of F, D and C- Grades and Repeating Courses

A grade exchange is allowed on courses in which a grade of “C-” or lower has been earned. Although a given course may be repeated more than once, by choice or necessity, the grade exchange provision above will apply only the first time the course is repeated. The “C-” or lower grade will be exchanged with the grade earned in the first repeat attempt, regardless of if that grade is greater than, equal to, or less than the original “C-” or lower grade. The exchange grade as well as any subsequent grades earned by repeating the class are used to calculate the cumulative GPA and degree major cumulative GPA. The following detail regulations apply to the grade exchange:

• No grade exchange will be made unless the student completely repeats the course.
• All grades will remain on the student’s transcript.
• It is not intended that this system of grade exchange shall alter the probation procedures now in effect; specifically, the academic dismissal procedures shall not be postponed to take advantage of this provision.
• The system of grade exchange became effective June 15, 1970, and does not apply to any course taken prior to this date.

Class Standing

Proficiency Examinations

Proficiency examinations are available for selected courses at Indiana Tech. A proficiency examination is used to establish credit in a course for which credit has not been earned by either transfer credit or attendance in a class at Indiana Tech. A proficiency examination cannot be taken in any course for which a grade has been issued at Indiana Tech or a course that has been audited at the university. Credit in the course is issued based on a pass/fail grade. If a student fails a proficiency exam, he or she may not retake the exam. A student who wishes to take a proficiency exam must see his or her advisor or dean for a list of available exams.

Students may elect to take standardized exams through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) or the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) program to demonstrate knowledge in specific subject areas. Credit can be earned for what a student has learned through self-study, advanced high school courses and non-credit courses. For a list of available exams and the Indiana Tech equivalent course, students can visit the Registrar’s webpage at IndianaTech.edu. For more information, students can contact the Registrar’s office.

Earning College Credit

There are several ways you can earn credit toward your degree from Indiana Tech:

• Successfully completing Indiana Tech courses either in class, online or through Independent Study
• Transferring credit from other colleges
• Passing standardized tests such as the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), or the Defense Activity for Non-traditional Education Support (DANTES) program.
• Using military experience or corporate training, which when evaluated may be worthy of college credit.
• Receiving credit for prior learning, work training and other previous college credit through our Prior Learning Portfolio program. Indiana Tech has partnered with the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) Learning Counts program to offer this opportunity to our students. Please see the course description for CAEL 1000 - Prior Learning Assessment  for more information.

Proficiency examinations are available for selected courses at Indiana Tech. A proficiency examination is used to establish credit in a course for which credit has not been earned by either transfer credit or attendance in a class at Indiana Tech. A proficiency examination cannot be taken in any course for which a grade has been received at Indiana Tech, or a course that has been audited at the university. Credit in the course is given based on pass/fail. If a student fails a proficiency exam, he or she may not retake the exam. A student who wishes to take a proficiency exam must see his or her advisor or dean for a list of available exams.

Students who successfully complete a nationally recognized certification exam (e.g., A++, Microsoft Networking, MOUS, etc) may request transfer credit for an equivalent course at Indiana Tech. Students should contact the dean of the appropriate college for consideration of the requests.

CPS Undergraduate

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit may be granted for courses completed with grades of “C” or higher at other regionally accredited colleges or universities. Courses completed at unaccredited institutions or programs will be reviewed on an individual basis by the Registrar’s Office, and credit may be granted if evaluation of the institution and the courses indicates that such credit is appropriate.

Transfer credit from accredited colleges or universities will be considered for curriculum-related course work with grades of “C” or better. An official transcript is required. Students also may be required to submit college catalogs, course descriptions or course syllabi to aid in the university’s decision on whether to grant credit. 

No more than 90 credit hours of transfer credit can be applied towards a Bachelor’s degree. Additionally, at least 21 of the final 30 credits must be completed at Indiana Tech.

Courses must be taken or competency demonstrated in the sequence as determined by the prerequisites. Transfer credit after a student has been placed by Indiana Tech will not be accepted unless it adheres to the sequence indicated above.

For an Associate degree candidate, no more than 45 credit hours can be transferred from regionally accredited schools, and 30 from non-regionally accredited schools. For a Bachelor degree candidate, no more than 90 credit hours can be transferred from regionally accredited schools, and 60 from a non-regionally accredited school.

If students wish to have previous university-level course work from international studies evaluated for transfer credit, they must have a course-by-course evaluation report completed by one of the following services:

• Global Credential Evaluators, Inc.
  P.O. Box 36
  28 Westhampton Way
  Richmond, VA 23173
  (804) 639-3660
  gcevaluators.com
   
• Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
  P.O. Box 514070
  Milwaukee, WI 43203
  (414) 289-3400
  ece.org
   
• World Education Services, Inc.
  P.O. Box 745
  Old Chelsea Station
  New York, NY 10113-0745
  (212) 966-6311
  wes.org
   
• American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)
  International Education Services
  One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 520
  Washington, D.C. 20036-1135
  (202) 296-3359
  aacrao.org

Change of Curriculum

Students wishing to change degree programs must complete the appropriate Change of Curriculum Form available on our website at registrar.IndianaTech.edu. CPS students do not require advisor or dean’s signatures but will be assessed a $10 fee. Upon changing degree programs, all students must follow all conditions of the most current academic catalog.

Students may change to the curriculum of the current year with the approval of the registrar. Students may not change to a curriculum in force prior to their enrollment, nor may students revert to previous curriculum requirements after officially changing to a current year curriculum.

Students are notified upon completion of their change of curriculum through their Indiana Tech email.

Academic Probation and Dismissal

It is expected that each student will strive to maintain the highest academic record. Once semester grades are issued, students who have completed their first semester must have earned at least a 1.5 cumulative GPA or they will be placed on academic probation. Once on probation, these students must earn a cumulative GPA of 1.5 or higher for the following semester or they will be academically dismissed.

Once semester grades are issued, students who have completed their third semester and beyond must maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA or they will be placed on academic probation. Once on probation, these students must earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher for the following semester or they will be academically dismissed.

Students placed on academic probation or who have been dismissed will be informed of their status through Indiana Tech email within two weeks of the end of the academic semester that determined the status.

Students placed on academic dismissal status for the first time may apply for readmission after a period of one semester, not including winter or summer semesters. The Registrar’s office determines whether or not a student is readmitted and will notify these students through email of the decision within two weeks of the student requesting readmission. Upon readmission, these students will be placed on academic probation and will need to earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher, or they will be academically dismissed. Students academically dismissed for the second time may apply for readmission to the University but may not apply for readmission to the same academic major for at least one calendar year.

Academic Dismissal Appeal

Students who are academically dismissed have an opportunity to appeal the dismissal if extenuating circumstances occurred during the semester that led to the academic dismissal. The letter notifying these students of their dismissal status also outlines the process for appealing the academic dismissal. Students must submit appeals no later than two weeks prior to the beginning of the following semester. Appeals are reviewed by the Financial Aid-Academic Dismissal Appeals Committee. Students will be notified of the outcome of the appeal review through email. If a student disagrees with the outcome, a second appeal can be made to the vice president for academic affairs, whose decision is final.

Academic Intervention for Students on Probation

The academic intervention program provides services to current and entering students placed on academic probation and concentrates on the individual student. Once they have been notified of their probationary status, students are assigned to faculty and staff advisors who serve as Academic Intervention Specialists (AIS). AIS advisors are matched with students based on Indiana Tech’s commitment to providing relationship-based education; consideration for the pairings is given to major area of study, academic and co-curricular involvement, and past and current advisor-advisee familiarity. Students and AIS advisors work together by creating personalized contracts. This includes identifying and setting realistic goals as well as the steps needed to achieve them, terms of mutual accountability, and resources that can assist students both in short- and long-term bases. AIS advisors and students work together toward a common goal of helping students improve and achieve academic and overall success in college.

Academic Bankruptcy Policy

Academic Bankruptcy involves a student’s request to forgive grades and credits. Only students who have not been enrolled at Indiana Tech for the previous 5 academic years are eligible for Academic Bankruptcy.  By petitioning and receiving approval from the Vice President of Academic Affairs, all D and F grades would be ignored from GPA calculations but not removed from the transcript.  Academic bankruptcies are approved based on a student’s poor academic progress because of extreme personal, emotional, or financial circumstances so devastating that it became impossible to perform academically at a level approximating the usual record of achievement. (Summer sessions are considered one academic semester). The following specific guidelines apply to any Petition for Academic Bankruptcy:

1. Academic Bankruptcy is only applicable to those pursuing an undergraduate degree program.
2. Once a student has graduated, the Academic Bankruptcy will not be applied.
3. No more than one petition for Academic Bankruptcy may be granted during the student’s academic career at Indiana Tech. When granted, it is irrevocable.
4. A petition for Academic Bankruptcy is filed with the Vice President of Academic Affairs, whose decision is final. The Registrar’s Office will notify the student of the outcome on their Academic Bankruptcy petition. If approved, the Registrar’s Office will provide the student a plan of action outlining the criteria for academic bankruptcy.
5. The extenuating circumstances for which the student is requesting academic bankruptcy must be compelling, and they must be clearly and unquestionably proven. The burden of proof is entirely on the student. Verifiable documentation of the extenuating circumstances, such as letters from medical doctors or others, must be submitted with the petition.

When academic bankruptcy is granted, the students’ grades in which he/she received a D or F in the courses will be forgiven and noted on their academic transcripts.

Under this policy, the term “academic bankruptcy” would be reflected on the transcript. This policy will only be granted once during a student’s academic career at Indiana Tech. Implementation of academic bankruptcy at Indiana Tech does not obligate any other institution to approve or recognize this distinction.

Grade Forgiveness Policy

When a student changes majors from one school or college to another, courses not required in the new major may be dropped from the student’s cumulative totals if the grades earned were less than “C.” Once courses are dropped in this way, they cannot be retaken in the new major. This policy does not change the approval process for changes of curriculum.

The Grade Forgiveness policy is available to provide students with an opportunity to begin studies in a new major without the repercussions of poor grades from their previous major. All grades will appear on their transcripts; the dropped ones will just no longer count toward the cumulative GPA. The following specific guidelines apply to any Petition for Grade Forgiveness Policy:

This policy applies only to students moving majors from one school or college to another, as in the following:

Colleges:

• Business
• Engineering
• General Studies

Schools:

• Computer Sciences
• Education

1. Grade Forgiveness Policy is only applicable to those pursuing an undergraduate degree program.
2. A petition for Grade Forgiveness is filed with the Dean of the new college, whose decision is final. Upon review, the Registrar’s Office will notify the student of the outcome on their Grade Forgiveness petition after the change of curriculum to the new major has been updated.
3. The Grade Forgiveness will not omit the student from graduating with honors from their new major.
4. Grades cannot be forgiven if the course is required as part of their new major.
5. Students who have earned 30 credits or less must have a 1.50 cumulative GPA after grade forgiveness has been applied in order to qualify. Students with 31 credits or more must have a 2.00 cumulative GPA after grade forgiveness has been applied in order to qualify.

General Education Requirements

Although Indiana Tech has historically focused its academic programs in areas that lead directly to career opportunities, the university also recognizes the importance of providing students with a well-rounded education. The goal of the general education requirements is to provide students pursuing bachelor’s degrees with the skills and flexibility they will need to be successful in a rapidly changing world. The University’s core of general education courses ensures that our graduates have this solid foundation on which to build more specific professional training within the chosen major.

The general education component at Indiana Tech is organized around several desired outcomes. Many of these components are taught across the curriculum (such as critical thinking skills and creativity). However, there are also cases where specific courses can be identified which more directly aim toward fulfillment of the identified competencies. In some cases, the specific course required depends upon the degree program that the student is pursuing.

Communication Skills: Three courses required.

• ENG 1250 English Composition I
• ENG 1270 English Composition II
• EGR 2000 Engineering Communication (Engineering) or  ENG 2320 - Professional Communication 

Cultural and Ethical Awareness: Three courses required.

• Three Humanities courses, one of which must be literature.

Technology: One course required.

• MIS 1300 or equivalent or proficiency exam for credit
• Self-study option followed by a repeat of proficiency exam.

Mathematical Reasoning: Two courses required

Note: MA 1005 or test out is a prerequisite for MA 1025; credits may not count toward degree requirement.

• MA 1025 or equivalent
• MA 2025 or equivalent

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking skills should be developed and honed throughout the student’s coursework at Indiana Tech. IIT 1270 may be required by the student’s major.

Understanding Ourselves and Society: Three courses required.

• PSY 1700 Introduction to Psychology
• Two additional psychology, social science or personal finance courses to be determined by major.

Science: One of the following courses:

• Physics or Physical Science: PH 1000 or equivalent
• Biology: BIO 1000 or equivalent
• Chemistry: CH 1000 or equivalent
• General Science: SCI 2000 or equivalent

General Learning Outcomes

The curricula at Indiana Tech are constructed to assure that students will master the following learning outcomes:

Composition and Communication

• Demonstrate flexible strategies for generating, revising and editing verbal texts.
• Practice appropriate means of documenting work and understanding the ethics and legalities of proper documentation.
• Limit errors in surface features as syntax grammar, punctuation, spelling and diction.
• Define and demonstrate conventions of format and structure, and adopt voice, tone and level or formality to the rhetorical situation.

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving

• Given a problem or situation, identify possible resolutions (hypotheses).
• Assemble sufficient information/data to determine a resolution.
• Determine relevance and reliability of the information gathered.
• Analyze the information gathered so as to identify likely conclusion(s).

Quantitative Reasoning

Be able to solve problems that involve:

• Numeric or arithmetic contexts: estimation and approximation, percentages, ratio and proportion, simple and compound interest and simple formulas.
• Conceptual contexts: pattern recognition, symbolizing data, graphing analysis, algebraic expressions, equations and modeling.
• Algebraic contexts: manipulations of variable expressions, solving equations, exponents, slope and equation of a line, linear equations and simultaneous equations.
• Data representation and chance elements contexts: counting techniques, data distribution, basic statistical measures and elementary probability.

Apply Technology

• Collect and access credible information/data and present it to demonstrate a particular perspective/result.
• Prepare and present information using word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and e-mail software.
• Use specialized software or equipment appropriate to the field.

Assessment Program

Indiana Tech recognizes that it is our responsibility as an institution of higher education to evaluate systematically the academic progress of our students within the context of our University’s mission statement. A comprehensive assessment plan has been instituted to ensure that this evaluation is carried out on a timely basis and that the results of this assessment can be used to continuously improve our educational programs and instruction.

The goal of the assessment plan at Indiana Tech is to enhance further the academic and personal development of our students and to provide a means for continually refining and improving the university.

CPS Graduation Policies

Petition for Graduation

All students who wish to receive a degree from Indiana Tech, must file a Petition for Graduation with the registrar’s office. The graduation process is complete after the student has achieved academic and financial clearance to graduate. Diplomas and final transcripts are sent only after financial clearance is received.

Students can submit petitions when they are within 2 semesters of the anticipated course work completion date, or when:

• Associate students have earned 45 credits
• Bachelor’s students have earned 102 credits
• The Petition for Graduation is posted at www.IndianaTech.edu.

Undergraduate Graduation Requirements

To qualify for graduation from Indiana Tech, you must successfully complete:

• Submission of all official transcripts from transfer institutions from which you are receiving transfer credit.
• All necessary credits required for the degree. Bachelor’s degrees require a minimum of 30 credits earned at Indiana Tech. At least 21 of the 30 credits must be among the last credits completed by the student before graduation. Associate degrees require 15 credits earned at Indiana Tech. Individual exceptions to the policy can be made only with written approval by the vice president of academic affairs. 
• Required courses in all areas of major study with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0
• All courses, required and elected, at an overall minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0
• All financial obligations to the university

Second Baccalaureate Degree

Students who have earned a degree from Indiana Tech or from another accredited college or university may earn a second degree at Indiana Tech. All specified requirements for the second degree must be met, and the program of studies completed for the second degree must include at least 15 credits in residence for an associate degree and 30 credits for a bachelor’s degree beyond those required for the first degree.

Commencement Ceremony

Students planning to participate in the May commencement exercises must file the petition prior to February 1. Petitions filed after February 1 will not be accepted for participation in the commencement ceremonies.

Note: Undergraduate students must be within 15 credits by March 31 to participate in May commencement.