Undergraduate Admission, Tuition, Policies and Procedures

ADMISSIONS UNDERGRADUATE

Alaska Pacific University has no rigid secondary school requirements but gives preference to students graduating from strong college preparatory programs. This includes four years of English, at least two years of a language other than English, three years of college preparatory mathematics, three years of laboratory science, and three years of history or social science. Applicants planning to seek the Bachelors of Science degree in environmental science or marine biology should complete four years of high school mathematics and should be prepared to begin calculus during their first year in college.

Some students do not display outstanding results as measured by conventional academic measurements. However, many of these students display an outstanding ability to adapt and thrive in the active learning environment that is central to the mission of Alaska Pacific University. The admissions committee works closely with candidates to ensure a successful academic experience for all admissions candidates.

First Year Students

First year and transfer students who have earned fewer than 30 transferable college semester hours.

Admission Methods

Alaska Pacific University has adopted a modified rolling admission procedure. This procedure will allow students to submit the admissions application at any time during the admissions cycle. For priority in financial assistance, however, students are encouraged to submit their application by February 1. Students are notified of admission decisions immediately after an admissions committee concludes its assessment of the completed application. It is requested that students respond to offers of admission for Fall semester by or before May 1.

Students wishing to apply for admission must submit the following to the Admissions Office:

1. Undergraduate application for admission.
2. $25.00 non-refundable application fee. Please make checks or money orders payable to Alaska Pacific University. The application fee will be waived for applications completed online or through the Common Application.
3. A personal essay based on one of several discussion topics.
4. Two letters of recommendation. Recommendation letters may be submitted by the applicant’s counselor, teacher, headmaster, principal, or any individual qualified to comment upon applicant’s academic/intellectual ability.
5. Results of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I) or the American College Test (ACT). Test scores will not be required for applicants who have graduated three or more years prior the intended start date or for those who have passed their General Educational Development tests and have not earned a High School Diploma.
6. Official transcripts from all institutions attended. A transcript is required from each postsecondary institution in which a student has been enrolled, whether or not credit was earned. Transcripts are considered official when received in an envelope that was sealed by the credit awarding institution and must arrive to us unopened. They may also be uploaded by the credit awarding institution onto a secured electronic transcript service and sent directly to APU. Note: Final high school transcripts verifying graduation are required before the student may enroll as a degree-seeking student.

Admission Standards

Completed application packages are reviewed by an admissions committee. The decision to admit or deny an applicant is based on the overall quality of the admissions package. Academic standards include:

1. A cumulative high school GPA of 2.75 based on a 4.00 scale. Applicants who have earned a GPA less than 2.75 may be considered for admission if they have submitted an otherwise strong application. Such applicants may be invited for a personal interview or asked to take courses in areas of weakness. Special requirements will be communicated in the acceptance letter.
2. An SAT composite score of 970 or an ACT composite score of 20. Applicants whose test scores do not meet these minimums may be considered for admission if they have submitted an otherwise strong application.
3. The admissions committee will consult with the Academic Dean and appropriate department chair/program director when an application is in question.

Transfer Students

Students are considered transfers when they have earned 30 or more transferable college semester hours. Transferable college semester hours are defined as semester credits awarded from an accredited institution, earning a C or better grade, and taken at a college level. Transfer applicants must submit the following to the Admissions Office.

1. Undergraduate application for admission.
2. $25.00 non-refundable application fee. Please make checks or money orders payable to Alaska Pacific University. The application fee will be waived for applications completed online or through the Common Application.
3. A personal essay based on one of several discussion topics.
4. Official transcripts from all institutions attended. High school transcripts are not required for transfer applications. A transcript is required from each postsecondary institution in which a student has been enrolled, whether or not credit was earned. Transcripts are considered official when received in an envelope that was sealed by the credit awarding institution and must arrive to us unopened. They may also be uploaded by the credit awarding institution onto a secured electronic transcript service and sent directly to APU. Note: If there is work in progress reported on the transcript at time of delivery we will require an additional transcript reflecting credit earned or reflecting that those courses were dropped before the student may enroll as a degree-seeking student.

A cumulative GPA of 2.00 is required for transfer students. Students with a GPA of less than 2.00 who otherwise demonstrate potential for academic success at Alaska Pacific University may be considered for admission. Such applicants may be invited for a personal interview or asked to take courses in areas of weakness.

The Registrar’s Office will assess transfer credits earned by the applicant and will mail an evaluation of the student’s transfer credit prior to class registration. The evaluation will show total hours accepted towards a degree at Alaska Pacific University. It will also show which General University Requirements have been met.

Transfer Matrix

Table of Substitutions

Required for all but senior transfer students but may be waived by advisor depending on individual students’ educational experiences.

Early Honors

Early Honors Students applying to Alaska Pacific University need to submit the following information:

1. Early Honors application for admission
2. $25.00 non-refundable application fee. Please make checks payable to Alaska Pacific University. The application fee will be waived for applications completed online.
3. A personal essay about why you would like to attend Alaska Pacific University’s Early Honors Program
4. Two letters of recommendation. Recommendation letters may be submitted by the applicant’s counselor, teacher, headmaster, principal, or any individual qualified to comment upon applicant’s academic/intellectual ability.
5. Official high school transcripts. Additionally transcripts are requested from each postsecondary institution in which a student has been enrolled, whether or not credit was earned. Transcripts are considered official when received in an envelope that was sealed by the credit awarding institution and must arrive to us unopened. They may also be uploaded by the credit awarding institution onto a secured electronic transcript service and sent directly to APU. Note: although postsecondary transcripts are not required for admission they may be required by the academic advisor for placement testing or course selection purposes.

Early Honors students are requested to submit SAT or ACT test scores after taking the test. These scores are not required for admissions but are helpful in determining admission in some cases. If you haven’t yet taken the exam prior to admission, please send the score to APU when you do take the exam for our reporting purposes. ACT reporting code is 0062, SAT reporting code is 4201.

International Students

International students are students who do not have United States residency. International students wishing to apply for an undergraduate program must submit the following to the Admissions Office:

1. Undergraduate application for admission. Follow the application requirements in the Undergraduate application and submit materials by the deadline stated in the application or the following deadlines (whichever is earlier):

2. Supplemental application for International Student admission. This will be sent to the email provided in your application once it is submtted.
   
3. Supporting financial documentation. Present financial documentation to support the information provided under the Annual Budget Section of the supplemental application. Supporting documents must be supplied for each person or party who will be providing you with financial assistance. The documents should reflect the individual’s financial history. Examples of supporting documents include: several months’ bank statements, a letter from an employer stating period of employment, planned continued employment and yearly salary, tax returns, or a U.S. Immigration Form I-134 Affidavit of Support (for students who have a financial sponsor in the United States). All documents must be officially translated into English and monetary amounts expressed in U.S. dollars. Students need to keep a duplicate set of all documents. These documents will be needed to apply for a student visa and to enter the United States.
4. Foreign credentials evaluation (in addition to official transcripts). All students with transcripts issued by universities and schools outside the United States must send their transcripts to a credentials evaluation service for evaluation and must request that a copy of the evaluation be sent to the Admissions Office. A course-by-course evaluation providing grade point average is required. A list of agencies that provide this service is contained in the Alaska Pacific University International Student Information Packet.
5. All international students must submit official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. Alaska Pacific’s reporting code is #4201. A score of 550 on the paper test, 213 on the computer test, or 79 on the Internet based test is required for admission.

Adult Undergraduates

Our Adult Undergraduates have degree options featuring a competency-based curriculum for an Associate of Arts degree with a major in Accounting, Business Administration, Education, or Human Services or a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Accounting, Education, Human Services, and Business Administration and Management. In addition, we now offer the Accelerated Business Administration and Management/Master of Business Administration, BAM/MBA, option for accomplished business professionals who seek to move directly into the MBA program as soon as they have completed 104 or more undergraduate credits. All degrees for Adult Undergraduates were designed and formatted to provide educational access and professional development for busy adults and consist of either evening on-campus courses, online courses, or a combination of both.

Students wishing to apply as an Adult Undergraduate can follow the Five Steps to Admission:

1. Online Application: Apply online and we will waive the $25.00 application fee. Once your application is received, an Admissions Counselor will contact you promptly to discuss the next steps.
2. Statement of Goals: You will need to compose a 1-2 page essay about your goals. We ask you to describe your academic and professional goals, how the degree will help you accomplish your goals, and the impact it may have on your family, community, or self.
3. Current Resume. Your resume will help your academic adviser understand your professional background.
4. Verification of Employment or Volunteering Form: not required for Associate degrees
5. Send Official transcripts from all institutions attended. High school transcripts are required for all applicants who do not have 30 or more transferrable credits*. A transcript is required from each postsecondary institution in which a student has been enrolled, whether or not credit was earned. Transcripts are considered official when received in an envelope that was sealed by the credit awarding institution and must arrive to us unopened. They may also be uploaded by the credit awarding institution onto a secured electronic transcript service and sent directly to APU. Note: If there is work in progress reported on the transcript at time of delivery we will require an additional transcript reflecting credit earned or reflecting that those courses were dropped before the student may enroll as a degree-seeking student.

*Transferrable Credits: semester credits awarded from an accredited institution, earning a C or better grade, and taken at a college level.

A cumulative GPA of 2.00 (3.0 for Accelerated Business Administration and Management BAM/MBA applicants) is required for admission. Applicants with a GPA less than 2.00 who otherwise demonstrate potential for academic success at Alaska Pacific University may be considered for admission. Such applicants may be invited for a personal interview, asked for additional documentation, or asked to take courses in areas of weakness. 

Students must have at least 60 semester credit hours to apply as a bachelor degree seeking student and 72 semester credit hours to apply for the Accelerated Business Administration and Management BAM/MBA. Students with less than 60 credits are eligible to apply as an associate degree seeking student. Applicants can also speak with an Admissions Counselor about earning additional credits in the following ways:

• Documented Experiential Learning Credit (credit for life/work experience)
• Credit by Examination (challenge coursework or subject areas by taking exams)

Additional Information

The Registrar’s Office will assess the transfer credit earned by the applicant once admitted and will mail a transfer evaluation to the student prior to class registration. The evaluation will show total hours accepted towards a degree at Alaska Pacific University. It will also show which General University Requirements have been met. 

Credit By Choice

Credit By Choice is a special program for exceptional high school students who wish to enroll in college level coursework. The cost for Credit By Choice is $200/credit hour. Students may take a maximum of two courses /semester. These students must apply for admission to the Credit By Choice program. Applicants must submit the following:

1. Credit By Choice application for admission.
2. $25.00 non-refundable application fee. Please make checks or money orders payable to Alaska Pacific University.
3. One letter of approval from appropriate high school official approving Credit By Choice admission.
4. Written consent from parent or guardian.
5. Official high school transcripts. Transcripts are considered official when received in an envelope that was sealed by the credit awarding institution and must arrive to us unopened. They may also be uploaded by the credit awarding institution onto a secured electronic transcript service and sent directly to APU.

Financial aid is unavailable to Credit By Choice students. Students must re-apply through Admissions if attending more than one academic year or portion thereof as a Credit by Choice student. Credit By Choice students who later decide to enter an Alaska Pacific University degree program must reapply through the regular admission process.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

(Special Student Status)

Students who do not wish to pursue a degree program may attend classes at Alaska Pacific University if they have completed the required prerequisites. Such students are not required to submit application elements other than the $25.00 application fee. The courses taken under Special Student status may or may not be applicable to an Associate of Arts or Bachelor of Arts program at a later date.

Students in the Non-Degree Seeking category are not eligible to receive federal financial aid.

If a Non-Degree Seeking student wishes to enter a certificate, undergraduate, or graduate program, he or she must apply for admission by following the application requirements of the program to which they apply.

After two periods of enrollment within Non-Degree Seeking status, an undergraduate student must apply for admission to enter a degree or certificate program, or reapply to continue in Non-Degree Seeking status. Continued enrollment in Non-Degree Seeking status will be contingent upon review and approval by an admissions committee.

Students wishing to enter Undergraduate Non-Degree Seeking applications must submit the following to the Admissions office:

1. Application for Non-Degree Seeking admission.
2. $25.00 non-refundable application fee. Please make checks or money orders payable to Alaska Pacific University.

All degree-seeking undergraduate applicants who have received full admission may defer their start date for a period of up to one year. The one-year period begins with the start date indicated on the original application form. Fully admitted students who have chosen deferral are eligible to register for classes for one year and do not need to complete additional application requirements. Applicants who do not register within the one-year eligibility period and wish to reactivate their admission status must complete a new application form and complete all requested documentation prior to being readmitted to the university. An admissions officer will determine, on a case-by-case basis, what additional documentation is required.

Admission Categories

Full Admission

Full Admission status is assigned to students whose completed applications meet the requirements for admission to the university. Financial assistance can be disbursed to students who have been fully admitted to the university.

Admitted Pending Final Documentation

Early Admission status is assigned to students whose applications are complete enough to determine that they meet the requirements for admission to the University, but are missing elements necessary for completion of the admission process. Students in this status may not register for classes and are not eligible for financial aid.

Admission Hold

Admission Hold status is assigned to students who have received Early Admission status and wish to register for classes prior to completion of their application. Qualified students can be placed in Admission Hold status anytime during the semester registration period To qualify for this status, students must meet the following criteria: 1) they have received Early Admission status, and 2) they are seeking financial aid. To be placed into Admission Hold status, students will be asked to fill out and sign a Registration Exception Application.

Admission Hold status requires that the student submit the missing application documents no later than the final day of late registration as defined in the catalog:

Upon Full Admission, Student Financial Services will disburse approved awards. If the student in Admission Hold status does not meet the late registration deadline (see table below), they will be withdrawn from their academic program and placed in a non-degree seeking status. In this status, students will be required to pay full tuition in order to remain registered.

Students who do not meet the Admission Hold criteria and still wish to register must fill out a non-degree seeking application form and register as a non-degree seeking student.

Wait Listed

Wait Listed status is assigned to those students who apply to APU and meet academic standards of the University but, due to circumstances such as lateness, need to be placed on an academic wait list by the Admissions committee. This status is assigned only to candidates applying for the Fall semester. Students who are Wait Listed will be notified of their enrollment status by July 15.

Admission Denied

Admission Denied status is assigned to students whose applications do not meet the minimum requirements for admission to the university. Students who are denied admission may contest such decisions by petitioning the Undergraduate Studies Committee.

Transcripts and Test Scores

All transcripts and test scores required for admission must be official documents preferably sent directly from the high school, college, university, or testing agency to the Alaska Pacific University Admissions Office; although applicants may hand deliver and submit documents in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution. Alaska Pacific University cannot accept student copies of transcripts or test results as official.

FINANCIAL AID UNDERGRADUATE

Student Financial Services is providing important information to all students regarding student financial aid and student accounts. Students are encouraged to read the complete section on student financial services and ask questions if necessary. It is the responsibility of all students to become familiar with policies and procedures that may affect their financial status. Important:  APU does not send out individual student billing statements. All financial aid and student account information is available via the “student portal”. Make sure you know how to access your information. The official method of communication at APU is student campus email. It is your responsibility to check your APU email for correspondence. Please contact Student Financial Services with any questions or concerns related to your financial aid or student account; email: sfs@alaskapacific.edu, phone: (907) 564-8341, fax: (907) 564-8372. Student Financial Services is located on campus in Grant Hall, Room 125. Our normal office hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday; 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday through Friday – appointments are not required.

Institutional Scholarships (Full-Time Undergraduates)

Alaska Pacific University offers many opportunities for institutional scholarships.  Institutional scholarship eligibility is determined for entering students as they are admitted.  The Admission’s Office is the point of contact for eligibility.  Institutional scholarship opportunites for undergraduate students entering APU are listed below. These scholarships do no apply to students classified as Adult Undergraduates.

First Year Students

Transfer Students

Air Force ROTC Scholarships: Students who are interested in a career as an officer in the US Air Force may be eligible for AFROTC scholarships through an agreement between Alaska Pacific University, the University of Alaska, and the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. Under this agreement, fulltime APU students may qualify for AFROTC tuition and living expense scholarships by taking classes in military science at UAA in addition to their major coursework at APU. See the APU website for further information.

Undergraduate students must be enrolled full-time in order receive institutional scholarships. Institutional Scholarships are generally awarded only during the fall and spring semesters. Institutional scholarships may be renewable up to five years as long as the student maintains the required cumulative grade point average and completes a minimum twelve (12) credit hours each semester.

Scholarship Awards & Retention Criteria

(If awarded one of the scholarships below)

All recipients must maintain full-time enrollment status

Atwood Distinguished Scholarship

In order to retain the scholarship for up to four years at APU, the following conditions must be met:

• Must maintain at least a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher each year
• If you fall below a 3.0 cumulative GPA, the award will be reduced by $2500 per year
• Award will be reclassified as a Leah Peterson Merit Scholarship

Leah Peterson Merit Scholarship

In order to retain the scholarship for up to four years at APU, the following conditions must be met:

• Must maintain at least a cumulative GPA of 2.75 to 2.99
• If you fall below a 2.75 cumulative GPA, the award will be reduced by 25% per year

Trustee Scholarship

In order to retain the scholarship, the following conditions must be met:

• Must maintain at least a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher for Trustee Level 1
• Must maintain at least a cumulative GPA of 2.5 to 3.49 for Trustee Level 2
• If you fall below a 2.5 cumulative GPA, the award will be reduced by 25% per year.

Other significant sources of financial aid may be identified through national scholarship databases. We recognize that students who are diligent in their scholarship searches through national scholarship databases may find they receive enough funds to pay for the majority, if not all, of their education at APU. Scholarship database lists are available on the Student Financial Services website or through diligent search and consist of monies given upon the basis of major, heritage, religion, need/non-need, membership, age, and even contests.

Alaska State Aid

There are resources available to help you pay for college from the state of Alaska if you are an Alaska resident and qualify. Below are the web links to information regarding the Alaska Advantage Grant and the Alaska Performance Scholarship:

 Alaska Advantage Grant 

Alaska Performance Scholarship

Resource for Alaskans

Student Financial Services strives to provide support services to Alaska residents.  We encourage students and families to visit with our office as important edcuation financial decisions are being made.  You can access possible scholarship and grant opportunities by visiting the Student Financial Services website.

Federal Aid Eligibility

To be considered for federal financial aid, a student must comply with the following requirements:

1. Student must be admitted to Alaska Pacific University as a degree-seeking student.
2. Student must attend APU as a full time student. Exception: part-time students may receive Stafford Loan, Pell Grant, and SEOG.
3. Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, FAFSA, and request the results be sent to APU, school code 001061. The results must be received electronically by APU from the federal processing center.
4. Student’s interested in alternative (private) loans must apply directly through their chosen lender.
5. Submit a Master Promissory Note if accepting a Federal Direct Stafford Loan at APU. It is valid for 10 years.
6. Complete Loan Entrance Counseling if accepting a Federal Direct Stafford Loan for the first time at APU.
7. Comply with all application deadlines. Financial aid must be reapplied for annually.
8. Respond to and complete all requests for documentation, verification, corrections, and other information as requested by the Student Financial Services Office or the agency to which you apply.
9. Sign and return each Award Letter to the APU Student Financial Services Office by the required date and decline in writing any portion of an award offered that is not desired. A financial aid offer is not valid until the signed Award letter has been returned to the APU Student Financial Services Office.
10. Notify the Student Financial Services Office in writing of any of the following changes: course load, withdrawal, marital status, residence, living arrangements, or aid received from outside sources.
11. Maintain good academic standing and make satisfactory progress toward completing an academic program in accordance with APU Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.

FAFSA Application Information

FAFSA is the required application for the Pell Grant, FSEOG (grant), Direct Stafford subsidized and unsubsidized loans, PLUS loan, and Federal Work Study. All degree-seeking students, both incoming and returning, requesting federal financial aid should file a FAFSA no later than June 30th for consideration for assistance during the academic year beginning the following August. Early application increases a student’s chances for additional assistance.

Submit the FAFSA electronically to www.fafsa.ed.gov. Notification of the award offer may be delayed by a federally selected verification of information process; please submit accurate information on the FAFSA.  The federal school code for APU is 001061.

FLEX Plan (Regular Undergraduates)

APU will award institutional aid up to 4 credits for a May block course(s) or Summer semester Practicum or Senior Project for those who have attended a maximum of one class 12-17 credits in the spring semester. The amount of aid will be up to 4 credits for students taking 12-14 credits, up to 3 credits for students taking 15 credits, up to 2 credits for students taking 16 credits, and 1 credit for students taking 17 credits. Registered hours are counted including withdrawals.

Students who intend on taking a May block or summer course under this plan should fill out an application form, available from the Student Financial Services Office or SFS website and submit it to SFS during the Spring term before the last day of class. It is important to note that such a course(s) is in addition to Spring courses. Students may not combine the block and session courses from different semesters and receive aid, as this is not allowed by Federal Regulations. Students may not count the May block as part of their Spring semester.

Flex Plan Matrix

(Available to undergraduate full time students who pay consolidated full time tuition fee) Institutional aid equal to 1-4 credits for May block course(s) will be awarded students who register and complete 12-17 credits in the Spring Semester (January-April). The chart below provides examples of some variations for credit distributions. Students who wish to carry more than 4 credits in the block may make up the difference out of pocket at the current tuition rate. The FLEX plan covers only May block courses and does not apply to any other courses offered in the Summer semester (except for students taking senior project or practicum).

Keep in mind that the May Block is NOT part of the Spring Semester. It is part of the Summer Semester and course work taken in May does not count as credits taken and/or completed in the Spring Semester. (Example: Students who enroll full time for the Spring Semester and who withdraw from enough courses so that their Spring Semester Course load is less than 12 credits may not use the May Block course as credits completed in the Spring Semester for financial aid purposes.)

Students who intend on taking a May block or summer course under this plan are required to fill out an application form, available from the Student Financial Services Office or SFS website and submit it to SFS during the Spring term before the last day of class.

Eco-League (May Block) Tuition Discount

(Effective May Block-2010) According to the Eco League Operations Agreement:

The Home Institution will compensate the Host Institution (APU) at the rate of $400 per credit hours for up to 16 semester credit hours or their trimester or quarter credit equivalent. In order to extend educational opportunities Eco-League students who enrolled in and completed less than the maximum 16 credit hours during the spring term will be allowed to register for 1-4 credit hours during the May Block at a cost of $400 per credit hour or current agreed amount. The total number of hours attempted cannot exceed a total of 16 credit hours (Spring + May Block).

Any credit hours taken during this time period that exceed the maximum eligibility listed above will be charged the regular rate of a regular undergraduate student.

Federal and State Financial Aid Disbursement Rules

Federal and state regulations require that an undergraduate student must be in attendance at least part-time (1 credit) or full-time (12 credits), depending on the federal aid program, before APU can disburse federal and/or state aid. Adding and dropping classes may affect the amount of federal/state financial aid a student receives.

Students receiving loans via paper check will be notified via the student’s APU e-mail address to come by the Student Financial Services Department to endorse the check. If a student fails to do this within 30 days, the funds will be returned to the lender. The student can reapply for the loan, if needed. Once endorsed, the funds must be applied to the student’s billing account.

Some students receive financial aid in excess of direct university costs. In such cases, the portion exceeding direct costs is refunded to the student as long as it does not exceed the cost of attendance. Federal Guidelines allow institutions up to 14 days after receipt of loan funds to process any applicable refunds. This allows APU adequate time to verify the student’s enrollment and attendance in all classes. As mentioned above, drops and adds affect the student’s eligibility for all types of financial aid. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure they are enrolled in the required number of credits for each type of aid they are receiving; i.e.: Institutional awards require 12 or more; loans require six credits or more and etc. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least six credits at the time their loan funds are disbursed.

Students with a credit balance on their account after federal aid is calculated and approved may request a bookstore voucher for their books. The cost of the books will be added the student’s account, thus reducing the credit balance to be refunded.

If a student’s federal aid is applied to their account after the census date and a credit balance is created, the refund will be processed within 14 days.

Refund checks will be disbursed from Student Financial Services (SFS) and will require APU student ID and student signature. If the student is unable to pick it up in person, they will be required to provide written authorization (APU e-mail address is acceptable) for SFS to mail the refund check to the address specified by the student.

Alaska Pacific University Interest-Free Monthly Payment Plan

The Alaska Pacific University Interest-Free Monthly Payment Plan administered by Tuition Management Systems is recommended to help you budget for the payment of your educational expenses and limit your debt.

The plan allows you to spread your annual balance out over 10 interest-free monthly payments for a small annual enrollment fee of $70, which includes Education Payment Life Insurance. This insurance benefit provides payment for the remaining balance in the event of the death of the bill payer. For those graduating in December or beginning their classes in the Spring semester, there are also semester plan options available for a fee of $52.

Benefits of the Alaska Pacific University Interest-Free Monthly Payment Plan include:

• No Interest associated with plan, helping limit your debt and maximize savings
• Toll-free top-rated telephone service during extended personal service hours at 1-888-463-6994
• Affordability Counseling with friendly and professional Education Payment Partners
• A wide variety of payment methods including personal checks, money orders, credit cards and automated payments from your checking or savings account
• 24-hour access to account information at www.afford.com/alaskapacific

We hope that you seriously consider the advantages of paying some or all of your balance interest-free. This strategy is the most effective means of limiting your debt. Feel free to contact Tuition Management Systems for Affordability Counseling at 1-888-463-6994 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

Discontinuance of Attendance

Students who drop classes may have their financial aid reduced if they then fall below the full-time/part-time credit requirement for a particular type of financial aid. Students who withdraw from APU must notify Student Financial Services and the Registrar so that refund calculations or late disbursements may be made. Students who withdraw from APU may be required to begin immediate student loan repayment. Federal regulations require all student loan borrowers to participate in Exit Loan Counseling whenever they withdraw or graduate from APU, for students to understand their rights and responsibilities as borrowers.

Sharing Financial Aid Funds between Institutions of Higher Learning

Federal financial aid cannot be divided between institutions unless there is a consortium agreement between the institutions. The financial aid will be processed at the institution where the student is pursuing their degree, the home school. APU participates in a very limited number of consortium agreements. The home school will process the federal aid and any refund due to the student will be disbursed to the student approximately 14 days after the beginning of the semester or receipt of the funds, whichever is later. It is the student’s responsibility to pay the tuition and fees at their other institution.

University awards from APU will not be divided between APU and another institution of higher learning.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and Probation for Financial Aid (Continuation of Eligibility)

Federal Financial Aid regulations require Alaska Pacific University to establish a Satisfactory Academic Progress policy for students receiving financial aid. Further, APU must notify students of that policy and monitor the progress of all students receiving federal financial aid to insure their continued compliance with the policy. It is the responsibility of all students receiving financial aid to familiarize themselves with the policy and to insure that the standards are met. Failure to meet the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards may place a student’s financial aid in jeopardy. Summer courses may be used to fulfill the yearly minimum hour requirement. Students must maintain a minimum of 67% completion of attempted credits.

Academic progress will be reviewed at the end of each semester. Results of that review will be used to determine the subsequent semester eligibility for financial aid.

Students are responsible to ensure that they maintain the minimum semester and cumulative GPA and to ensure that they complete the required minimum number of credits each academic year.

1. Warning: Students who fail to complete the required minimum number of credits during a period of enrollment or fail to meet the required cumulative GPA will be placed on warning for the next enrollment period. The student will be eligible to receive financial aid during his/her semester of warning. Students and their advisors will see a message in the CAMS software alerting them of their warning status. Failure to regain good standing status within the one semester of warning will result in the suspension of financial aid.
2. Grades of AU, F, I, W, WU, and NC indicate unsatisfactory completion of courses for financial aid purposes.
3. First-time freshmen and transfer students with no prior academic history at APU are considered to be making satisfactory academic progress for the first semester of enrollment.
4. Satisfactory academic progress must be maintained even during semesters in which aid is not received.
5. The maximum number of credits for which a student may receive financial aid is 150% of the published credit requirements of his/her educational program. Usually 192 credits for a bachelor’s degree and 76 credits for an associate’s degree comprise 150% of the basic graduation requirements. The clock starts from the very first credit attempted, regardless of whether or not the student received financial aid. Any course for which a student receives credit, including transferred courses, repeated courses, and challenged courses, are included in this calculation.

Incomplete Grades: Courses with incomplete (I) grades do not count toward Satisfactory Academic Progress. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Student Financial Services Office of any changes in grades as it could change the student’s eligibility for financial aid.

Repeat Courses: Repeated courses that are required for a student’s degree program count toward the minimum credit hour load required for aid during a given semester. Repeat courses also count toward the 150% rule under the SAP policy.

Review Coursework: Students who enroll in review coursework (less than 10000 level) may receive financial aid. The federal government allows students to receive aid up to a maximum of 30 credits in this level of coursework. These courses count toward the credit hour load and may be used to fulfill credit hour requirements for financial aid if the courses are required for a student’s degree program. NOTE: Students are still required to complete these classes within the semester that they enroll.

Withdrawals: Students who totally withdraw from the university, after receiving financial aid, may be suspended from receiving future financial aid and could be liable for refunds and/or return of Title IV funds.

Institutional Funds: Students receiving scholarships, grants, or tuition waivers from APU are expected to meet the satisfactory academic progress requirements listed in this document. Please be advised, however, that some scholarships and waivers require a higher GPA for continued receipt.  Student are advised to be familiar with all scholarship requirements.

Financial Aid Suspension. Financial aid suspension, after a warning period, will result from failure to:

1. Complete of the minimum required percentage of credits required during a warning period.
2. Maintain the required cumulative GPA based on student classification.
3. Graduate prior to exceeding the maximum number of hours.
4. Meet the requirements of an appeal approval. A student who is suspended again after failing to meet these requirements MUST attend on his/her own without financial aid and earn the required cumulative GPA in order to regain eligibility (see Reinstatement). Subsequent appeals may be considered if a student has experienced unusual, extenuating circumstances. The Appeals Form is available on the Student Financial Services website under Forms and Information.

 Reinstatement:

1. Appeals: A student whose financial aid has been suspended may submit a written appeal to Student Financial Services within 30 days of notification of his/her non-compliance. The appeal must include any extenuating circumstances (such as student illness or the death of an immediate family member). The student must complete the APU Appeals Forms in full and submit all required documentation required to be considered for reinstatement of financial aid. Appeal forms are available in SFS and on the Student Financial Services website under Forms and Information. 

2. Makeup: A student who does not wish to appeal or whose appeal has been denied may regain eligibility the semester following the completion of the required number of hours and the attainment of the required cumulative grade point average. 

UNDERGRADUATE TUITION AND FEES

Important Academic and Financial Dates

Census Dates for Fall 2012

Census Dates for Spring 2013

Census Dates for Summer 2013

The actual amount of financial aid funding will be determined for the fundable number of enrolled credits on the first census date of enrollment. Verified enrollment could be a combination full, block, session and or module.

There is no provision to add a class in one of the above categories after the census date has passed.

The time-table above allows ample time for students, staff and faculty to address enrollment and attendance issues for each category.

Full-Time Standard Tuition

The Full-time Standard Tuition for the Campus Undergraduate Program in the 2012-2013 academic year is $14,850.00 per semester. The Full-time standard tuition rate covers 12-18 credits. All credits over 18 in a semester are charged at the rate of $825 per credit hour and may be taken only with the permission of the Academic Dean.

Payment is due in full by the tuition due date(s) posted on the Academic and Financial Dates chart.

If payments are missed, late fees will be charged and you will not be allowed to register for the upcoming semester until the account is paid in full.

How and When to Pay Your Bill

Payment due dates are posted on the Student Web Portal. Students can stop by the Student Financial Services Office to pay by cash, check, debit or credit. Students can also pay by credit card over the phone by calling (907) 564-8341. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.

Financial Aid Refund Checks

The availability of refund checks for the term will begin shortly after the disbursement of financial aid. Students will receive an email in their APU email when a check is ready for pick up. Checks will be mailed out to the current billing address on file after a week.

Collections

The collections process begins with a series of three (3) collection notice letters will be sent out, via U.S. Postal mail. Accounts will be turned over to our collection agency after 90 days of the first letter sent out. Once turned over to our collection agency a collection fee of 30% may be assessed.

If a student contacts the SFS office (before they are sent to collections) to negotiate the possibility of setting up a payment plan they must fill out and sign a promissory note form. Contact Student Financial Services for specifics as it varies per student. All payment plans are reviewed and signed by the Director. If there are two missed payments, it is a breach of contract; therefore, the collections process will continue.

Employer Reimbursements

Students must pay their billing account in full or set up a payment plan through Tuition Management Systems (TMS). At the student’s request, SFS will send a statement to the employer showing their billing account has been paid in full allowing the student to be reimbursed. A form accomplanied by a letter from the employer outlining the payment process is needed on file to avoid late fees.

Alaska Residents Award

Students in the Campus Undergraduate Program who are paying the consolidated tuition and who are Alaska residents may qualify for the Alaska Residents Award of up to $2000 per semester.   Determination will be made during the admissions process.

Part-time Tuition

Part-time tuition (less than 12 credits in a semester) in the Campus Undergraduate Program is $1240.00 per credit hour.

Early Honors Program

The cost of the Early Honors Program is a consolidated fee that includes orientation, tuition, and activities. Books and lab fees are not included. All credits over 18 in a semester are charged at the rate of $420 per credit hour and may be taken only with the permission of the Academic Dean.

Note: The University reserves the right to withhold transcripts and diplomas if a balance is outstanding.

Housing and Meal Plan Costs (2012-2013)

Effective August, 2012

Prices listed are for one semester (which includes 1 block and 1 session). There are two semesters in one academic year - Fall & Spring. If you need housing or meal plan information please contact the Office of Campus Life at(907)564-8238.

The meal plan includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, Monday through Friday, and brunch and dinner on the weekends, holidays and non-class days. Students living in South or North Atwood are required to be on the Meal Plan.

Contract Cancellation Fee (cancellation fee will be applied if you move out before the end of your contract.)

Note: All students living in university housing are required to show proof of health insurance. See the Dean of Students for information.

Tuition Refund Policy

To receive a tuition refund, students must follow either the Course Add/Drop/Withdrawal Policy or Complete Withdrawal Policy, whichever applies. See the Academic Policies section of the University Catalog. Tuition refunds are based upon the date the student submits their withdrawal notice to the Registrar’s Office, and are derived from federal guidelines. Fees are not refundable except when a course is canceled by the university.

100%    Refund     No later than midnight of the census date applicable to the enrollment period.

  50%    Refund     No later than midnight of the fifth business day after the census date applicable to the period of enrollment.

   0%    Refund      Day immediately following the end of the 50% refund period.

 Students who have received federal or state financial assistance and have completely withdrawn from the university, as defined in the Complete Withdraw Policy, are subject to the federal or state refund regulations and must go to the Student Financial Services Office for assistance prior to withdrawal

When a student completely withdraws from the university and has received federal or state financial aid, the school is required to apply a withdrawal calculation based on either the federal or state laws. Federal financial aid recipients, determined to be totally withdrawn are subject to the Return of Title IV Funds calculation. Reduction in credits may require an adjustment of the Pell Grant. A student may not withdraw prior to the date of receiving a student refund.

Payment is due in full by the date(s) posted on the Important Academic and Financial Dates chart.

If payments are missed, late fees will be charged and you will not be allowed to register for the upcoming semester until the account is paid in full.

Payment Collection

Payment in full or defined Tuition Management Systems (TMS) payment plan arrangements are due by the posted due dates.

Payment in Full options: cash, personal or cashier’s check, money order, VISA, MasterCard, Discover or debit.

Payment Plan Arrangement Options:

• Financial Aid/Scholarships (Contact Student Financial Services)

• Tuition Management Systems (Request brochure from the Student Financial Services Office, visit www.afford.com, or call 1-888-463-6994.

• Sponsor Bill outs (Students must check in with the Student Financial Services Office within the first week of classes and provide documentation from the paying sponsor)

• Employer reimbursements (Restrictions apply - contact Student Financial Services Office)

Accounts not paid in full by the end of the semester will be in delinquent status and subject to collection efforts, including restriction from registering for future semesters, transcripts and diplomas being withheld until the debt is satisfied. Please note accounts are also put on hold for delinquent library fines owed to UAA since the Consortium Library is jointly owned by APU and UAA. After two official notifications of delinquent status are sent, giving the student an additional 10 business days to resolve the payment issues, accounts without appropriate responses are turned over to a Collection Agency.

Payment Options:

Students may pay their account balance with cash, personal check, money order, cashier’s check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover or debit.

Pay in Person: Student Financial Services Office, Grant Hall #125,

OR

Mail payments to: Alaska Pacific University, Attn: Student Financial Services Office, 4101 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508

Credit Card payments: Call (907) 564-8341.

Financial Aid

If you have applied for financial aid, all paperwork should be filled out and submitted well in advance of the beginning of the semester. To pick up a finanicial aid refund check in Student Financial Services you must have a valid APU Student ID. If you anticipate receiving a private scholarship, a copy of the letter/letters stating the amount awarded must be submitted to the Student Financial Services when making payment arrangements. Any remaining balance after expected financial aid is determined, is due by the posted due date. Please contact the Student Financial Services Office for any questions – (907) 564-8341 or sfs@alaskapacific.edu.  You are encouraged to visit the Student Financial Services website and familiarize yourself with all sections provided. 

Tuition Management Systems Interest-Free Monthly Payment Plan

Mail payments directly to TMS for processing:

Tuition Management Systems
Payment Processing Center
PO Box 842722
Boston, MA 02284-2722

Payments not received by the due date will be assessed a late fee by TMS.

Employer Reimbursements

Students must pay their billing account in full or set up a payment plan through Tuition Management Systems (TMS). At the student’s request, SFS will send a statement to the employer showing their billing account has been paid in full allowing the student to be reimbursed.

Emergency Student Loan

If a student has Financial Aid forthcoming, the student may borrow up to $1,000 against the pending aid (provided expected tuition and fees will still be covered once aid is received). If a student has already been disbursed the financial aid, or does not have financial aid forthcoming, a student may borrow up to $350. Contact Student Financial Services.

Special Consideration of Financial Policy

It is important to note that although a student may have been granted a Request for Special Consideration of Academic Policy or In-Progress, etc., a separate Request for Special Consideration of Financial Policy is required to address waiver of any tuition and fees still due. Instructors, academic advisors, etc., may make a recommendation regarding waiver of fees associated with waiver of academic policy or in-progress work; however, the applicable financial policy must be addressed separately. These forms are initiated in the Business Office.

Contact the Student Financial Services Office with any payment questions at 907-564-8341 or by e-mail: sfs@alaskapacific.edu. Scholarship Retension: See the Financial Aid Undergraduate section for requirements, free application for Federal Student Aid, (FAFSA) is required for all institutional awards.

ACADEMIC POLICIES UNDERGRADUATE

Academic Good Standing

Undergraduate students are considered to be in academic good standing when their cumulative grade point average (GPA) is 2.00 or greater. Grade point averages are compiled at the end of the fall, spring and summer semesters.

Academic Warning

Any undergraduate student whose GPA for a given semester (fall, spring, summer) falls below 2.00, but whose cumulative GPA remains above a 2.00, will receive an “Academic Warning Notice.” Upon receipt of this notice students are required to meet with their advisors and Dean of Students to make a plan to improve their GPA during the succeeding semester. The Academic Warning Notice alerts students that their “Academic Good Standing” may be in jeopardy and if their GPA falls below a 2.00 they will be placed on Academic Probation.

Academic Probation

A student whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 and has been placed on academic warning will be placed on academic probation. A student on academic probation may not enroll for more than 14 semester credit hours in a regular semester and six hours in a summer session without prior approval from the academic dean. In addition, the student must continue to seek regularly scheduled advice and counsel from an academic advisor. Notification of probation will appear on a student’s general academic information within Web Portal. Regaining a 2.0 cumulative GPA on course work will remove the student from probation.

Academic Suspension

A student on academic probation who fails to raise the cumulative GPA to 2.0 and who fails to earn a semester GPA of 2.0 will be placed on academic suspension. Notification of suspension will appear in general academic information within Web Portal.

Once suspended, a student may:

• Appeal for reinstatement

Appeal for reinstatement, based on extenuating circumstances, may be made to Undergraduate Studies Committee which will render a decision on the matter. Undergraduate Studies Committee may, at its discretion, impose conditions regarding course-load limits, specific course enrollments, workload limits, counseling, etc.

• Continue as non-degree seeking but may not enroll for more than 14 semester credit hours in a regular semester and six hours in a summer session without prior approval from the academic dean.

Student must submit a Request for Special Consideration to the Registrar’s Advisory Committee to continue at APU as non-degree seeking until such time the cumulative GPA is above a 2.0.

• Not attend APU for one semester, not including summer. Upon return, student must submit a Request for Special Consideration to the Registrar’s Advisory Committee for reinstatement. A student who enters APU after having been suspended will be on academic probation until the cumulative GPA is raised to 2.0.

• If a student is still dissatisfied after following designated APU grievance procedures, student may appeal a decision to the Alaska Commission on Post Secondary Education.

Academic Semester Honors

Each semester, outstanding full-time undergraduate students with a 3.75 grade point average for the previous semester are recognized through inclusion on the Honors List. To be eligible, all course work must be completed by the end of the semester (students with an incomplete grade will not be considered). A minimum of nine semester hours must be completed with letter grades.

Grades

Grading System

The following letter grade system is used:

 NOTE: When course is repeated, only the last grade counts in GPA computations.

*Credit/No Credit (CR/NC)

Grades may be given when this type of assessment is a more logical assessment method than traditional letter grades. Credit means the student has satisfactorily completed the course with the letter grade equivalent of at least a “C” (2.00). Courses that currently fit this category include:

1. MT 09600  and MT 09700 .

2. Contract Learning.

Moreover, a student may, within the first two weeks of a semester or equivalent, declare in writing to the Registrar that he or she wishes to receive a CR/NC grade for any general elective course. A student may exercise the CR/NC grade option for only one course (3 or 4 credits) during any one enrollment period. Up to 16 credits of the 128 required for graduation may be graded as CR/NC.

**Incomplete Course Grades (I)

An instructor may give an Incomplete grade (“I”) to a student only when all the following conditions have been met:

1. The student has completed the majority of the work in the class and with a passing grade, and

2. The student cannot complete the work by the end of the term of enrollment for reasons beyond the student’s control (e.g., sudden illness, accident, or being sent out of town unexpectedly by an employer, as examples).

Once an Incomplete has been granted, a student may not request to drop/withdraw from the course.

Process for Incomplete:

• Student completes the form entitled Incomplete Grade Request

  • Student signature required (may substitute email request for signature)
  • Instructor signature required
  • Academic Dean signature required

• Submit completed form to Registrar’s Office by the last day of class, as denoted on the academic calendar

• Copy the student and the student’s advisor with the Incomplete Grade Request form

• Incomplete timeline

  • Student has no more than one semester to complete coursework and submit to the instructor
  • Instructor has two weeks from the assigned expiration date to submit a final grade to the Registrar’s Office through the Grade Change Request: Incomplete/In-Progress Make-Up form
  • An incomplete grade, when NOT made up by the deadline, and/or NOT received from the instructor, becomes an “F” grade
    • Once an Incomplete expires and becomes an F, the grade may not be changed back to Incomplete without going through the Special Consideration process

• Additional time may be requested (approval is not guaranteed) through a Special Consideration Request form with a copy of the initial Incomplete Grade Request form attached.

*** In-Progress Grade (IP)

An In-Progress grade (IP) may be allowed for a senior project or student teaching if the student is making satisfactory progress. A continuation fee equal to the cost of one credit will be charged for each semester (including summer) an IP grade is granted, unless the student registers for 3 or 4 more credits that semester. The student completes a Request for In-Progress Grade form. Requests for in-progress grades must be approved and turned into the Registrar no later than the last day of the term for which the student is enrolled. Final approval from the Academic Dean is required. A student may only use an IP three times.

Withdrawal (W)

Students who wish to withdraw from a course and receive a “W” grade must drop the course prior to completion of 80% of the term (See Academic Calendar  for specific dates.) The “W” grade may not be granted after that date unless the student files a Request for Special Consideration and the “W” grade is approved. 

Withdrawal Unofficial (WU)

The “WU” grade is given by an instructor when a student ceases class attendance without completing the formal withdrawal procedue. Date of last attendance must be noted.  WU grade may not be given later than the last day for students to be able to withdraw with a “W”.

Grade Change Policy

Once an instructor submits a final grade to the Registrar, it may not be changed except under the following circumstances:

1. Clerical Error Policy. An instructor may certify on a Request for Grade Change form that the original grade was incorrect due to a clerical error (e.g., points added incorrectly or term paper turned in on time but overlooked). The error must be explained, and the change justified on the request form. The request must be approved and signed by the instructor’s department chair or program director and by the Academic Dean.

2. Academic Appeal Policy. Alaska Pacific University academic standards presume that the instructor of a course is the best qualified person to evaluate the academic work of students in that instructor’s course and is the best person to assign grades to those students. For this reason grades submitted by instructors are not normally subject to review by the University’s administration. However, when a student believes that a particular grade was assigned in a manner that was arbitrary or capricious, or that crucial evidence was not taken into account, the student may appeal the grade. In the case of such an appeal by a student, the burden of proof shall be on the student. (See grade change policy form on APU website.) If a student is still dissatisfied after following designated APU grievance procedures, student may appeal a decision to the Alaska Commission on Post Secondary Education.

Semester Credit Hour

One semester hour represents what a typical student might be expected to learn in one week (40-45 hours including class time and preparation) of full time study.

Registration and Enrollment

Registration dates are on the academic calendar in the Catalog and in the University Calendar online.

Academic Class Standing

Class standing is determined on the basis of total credits earned as follows:

Academic Advising

Each student is assigned an academic advisor. This assignment is made primarily according to a student’s area of study, special needs, and interests. The academic advisor provides the student with the intellectual framework in which to make informed decisions regarding academic pursuits at Alaska Pacific University.

During the first year and sophomore year, advising is designed not only to offer guidance on course selection, but also to explore the nature and importance of a university education. All students meet with their advisors during orientation to plan their schedule and regularly thereafter. Entering first year students meet with their advisors on a more frequent basis, particularly during the first semester. Students are encouraged to take advantage of early registration opportunities so that they may be assured of their first choice of classes. If a student has not already declared a major, after attaining junior standing and declaring a major, upper division students are advised by a faculty member within their major department.

Transfer students are assigned advisors according to each student’s academic interests. Advisors help assess the student’s standing toward the degree in the chosen discipline.

Advanced Placement

In recognition of the strength of many advanced programs in secondary schools, students who obtain scores of 5, 4, and 3 on the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) Advanced Placement Tests will be awarded degree credit in the number equivalent to an appropriate university course. Scores must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office directly from the CEEB in order to receive credit.

Auditing

With permission of the instructor, certain courses may be audited for non-credit. Auditing status provides the privilege of class attendance only and does not include taking examinations or submitting papers. Information about courses for audit is available in the Registrar’s Office. If a course is filled with credit students, no audits will be allowed. Refer to the Tuition and Fees section for audit costs.

Audits

• Must be requested within the first 7 days of the term

• Cannot be changed to credit, but credits can be changed to an audit within the first 7 days of the term

Continuous Enrollment

Students who enroll, pay fees and attend classes at Alaska Pacific University are in a continuous enrollment status for the current and subsequent semesters. Reapplication to the University is required if enrollment is interrupted for a period of greater than twelve consecutive months (three consecutive semesters).

Course Add/Drop/Withdraw Policy

This policy applies when a student is adding, dropping, or changing course sections. If a student is withdrawing from all courses at the University, this is considered under the Complete Withdrawal Policy.

Adding Courses

Students may add courses through the late registration period through one of the following methods:

• Student Portal

• Registrar’s Office, by:

  • Completing the ADD section of the Change of Class Schedule form
  • E-mailing the Registrar’s Office via your APU E-mail account

After the late registration period, students may add a course with the approval of the instructor and their advisor.

Dropping Courses Students must complete the DROP section of the Change of Class Schedule (available at the Registrar’s Office) and promptly return it to the Registrar’s Office for processing or request to drop via your APU e-mail addressed to the Registrar’s Office. Please copy your advisor and instructor with the request. Classes dropped after the late registration period of a class appear on the student’s academic record with a withdrawal grade. The only exception to the policy is when the University cancels a course. Under those circumstances the Registrar’s Office will process a withdrawal for the affected classes.

The date the course will be dropped is the date the form is received by the Registrar’s Office staff.

Students who wish to withdraw from a course and receive a “W” grade must drop the course prior to completion of 80% of the term (see Academic Calendar  for specific dates). The “W” grade may not be granted after that date unless the student files a Request for Special Consideration and the “W” grade is approved.

Complete Withdrawal Policy

This policy applies when a student stops attending all courses at the university. If a student is withdrawing from one or more courses, but is still enrolled in other courses at the university, this is considered under the Course Add/Drop Policy.

Students must complete the COMPLETE WITHDRAWAL form available at the Registrar’s office or online through My APU. If the student is enrolled in a degree program, the Dean of Student’s signature is required. If the student has received federal or state financial assistance the Student Financial Services Office signature is required. The completed form must be promptly returned to the Registrar’s Office for processing.

The date of withdrawal will be the date the student completes the withdrawal form or the date the student officially notified the Registrar’s Office (this notification may take place via APU e-mail, letter, in person).

Faculty-Initiated Drop/Withdrawal

An instructor must administratively drop a student, who has failed to attend class (no grade given), or administratively withdraw a student, who ceased class attendance without completing the formal withdrawal procedure (see “WU” grade). Date of last attendance must be noted. A student may not be dropped by the instructor later than the Last Day to Withdraw with “W” Grade as noted on the Academic Calendar.

Double Majors

Baccalaureate degree-seeking students may apply to graduate (during the same semester) with two majors. For example, a student may select two areas from approved majors such as Psychology and Business Administration.

Students must apply for and be accepted into each major. Students may request a double major at the time of initial admission into Alaska Pacific University, or add a major at a later date through the Registrar’s Office. Forms are available in that office or online through My APU.

Students must satisfy the General University Requirements and both sets of major program requirements. Students must also satisfy catalog requirements in effect at the time of acceptance into the major(s), or later catalog requirements in effect during the remaining periods of continuous enrollment. The transcript and diploma will reflect one degree and two majors.

Dual Degrees

A dual degree is similar to a double major (see above) and will follow many of the same rules as a double major but will have two different degree designations. A student pursuing a dual degree will receive both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree, simultaneously, and will receive two separate diplomas. A dual degree will require a minimum of 158 credits with a B.S. major and a B.A. major. The two majors may not be the same, such as Marine Biology as a B.S. and a B.A. The student will be considered a five-year undergraduate student. Careful planning with academic advisors is an integral component of completing a dual degree.

Both majors do not have to be declared at the same time, although they may be. The student will need to complete the most technical and higher-level General University Requirements (GURs) from the two degree programs. There may be overlap between the GURs of the two majors, such as having only one Junior Practicum and one Senior Project. On a case-by-case basis, there may also be an overlap within the major requirements which will be discussed between the two advisors and the Registrar’s Office.

Dual degree candidates receive both degrees at the same time. This means that even if a student completes all degree requirements for one degree early, no diploma will be awarded until the requirements for the second degree have been completed. If a student decides not to complete the dual degree, a Change of Major form to withdraw from the second degree must be submitted. The student will then be eligible to graduate and receive a degree for the completed degree (provided that all requirements for that degree have been met).

Graduation Application

Students must apply for graduation as follows:

This application is valid only for the graduation date specified. A new application and application fee must be filed if the student does not graduate as planned. All candidates for degrees must be approved first by the faculty of Alaska Pacific University and secondly by the Board of Trustees.

Graduation Honors

Alaska Pacific University grants the following graduation honors to baccalaureate degree candidates. These designations are included on transcripts.

These GPAs are based on all college work attempted at Alaska Pacific University.

Interruption in Enrollment

If enrollment is interrupted for a period of greater than twelve consecutive months (three consecutive semesters), the student must reapply for admission and meet admission and degree requirements in existence at the time of his or her readmission, unless a request for a Leave of Absence has been filed with, and approved by, the Registrar prior to departure. Requests for a Leave of Absence are made by completing a Request for Special Consideration form available from the Registrar’s Office or online through My APU.

Leave of Absence

A granted Leave of Absence allows students to retain their graduation catalog. If, during the leave of absence, the student plans to take course work elsewhere and transfer the credits to Alaska Pacific University, the request for leave must include specific information regarding the planned program. To ensure that these credits are transferred to Alaska Pacific University, the program must be approved by the student’s Alaska Pacific University advisor and the courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better for an undergraduate program and a “B” (3.00) or better for a graduate program. These courses cannot be taken during the final 32 hours for the a bachelor degree or 16 hours for the an associate degree unless the student requests a “waiver of the University Residence Requirement” by submitting a Request For Special Consideration form to the Registrar’s Advisory Committee.

Students whose absence from the university is less than 12 consecutive months are not required to reapply for admission. Requests for a Leave of Absence are made by completing a Request for Special Consideration form available from the Registrar’s Office or through My APU.

Students not attending a summer semester are not required to request a Leave of Absence.

Maximum Credits Per Term

Off-Campus Enrollment

Once enrolled at Alaska Pacific University, students may not take courses elsewhere and transfer them to Alaska Pacific University, unless the arrangement is approved in advance. The advisor’s approval is sufficient except when such an arrangement is to take place during the final 16 or 32 semester hours prior to receiving an associate or bachelor degree. In the latter case, the student may request a “waiver of the University Residence Requirement” by submitting a request form to the Registrar’s Advisory Committee.

Placement

All students are required to take the writing and a math placement exam before being eligible to register for certain classes. One exception to this policy is students who have taken and successfully passed calculus are exempt from taking the math placement exam.Certain transfer classes negate the need for the writing and math placement exam.

Residency Requirement for Graduation

For the A.A. Degrees, the final 16 credit hours must be taken in residence at Alaska Pacific University. For the B.A. and B.S. Degrees, the final 32 credit hours must be taken in residence at Alaska Pacific University. Exceptions are handled by appeals to the Registrar’s Advisory Committee.

Registration Requirements

Students are officially registered if registering through the Web Portal or the Registrar’s Office. Undergraduate students are considered fulltime if they are enrolled in 12 or more credits per semester (spring, summer, fall).

Second Baccalaureate Degree

Students who have received a baccalaureate degree from Alaska Pacific University and who wish to obtain another baccalaureate degree must:

1. Meet admission requirements;

2. Complete at least 24 resident credits beyond the previous baccalaureate degree(s);

3. Complete the major requirements, including any resident and/ or upper division requirements, for the second degree; and,

4. Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 (C) at Alaska Pacific University in order to graduate.

Transfer students who have received a baccalaureate degree from another regionally accredited college or university and who wish to obtain a second baccalaureate degree from Alaska Pacific University must:

1. Meet admission requirements;

2. Complete at least 24 credits at APU, including any General University Requirements that were not completed for the first baccalaureate degree, including senior level core courses;

3. Complete the major requirements, including resident and/or upper division requirements, for the second degree; and,

4. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 (C) at Alaska Pacific in order to graduate.

Semester Information

Alaska Pacific University has three semesters per year: spring, summer, and fall. Within a semester are multiple terms: Block, Session, and Module. For specific semester and term dates, please see the academic calendar.

Transfer Credit

Courses completed at other accredited institutions, when courses are 10000 level or above, may be transferred to Alaska Pacific University if the courses are applicable to the university undergraduate degree and if the courses are completed with a “C” grade or better. No more than 12 semester hours earned through correspondence programs may be transferred into Alaska Pacific University.

Coursework transferred into Alaska Pacific University is not calculated into the cumulative GPA. Residency Requirements and Upper Division Credit Hour Requirements must be completed as outlined in the Degree Requirements  Section of this Catalog.

Currently enrolled students utilizing a Catalog prior to Fall 2006 may request all transfer coursework be removed from their Alaska Pacific University cumulative GPA by requesting the change in writing through the Registrar’s Office.

Transfer of credit from one institution to another is at the discretion of the receiving school and depends on the comparability of curricula and accreditation. For this reason, no school, nor specific program, can guarantee that credits are transferable to another institution.

Undergraduate Enrollment in Graduate Courses

Students with senior standing may, during their senior year, enroll in a maximum of six credit hours of graduate level courses and hold these credits to apply later to an Alaska Pacific University graduate degree. These credits may not be applied toward their baccalaureate degree. Seniors wishing to take advantage of this opportunity must file a Request for Special Consideration with the Registrar that has been approved by the Program Directors of the graduate course(s) and the student’s advisor. Tuition for graduate courses may not be included in the standard undergraduate tuition.

OTHER ACADEMIC POLICIES

Class Attendance

The presumption is made that there are no unimportant class periods. Therefore, students are expected to attend all classes. There are, of course, legitimate reasons for students to miss class, but absences totaling more than six hours of classes for a 15-week class or equivalent will need an explanation. The individual faculty member is to decide what action is to be taken in regard to academic progress, which may affect continued financial aid.

Competency Courses Minimum Grades

In order to demonstrate competency in the General University Requirements (GURs) of written communication, speech communication, and quantitative reasoning a minimum grade of “C” (includes C+, C, and C-) must be earned.

Contract Learning

Contract Learning may take the form of an independent study, a collaborative project, a practicum experience, or a Senior Project. It is seen as an important attribute of the active learner, to be carefully developed under the supervision of the faculty.

An Independent Study course is a course which is listed in the catalog but offered to an individual student who is unable to attend a regularly scheduled course. A Directed Study course is not listed in the catalog but deals with a special topic and is arranged on an individual basis by a student and a faculty member.

Contract Learning makes education hands-on, experiential, and relevant to real world problem solving. Students learn how to conceptualize, plan, carry out, evaluate, and present their own work while learning about their own interests and special abilities. A maximum of 32 credit hours earned through Independent and/or Directed Study courses may be applied to the B.A. degree.

Course Numbering System

Credit by Examination

A maximum of 45 semester hours may be earned through institutional examination or the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and applied toward a Bachelor of Arts degree, 22 semester hours may be applied toward the Associate of Arts degree. Credits earned by examination are not counted as part of the Alaska Pacific University residency requirement.

Students may petition to receive credit from CLEP examinations. A maximum of 30 semester hours will be allowed for the general examination and 15 semester hours for subject examinations. In order to qualify, the scores must be at the percentile determined by the appropriate academic department.

Some Alaska Pacific University courses, as approved by departments, may be challenged through Alaska Pacific University credit by examination program (CEP). Appropriate forms are available from the Registrar’s Office or online through My APU. Students pay a fee and are given a grade for the examination.  

Documented Experiential Learning Credit

Students with prior learning experiences equivalent to those expected in specific college level courses may apply for assessment through the Documented Experiential Learning Program (DEL Folder).

In Portfolio Development (GS 20500 , GS 20600  and GS 20700 ) offered each semester, students prepare for documentation of work experience, volunteer or military experience, and other experiential learning. Up to 32 credits applicable to the bachelor degree and up to 16 credits applicable to the associate degree can be gained through the DEL Folder process. (See Tuition and Fees section for costs involved.)

E-mail Address

All currently enrolled students will be given an Alaska Pacific University e-mail address. This will be the student’s e-mail address for the duration of time the student is at APU plus 12 months. This e-mail address will be deemed the official means of communication with the student.

Full-time Enrollment and Full-time Employment

Alaska Pacific University encourages the academic success of its students. Because full-time academic study at Alaska Pacific University requires considerable diligence, a course load exceeding 12 credits is not recommended to students who are concurrently pursuing full-time employment. Students who work full-time who wish to carry more than the recommended credits are warned that, historically, such over commitment has resulted in a greater incidence of lower academic achievement than would be expected under normal circumstances.

Honor Policy

Alaska Pacific University is a community of learners and teachers in which all enjoy freedoms and privileges based upon mutual trust and respect as well as a clear sense of responsibility. This philosophy forms the foundation of the academic and social environment at this university.

In the academic arena, students are responsible for their own learning while faculty members enhance these learning experiences. Students are expected to do all work assigned, to do it honestly and with integrity, and to ensure that the instructor has actually received the work.

As noted in the Student Handbook, cheating on examinations, plagiarism, or submitting the work of others as one’s own are specific examples of prohibited conduct. Students who engage in such activities will be subject to disciplinary measures, which may include failure in the course or expulsion from the university. (See Student Handbook for further information.)

Jury Duty

Students will be excused from class attendance for jury duty upon presenting evidence of their summons. Students are expected to make up missed class work expeditiously upon completion of their duty.

Meningitis, Alaska Postsecondary Immunization Act

In an effort to increase public awareness of meningococcal disease, the Alaska Postsecondary Immunization Act was signed into law on May 18, 2005. This law requires that all educational providers give written notice to each student regarding meningococcal disease as described in statute. The educational provider must obtain a signature from each student indicating that the student has either 1) received an immunization against the disease, or 2) received written notification informing them of meningococcal disease.

Military Service/School Experience Credit

Undergraduate credit is allowed in accordance with the recommendations contained in the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services, published by the American Council on Education, when the credit is considered appropriate to an Alaska Pacific University degree.

Personal Information

In the first month of attending Alaska Pacific University, all students must provide the following additional information: date of birth, gender, ethnicity/race and social security number. The age, gender, and ethnicity are used to report to the federal government, in aggregate only, as is required in the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). The social security number, in combination with the birth date, is a means of identification and is required for those students receiving federal money.

Students may initiate an official name change by presenting one of the following documents establishing identity (w/photograph) and showing both names:

• CURRENT Passport or Passport Card

• CURRENT Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551)

—OR—

Select ONE from list below:

• CURRENT Driver’s license or ID card issued by a State or outlying possession of the United States provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color, and address

• CURRENT ID card issued by federal, state or local government agencies or entities, provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color, and address

• CURRENT U.S. Military card or draft record

• CURRENT Military dependent’s ID card

• CURRENT U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card

• CURRENT Driver’s license issued by a Canadian government authority

And one of the following documents establishing legal name change:

• Marriage Certificate

• Divorce Decree

• Court Order

• Social Security Account Number Card (name must match name from column 1 ID)

• Authorized Document Issued by the Department of Homeland Security

Address Changes

Updates to the local, billing, or home (permanent) address, phone or e-mail may be done (1) in person at the Registrar’s Office, OR (2) by sending an email through student’s APU e-mail account to the Registrar’s Office email with the change in information.

Social Security Number Corrections

A correction in social security number requires the student to bring the social security card to the Registrar’s Office for verification.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites are listed with the course descriptions in this catalog. Prerequisites are designed to alert the student to the background expected for the course. This ensures that the student can more fully benefit from the course material. Instructor permission is required for any student not having the prerequisites to enroll in a course. (See individual departments for details.)

Special Consideration

A student, whose circumstances may be exceptional, may file a request for Special Consideration form to seek a waiver of an academic policy. The form is available in the Registrar’s Office or online through My APU. The specific request must be stated, along with supporting facts and circumstances. All requests involving waivers of graduation requirements are first considered by the Registrar, and then referred to the appropriate department if a departmental requirement is involved or to the Registrar’s Advisory Committee if the request pertains to a university-wide requirement. The Registrar’s Advisory Committee considers appeals to the Registrar’s decision. Automatic approval of such requests should not be assumed. (See appeals process  ).

Student Records

The university maintains confidentiality of all student records. A student may, however, obtain specific information contained in these records as specified by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, Public Law 93-380. The annual notification of student rights under FERPA is provided at the time of fall registration. Copies are otherwise available from the Registrar’s and Dean of Students’ offices. Both official and unofficial transcripts are available from the Registrar’s office.

Student Risk Management Plan

Any student who plans to study independently in a foreign country, do field work in a wilderness setting, or engage in a high-risk activity during independent course work is required to submit a Student Risk Management Plan (SRMP) to the Alaska Pacific University Risk Management Committee (RMC). Students are advised to begin the proposal at least 30 days in advance. Students may access information about how to prepare such a plan on the APU Website. The approved plan must be attached to the learning contract (i.e. Directed Study, Practicum, Internship, Senior Project, or Thesis).