The Northern Mariana Islands, officially the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), is a commonwealth in political union with the United States located at a strategic location in the western Pacific Ocean. It consists of 14 islands.

The CNMI is approximately 1,458 miles southeast of Tokyo, Japan; 1,654 miles east of Manila, Philippines; 1,703 east of Taipei, Taiwan; 1,900 miles southeast of Hong Kong; 2,200 miles southeast of Seoul, Korea; 2,900 miles north of Sydney, Australia; and 3,200 miles west of Honolulu, Hawaii.

STUDENT GUIDELINES

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY

Each student enrolling at the University of Loyola at CNMI is required to demonstrate the ability to read and write in standard English.

Evidence of such level of English proficiency may be established by transcripts of prior study from English-speaking schools, scores on the school entrance exams, personal interviews, and/or by special demonstrations orally or in writing.

All classes are taught in English.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE

University of Loyola at CNMI students are expected to conduct themselves in ways that will positively promote their growth as individuals.

Therefore, students should abide by the following rules and regulations:

1. Students should dress in a manner that is modest and appropriate to the academic life of the university. Students are expected to come to school well-groomed and clean. If beards are worn, they should be short and neat. Hair on all students must be a natural color (no blue, green, etc.). Hair must be neatly combed and pulled away from the face. In addition, no sunglasses, hats, caps, or hair coverings are to be worn in school. No visible facial piercing (including tongue) is permitted.

If applicable to one’s department, students are required to wear the designated school uniform. Designated uniforms are to be worn at all times.

Since all students enrolled in the health care programs have some aseptic procedures to learn and practice, hands must always be clean and fingernails should be neat and well-maintained. Fingernails must never extend more than an eighth-inch (1/8”) beyond the fingertip and only clear nail polish may be worn.

If applicable to one’s department, jewelry must be limited to a simple watch, stud earrings (one per ear) for female students, and one simple ring on each hand. Male students are not allowed to wear earrings. Students should understand that there may be other more stringent dress code requirements in some program and clinical sites.

2. Students are required to wear their Identification (ID) Cards while in school.

3. Students are expected to follow classroom policies and procedures set by the school and their teachers

4. Communication and information technology equipment (mobile phones, MP3s, laptops, etc.) may not be used in the classroom without the explicit permission of the instructor.

5. Students are expected to read and immediately respond to notices posted by the school administrators on designated bulletin boards.

6. Students are responsible for the behavior of persons who visit the school on their behalf.

7. The University of Loyola at CNMI environment must be treated with respect and proper care to ensure the health and safety of the members of the school.

a. Students should take care of school property and keep the premises clean. Damage to school property or the property of any member of the school is subject to disciplinary measures.

b. Use of school property without proper authorization is an offense.

c. Smoking is prohibited within the school premises.

d. Eating and drinking inside laboratories and the library is strictly prohibited at all times.

e. Eating inside the classrooms during class hours is strictly prohibited.

8. The rules and regulations of the library should be observed by all students.

9. Students of the University of Loyola at CNMI are expected to maintain a healthy and safe school environment. Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited.

VIOLATIONS

1) Failure to wear the School Identification Card within the school premises

2) Coming to school intoxicated or under the influence of prohibited substances and/or acting in a disruptive manner

3) Possession, use, or distribution of dangerous drugs

4) Possession of deadly weapons

5) Disrespectful or discourteous behavior towards school personnel

6) Degrading another’s faith or religion

7) Sexual misconduct

8) Physically assaulting others

9) Threatening students, faculty members, or school authorities; preventing them from completing their duties, attending classes or entering school premises

10) Engaging in activities resulting in injury or moral damage to persons

11) Any act by word or deed that degrades the dignity of another

12) Disobeying school regulations regarding the care of the school environment

13) Stealing

14) Vandalizing personal or school property

15) Engaging in activities resulting in damage to school property

16) Wearing attire inappropriate to the academic environment of the school

17) Disrupting classes or school functions without just cause

18) Organizing or involvement in groups which ---

a. use violence

b. require members to perform degrading acts

c. disregard the rights and dignity of others

19) Failing to perform or acting in gross negligence of student responsibilities and/or frequently committing offenses

20) Violating rules and regulations of the library and laboratories

21) Deliberate disregard or defiance of a penalty or sanction imposed by the Office of Student Affairs

22) Dishonest behavior during examinations or tests conducted in the classroom: illegally gaining or giving information

23) Intellectual dishonesty

24) Tampering with or falsifying official school documents, including those in administrative bulletin boards

25) Illegally obtaining access to restricted school documents

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE

When a faculty member discovers that a student has committed a violation, the faculty member is obliged to do the following:

1. Arrange a conference with the student and at that time advice the student of the allegations.

2. Notify the appropriate Administration/ Director of Student Affairs through a written report that a violation has occurred. This report will become a part of the student’s permanent record. A copy will be sent to the student.

3. Give the student an F for the course, or drop the student from the program, depending upon the seriousness of the infraction.

PENALTIES FOR OFFENSES

The Office of the Prefect of Discipline will evaluate the nature and circumstances surrounding of the offense

A. MINOR OFFENSES

1) First Instance

Oral or written reprimand from the Office of the Prefect of Discipline

2) Second Instance

A written reprimand from the Office of the Prefect of Discipline

3) Third Instance

The student will be charged with a major offense

B. MAJOR OFFENSES

A combination of the following penalties may be imposed:

1) Disciplinary probation

2) Automatic suspension

3) Dismissal or expulsion

*The duration of a probation or suspension shall be determined by the Office of Student Affairs.

THE IDENTIFICATION CARD

The Student Identification Card (ID) is non-transferable. Wearing the ID is necessary to ensure the continued safety of the school and its members.

A. The following are not allowed:

1. Wearing the I.D. underneath one’s clothing

2. Carrying the I.D. attached to a personal article, like a bag, etc.

3. Tampering with the I.D.

4. Using another person’s I.D. or allowing another person to use one’s I.D.

*Items 3 and 4 are major offenses.

B. If a student arrives at school without an I.D., he or she should secure a Temporary I.D. from the Office of Student Affairs. The Temporary I.D. should be surrendered at the end of the day. If the student comes to school the next day without the I.D., he/she should immediately apply for a new one.

C. If the I.D. has been lost, the student should proceed to the Office of the Registrar to apply for a new I.D. and pay the necessary fees.

STUDENT ABSENCES

Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and to be on time for their classes. The loss of subject material due to tardiness or absence can be very costly in this intensive educational environment.

a. Absences should not exceed 15 percent of the subject’s required number of hours.

b. If a student will have to be absent from classes because he or she will represent the school at some official function or affair, the Dean shall authorize the absence in writing.

c. All other absences are not considered excused and are, therefore, counted as absences.

d. Absences due to illness, with or without a medical certificate as proof, are still counted as absences; however, a faculty member may give special consideration to a student who has been excelling in his/her academics.

e. In case of absences due to a contagious and/or prolonged illness, the student should immediately notify the Dean who, in turn, will recommend the appropriate action to be taken.

f. A student who incurs absences is held responsible for all assignments and content missed regardless of the reason for the absence.

g. It is the responsibility of the student to consult with the teacher regarding his/her academic standing and attendance record.

h. For absences incurred during mastery tests or final examinations, the student should present a valid explanation in writing to the respective faculty member and secure a special permit from the Administration Office allowing him/her to take special exams.

III. EXAMINATIONS

a. Students are required to take all the prescribed major exams.

b. Students are expected to settle all financial obligations before taking the final exams. The exam permit is noted by the Accounting Office, Laboratory, and the Library.

c. Students are expected to be in the examination room on time.

d. Students must present their examination permit to the proctor/teacher administering the examination.

e. Students are required to bring their own materials (pens, paper, etc.).

f. An examinee is allowed to take the exam within thirty (30) minutes from the scheduled time; otherwise he/she will be denied entry into the classroom. He or she will be advised to take the departmentalized special examination.

g. After the test questions have been given, no student is allowed to leave the classroom. Test questionnaires may not be taken outside the examination room.

h. Guidelines for special exams for final examinations:

(1) The student presents his/her valid reason to the Director or Student Affairs.

(2) If the Dean decides to grant the student consideration, the student is issued a special exam permit.

(3) The student presents the special exam permit to the faculty member.

(4) The student proceeds to the Office of the Registrar and pays a fee for the special exam. Every special exam has a corresponding fee.

(5) Departmentalized special examinations will be scheduled within five (5) days of the final exams.

(6) The student presents the special exam permit to the teacher/ proctor during the departmentalized special examinations.

i. Students have the right to see their corrected examination papers.

j. Students have the right to be informed by their professors of their class standing and other grade components.

IV. GRADES

Letter Grade U.S.

Grade Point Average Status

96 – 100 % A+ 4.0 Excellent

91 – 95 % A- 3.5 Very Good

86 – 90 % B+ 3.0 Good

81 – 85 % B- 2.5 Above Average

75 – 80 % C 2.0 Average

70 – 74 % D 1.0 Passing

Under 70 % F 0.0 Failing

Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of C (2.0) to graduate.

Students who fail to submit course requirements on the specified deadlines still have the chance to turn in requirements within three (3) days after due dates, incurring corresponding deductions. Failure to submit requirements will merit a grade of zero (0) for each specific project.

Basis of Term Grades

Assignments/Reports 25%

Quizzes 25%

Midterm Exam 25%

Final 25%

Total: 100%

UNIT OF CREDIT

One semester credit hour earned is defined as the successful completion of 15 clock hours of lecture, 45 clock hours of laboratory activities, or 45 clock hours of clinical experience.

For the Nursing School, 1 RLE unit equals 45 hours. All program credit totals have been rounded to the nearest whole number.

Each designated clock (contact) hour represents a minimum of 45 minutes of instruction within a 60-minute period

GRADUATION

Students must comply with all course guidelines and financial requirements prior to graduating. Upon final evaluation, students should be prepared for the following in their respective fields:

Passing the USMLE and eligibility for residency positions (MD)
Passing the NAPLEX (Pharmacology)
Passing the NCLEX (Nursing).

Students of all disciplines of study, including business, should be prepared and eligible for entry level positions in their fields.

INCOMPLETE COURSE

The University of Loyola at CNMI does not assign an “incomplete” as a grade. A student who withdraws during a course, and does not complete the course, will not receive any credit for the course, nor will a grade be given for partial course completion.

A student who completes an entire course, but academically fails the course and then withdraws from the program of study, will receive a failing grade on his permanent record.

REQUIRED TIME FRAME

Students must complete the training program within a time period which may not exceed 1.5 times the normal time frame required to complete the program. Therefore, students may attempt no more than 1.5 times the number of credits in the program of study for which they are enrolled.

A leave of absence and scheduled holiday breaks are not considered when calculating maximum time frame, since credit is not available during those times. The university does not provide non-credit, remedial classes. A student who does not complete the program within the maximum time frame will be terminated from the program.

CREDITS COMPLETED

Credits completed include only credits for course work successfully completed at the school for the program in which the student is enrolled. A course for which an LOA was assigned, representing an authorized leave of absence, will not have the credits for the course included in credits completed. Test-out credits earned or transfer credits are not included as credits completed at the school.

REPEATED COURSE

A student must repeat all failed courses to be eligible to graduate. Any student who fails the same course twice is automatically terminated from the school. Upon successful completion of the failed course, the failed course grade is replaced with the passing grade.

V. THE LIBRARY

1. Only students, faculty, staff, alumni, administrators, and officials of the UNIVERSITY OF LOYOLA AT CNMI may use the library upon presentation of a valid Identification Card.

Researchers from other institutions may use the library upon presentation of a valid ID and a letter of introduction from his institution. A nominal fee will be charged.

2. Students/Teachers are required to present their Identification Cards upon entry to the Library. The Identification Card must be worn within the premises of the library. The Library director or any staff member has the right to request any person within the confines of the Library to surrender his/her I.D. for violation of Library Rules. Anyone without the I.D. will be requested to leave the Library premises. Anyone caught using the I.D. of another to gain entry into the library or borrow materials or avail of other services of the Library may be recommended for disciplinary action by the Librarian.

3. Students may not take their bags into the library. Before leaving the library, students should make sure that they have not accidentally taken a book that has not been properly borrowed. Unauthorized taking out of library materials is considered stealing and subject to disciplinary action.

4. Chairs must be returned properly after use.

5. Books, newspapers or any other reading materials borrowed intended for use inside the library must be properly returned to their respective places or to the librarian on duty.

6. The Library Card is non-transferable.

7. A lost Library Card must immediately be reported to the Librarian. The fee for a new library card should be paid to the Accounting Office. A duplicate Library Card will be issued after one week.

8. Books returned late will incur a fee.

9. Library violations

Minor Offenses

a. Unnecessary talking and discussion

b. Playing cards

c. Lying down on the floor or sofas or other actions that may distract other students from their studies

d. Use of mobile phones or any devise that may cause disturbance

Penalties for Minor Offenses:

First Offense: Oral warning

Name and I.D. number will be filed for future use.

Second Offense: The offense will be referred to the Librarian for due process and disciplinary action.

Third Offense: The offense will be referred to the Director of Student Affairs for disciplinary action.

Major Offenses

a. Use of another student’s I.D. and/or lending of one’s I.D to another

b. Taking out of library materials without going through the official borrowing procedure

c. Eating, drinking, smoking within the library

d. Marking, tearing pages from books and periodicals, and other actions that may cause damage to the library materials

e. Marking and other acts considered as vandalism

f. Stealing from the Library or other student

Penalties for major offenses:

Major offenses merit suspension, dismissal, or expulsion.

10. Loss of a book

The student is expected to pay the following:

a. Fines incurred before the book was reported lost

b. Cost of the replacement copy, and

c. Processing charges

If the student finds the book he/she reported as lost and if the replacement copy has not yet been purchased, only the cost of the replacement copy is reimbursed to the student. If, however, a replacement has been purchased, no amount is reimbursed to the student.

VI. TRANSCRIPTS

An official student transcript is maintained for each student. The transcript provides a complete record of all course grades and attendance. Students must go to the Office of the Registrar and complete appropriate paperwork.

The school reserves the right to withhold a transcript if the student's financial account is not up to date.

VII. LEAVE OF ABSENCE POLICY

A request for an approved leave of absence must be submitted in writing to and approved by the designated school official. An approved leave of absence may not exceed 180 days. A student on a leave of absence is considered by the school as enrolled and in good standing. No charges or fees are assessed during an authorized leave of absence. The cumulative days for all leave of absences must not exceed 180 days in a twelve-month period.

VIII. NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

The University of Loyola at CNMI, in accordance with applicable federal and state law and university policy, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, age, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, or sexual orientation.

IX. STUDENT GRIEVANCES

Student grievances relating to school matters should first be discussed with the individual instructor and then the VP of Administration. If the grievance is not resolved satisfactorily with the VP of Administration, it can then be submitted to the Campus President, whose decision is considered final in all matters pertaining to the school.

X. TERMINATION BY THE SCHOOL

At its sole discretion, the University of Loyola at CNMI reserves the right to terminate any student who fails to maintain satisfactory progress, fails to adhere to the attendance policy stated in this catalog, fails to make payments as agreed, destroys or damages any property of the school (the student may be held liable for repair and/or replacement of the damaged property), is caught cheating, engages in unlawful or improper conduct or conduct contrary to the best interests of the school, or demonstrates behavior disruptive to normal classroom discipline. Upon such termination, the student is notified in writing.

XI. APPEAL AND RE-ENTRY

Students who are terminated for unsatisfactory progress may petition the Campus President for re-entry into class.

XII. INSTITUTIONAL REFUND POLICY

The Institutional Refund Policy is used to determine the amount of tuition to be refunded to a student who withdraws or is terminated after the first day of class. Refunds are computed from the first date of entrance (commencement of training) to the last date of actual attendance as determined by official attendance records. Examples of refund calculations are available upon request from the VP of Administration.

The following charges are excluded from the Institutional Refund Policy:

1. Documented costs of uniforms issued to the student.

2. The cost of equipment that is un-returnable and/or equipment not returned within 20 days following withdrawal. Books defaced in any way will not be accepted for return.

3. A $100 administrative fee.

XIII. GRADUATE PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE

Graduates are advised regarding opportunities for job interviews. While no ethical school can guarantee employment, the University of Loyola at CNMI makes a sincere effort toward the successful placement of all of its graduates. The school believes that assisting graduating students in obtaining employment is one of its most important responsibilities. Each student participates in instruction regarding proper interview techniques, preparation of resumes, and letters of introduction prior to being given directions on how to conduct a job search.

XIV. GRADUATION CEREMONIES

Formal graduation ceremonies are held throughout the year. Students must complete all areas of the program with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better and satisfactorily complete the externship portion, if applicable, in an approved facility. In addition, students must satisfy all financial obligations to the school. Diplomas will be given to students who meet graduation requirements.

XV. SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS

Students have the opportunity to earn special awards while pursuing their studies. Specific awards that can be achieved are perfect attendance and various academic excellence awards. The accomplishments are acknowledged by the presentation of special certificates at graduation. Students who achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher graduate with honors.

XVI. ACCESS WITHOUT STUDENT CONSENT

The school may release student information without the student's written consent if the disclosure is to

(1) Federal and state authorities where required;

(2) Accrediting agencies;

(3) Comply with a judicial order or subpoena, provided that the school makes a reasonable effort to notify the student prior to such compliance;

(4) Officials of another school to which the student has applied;

(6) Organizations conducting studies involving testing, student aid programs or instructions where personally identifiable information will not be disclosed;

(7) Protect the health or safety of a student or other person;

(8) Any organization who sponsors the student at the school by paying any portion of the cost of training directly to the school; or

(9) Comply with conditions otherwise required by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).

XVII ACCESS TO STUDENT RECORDS IN THE EVENT SCHOOL CLOSES

The University of Loyola at CNMI shall maintain an active office in the CNMI for 60 days during which students can secure their student records.

After this period, the students can obtain their records by writing to:

P.O. Box 503570, Saipan, CNMI USA MP 96950

The State Office of Higher Education shall also be informed of any other addresses from which students may obtain their records.

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STUDENT GUIDELINES