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2021 – 2022 University Catalog2021 -20221
2021 – 2022 University CatalogAddendumColumbia Southern University made the following amendments to policy, institutional, and/or programmaticinformation. Prospect/Active Students are encouraged to contact their counselor/advisor with questions.21-22.3 Addendum – May 4, 202221-22.3 Master of Science, Fire Executive Leadership Effective May 4, 2022Applicants and active students are encouraged to discuss program enrollment and questions with their counselor/advisor.21-22.2.1-3 Addendum – December 17, 202121-22.2.1 Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy Effective ImmediatelyThis policy has been updated.21-22.2.2 Associate of Science, Military Studies Effective January 10, 2022Applicants and active students are encouraged to discuss program enrollment and questions with their counselor/advisor.21-22.2.3 Bachelor of Science, Organizational Leadership Effective January 10, 2022The program’s Major Requirements have been updated to reflect the removal of BBA 3210, Business Law and inclusion ofLDR 3303, Leadership Across Generations.21-22.1 Addendum – September 3, 202121-22.1 Textbook and Course Material Policy Effective ImmediatelyThis policy has been updated.2Return to Table of Contents
2021 – 2022 University CatalogUniversity Catalog Effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 202221982 University Lane (Shipping) P.O. Box 3110 (Mailing) Orange Beach, AL 36561Main Phone: 800.977.8449, 251.981.3771 Main Fax: 251.981.3815 2021 Columbia Southern UniversityPolicy DisclaimerAt CSU, we are committed to ensuring that our students are kept informed of the latest principles, theories, and applicationspertaining to their studies. However, CSU reserves the right to make changes, as deemed appropriate and without pri or notification,in our course offerings, curricula, academic policies, and other rules and regulations affecting students.3Return to Table of Contents
2021 – 2022 University CatalogCatalog DisclaimerThis publication is not a contract between the student and CSU or any party or parties and should not be regarde d as such.Reasonable effort was made at the time this document was created to ensure that all policies and provisions of this publicati on werecorrect. CSU reserves the right to make changes and addenda to current policy as necessary and will post these c hanges on the CSUwebsite at http://myCSU.ColumbiaSouthern.edu. Any student affected by policy changes will be contacted by the appropriate CSUfaculty or staff member to discuss the student’s options under the new policy.4Return to Table of Contents
2021 – 2022 University CatalogCatalog Effective DatesJuly 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022Terms1A22 through 6B22Academic CalendarU.S. students must register by the end of the registration period. Students with APO/FPO addresses must register at least fourweeks prior to the term start date in order to allow sufficient time for textbook delivery.Track ASemesterTermRegistration*Start DateDrop DateEnd 08/22Christmas Break – During Term 3A 27/2205/03/2206/21/22Track BSemesterTermRegistration*Start DateDrop DateEnd /22Christmas Break – During Term 3B /01/2206/07/2207/26/22*Please note a late fee of 50.00 will be due for enrollments received after Registration end date. Please refer to the CSU website forthe current Academic Calendar.5Return to Table of Contents
2021 – 2022 University CatalogM ESSAGEFROM THEP RESIDENTDear Future Knight,I am honored that you are considering Columbia SouthernUniversity to be your educational partner.CSU is different from other institutions for many reasons, butone of the things that really sets us apart is the emphasis thatwe place on building relationships with our students. Weconsider our students and alumni as members of the CSUfamily and we cannot wait to welcome you into that group.We strive to be sincere, compassionate, and helpful ineverything we do. If there is something you need, please donot hesitate to ask.Ken Styron, D.B.A.President, Columbia Southern UniversityWe know that going to college is a big decision, and it may even be overwhelming at times. You will have support andencouragement every step of the way to accomplish this goal. Just ask any of our 54,000 CSU graduates. Just imagine how greatyou will feel when you finally hold that diploma in your hands.You can succeed and you will. We believe in you.Dr. Ken StyronPresident6Return to Table of Contents
2021 – 2022 University CatalogTABLE OF CONTENTSSatisfactory Academic Progress Policy For Title IV Students.28Tuition Assistance/DANTES .31VA Benefits .31Air University Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperative .31Scholarships .32Message from the President . 6About Columbia Southern University . 9Mission Statement. 9Core Values . 9Vision . 9Institutional Goals . 9History. 9Accreditation . 10Higher Education Related Membership . 10State Authorization and Licensure . 10NC-SARA. 10Registering a Complaint with CSU . 11Registering a Complaint with External Agencies . 11Title IX . 11Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) Policy . 12The Crime Awareness & Campus Security Act of 1990 . 13Student Records . 14University Catalog and Student Handbook . 14Academic Information .33Academic Year.33Academic Integrity .33Degree Programs and Certificates .33Accelerated Path Option .33EasyEnroll .34Courses .34Faculty .34Colleges .35Policies.37Academic Course Load Policy .37Academic Credit Policy.37Academic Integrity Policy .37Academic Program Improvement Policy .39Academic Records Privacy Policy .40Accommodation for Disabilities Policy .40Assignment Make-Up Policy .40Attendance Policy .40Academic Complaint and Grievance Policy .41Non-Academic Complaint and Grievance Policy.42Course Access Policy .43Course Completion Policy .43Course Extension Policy for LifePace Learning Courses .43Course Retake Policy .44DBA Academic Course Load Policy.44DBA Admission Requirements Policy .44DBA Candidacy Status Policy .44DBA Graduation Requirements Policy .44DBA Institutional Academic Progress Policy .45DBA Leave of Absence Policy .45DBA Time Limits .46Drug & Alcohol Prevention Program .46Grading Policies .48Graduation Requirements Policy .49Inactive Status .50Incomplete Grading Policy for Term & Veterans FlexibleEnrollment.50Iowa Military Deployment Policy .52Institutional Academic Progress Policy .52Official Course Drop/Withdrawal Policy .53Privacy Policy .53Board of Trustees and Administration . 15Board of Trustees . 15Administration . 15Admissions . 18Admission Requirements Policy . 18Technical Requirements . 19Admission Status . 20Admission Process . 20Understanding Degree Requirements. 21Online Learning Options . 21Transfer Credit Policy . 22Tuition & Fees . 24Tuition Rates . 24Student Fees . 24Automatic Credit Card Payment Plan . 24Corporate Billing . 25Military Educational Benefits . 25Types of Federal Student Aid Available . 25Enrollment Status Requirements . 25Tuition Refund Policy . 25State of California, Student Tuition Recovery Fund . 26Textbook and Course Material Policy . 27Financial Assistance . 28Types of Federal Student Aid Available . 28Leave of Absence Policy . 287
2021 – 2022 University CatalogProctor Policy . 54Student Code of Conduct Policy . 55Student Identity Verification Policy . 56Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy . 57Technology Policies . 58Unofficial Withdrawal Policy . 60Withdrawal for Special Circumstances Policy . 61MS, Criminal Justice Administration .91MS, Emergency Services Management .91MS, Fire Executive Leadership .92MS, Homeland Security.93MS, Occupational Safety and Health .94College of Safety and Emergency Services Certificates .94Course Descriptions.97College of Arts and Sciences . 62Student Resources and Information .124General Education . 62Communication . 62Critical Thinking . 62Information Literacy and Technology. 62Quantitative Reasoning . 62Social and Cultural Awareness . 62General Education Curriculum . 63Humanities and Fine Arts . 63Social and Behavioral Sciences . 63Natural Sciences . 63Mathematics . 63History. 63English Composition . 63AA, General Studies . 64BS, Psychology . 64Certificates . 65Hours of Operation and Contact Information .124Department Information .1242021 - 2022 Observed Holidays .127myCSU Student Portal .127Graduation .127Diploma and Transcript .128Commencement Ceremony .128Requesting a Transcript .128Returning Students .128Returning Graduates .128Continuing Education .129Continuing Education Services.129Online CEU Courses .129Training Events, Workshops, and Conferences .129Conference Management Services .129CEU Provider Service .129College of Business . 66AS, Business . 66AS, Health Information Science . 66BS, Business Administration . 67BS, Health Care Administration . 70BS, Human Resource Management . 71BS, Organizational Leadership . 71Master of Business Administration (MBA) . 72MS, Organizational Leadership . 73Master of Public Administration (MPA) . 74Master of Public Health (MPH). 75Doctor of Business Administration . 76College of Business Certificates . 77Alliances and Partnerships .130Alliances .130Learning Partnerships .130University Academic Partnerships .130Faculty .132Information Security Policy .143College of Safety and Emergency Services . 80AS, Criminal Justice . 80AS, Emergency Medical Services . 81AS, Fire Science . 81AS, Military Studies . 82AS, Occupational Safety and Health . 82BS, Criminal Justice Administration . 83BS, Emergency Medical Services Administration . 84BS, Environmental Management . 85BS, Fire Administration . 86BS, Homeland Security . 87BS, Information Systems and Cyber Security . 88BS, Information Technology . 89BS, Occupational Safety and Health . 898Return to Table of Contents
2021 – 2022 University CatalogA BOUT COLUMBIA S OUTHERN UNIVERSITYMission StatementInstitutional GoalsColumbia Southern University is a private institution thatprovides diverse learning experiences and affordable, flexibledistance education programs at the certificate,undergraduate, and graduate levels to a global student body,delivered by qualified, student-centered faculty committed toteaching and student learning. The University is dedicated toproviding exceptional academic and student support services.Student Experience and SuccessDeliver an exceptional student experience through proactivesupport services, quality academic engagement, and a clearpathway to program completion.Institutional and Academic QualityTo provide high-quality, industry-relevant academic programsthat are driven and assessed by qualified faculty, whilemaintaining appropriate accreditation and regulatorycompliance.Core ValuesAs we change lives for the better, we live by these values:Organizational HealthOrganizational Health and OperationsWe foster a family culture that provides a stable and enjoyablework environment of care and respect with open and clearcommunication.To foster an environment of care and respect that promotesfaculty and staff engagement while ensuring effectivemanagement of resources and operations.HumilityWe model a leadership style that is modest, humble,operationally oriented, and hands-on. No job is beneath us,and we work as a close team to accomplish our mission.Relations hips and Enrollment GrowthExceptional ServiceHistoryWe focus on providing exceptional service through studentcentered support services that are personal, responsive, andgeared toward assisting students in achieving theireducational goals.CSU has always maintained a student-first philosophy byproviding educational opportunities through distance learningto nontraditional students. This vision originated from thefounder of CSU, Robert Mayes, Sr. He established a familyoriented culture of caring and respect among staff and faculty,which continues to this day.To enrich the quality of University relationships usingstrategies that guide and promote enrollment growth.FlexibilityWe embrace change, work hard, and relentlessly strive tocontinuously improve.His experience in developing and presenting training programsin environmental compliance and occupational safety for smallbusinesses led to the establishment of two certificateprograms in the field, and later, the founding of CSU in 1993.ExcellenceWe are a first-class organization that places a high value onquality, accreditation, and doing what is right.To fill the void of formal online degree programs for safetyand environmental managers, two bachelor’s degreeprograms were developed in the areas of occupational safetyand health and environmental management.Relations hipsWe focus on building long-term relationships with industries,governmental agencies, students, alumni, and members of thecommunity.In 1996, online programs beyond the safety andenvironmental career fields were developed and includedbusiness administration, computer science, criminal justiceadministration and health administration. Achievingaccreditation had been a goal for CSU since its inception, andthat goal became a reality on January 15, 2001, when theDistance Education and Training Council granted nationalaccreditation to CSU.VisionThe Vision of Columbia Southern University is to change andimprove lives through higher education by enabling studentsto maximize their professional and personal potential.9
2021 – 2022 University CatalogIn 2002, several approvals and affiliation agreements withstate schools were achieved along with receiving DefenseActivity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) andVeterans Affairs approval.In 2014, CSU was named one of the Best Companies to Workfor in Alabama by Business Alabama magazine.In May 2018, CSU’s Chief of Staff, Ken Styron, transitioned intothe role of president when Robert Mayes, Jr., stepped downto focus on his role as chief executive officer of ColumbiaSouthern Education Group.In 2003, CSU expanded its international offerings by being oneof the first U.S. universities to offer a hybrid (online andclassroom) degree program in Vietnam.The opportunity to earn a Master of Business Administration(MBA) degree was offered in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.Today, CSU continues to focus on building long-termrelationships while providing an exceptional studentexperience, affordable tuition, and a flexible learning formatto more than 29,000 students. CSU boasts a faculty and staffof 1,000 who diligently focus on continually improving CSU’sacademic programs, services, and operations whilemaintaining an exceptional standard of customer service.Between 2002 and 2004, CSU expanded its degree offerings toinclude associate degrees and six new bachelor’s degrees, andalso launched the Learning Partnership program. The LearningPartnership program provides opportunities for businesses,municipalities, organizations and corporations to partner withCSU and receive benefits such as tuition discounts, applicationfee waivers, and later scholarship opportunities, foremployees/members and their spouses and children.AccreditationColumbia Southern University is accredited by the DistanceEducation Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The DEAC is listedby the U.S. Department of Education as an accrediting agencyand is recognized by the Council for Higher EducationAccreditation (CHEA). CHEA is a nonprofit organization servingas a national advocate for self-regulation of academic qualitythrough accreditation.As growth continued, CSU moved into a new facility in 2005on Canal Road in Orange Beach, Alabama. However, this newswas soon overshadowed by great sadness to CSU as RobertMayes, Sr., passed away after a lengthy illness on September26, 2005. He was succeeded as president by his son, RobertMayes, Jr.Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)1101 17th Street NW, Suite 808Washington, D.C. 20036Phone: (202) 234-5100Fax: (202) 332-1386www.deac.orginfo@deac.orgIn 2006, CSU continued to grow as CSU’s student bodyreached 6,700 active students. Soon, additional staff memberswere added, and CSU’s 1-year old facility began to rapidlyapproach capacity. In addition, CSU was reaccredited by theDistance Education and Training Council with very high praisefrom the accreditation team. CSU was also honored by beingselected among the first group of colleges and universities tobe accepted into the Air Force Academic Institution Portal andinto the U.S. Army’s Centralized Tuition AssistanceManagement (CTAM) program, ArmyIgnitED (formerlyGoArmyEd).Higher Education Related MembershipCSU is an institutional member of the American Council onEducation (ACE), a major higher education coordinating bodythat influences public policy through advocacy, research, andprogram initiatives. ACE membership is open to accredited,degree-granting colleges and universities, and highereducation associations within the United States.In 2008, CSU received approval by the U.S. Department ofEducation to offer Federal Student Aid. In the same year, CSUbroke ground on a new 67,000-square-foot building whichopened in 2009.State Authorization and LicensureCSU is licensed by the Alabama Community College System Private School Licensing Division pursuant to the AlabamaPrivate School License Law, Code of Alabama, Title 16-46-1through 10. For additional information, please visit the StateAuthorization section of the website.On January 8, 2010, Waldorf University (formerly WaldorfCollege), a private undergraduate liberal arts college in Iowa,was purchased and became CSU’s sister college. CSU’s activestudent count at the end of 2010 was 25,291. In 2011, CSU’sprogram in Vietnam became the first distance learningprogram to be accredited by the Vietnam Ministry ofEducation and Training.NC-SARACSU is approved by the Alabama Commission on HigherEducation to participate in the National Council for StateAuthorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). NC-SARA isa voluntary, regional approach to state oversight ofpostsecondary distance education. As a member of NC-SARA,In 2012, the corporate structure of the organization waschanged so that a parent company, Columbia SouthernEducation Group (CSEG), would own CSU and Waldorf College.10Return to Table of Contents
2021 – 2022 University CatalogCSU only needs home state authorization to offer distanceeducation to students residing in any other SARA memberstate. To view a list of NC-SARA states and institutions, pleasevisit NC-SARA.Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE)NC-SARA State Portal AgencyP.O. Box 3020000Montgomery, AL 36130-2000ACHE Student Complaint PDFRegistering a Complaint with CSUFor additional information regarding filing a complaint with astate agency, please visit the External Complaint Processsection of the CSU website.CSU is committed to providing high-quality educational andrelated services for students. From time to time, students mayhave questions concerning administrative policies oroperations. CSU encourages students to notify the institutionwhen there is cause for concern in academic and nonacademic matters. For more information on registering acomplaint with CSU, please visit the Student Resolutionsection of the website.Registering a Complaint with the U.S. Department ofVeterans AffairsStudents may file a complaint by following the VA ComplaintPolicy, which states, “Any complaint against the school shouldbe routed through the VA GI Bill Feedback System by goingto: http://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/Feedback.asp.The VA will then follow up through the appropriate channelsto investigate the complaint and resolve it satisfactorily.”Registering a Complaint with ExternalAgenciesStudents are encouraged to proceed through the institution’scomplaint process before filing an external complaint.Students who wish to file a complaint with an external agencymay review submission instructions by visiting the RegisteringA Complaint section of the CSU website.GI Bill is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department ofVeterans Affairs (VA). More information about educationbenefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S.government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.Registering a Complaint with theAccrediting A gencyTitle IXStudents may file a complaint with the Distance EducationAccrediting Commission (DEAC) by using the DEAC OnlineComplaint Form or submitting a written complaint to thefollowing address:CSU adheres to all federal, state, and local civil rights lawsprohibiting discrimination in employment and education. Theuniversity does not discriminate in its admissions practices(except as permitted by law), in its employment practices, orin its educational programs or activities on the basis ofsex/gender. As a recipient of federal financial assistance foreducation activities, CSU is required by Title IX of theEducation Amendments of 1972 to ensure that all of itseducation programs and activities do not discriminate on thebasis of sex/gender. Sex includes sex, sex stereotypes, genderidentity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and pregnancyor parenting status.Policy StatementDistance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)1101 17th Street NW, Suite 808Washington, D.C. 20036Phone: (202) 234-5100Fax: (202) 332-1386www.deac.orginfo@deac.orgCSU also prohibits retaliation against any person opposingdiscrimination or participating in any discriminationinvestigation or complaint process internal or external to theinstitution. Sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating anddomestic violence, and stalking are forms of sexdiscrimination, which are prohibited under Title IX and by CSUpolicy.To view the process and form for DEAC, please visit theComplaint Process section of DEAC’s website.Complaint C ontact Information for StateAgenciesStudents may file a complaint with the Private SchoolLicensure Division (PSL) of the Alabama Community CollegeSystem by submitting the Online School Complaint. Studentsmay view the Procedures for Submi
2021 - 2022 University Catalog 5 Return to Table of Contents atalog Effective Dates July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 Terms 1A22 through 6 22 Academic alendar U.S. students must register by the end of the registration period.
