ACADEMIC POLICIES

TRANSFER CREDITS

The University of Arts & Design allows students to request the transfer of prior academic credits earned. Credit will only be considered based on official transcripts or other documented evidence received by the University from the issuing institution. Previously earned credit that is out of date with respect to the latest developments, practices, or technology are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be ineligible for transfer. The University grants transfer credit on a course-by-course basis for courses with equivalent content and value as the corresponding University of Arts & Design course(s).

The University accepts a maximum of 9 semester credit hours of graduate level credit into its Master of Arts in Design Business degree program when students have earned a 3.0 GPA or higher and 9 semester credit hours of undergraduate level credit into its Art & Design Business Certificate program only. Prospective students who provide false or altered admissions documentation to include transcripts for admissions purposes or potential transfer credit will be denied admission to the University of Arts & Design and be ineligible for future enrollment.

TRANSFER CREDIT DISCLOSURE

The transferability of credits earned at the University of Arts & Design is at the discretion of the receiving institution.

CREDIT BY EXAM

The University of Arts & Design offers students the option to demonstrate prior learning, whether completed in the classroom, at work, or through experiential learning by taking exams designed to test your knowledge of key course objectives, allowing you to earn college credits toward your degree program for what you already know. Students can receive up to 12 semester credit hours for passing designated exams.

GRADUATION & COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS

Students must meet the following graduation and completion requirements to earn a Master of Arts degree or non-degree program certificate:

• Successful completion of all program courses with a passing grade.
• Meet and maintain minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.
• Fulfill all financial obligations.

FOR THE FULL ACADEMIC CATALOG, PLEASE VISIT https://uad.education/pages/academic-catalog

CANCELLATIONS AND WITHDRAWAL

Cancellation Policy

Students have the right to cancel their enrollment at any time up to the fifth calendar day after signing the enrollment agreement and receive a refund of all monies paid (excluding the $75 application fee). Notification of cancellation may be conveyed to the University in any manner; however, writing is preferred.

Withdrawal Policy

15-Week Course Withdrawal Policy

A student may withdraw from courses at the University of Art & Design for any reason and receive a refund based on the refund schedule provided below. A student who completes a course prior to the scheduled term end date is not eligible for a refund, regardless of how many weeks it took the student to complete the course.

Length of Term	Percentage of Tuition Refunded to the Student (excluding the application fee) AFTER
15 weeks	Week 1	80%
	Week 2	70%
	Week 3	60%
	Week 4	50%
	Week 5	40%
	Week 6	30%
	Week 7	20%
	Week 8	10%
	Weeks 9–15	0%

Sample Refund Policy: If a student enrolls in an undergraduate certificate program and pays for one course ($1,050) at the beginning of the 15-week term and withdraws after Week 2, the student receives a refund of: $735.00 (the University retains $315.00). [Calculation: $1,050 x .70 = $735.00] This is an example only and refunds amounts may be different based on individual student finances.

Sample Refund Policy: If a student enrolls in the graduate degree program and pays for one course ($1,725) at the beginning of the 15-week term and withdraws after Week 5, the student receives a refund of: $690 (the University retains $1,035). [Calculation: $1,725 x .40 = $690] This is an example only and refunds amounts may be different based on individual student finances.

The University of Arts & Design processes all refunds owed within 30 days of notification from the student of their intent to withdraw or following administrative withdraw by the institution.

Cancellation and Refund Policy (California Residents Only)

The University of Arts & Design is a private institution that is registered in the State of California by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Registration means compliance with state standards as set forth in the CEC and 5, CCR. University of Arts & Design is not accredited. Students enrolled in unaccredited institutions are not eligible for federal financial aid programs.

California Cancellation Policy

In addition to the Cancellation Policy above, please note that withdrawal may also be effectuated by the student’s conduct, including, but not necessarily limited to, a student’s lack of attendance. A notice of cancellation shall be in writing.

California students who withdraw from the program within seven calendar days of signing their Enrollment Agreement receive a refund of all monies paid (tuition and fees). Students who withdraw more than seven days after signing their Enrollment Agreement but prior to the program commencement date will receive a refund of all monies paid minus the Application Fee ($75).

California Refund Policy

Students who withdraw after the program commencement date will be provided a prorated refund, up to 60% of a term, based on the number of days completed divided by the total days in the term. Students who withdraw after 60% of the semester is completed (for example, after day seven of week nine in a 15-week term) are not eligible for a refund.

Sample Refund Policy: If a student enrolls in the graduate degree program and pays for one course ($1,725) at the beginning of the 15-week term and withdraws on day 23 of the 15-week term, the student is issued a $1,345.50 refund.

Total Tuition Paid	$1,725
Percent of term completed (23 days completed / 105 rounded to closest whole number)	22%
Amount Retained	$379.50
Refund amount due to student	$1,345.50

Refunds are made using the original method of payment, within 30 calendar days of the date of withdrawal.

For the purpose of determining the amount of the refund, the date of the student’s withdrawal shall be the date of student communication of intent to withdraw or as of the date the institution terminates the student’s enrollment due to non-attendance, failure to maintain satisfactory progress; failure to abide by the rules and regulations of the institution; and/or failure to meet financial obligations.

Student Tuition Recovery Fund Disclosures (California Residents Only)

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 North Market Blvd., Suite 225, Sacramento, California, 95834, (916) 574-8900 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or are enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location, or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a Social Security number or a taxpayer identification number.

Policy for Minor Applicants and Dual Enrollment

Dual Enrollment

The University of Arts & Design (UAD) Dual Enrollment Program allows qualified secondary students to earn college credit while completing high school. Students who are at least 14 years old may enroll in UAD undergraduate certificate programs, including students in homeschool programs. Students complete all coursework online.

Dual enrollment is available only to students who reside in states where UAD is authorized, licensed, exempted, or approved to enroll students under the age of 18. Students and families may contact the UAD Admissions Office to confirm enrollment eligibility in their state of residence.

Admission of Applicants Under Age 18

Where a student under the age of 18 remains subject to compulsory school attendance under the laws of the student’s state of residence, UAD obtains signed consent from a parent or legal guardian affirming that participation in UAD coursework will not interfere with the student’s compulsory school schedule and curriculum.

Students admitted under this policy are subject to all academic policies published in the UAD Academic Catalog, including those governing registration, attendance, academic progress, grading, conduct, and student records, unless otherwise noted.

Eligible Programs

Dual enrollment students may enroll in the following undergraduate certificate programs:

For students aged 14 and older

• Design Mastery Certificate
• Surface Pattern Design Certificate

For students aged 16 and older

• Digital Production Certificate
• Art & Design Business Certificate

Certificate program descriptions are published in the Academic Catalog.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for dual enrollment, an applicant must:

1. Be at least 14 years of age on the first day of the term in which the student enrolls. If the applicant’s state of residence sets a minimum enrollment age higher than 14, that higher age applies to residents of that state.
2. Have completed the equivalent of the 8th grade in a traditional school or homeschool program.
3. Demonstrate readiness for college-level work by meeting one of the following:
   1. An academic portfolio reviewed and approved by UAD academic staff;
   2. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, documented on an official school transcript or homeschool transcript; or
   3. A written recommendation from the student’s school counselor, principal, or homeschool administrator that addresses the applicant’s readiness for college-level coursework.
4. Reside in a state where the University is authorized, licensed, exempted, or approved to enroll students.
5. Submit all documentation required under the “Required Documentation” section below.

Application and Required Documentation

All dual enrollment applicants must submit:

1. A completed Dual Enrollment Application signed by both the applicant and a parent or legal guardian.
2. A signed Parental Consent and Compulsory Schooling Assurance Statement, in which the parent or legal guardian consents to the applicant’s enrollment and affirms that participation in UAD coursework will not interfere with the student’s compulsory secondary schooling. A current form must be on file before the student registers for each term.
3. Proof of identity in the form of a government-issued photo ID, a valid passport, or school identification.
4. Documentation supporting the readiness option selected under Eligibility Requirement 3 above: the portfolio, the transcript, or the written recommendation.

Separately, a student may choose to sign a Disclosure Authorization permitting UAD to release education records to a parent or legal guardian. This authorization is voluntary, is not a condition of admission or enrollment, and may be revoked by the student in writing at any time. See UAD’s Student Confidentiality and Privacy Policy in the UAD Academic Catalog.

An applicant enrolled in a traditional secondary school must also submit:

1. An official transcript sent directly from the issuing school to UAD, documenting the applicant’s current grade level and cumulative grade point average. An applicant who has not yet completed a semester of high school coursework may submit the most recent middle school transcript.
2. A Secondary School Acknowledgment form signed by the applicant’s school counselor or principal confirming that the school is aware of the student’s dual enrollment.

An applicant enrolled in a homeschool program must also submit:

1. A transcript prepared and signed by the parent or legal guardian serving as the homeschool administrator, documenting coursework completed and current grade level.
2. Evidence that the program complies with the laws of the applicant’s state of residence in one of the following forms:
   1. If the state requires a filing to conduct a homeschool program, a copy of the applicable state or district documentation, such as an exemption certificate, notice of intent, or affidavit; or
   2. If the state requires no filing, a signed attestation from the parent or legal guardian that the program is conducted in compliance with the laws of that state.

Transcript Deadlines

Transcripts prepared by a parent or legal guardian, and parental attestations, are due at the time of application.

Transcripts issued by a school or other institution are due within one enrollment period and before the student completes 3 semester credit hours (one course), whichever occurs first. A student whose required transcript is not received by that deadline is subject to the UAD Withdrawal Policy (see UAD Academic Catalog).

Enrollment Agreement and Financial Responsibility

The dual enrollment student’s parent or legal guardian, who serves as the party responsible for all financial obligations, must accept and sign the enrollment agreement. Prior to signing, the parent or legal guardian and the student receive written disclosure of the program in which the student will enroll, tuition and all associated costs, UAD’s cancellation and refund policies, and the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of both the student and UAD. UAD provides the parent or legal guardian a copy of the enrollment agreement within 10 days of acceptance and maintains a copy as part of the student’s permanent record.

A student who turns 18 while enrolled in the Dual Enrollment Program will continue in the certificate program without reapplying, although the credit hour limit, Parental Consent and Compulsory Schooling Assurance requirement will no longer apply. The original enrollment agreement remains in effect until the student reaches the age of 18, at which point UAD will offer the student the opportunity to assume financial responsibility by signing a new enrollment agreement.

If the dual enrollment student withdraws from, is dismissed from, or otherwise stops attending secondary school, a parent or legal guardian must notify the UAD Registrar within 10 days. UAD will place a registration hold on the student’s record pending review. A student who remains subject to compulsory school attendance may not register for an additional term until an updated Parental Consent and Compulsory Schooling Assurance form is filed.

Academic Standards and Course Load

Dual enrollment students are held to the same standards as other certificate program students, including course learning outcomes, grading policies, Satisfactory Academic Progress, and the Student Integrity and Academic Honesty policies published in the UAD Academic Catalog. Proctored assessment and identity verification requirements also apply to dual enrollment students on the same terms as all other students. If the student fails to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress, the student is subject to the academic warning, probation, and dismissal provisions published in UAD’s Academic Catalog. A dual enrollment student dismissed for failure to make Satisfactory Academic Progress may apply for readmission under UAD’s published readmission policy after completing all compulsory education.

A dual enrollment student may register for one certificate course each term. Before registration each term, an academic advisor meets with the student and the parent or legal guardian to review the program plan and ensure that it accommodates the student’s secondary school obligations.

Dual enrollment students have access to the same academic advising and student support services as all UAD students.

Credit, Transcripts, and Transfer of Credit

Dual enrollment students are subject to the same credit award, transcript, and transfer of credit policies as all other undergraduate students at UAD, as outlined in UAD’s Academic Catalog. These policies govern how dual enrollment credit is recorded and applied, in accordance with UAD’s residency, grading, and academic records policies.

Student Records and FERPA

Dual enrollment students are subject to the same terms as all other UAD students regarding student records, privacy, and record retention policies. These policies are outlined in the Student Confidentiality and Privacy Policy (see UAD Academic Catalog). The rights, procedures, and request processes in that policy apply to dual enrollment students without any modifications based on their age.

Communication with Minor Students

All University communication with dual enrollment students is conducted through official University channels, including institutional email, the learning management system, and scheduled advising sessions. A parent or legal guardian is copied on all enrollment, financial, and academic-standing communications where the student has signed a FERPA Disclosure Authorization or where the parent or legal guardian claims the student as a dependent for federal tax purposes. University personnel do not communicate with minor students outside official University channels.

Cancellation, Withdrawal, and Refunds

Dual enrollment students and their parents or legal guardians are subject to the University’s published cancellation and refund policies (see the UAD Academic Catalog), including the 5-calendar day right to cancel following signature of the enrollment agreement with a full refund of all monies paid, and the refund schedule published in the UAD Academic Catalog thereafter. A parent or legal guardian may withdraw a minor student at any time using the notification methods published in the UAD Academic Catalog.