University Policies
Privacy Statement
The following discloses our information gathering and dissemination practices for Hawthorn University (www.hawthornuniversity.org).
Information Gathering
We use student IP addresses to help diagnose problems with our server and to administer our website by identifying the parts of our site that are most heavily used. We do not link IP addresses to anything personally identifiable. This means that user sessions will be tracked, but the users will remain anonymous.
Use of Information
The Hawthorn University IT staff uses the information gathered above to tailor site content to user needs, and to generate aggregate statistical reports. At no time do we disclose site usage by individual IP addresses. Web server logs are retained on a temporary basis and then deleted completely from our systems.
Security
This site has security measures in place to protect the loss, misuse, and alteration of the information under our control.
Family Education Right and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The University will take measures to maintain the privacy of all users. In accordance with FERPA and any other policy on disclosure of educational records, students, staff, and faculty are required to use the official Hawthorn University email system and their assigned [email protected] email address for all official communications. All users must agree that:
-the Hawthorn University online systems and official University email addresses are used only by the assigned users and that passwords and/or access shall not be given to others. Ownership of such usernames and access codes remains the property of Hawthorn University.
-All communications should be assumed to be confidential and private.
-All records of communications may be archived by the University and will remain the property of Hawthorn University. University system administrators have access to all mail and may monitor messages. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
-Downloading, copying, otherwise duplicating, and/or distributing copyrighted materials without the specific written permission of the copyright owner is prohibited, except that duplication and/or distribution of materials for educational purposes is permitted when such duplication and/or distribution would fall within the Fair Use Doctrine of the United States Copyright Law (Title 17, USC).
Philosophy and Policy on Individual Protections
All students, faculty, and staff have freely associated themselves with Hawthorn University and in so doing have affirmed their commitment to a culture of mutual tolerance and respect. Physical restriction, coercion, or intimidation directed towards or by any member of the community is contrary to Hawthorn’s basic principles. It is also a violation of these principles for any instructor, administrator, or student to impede, prevent or otherwise interfere with the orderly conduct of an institutional function or activity.
Information about student views, beliefs, personal health matters, and political associations which are revealed as a result of or arising out of any discussions by instructors, advisors, and/or other counselors should be considered confidential, and are covered under the Disclosure of Educational Records statement.
Protection against the improper disclosure of such information is a serious professional obligation. Judgments of ability and character may be provided under appropriate circumstances, normally with the knowledge or consent of the student, and when properly documented and filed as part of the permanent records of the institution.
Violations of this policy are brought to the attention of the School Director who will follow up on the inquiry within seven (7) calendar days. An incident report is generated and all communications pertinent to the matter are recorded. All incident reports must conclude in a final resolution and include appropriate acknowledgements by all interested parties.
Notice of Acceptable Content and Conduct and Description of Prohibited Behaviors on the Message Boards
The message boards are intended to provide a forum for discussions related to the posted topic. Course specific message boards are provided primarily for students and faculty actively engaged in the course, but posts from others are welcomed, provided that they remain on topic. Email is provided primarily as a way for all students, faculty, and staff to communicate with respect to assignments, questions on student progress, policy and procedure issues, and other information covered under other University Policies.
As professionals, we expect our users to refrain from posting:
-personal editorials on others;
-chain letters;
-harassing materials;
-advertisements or other solicitations;
-personal information about others including names, physical and email addresses, or other contact information.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Under Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Hawthorn University is committed to the premise that all students, including those with disabilities have equal access to its programs and services, and that the rights of students with disabilities are not denied.
A disability, defined as a “handicap” under Federal law, is any significant disabling condition that interferes with any substantial life activity. Substantial life activities include: the ability to care for oneself, the ability to walk, the ability to hear or see, or any other ability considered to be a major life activity. Examples of disabilities include, but are not limited to: spinal cord injuries, visual impairments, specific learning disabilities, head injuries, hearing impairments, arthritis, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, mental/emotional disabilities, seizure disorders, and communication disorders.
Hawthorn University does not operate separate recruitment, admission, or educational programs designed specifically for students with disabilities. Disclosure of a disability, including self-identification on the admissions application, is entirely voluntary. All applicants are evaluated by the same admissions standards and are governed under a single student code of conduct adopted by the University.
Participation under Section 504 and the ADA is voluntary. In order to qualify for reasonable accommodations from Hawthorn University, a student must self-identify and present up-to-date disability verification from an appropriate, qualified professional. This will consist of documentation describing the nature of the disability, the functional limitations resulting from the disability, and information specific to the accommodations and/or auxiliary aids needed to promote full participation in the educational program. All documentation is regarded with the strictest confidentiality: no information will be shared without permission. Accommodations are not automatic and a student must identify that they are entitled to special services with their instructor(s), who will verify this with the President or his/her designee.
Reasonable Accommodations
Reasonable accommodations are defined by Hawthorn University as those that: do not compromise integrity of the curriculum; do not impose an unreasonable financial or administrative burden upon the University; are within the boundaries of University control.
Some book publishers offer large print, Braille, and/or electronic versions of their books. Students needing such special volumes are encouraged to contact the publisher or their designated representative ahead of time to arrange for these to be delivered and agree to follow all of the copyright terms and conditions as per the publisher. Some publishers indicate that turn around time for such special items is between 4 to 6 weeks.
Non–Discrimination Policy
Hawthorn University is a private, not-for-profit institution that does not discriminate in any of its programs, procedures, or practices against any person for any reason, including race, sex, color, national origin, creed, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, marital status, veteran status, status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era, status as a victim or perceived victim of domestic or sexual violence, mental, medical or physical disability or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications. This policy, effective January 1, 2008 is applicable to all faculty, professional support staff, operating staff, and students without regard to geographical location. The University reasonably accommodates qualified individuals with disabilities under the law.
Sexual Harassment Policy
Hawthorn University is committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which students, faculty, and staff can work together in an atmosphere free of all forms of harassment, exploitation, or intimidation.
Specifically, everyone associated with the University should be aware that Hawthorn is strongly opposed to sexual harassment and that such behavior is prohibited both by federal and state law. It is the intention of Hawthorn University to take whatever action may be needed to correct, and, if necessary, discipline behavior that violates this policy. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when submission to or rejection of such conduct is made implicitly or explicitly a term or condition of instruction, employment, or participation in a Hawthorn activity; submission or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for evaluation in making academic or personnel decisions affecting an individual; such verbal or physical conduct has the effect of unreasonably interfering with an individuals’ work or academic performance, by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. The School Director will receive and work to resolve incidents involving sexual harassment. The President will review all reports and is the final authority on issues of sexual harassment.
Extension Policy
If students do not complete their course(s) by the due date and do not request an extension, a failing "F" grade will be assigned to the course(s). Students will, however, have an option to request an Incomplete "I" grade prior to the due date of the course and prior to receiving an "F" grade if they are unable to meet the original deadline. It will be the student's responsibility to inform the instructor via email detailing the reason for requesting an Incomplete. Students may request a 30 day Extension online. This will result in an Incomplete "I" grade. Also, this 30 day Extension will be automatically granted.
Leave of Absence Policy
Hawthorn University is aware that there are situations when a student may wish to interrupt his or her course of study. The University is committed to reasonable evaluation and responsible handling of such cases.
A student may request a leave of absence for six (6) months by filling out a request form on the student website and sending it to the Registrar. No more than three (3) leaves may be requested in a program.
Students returning from a Leave of Absence should request written reinstatement from the Registrar. A Reinstatement Form can be found on the student website A reinstatement fee of $50 will be charged. The University reserves the right to limit access to any and all of its proprietary materials to students on official Leave of Absence.
Hawthorn University Stop-Out Policy
Students may not take more than 30 days off from the time they complete one course until they request the subsequent course.
Completing the course means that the course has been finalized online.
Disclaimer
By enrolling in or otherwise affiliating with Hawthorn University, all system users agree to the above terms and conditions. Hawthorn University's website contains links to other independently run websites outside the Hawthorn University domain. Hawthorn University is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of such websites.
Caveat
University Policies are subject to revision and change. The President/ Chief Academic Officer and the School Director of Hawthorn University will use their authority to grant exceptions to the policies of the institution in extraordinary circumstances when it is determined to be in the best interest of the school and its students.
Contacting Hawthorn University
If you have any questions about this privacy statement, the practices of this site, or your dealings with this site, please contact us:
Hawthorn University
475 Hungry Gulch Road, Suite C
PO Box 275
Whitethorn, CA 95589
or email our Help Desk.
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