2013-2014 Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2013-2014 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

General Policies-SGCS


Student Information and Policies - SGCS


Student’s Responsibility

The student is responsible for thorough knowledge of all regulations and procedures as published in the University Catalog. Failure to read this publication and comply with the regulations does not exempt the student from this responsibility. Enrollment at Olivet Nazarene University implies an understanding of and willingness to abide by the academic and administrative regulations.

Candidates for graduation who complete a prescribed course of study within the program cycle’s sequence or who complete all degree requirements within one year from the final date of the program cycle are expected to meet the requirements for graduation in force at the time of enrollment. Students who fail to meet program time limits are expected to meet the requirements for graduation in force at the time of that graduation.

Olivet Nazarene University’s Responsibility

Olivet Nazarene University policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, color, creed, national origin or ethnic origin, marital status, or disability in the recruitment and admission of students and in the operation of all university programs, activities, and services.

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1989 and Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Amendment of 1989, Olivet Nazarene University clearly prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of drugs, alcohol, and unlawful substances by students and employees on University property or as any part of University activities.

Olivet Nazarene University is in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which is designed to protect the privacy of educational records. Details about the policy and procedures are available in the Office of the Registrar.

Office Hours

BOURBONNAIS CAMPUS OFFICE
Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

CHICAGO REGIONAL OFFICE
Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

OAK BROOK OFFICE
Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Traditional holidays are observed. Olivet Nazarene University and the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies are closed December 24 through January 1. Any special temporary changes in hours are posted on the voice mail and Learning Management systems.

Parking - SGCS

All motor vehicles driven to campus at any time must be registered through the Department of Public Safety and have an Olivet Nazarene University decal properly attached. Registration cards and decals are provided during the first class meeting. Students may contact an Enrollment Counselor to receive additional or replacement decals. Students may park in the designated University parking lots.

Handicapped spaces are reserved for the handicapped both in the day and evening; cars parked in handicap spaces not displaying a handicap sticker will be ticketed and towed.

Inclement Weather - SGCS

In cases of inclement weather, School of Graduate and Continuing Studies personnel decide on the cancellation of classes. This decision is made by 2 p.m. on the day of class. Every effort is made to notify students of cancellation. If the class is canceled, the instructor and the class, in consultation with the Director of Operations and Finance, reach an agreement on a makeup session.

Students are advised to use their own discretion in attending during inclement weather. If a student perceives his or her safety would be at risk, he or she should not attend. Refer to the attendance policy for information regarding missed classes.

Change in Personal Information - SGCS

Students should notify the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies office in writing of any change of address, telephone number, or name.

Confidentiality of Student Records - SGCS

Olivet Nazarene University is the custodian of many types of student records and recognizes a duty to protect the confidentiality of information therein. Unless a student requests confidentiality in writing the first night of class, the University reserves the right to notify the general public of general information about students, such as address, telephone number, college major, classification, and graduation date, if applicable. All student records are available for official use to authorized personnel who demonstrate a need to have access to such records.

Students with Disabilities - SGCS

Since the passage of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which applies to all colleges whose students receive federal financial assistance, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, which applies to private entities that serve the public, students with disabilities are protected from discrimination by colleges and universities. In keeping with both the letter and the spirit of the law, most colleges and universities welcome the enrollment of “otherwise qualified” students with disabilities and make every effort to provide “reasonable accommodations” to meet the particular needs of these students.

Otherwise Qualified

As required by law students with disabilities, including students with learning disabilities, must demonstrate that they are “otherwise qualified” to successfully handle the rigor and pace of college-level learning. Demonstration of the “otherwise qualified” criterion for admission will include (1) appropriate documentation of the disability and (2) documentation of the ability to benefit from academic support services.

For full disclosure of the students with disabilities policy, please see the student handbook.

Policy on Non-Students in Class - SGCS

School of Graduate and Continuing Studies classrooms are for faculty, faculty-invited guests, and enrolled students only. Students are not allowed to bring guests, whether related or unrelated, to the classroom with them, and no exceptions will be made for children (including, but not limited to, children of instructors and of students) to remain in the classroom. Parents are responsible to make necessary provisions for their children to be cared for in a separate location than the class site. Students who bring children or other guests to class or the site location will be asked to leave and will receive an unexcused absence for that class. Special Note: Leaving children unattended in any university public area or site location, including empty classrooms, student lounges, campus lobbies, parking lots, etc. is prohibited. This policy does not apply to students with disabilities as described in the Students with Disabilities section.

Criminal Background Checks - SGCS

Education Programs

All candidates for Illinois teacher licensure through programs under the purview of Olivet Nazarene University Teacher Education Unit are required to submit to a fingerprint based criminal background check by the Illinois State Police prior to their initial field experience in the schools. The public schools require completion of a successful background check for the safety and security of their students.

Illinois State Law requires all teacher education candidates and other education candidates not employed by a school district to submit to a criminal background investigation. Placement in any initial field experience will be denied whether offenses and/or conviction occurred inside or outside the State of Illinois for the following: first degree murder; any Class X felony; juvenile pimping; soliciting for a juvenile prostitute; exploitation of a child; obscenity; child pornography; possession of harmful material; criminal sexual assault; aggravated criminal sexual assault; criminal sexual abuse; aggravated criminal sexual abuse; offenses set forth in the Cannabis Control Act; and crimes defined in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act.

If a candidate does not successfully pass the criminal background check, he/she may petition in writing the Teacher Education Executive Committee for any review/appeal. If the appeal is denied by the Teacher Education Executive Committee, the candidate may continue to take courses, but will not be placed for field experiences/student teaching. Thus, if the field experience/student teaching hours are not met, the candidate will not complete the Teacher Education Program.

Nursing Program

All prospective students entering the nursing program must submit to a criminal background check. Nursing applicants may obtain more information from the Program Enrollment Counselor.

Standards of Conduct - SGCS

No Smoking Policy - SGCS

Olivet Nazarene University has established a smoke-free environment on campus. Smoking or other forms of tobacco are prohibited at all Olivet and School of Graduate and Continuing Studies locations. Refusal to comply may result in dismissal from the University.

Alcohol and Firearms - SGCS

Alcoholic beverages and firearms are not permitted on Olivet Nazarene University premises, including rented classrooms and any building or parts of buildings owned or operated by Olivet Nazarene University. Any student or faculty member whose profession requires him or her to carry a firearm during class time must first notify the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies office to obtain permission. Refusal to comply may result in dismissal from the University.

Illegal Substances - SGCS

Olivet Nazarene University, in agreement with civil laws, forbids the use, possession, or distribution of mood-altering chemicals including (but not limited to) amphetamine mixes, barbiturates, hallucinogens, marijuana, cocaine, PCP, ecstasy, and LSD. Other dangerous and illegal substances are also forbidden. In addition, trafficking in chemicals results in immediate expulsion from the University.

Use of Profanity - SGCS

Students are expected to refrain from the use of profanity in all School of Graduate and Continuing Studies class locations. Refusal to comply may result in dismissal from the University.

Classroom Deportment - SGCS

Students are expected to project a scholastic demeanor and to interactively respond to class activities. Students, at all times, are expected to be respectful of their peers, the institution, its facilities, and its personnel. The School of Graduate and Continuing Studies reserves the right to withdraw students who hinder the learning experience of their peers.

Appearance and Dress - SGCS

Students at all locations are expected to be accountable for maintaining a standard of dress designed to be in harmony with generally accepted guidelines for good taste and modesty. As an institution that adheres to Christian principles and seeks to maintain a relaxed, professional, educational environment, dress may be casual, but must appropriately support the adult, modest, professional atmosphere desired by the faculty and administration of the University. A faculty member may advise a student when his or her attire is considered to be inappropriate.

Sexual Harassment Policy - SGCS

The University is committed to maintaining a work environment that is free of sexual harassment. In keeping with this commitment, the University will not tolerate sexual harassment of any University student, staff member, or faculty member by anyone, including any instructor, supervisor, co-worker, student, or vendor of the University.

Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, made by an executive, administrative staff or faculty member to a student, or by a student to a faculty or administrative staff member, or any conduct of a sexual nature that substantially interferes with the student’s educational performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment. It includes any threat, subtle or direct, that a sexual or social relationship is part of one’s higher educational performance, in terms of earning grades or honors. Sexual harassment may include explicit sexual propositions, sexual innuendo, suggestive comments, sexually-oriented “kidding” or “teasing,” “practical jokes,” “jokes” about gender-specific traits, foul or obscene printed or visual material, and physical contact such as patting, pinching, or brushing against another’s body.

All employees and students of the University are responsible for complying with this policy and for helping to avoid harassment. Students feeling they have experienced or witnessed harassment should promptly report the incident to the office of the Program Director/Coordinator. The University forbids retaliation against anyone for reporting sexual harassment, assisting in making a sexual harassment complaint, or cooperating in a sexual harassment investigation.

The University will investigate all such complaints thoroughly, impartially, and promptly. To the fullest extent possible, the University will keep all complaints and the terms of their resolution confidential. If an investigation confirms that harassment has occurred, the University will take corrective action, including such discipline as is appropriate, up to and including termination or expulsion.

Cell-Phone and Pager Etiquette - SGCS

Cell phones and pagers are often used as a vital means for staying in contact with business associates and family members. Conversely, these electronic devices can be intrusive and disruptive within the classroom. Should students be required to maintain electronic connection to their business or family, it is expected that these devices will be on silent or vibrate mode. Otherwise, students are expected to be considerate to instructors and classmates and turn cell phones and pagers off during class.

E-mail and Login ID - SGCS

Students are provided with an Olivet e-mail address and login ID that allows them to access the Internet and the Olivet library from remote sites. Students are expected to use their Olivet e-mail address for communication purposes with their instructors.

Identification Card - SGCS

A student ID card is furnished to each student at the beginning of his or her program, usually within the first two weeks of class. The ID card is required to check out books from the library and may be used to attend sporting or cultural events on campus.

Computer Use - SGCS

Learners must have on-demand access to a computer with the following capabilities: e-mail access, Internet access, word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation graphics. To effectively and efficiently access computer-based learning resources, learners’ computers and Internet providers must meet the University’s minimum specifications. It is highly recommended that learners’ computers and Internet providers exceed the minimum specifications.

Computer labs are available to students on the Olivet campus, at the Oak Brook site, and at the Chicago Regional Center. Campus computer labs are located at

  • Benner Library
  • Burke Administration Building
  • Reed Hall of Science
  • Wisner Hall for Nursing
  • Weber Center

Learning Resources - SGCS

Olivet Nazarene University offers a rich variety of learning resources to enhance the academic process. Olivet maintains current technologies and continually strives to remain contemporary in the field of higher education.

Benner Library and Learning Resource Center - SGCS

As the name implies, the Benner Library and Learning Resource Center is more than a library in the traditional sense. In addition to a collection of over 170,000 books, the library also houses more than 300,000 other items in various formats (print periodicals,DVDs, video tapes, compact discs, maps, microfilm, etc.), subscribes to almost 1,000 print journals, and provides access to over almost 130,000 full-text electronic journals. As a participant in the Federal Depository program, the library receives U.S. government documents on a selective basis. Photocopiers, printers, microfilm reader-printers, and fax services are available for a nominal fee.

Additional on-site library services include computer labs, an instruction lab, public-access computers, wireless access to the Internet, a laptop checkout program, group-study rooms, listening and viewing facilities, the Curriculum Center with children’s books and materials for educators, and an after-hours study room. Original documents pertaining to the history of Olivet and the Church of the Nazarene are available in the Archives.

Using the library’s online catalog, BLISweb, students and faculty may search the library’s collection via the Internet from within the library, from other campus locations, and from off-campus sites. Through the library’s home page, users can access BLISweb and a wide variety of other electronic resources and services, including Web databases, and research guides for departments and classes, and useful Internet sites.

Patrons may search for materials from other libraries using the I-Share catalog. I-Share is a joint catalog of the 76 Illinois college and university member libraries of the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI). I-Share features a universal borrowing system, which allows Olivet students, faculty, and staff to request books and other materials directly from CARLI libraries. Patrons can search I-Share at any computer with Internet access. For direct access to I-Share, use http://I-Share.carli.illinois.edu/uc.

Benner Library also provides services specifically for off-campus students through the offices of the Outreach Librarian and the Interlibrary Loan Department. To access online electronic resources and full-text documents through the library’s databases from off-campus, patrons must first be authenticated by entering their ONU username and password when prompted. If the full-text for a document is not available online, patrons may use either the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) option or the “request” option to order the item. Direct email requests to the Interlibrary Loan Departments are also accepted.

Students in the SGCS program can expect Interlibrary Loan staff to process requests for books or journal articles within 24 hours, Monday through Friday. If an item is ordered that Olivet owns, the patron should receive it within a few days after the request is processed. Items ordered from other libraries will be shipped to the patron as soon as the Benner Library staff receive them. Journal articles will be photocopied and sent according to the method specified by the patron. Books are sent by 2-day UPS and include prepaid return postage.

Distance-Learning Classroom - SGCS

Electronic classrooms are equipped to provide two-way interactive class sessions between teachers and students at remote locations. Through current technological advances, the electronic classroom allows Olivet to provide two-way, audio and visual, real-time interactivity with students at sites off campus and bring guest lecturers to campus via the latest technology.

Smart Classrooms - SGCS

Smart classrooms are communication rich classrooms. Currently, there are 60 smart classrooms on campus. Smart classrooms bring the outside world into the traditional classroom. This is accomplished by the use of state-of-the-art interactive information systems. Resources available in the classrooms are satellite feeds, cable television, VCRs, laser-disc players, DVD players, and video CODECs. Sharing the resources is as easy as sharing traditional computer network file servers, CD-ROM servers, and print servers.

University Bookstore - SGCS

The Hammes Bookstore at Olivet Nazarene University is located on the campus in Ludwig Center on University Avenue in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Normal business hours for the bookstore are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (4:30 p.m. during the summer); Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. (4:30 p.m. during the summer); and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (These hours are subject to change.)

Study supplies, novelties, gifts, stationery, clothing, and personal items may be purchased there. Class rings and graduation announcements are also available through the University bookstore.