University Policies

Academic Grievances and Complaints

Students are free to speak with professors to express concerns about final grades. If a student does not feel his or her professor has resolved the issue satisfactorily, he or she may express in writing a grievance or complaint to the dean. (If the complaint is against his or her dean, the student may appeal directly to the Chief Executive Officer, as described below.)

Submitting an Inquiry/Complaint to the Office of the Chief Executive Officer

When the Office of the CEO receives a formal letter of inquiry/complaint, the CEO will convene an Administrative Hearing Committee to consider the inquiry/complaint. The Administrative Hearing Committee will conduct an appropriate investigation and will render a written explanation/decision within 30 days of the filing of the inquiry/complaint to both the student who made the complaint and the Dean. The office of the Dean will keep a record of all student complaints and documentation of how they were handled. The decision of the CEO is final.

Non-Academic Grievance Policy

Agora University takes all complaints very seriously. All complaints are treated in confidence, including those associated with bullying, racial and religious vilification, sexual harassment and unlawful discrimination allegations made by students.

NOTE: These complaints may be formal or informal, where formal complaints are communicated in writing and an informal complaint is one considered to be unwritten.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, unwelcome requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature when a person’s submission to such conduct is implicitly or explicitly made the basis for employment decisions, academic evaluation, grades or advancement, or other decisions affecting participation in a University program (quid pro quo), or when such conduct creates a hostile working environment. When complaints address the matter of sexual harassment, the university will allocate 60 days to investigate the matter.

Registering a Complaint

Option One: The complainant may initially raise an informal complaint (unwritten) with the appropriate university official (regularly, the Registrar). Following receipt of the informal complaint, the issue will be reviewed by the Dean within three (3) business days and a response will be provided to the complainant within five (5) business days. Depending on the nature of the complaint, the Dean may choose to meet with the CEO to gain further information and resolution of the complaint raised. The Registrar will raise the complaint directly with the Dean if the complaint is perceived to be of an extreme, threatening, or criminal nature.

Option Two: In the event that the complainant is not be satisfied with the outcome, he/she may submit a formal complaint in writing. As an alternative to the Option One informal complaint, the complainant may opt to go directly to the formal second stage. The formal written complaint must be received by the Registrar within 10 business days of the complainant receiving feedback. The formal complaint will be reviewed and addressed within three (3) business days and a response will be provided to the complainant within five (5) business days.

If not satisfied with the decision of the Registrar, the complainant may submit the complaint in writing to the Dean within 10 business days of receipt of the formal complaint decision. The complaint will be addressed within 15 business days of receipt of the complaint, and a response will be given within 30 business days. Complaints should be resolved within 30 days of the initial date of response from the Dean.

Filing a Grievance

If the complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the
university’s grievance procedure, the student may file a
complaint with the State Council of Higher Education of
Virginia (SCHEV). The student may file a written complaint
with SCHEV, 101 N. 14th St, James Monroe Building,
Richmond, VA 23219 by submitting an online form at the
following Link
The university will not retaliate against the student for
submitting a complaint with SCHEV.

Agora University Faculty holds primary responsibility for ensuring that academic honesty is maintained in their classes. Individual students also share in this responsibility. Agora University students are required to refrain from all acts of academic dishonesty.

Procedures for Dealing with Violations of Academic Dishonesty

Actions taken by a faculty member who has evidence that a student has committed an act of academic dishonesty, shall, after speaking with the student, take one or more of the following disciplinary actions:

  1. Issue an oral reprimand.
  2. Give the student an “F” grade or zero points or a reduced number of points on all or part of a particular paper, project or examination;

If the act of academic dishonesty results in a “F” grade or zero points being awarded to the student for that particular paper, project, or examination, and this result affects the student’s overall grade in the class, then the student shall be issued the proper grade, as affected by the specific “F” or zero grade, by the faculty member. For any incident of academic dishonesty resulting in the instructor’s issuance of an “F” or zero points – the instructor shall assess the severity of the student’s misconduct and determine whether the incident should be immediately reported to the Dean. If the Academic Dean notes that multiple Academic Dishonesty Reports have been filed for particular students, from multiple instructors, however, then the Dean shall seek the suspension of the student for one full calendar year. If, upon this student’s return from the one-year suspension, the Dean receives any further reports of academic dishonesty concerning this student, the Dean shall recommend the student be expelled permanently. The Dean shall keep the faculty member and Division Dean reasonably informed of the status of the student discipline process and outcome.

Examples of academic dishonesty conduct warranting the imposition of disciplinary probation, suspension or expulsion include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Taking an examination for another student or having someone else take an examination for one-self.
  2. Altering a graded examination/assignment and returning it for additional credit.
  3. Having another person or a company do research and/or writing of a report.
  4. Stealing or attempting to steal an examination or answer key.
  5. Printing an online exam without the express authorization of the instructor.
  6. Stealing or attempting to change official academic records.
  7. Forging or altering grades.
  8. Obtaining answers from another student before or during an examination.
  9. Falsely reporting or claiming to have experienced technical difficulties with online instructional tests, quizzes, or assignments.
  10. Knowingly allowing another student to copy one’s work.
  11. Using unauthorized materials, such as notebooks, or other items, without the instructor’s consent during an examination or placement test.
  12. Sharing answers for a take-home or on-line examination unless otherwise authorized by the instructor.
  13. Receiving help in creating a speech, essay, report, project or paper unless otherwise authorized by the instructor.
  14. Turning in a speech, essay, report, project or paper done for one class to another class unless specifically authorized by the instructor of the second class.
  15. Misreporting or altering the data in research projects.
  16. Offering another person’s work as one’s own: copying a speech, essay, report, discussion board posting, project or paper from another person or from books, websites, or other sources.
  17. Using outside sources (books, or other written sources) without giving proper credit (by naming the person and putting any exact words in quotation marks).
  18. Intentionally impairing the performance of other students and/or a faculty member.
  19. Collusion – when any student knowingly or intentionally helps another student perform an act of academic dishonesty. Collusion in an act of academic dishonesty will be disciplined in the same manner as the act itself.

Agora offers several programs. Students may proceed step-by-step from one program to another, toward one of the degrees:

  1. Master of Theology – (All MTh courses have to be taken in order)
  2. Master of Theological Studies – 6 Courses

Maintaining Satisfactory Progress

Since all coursework for a MASTER OF THEOLOGY DEGREE must be completed within four years (for Full-time) and six years (for Part-time), and 9 courses are required, Full-time students who want to obtain a degree should plan on taking at least three courses per year, while Part-time students should plan on taking at least two courses per year. Since a GPA of 2.5 is required for graduation, you should aim for a grade of B- or better in all of your classes. Most courses require you to log in to the website at least once or twice a week, either to participate in a forum or to submit a written assignment.

Incompletes

A student will be given an Incomplete grade when all the following conditions apply:

  1. whenever required course work is missing,
  2. when that missing work would result in the student receiving a lower final grade and
  3. when the student has formally requested an extension.

In all other instances, a regular letter grade is given with the missing work counted as “zero” or “fail.” If the extension is granted, all missing course work must be made up in consultation with the instructor within three weeks after the final paper was due, unless otherwise arranged. In cases of health or other personal difficulties, a grade of W may also be given. Students cannot register for more courses if they have an incomplete.

Withdrawing from Courses

Courses may be dropped any time prior to the due date of the final examination or paper. These requests should be conveyed in writing to the Registrar and the instructor(s).

If a student drops a course before the seventh week, a grade of W will be assigned whether or not the student is passing. If the withdrawal is initiated after materials have been posted for the seventh week of the semester, a mark of W for Withdrawal will be assigned if the instructor informs the Registrar that the student had a passing grade at the date of the official withdrawal. A mark of F will be assigned if 1) the student is failing at the time of withdrawal and 2) the student withdraws after the seventh lecture is posted.

Agora University certifies that students who cancel after paying in full, but are not eligible for a refund, receive all materials, kits, and equipment, as applicable.

Course Re-Takes

We do not allow students to take an examination again. We do allow students to take a course again (if they pay the tuition again), and only the highest grade is then counted in the GPA.

Academic Leave of Absence

If health or other unforeseen circumstances make it impossible for you to continue your studies for six months or more, please contact the Registrar for a leave of absence. There is no charge for this, and it will extend the length of time you have to complete your degree. The granting of a leave of absence indicates a continuing relationship with the University and allows students to resume studies at a specific time without reapplying for admission to the University. A leave of absence generally does not exceed four semesters in length.

Academic Probation

Although a GPA of at least 2.5 is required for the degree, students are not put on academic probation unless their GPA falls below 2.5. Academic probation serves as a warning that a student is in danger of academic disqualification. A student who has not achieved both a term and cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (B-) or higher at the close of a semester will be placed on academic probation. The student will be notified of this probationary status.

Academic Disqualification

A student becomes academically disqualified and may not continue enrollment under any of the following conditions:

  1. A student fails in six or more hours of coursework in any given year.
  2. A student on academic probation fails to achieve both a term and cumulative grade point average of (B-) or higher.

The student will be notified within one week of any disqualification. The Dean may waive academic disqualification if individual circumstances warrant such action.

Appeal of Disqualification

A student who becomes disqualified may appeal the disqualification by filing an appeal to the Registrar within two weeks of the date of notification of disqualification. After the appeal has been considered by the Dean, the Registrar will notify the student of the decision. Once this decision has been made, no further appeal is allowed.

Disqualified students are not eligible for readmission until at least three semesters have elapsed. If readmitted, the student will be on academic probation and will be expected to satisfy the requirements for removal from probation by the end of the term.

Student Achievement and Satisfaction

Institutional Graduation Rate: M.Th. Cohort 1, 100% (20/20), M.T.S. Cohort 1 (12.5%). M.Th. Cohort 2, 20% (2/1 O) Students entering in Fall 2016 have until Fall 2020 to complete their degrees.

Institutional retention rate:

Total Students: Cohorts 1-4, 72 students. 2 Drops. 97 .3% Retention rate.

Institutional performance data as reported on the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (if available for Title IV institutions)
N/A

Institutional performance data as reported to comply with a state disclosure requirement (e.g.,California BPPE placement rate disclosures)?
N/A

Institutional data on undergraduates accepted into accredited graduate programs (to include aframe of reference as determined by the institution)?
N/A

Institutional data on graduates who advance in their profession?
N/A

Total number of graduates by program?
M.Th. Total Graduates: 22; M.T.S. Total Graduates: 1

Agora University will issue a full refund for courses or programs that have been cancelled by the University.

Students may cancel their enrollment with the University within 72 hours from signing the Enrollment Agreement and will be refunded all tuition fees paid minus the application fee. Otherwise, after the 72-hour period, Students who drop from any program or course are subject to the University Refund Policy. Cancellation may be made by phone, email or over Zoom.

Agora University is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards and to upholding the public’s trust. We recognize that our behavior affects not only our own individual reputation, but also that of Agora University. Accordingly, this Code of Ethics forms the ethical principles that will guide all members of the university community in all decisions and activities. These principles are:

Respect: We will nurture a climate of care, concern, fairness, and civility toward others while recognizing and embracing each individual’s dignity, freedom, and diversity even in the face of disagreement.

Honesty and Integrity: We will act and communicate truthfully and candidly. We will uphold the university’s values and make decisions based on the greater good, conducting ourselves free of personal conflicts or appearances of impropriety and self-dealing.

Communication: We will openly share information with stakeholders regarding the
processes used in developing policies and making decisions for the university.

Stewardship: We will use university resources in a wise and prudent manner in order to achieve our educational mission and strategic objectives. We will not use university resources for personal benefit or gain.

Excellence: We will conduct all university affairs diligently, exercising due professional care and striving to meet the high expectations we have set for ourselves as well as the expectations of those we serve.

Responsibility and Accountability: We will be trustworthy and answerable for our conduct, decisions and obligations and will comply with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures. We recognize our obligation to report unethical conduct to appropriate authorities.

Agora University offers online distance education programs that allow students access to their course work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via the Internet. At Agora University, online courses are developed and primarily taught as any regular on-campus classes. The readings, assignments, and examinations mirror courses taught in an on-campus setting. These courses include structured and special instructional techniques to help you succeed as an online student. The course syllabus, outline, and schedule of assignments that students receive the first day of class are located in an online website devoted to the particular course. These items MUST be read initially, so that the online student understands the work load and requirements of the course. Students and instructors communicate initially before the beginning of the term, and then in online discussion forums where students communicate with each other about course work and respond to various topics posted by the instructor. Some courses include real-time instructional sessions where the students interact with their instructor and classmates at a scheduled time. Assignments are submitted electronically via email or the class website. Agora University’s courses are taught using an online course management system. This LMS (learning management system) is a user-friendly learning platform. The course management system has folders where instructors post course information, course materials and assignments for students to access with ease. At the conclusion of each course, students will complete an evaluation of the course, the instructor and the learning platform. This provides the necessary feedback to ensure that we maintain the quality that should be expected at the University.

Is distance education right for me?

distance learning is a great choice for many people, particularly those who are juggling a full-time job and family responsibilities as well. If you are interested in earning a degree or a certificate but commuting to a campus is not an option or if traditional campus classes do not fit into your busy schedule, then online learning may be right for you!

Succeeding as a distance learner:

A successful distance learner learns to:

  1. Be comfortable using technology, computers and navigating the Internet.
  2. Be self-disciplined and avoid procrastination.
  3. Invest a minimum of 3 hours each week on each course.
  4. Be very organized and manage time well.
  5. Enjoy working independently.
  6. Follow written instructions carefully.
  7. Actively participate, share ideas and ask questions in online discussions

Online courses offer a large degree of convenience and flexibility, but it is important to note that these courses require the same level of commitment and effort as attending a class on campus.

How do I access the course materials?

Prior to the beginning of the semester you will receive an email from the Office of Admissions with course access information. This information will include your username and password. The learning platform can be accessed from our website at http://lms.agora.ac/.

Online course attendance:

Just as in face-to-face courses, attending your online course is important. Agora University expects all online students to participate in all instructional activities. Participation in an online course is defined differently than in a face-to face course. Student “attendance” in online courses will be defined as active participation in the course. Online courses will, at a minimum have weekly mechanisms for student participation, which can be documented by any or all of the following methods: student login through the learning platform course software, submission/completion of assignments, which would include discussion board, quizzes, etc., and communication with the instructor during assigned chat sessions and by phone, Zoom or email.

The work of all students at Agora University is reported in grade format. A final grade for each student registered in a course is assigned by instructors as required.

Graduate Courses

The following grades are used to report the quality of graduate student work at Agora University:

A         Superior Achievement

B         Satisfactorily demonstrated potentiality for professional achievement in field of study

C         Passed the course but without doing work indicative of potentiality for professional achievement in field of study

F          Fail

P          Pass (achievement at grade C level or better)

I           Incomplete

IP         In Progress

The grades A, B, and C may be augmented by a plus (+) or minus (-) suffix. The grades A, B, and P signify satisfactory progress toward the degree. Students may apply a C grade toward graduate degrees unless otherwise prohibited by the program requirements. However, courses in which a grade of C is received must be offset by higher grades in the same term for students to remain in good academic standing. A grade of F yields no unit nor course credit.

Grade Points

Grade points per unit are assigned by the Registrar as follows:

Letter Grade

100 Point Scale

GPA

A+

97-100

4

A

93-96

4

A-

90-92

3.7

B+

88-89

3.3

B

84-86

3

B-

80-82

2.7

C+

77-78

2.3

C

74-76

2

C-

70-72

1.7

D+

66-68

1.3

D

64

1

D-

60-62

1

F

Below 60

0

A plus (+) or minus (-) suffix added to a grade increases or decreases the grade-point value, except in the case of A+, which carries the same number of grade points as the A grade. Courses in which students receive a grade of P may count toward satisfaction of degree requirements, but these grades, as well as I and IP are disregarded in determining the grade-point average. (After the removal of an I grade and assignment of a letter grade, units and grade points are included in subsequent grade point averages.

Grade-Point Average

The grade-point average is determined by dividing the number of grade points earned by the number of units attempted. The total grade points earned for a course equals the number of grade points assigned times the number of course units. For example, if a student takes three four-unit courses and receives grades of A-, B-, and C+, then the GPA for the term equals the total grade points (34.8) divided by the total course units (12). The GPA is 2.9. For satisfactory standing, students must maintain a B- average (2.5 GPA).

Only grades earned at Agora University are calculated in the student’s GPA. Grades earned at another institution do not affect the GPA at Agora University.

Incomplete Grades

Once a grade of Incomplete (I) is assigned, it remains on the transcript along with the passing grade students may later receive for the course. The instructor may assign the grade I when work is of passing quality but is incomplete for a good cause (such as illness or other serious problem). It is the student’s responsibility to discuss with the instructor the possibility of receiving an Incomplete as opposed to lower mark impacted by the Incomplete (to include an F grade).

If a grade of (I) is assigned, students may receive unit credit and grade points by satisfactorily completing the coursework as specified by the instructor. Students should not re-enroll in the course; if they do, it is recorded twice on the transcript. If the work is not completed within one year’s time, the I lapses to an F.

Correction of Grades

All grades except I are final when filed by the instructor in the end-of-term course report. After grades have been submitted, a grade change may be made only in case of a clerical or procedural error or other unusual circumstances. No grade may be revised by re-examination or, with the exception of grades of I, by completing additional work. Students who are dissatisfied with a grade should review their work with the instructor and receive an explanation of the grade assigned. All grade changes are recorded on the transcript.

Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in order to graduate. A student cannot graduate if there are any outstanding obligations to the University, such as Tuition fees. Students are considered graduates when the thesis has been completed, and a diploma will be sent to the student. Formal Agora University graduation ceremonies will be held once a year, for all students who completed the degree requirements since the previous ceremony. Attendance is not required.

Agora University admits students of any race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the University. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin in its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships, and any other organization-administered programs.

Agora University recognizes that the protection of the rights of persons requires adherence to clearly formulated institutional policies governing the maintenance of student records. The privacy and confidentiality of all student records shall be preserved. Officers of administration, members of the faculty and staff of the University are bound to respect the rights of a student by holding in confidence information they acquire in the course of their work.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 is a federal law which defines permanent educational records as files, documents and other recorded materials which contain information directly related to a student and which are maintained by Agora University or a person acting in an official capacity for the University.

Educational records do not include those maintained by instructional, supervisory, administrative and educational personnel in the sole possession of information which is not accessible or revealed to any other person. Additionally, educational records do not include records of a student 18 years of age or older or those of a student attending an institution of post-secondary education that are created or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist or other recognized professional or paraprofessional personnel in connection with the provision of treatment to the student unless specifically requested by the student. Records of students as employees are not part of the education record unless the employment results from the employee’s status as a student. Educational records do not include alumni records.

The Registrar coordinates the inspection and review procedures for student records which include personal, academic and financial files as well as placement records. The FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records. The right to inspect and review the student’s educational records within 45 days of the day the University receives an official request for access.

Students should submit to the Registrar a written request that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Registrar will make arrangements for access with the custodian of the particular record and will notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

Official Agora University transcripts are released only when requested in writing by the student. There is a fee for each copy. Transcripts will not be released for students who have failed to meet their financial obligations to the University. The University will not allow transcripts from other institutions sent or delivered to Agora University to be copied or released to a student. Those documents must be requested from the originating institution.

The right to request an amendment of the student’s educational records that he/she believes is inaccurate or misleading. The student should write the Custodian responsible for the particular record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed in 100 words or less, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.

The Custodian of the record will notify the student of its decision to amend the record or deny the student request. If denied, the student may choose to appeal the decision to the appropriate executive official.

Agora University may disclose information on a student without violating FERPA through what is known as directory information. FERPA regulations define “directory information” as information contained in an education record of a student that would not usually be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy. This generally includes a student’s name, address, telephone number, electronic mail address, photograph, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, grade level, enrollment status (full/ part time, undergraduate or graduate), degrees, honors and awards received, other educational institutions attended and related information. Federal law (Solomon Amendment) also requires that institutions of higher education provide military recruiters the names, addresses, telephone numbers and birth dates of currently enrolled students.

A student may restrict the release of his/her directory information by making a request in writing to the Registrar within two weeks of the start of the first enrolled semester of the academic year. This request must be made on a yearly basis.

In certain situations, a student’s consent is not required to disclose educational information. These exceptions include;

  • to school officials who have legitimate educational interests;
  • to Federal, State, and local authorities involving an audit or evaluation of compliance with education programs;
  • to persons or organizations in connection with financial aid;
  • to organizations conducting studies for or on behalf of educational institutions;
  • to accrediting organizations;
  • to parents of students for violations of any law or institutional rule related to the possession of alcohol or controlled substance;
  • to comply with judicial order of subpoena
  • health or safety emergency
  • directory information;
  • to the students themselves;
  • results of disciplinary hearing to an alleged victim of a crime of violence;
  • to the Attorney General of the United States in response to an ex parte order in connection with the investigation or prosecution of terrorism crimes.

Requests to disclose educational information will always be handled with caution and approached on a case-by-case basis. The determination as to whether or not a legitimate educational interest exists will be made by the custodian of the records. When the custodian of the record has any question regarding the legitimacy of the request, the custodian should withhold disclosure unless consent of the student is obtained.

The following is a list of the types of records that the University maintains, their custodian and their appropriate executive official.

Type of Record

Custodian

Appropriate Executive Official

Academic Records

Registrar

Academic Dean

Disciplinary

Academic Dean

CAO

Financial Aid

Director of Finance

CFO

Placement

Registrar

Academic Dean

News Releases

Director of Public Relations

Chancellor

Student Accounts

Director of Finance

CFO

**Agora University uses highly encrypted cloud-based servers to ensure the protection of student records.

Agora University’s Records Retention policy establishes the types of University records and their retention period for records.  It is based upon legal and operational requirements and provides a framework for the life cycle management of University records.

This policy is intended to assist the University in properly protecting and managing the records it needs to maintain, while eliminating the records that are no longer legally or operationally required. This will help to ensure that the University is following all applicable laws and regulations governing records retention and eliminating unnecessary records storage costs.

This policy responds to the various local, state, and federal statutes and regulations and internal policies that apply to records retention.

Roles and Responsibilities

Office of the Dean

The Office of the Dean is responsible for identifying the academic records to be retained and determining the period of retention. The Office of the Dean must also make arrangements for the proper storage of the records and coordinate with outside vendors for that purpose, where appropriate. Finally, the Office of the Dean arranges for the handling of the disposal of records whose retention period has expired.

Office of the CEO

The Office of the CEO is responsible for providing guidance regarding the legal retention requirements for financial and administrative documents and coordinating document holds when litigation is ongoing, pending, threatened, or likely.  The University’s CEO will designate one or more individuals to serve as the point of contact.

Who Should Know This Policy

All University employees; All contractors who create, use, or store University records; All consultants who create, use, or store University records; All vendors who create, use, or store University records.

Exclusions and Special Situations

Any records relevant to pending or ongoing litigation, government investigation, or audit MUST BE RETAINED until such matters have been resolved, all appeals are exhausted, and the retention period has expired.  All disposal of relevant records must cease, including the disposal of records according to approved retention periods, when such a document hold is in place.  In cases where litigation is threatened or likely, consult the Office of the President to determine whether a litigation hold is required.

Policy Definitions

Definition of a Record: Records are documents and parts of documents contained on any media and in any format that: are made or received by the organization; provide evidence of its operations; document business decisions; and/or have value requiring their retention for a specific period of time.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Letters, memoranda and correspondence
  • Policies, procedures and methods
  • Invoices and receipts
  • Purchase orders, contracts and certificates
  • Tax forms
  • Data stored in computers, data processing equipment, and off-line media
  • Computer programs and documentation

Students are allowed one week to cancel enrollment and receive a full refund of all their monies, except for the application fee, the technology fee and the library fee prior to starting coursework. Refunds for students who withdraw after the beginning of classes will be calculated as follows:

  • 80% for withdrawal during the first week of the term.
  • 70% for withdrawal during the second week of the term.
  • 60% for withdrawal during the third week of the term.
  • 50% for withdrawal during the fourth week of the term.
  • No refund will be made after the fourth week of the term.

If a student does not finish a term, no refunds will be made. Tuition fees are not forwarded; if the student drops out and then re-enters, the tuition must be paid anew. Any money due a student must be refunded within 30 days of a cancellation request.

Sample Refund Calculation

Agora will refund 100% of the amount paid for institutional charges, less the non-refundable application fee of $50 (USA) and $25 (Middle East), and the Technology and Library fees, if notice of cancellation is made on the seventh day after enrollment. Students who have started attendance shall receive a pro rata refund based on number of days attended prior to withdrawal.

If a student contacts the University (in any manner) and requests to withdraw during the second week of the term, the student will receive a refund of:

Refund Percentage:  100% less 30% = 70%

Tuition & Fees: (tuition of $500)

Refund: $500 x 70% = $350

Agora University expects each student to use social media responsibly and respectfully in ways that reflect the moral and ethical guidelines set forth by Agora University. Agora University is primarily an online institution, therefore, all courses and instructional materials and correspondence is conducted online. Please check your email account daily. We know life is busy, nonetheless, failure to be aware of updated policies, procedures or other information does not relieve you from responsibility or obligation.

Solicitation

Students, staff or outsiders may not sell to or survey the University community.

Students should refer media inquiries to the Public Relations office which reports to the Office of the Chancellor, which can answer questions accurately and speak officially for Agora University. Students are not to release information or grant interviews to the news media without first checking with the Public Relations office or being asked by that office to do so. In addition, students are not to speak for the University on social media.

Agora University’s Student Identity Verification Policy is in compliance with the requirements set forth by the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA). The HEOA requires that institutions offering online education have processes in place to ensure that the student registering for a course is the same student who participates in the course or receives course credit. The Act requires that institutions use one of the following three methods:

  • A secure login and pass code;
  • Proctored examinations; or
  • New or other technologies and practices that are effective in verifying student identification.

Student ID and Password

All students registered for coursework at Agora University are provided with a secure user ID and password. Access to online courses is controlled by the use of the secure User ID and password.

Learning Management System (LMS)

Agora University uses Moodle as its Learning Management System. Students access the LMS with their unique Student ID and Password.  The unique User ID and password are used to verify that a student who registers for an online course or program is the same student who participates in and completes the course or program.

The small faculty to student ratio ensures close interaction between students and faculty and the ability of faculty to manage student identity via for any sudden change in academic performance, change in writing style, online discussions, or email inquiries. More importantly, constant contact between the students and faculty by phone, Skype, or other technological means assures the faculty of the student’s identity.

Students enrolled in courses at Agora University are responsible for providing complete and true information in any identity verification process.

Verification of Identity

All students submit a personal photograph and a government-issued photo ID at the time of admission. Staff and Faculty verify the identity of all students using Zoom for interviews, online lectures, academic advising and general inquiry live video sessions.

This policy was established to aid in the planning of computer purchase(s) throughout the completion of the Agora University programs.

The University strongly recommends that students entering our programs have appropriate and updated mid-range consumer-grade laptop. Students should consider using a laptop that is already owned or another existing computer if possible. If you do not have access to a laptop already and must purchase a new one we have some recommendations below.Again, please note that if you already have a laptop it does not need to meet the specifications below. These specifications are only for people who don’t already have access to a laptop and must purchase a new one.Some courses in the university may require a more robust system, so be sure to verify any class/software requirements before making a purchase. The College will update these specifications on an annual or biannual basis to match advances in software and hardware requirements.

Example minimum hardware specs:
- Intel® Core™ i5 (4 cores recommended)

- 4GB Memory

- 256GB Hard Drive

- 15.6′′ HD Widescreen LED Display

- Wireless Network Adapter

- Software Requirements:

- Operating System of Choice (ie. Windows or Mac)

- Word Processor of Choice (ex. Microsoft Word)

You must have access to a computer connected to the internet. If you are reading this Handbook, you probably already meet the requirements. Dial-up connections will be sufficient for most classes, but a few classes have video materials, which will display better if you have a DSL or cable connection. You may use any of the common browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Internet Explorer. Most of our course lectures are in PDF format. There is a link to three free PDF readers on our public information page. The PDF pages are designed for full-size computers; tablets may provide an adequate display, but the materials may be difficult to read on smaller devices. We require that you have a word-processing program, such as Microsoft Word. Free word-processing programs are also suitable. We highly recommend that you also have a webcam with a microphone, for identity verification and live sessions. Your internet connection must be able to transmit video.

Student records are confidential. The University cannot process a transcript request unless we receive a signed request and the appropriate payment. Outstanding obligations to the University, such as Tuition fees, must be reconciled prior to release of student transcripts. Send all requests to the Registrar and include instructions on where the transcript should be mailed. We will retain your academic records permanently. You are allowed one free transcript for your own records.

Agora University may consider for transfer coursework completed at accredited institutions of post-secondary education whose accrediting agencies are recognized by the European Union or by an agency recognized by CHEA. Only coursework completed at a C average or better may be considered for transfer after a review by, and at the discretion of the Dean. Students will need to provide a transcript for all accredited coursework taken and indicate a desire to transfer coursework before enrolling in the current term. A maximum of 50% of graduate coursework can be transferred. A minimum of 50% of graduate coursework must be undertaken at Agora University.

Coursework earned at a non-accredited institution may be submitted for review with an official transcript and course descriptions. Coursework earned at non-accredited institutions will be considered on a case by case basis by the Academic Dean. In most cases, refusal to transfer work will be based on content or academic standards incompatible with the courses required for graduation at Agora University.

Please note that Agora University courses might not be transferable to other institutions. It is only at the discretion of the receiving institution to make that decision.