Academic Catalog

Academic Advising

Every student is assigned an advisor at the time of admission into a program. Students should take the lead in sharing any questions or concerns with their advisor. Issues concerning course selection, withdrawing from a course or withdrawing from the program should be discussed with their advisor. Advisors can be contacted in person, by phone or by email.

The Director of Student Services, or faculty working with the Director of Student Services, shall serve as the advisor to students who are not admitted.

Academic Freedom

Faculty and students must be free to form their own conclusions and to make their own decisions in light of the available information. The common good of both depends upon the free search for truth and the free exposition of the findings of that search.

The IIRP adheres to the statement on academic freedom endorsed by the American Association of University Professors.

1. Faculty are entitled to full freedom in research and in the publication of the results, subject to the adequate performance of their other academic duties; but research for pecuniary return should be based upon an understanding with the authorities of the institution.
2. Faculty are entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing their subject, but they should be careful not to introduce into their teaching controversial matter which has no relation to their subject. Limitations of academic freedom because of religious or other aims of the institution should be clearly stated in writing at the time of the appointment.
3. College and university faculty are citizens, members of a learned profession, and officers of an educational institution. When they speak or write as citizens, they should be free from institutional censorship or discipline, but their special position in the community imposes special obligations. As scholars and educational officers, they should remember that the public may judge their profession and their institution by their utterances. Hence they should at all times be accurate, should exercise appropriate restraint, should show respect for the opinions of others, and should make every effort to indicate that they are not speaking for the institution.

Freedom in the Classroom

The IIRP and its faculty encourage free discussion, inquiry and expression in the classroom in accordance with the orderly processes established for classroom instruction. Student academic performance will be evaluated solely on the basis of legitimate academic and professional concerns and not on unrelated opinions or beliefs held or expressed or conduct unrelated to legitimate Institute concerns.

Protection of Freedom of Expression

Students are free to take exception, by appropriate and orderly means, to data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion or belief, but are responsible for learning the content of any course of study and successfully responding to tests, examinations or other course requirements for courses in which they are enrolled.

Protection Against Improper Academic Evaluation

Students are responsible for maintaining standards of academic performance and integrity and complying with appropriate behavioral requirements, and they are provided with processes designed to protect them from improperly prejudiced or capricious academic evaluation. Such processes include consultations with the instructor, or the Provost.

Protection Against Improper Disclosure

Information about student views, beliefs and associations that faculty and staff have acquired in the course of their work with students is protected against improper disclosure by the policies, regulations and procedures of the Institute as well as the professional standards of conduct of the staff.

Academic Integrity

The IIRP expects its students to perform their academic work honestly and fairly. In addition, a student should neither hinder nor unfairly assist the efforts of other students to complete their work successfully.

In an academic community, students are encouraged to help one another learn. Because no two students learn in exactly the same way or take exactly the same things away from course material, the IIRP encourages students to learn together. The boundaries on what is or is not acceptable work may not always be clear; thus, if at any point in academic work the student is uncertain about his or her responsibility as a scholar or about the propriety of a particular action, the instructor should be consulted. The list below is not to be considered complete but rather covers the most common areas of concern.

Plagiarism

A major form of academic dishonesty is plagiarism, which the IIRP defines as the use, deliberate or not, of any outside source without proper acknowledgment. While the work of others often constitutes a necessary resource for academic research, such work must be properly used and credited to the original author. This principle applies to professional scholars as well as to students.

An “outside source” is any work (published or unpublished) composed, written or created by any person other than the student who submitted the work. (This definition is adapted from Napolitano v. Princeton.)

All work that students submit or present as part of course assignments or requirements must be their original work unless otherwise expressly permitted by the instructor. This includes any work presented in written, oral or electronic form or in any other technical or artistic medium. When students use the specific thoughts, ideas, writings or expressions of others, they must accompany each instance of use with some form of attribution to the source. Direct quotes from any source (including the internet) must be placed in quotation marks (or otherwise marked appropriately) and accompanied by proper citation, following the preferred bibliographic conventions of the department or instructor. It is the instructor’s responsibility to make clear to all students in the class the preferred or required APA citation style for student work. Ignorance on the student’s part of bibliographic convention and citation procedures is not a valid excuse for having committed plagiarism.

A student may not present oral or written reports written by others as his or her own work. This includes incorporating work written or dictated by someone other than the student. Students may not use writing or research obtained from a term-paper service or purchased from any person or entity, unless they fully disclose such activity to the instructor and are given express permission. They may not use writings or research obtained from any other student previously or currently enrolled at IIRP.

Students may not normally submit any academic assignment, work or endeavor in more than one course for academic credit of any sort. This will apply to submissions of the same or substantially the same work in the same semester or in different semesters.

Students may resubmit a prior academic endeavor if there is substantial new work, research or other appropriate additional effort. The student shall disclose the use of the prior work to the instructor and receive the instructor’s permission to use it PRIOR to the submission of the current endeavor.

Students may submit the same or substantially the same work in two or more courses with the prior written permission of all faculty involved. Instructors will specify the expected academic effort applicable to their courses and the overall endeavor shall reflect the same or additional academic effort as if separate assignments were submitted in each course. Failure by the student to obtain the written permission of each instructor shall be considered a multiple submission.

Students must keep all notes, drafts and materials used in preparing assignments until a final course grade is given. For work in electronic form, they may be asked to keep all intermediate drafts and notes electronically or in hard copy until final grades are given. All such materials must be available for inspection by the instructor at any time.

Cheating

Students may not submit assignments or any other coursework prepared by, copied from or dictated by others.

Students may not provide or receive unauthorized help in posting assignments or taking examinations, tests, or quizzes, or in preparing any other requirements for a course. Such restrictions are illustrated by but not limited to the following:

• Using unauthorized material in an examination, test or quiz.
• Using calculators or any other electronic devices unless authorized by the instructor.
• Using email or text messaging during any exam without the permission of the instructor.
• Stealing or transmitting in writing, electronically or verbally actual examinations, tests, quizzes or portions thereof prior to or during an exam.
• Reading or observing another’s work without his or her consent, whether it be on paper, electronically or in any other form.
• Soliciting or using a proxy test-taker or acting in that capacity.

Helping or Hindering Others

Students may not tamper with, damage or otherwise hinder the work of others to complete their assignments successfully.

False Testimony

Students may not submit or present a falsified excuse for an absence from course activities either directly or through another source.

Students may not falsify research data or results. They may not invent bibliographical entries for research papers, websites or handouts. They may not falsify information about the date of submission for any coursework.

Copyright

In the preparation of course, program or degree work, students are directed to comply with the copyright law of the United States (Title XVII, United States Code). Violations of copyright law and violations of regulations regarding the use of copyrighted material for educational purposes are violations of this policy.

Library

Damage to or abuse of library, media, learning management systems, computing or other academic resources is prohibited by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Internet

Students may not copy print or non-print media or download copyrighted files (including music) from the internet beyond accepted norms. Consult with instructors concerning United States copyright policies on “fair use” for educational purposes.

Consequences of Violating the Academic Integrity Policy

All student violations of academic integrity policies and the student Code of Conduct may be handled through traditional procedures or, if the student agrees, through a restorative process. The option of a restorative process is most appropriate if the student admits the violation.

An instructor who suspects a student of violating the policy on academic integrity with regard to an assignment, requirement, examination, test or quiz will promptly investigate the suspicion and discuss it with the student.

If the student does not admit to the violation, the instructor may consult with another instructor using a blind copy of the work in question to verify the violation.

If, in the opinion of instructor(s), the violation is clear, the student may receive no credit or an “F” for the work in question. In addition, the instructor(s) must inform the student in writing of the violation and penalty. A copy of this memo must be sent to the Provost and the Director of Student Services.

A record of the violation will be kept by Student Services until the student completes his or her degree or certification program, at which point all references to the incident will be removed from the student’s permanent record. Anonymous information may be maintained by the IIRP for statistical purposes only.

If a student’s first violation is substantial or if he or she has a second violation, sanctions may range from academic probation to expulsion from the graduate program.

If a student wishes to appeal the violation, he or she should first consult with the instructor(s), then, if dissatisfied with the result of that consultation, should contact the Provost. If the student wishes to appeal further, they may contact the President in writing. The President will respond within ten working days. If the aggrieved party is still not satisfied, the issue may be appealed to the Board of Trustees. Student appeals must be filed within one month of the instructor’s filing of the violation.

At any point in the process, the student, the instructor(s) or the administration may suggest a restorative process. Participation by the student in a restorative process is strictly voluntary.

Academic Records (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 and its amendments are federal law that affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. The IIRP Graduate School will maintain the confidentiality of student education records in accordance with the provisions of the Act and will accord all rights under the Act to current and former students of the IIRP who are declared independent.

The Act also limits who outside the IIRP may have access to a student’s academic records. Academic records may not be transmitted to individuals or agencies outside of the institution without the student’s written consent, except as provided by law. Therefore, students must give written permission when requesting the institution to forward records to off-campus persons, agencies or institutions. The law permits the IIRP to release without permission such information as a student’s name, telephone number, enrollment status, dates of attendance, major field and degrees and awards received.

If you do not want the IIRP to disclose directory information from your education records, you must complete the “Request to Opt Out of Directory Information” form. Please contact Student Services at 610-807-9221 to obtain the form.

Upon receipt of the completed form, your request will remain in effect until such time as you inform us in writing that you no longer wish to keep your information private. Prior to completing this form, please consider all the effects of this decision. For example, if you tell us not to disclose your directory information to third parties, we will not share your information with anyone (except persons who have a right to see your information under the law), including persons or agencies offering jobs and educational benefits such as scholarships or agencies regarding loan deferments. Also, note that if you have requested that we not disclose your directory information but you would like to have your name appear in the commencement program, you must provide your signed written consent no later than March 1 for that year’s commencement.

Rights of Inspection

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act provides students with the right to inspect and review information contained in their educational records; to challenge the contents of those records that students consider to be inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of their privacy or other rights; to a hearing if the outcome of the challenge is unsatisfactory; and to submit explanatory statements for inclusion in their files if they deem the decisions of the hearing panels unacceptable. The Director of Student Services has been assigned to coordinate the inspection and review procedures for student education records, which include admissions, personal, academic and financial files, and academic and placement records.

The full text of the Act is available at the Office of Student Services. (Much of the text in this section is direct quotation or a paraphrase of its language.) It also can be accessed at the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

Education Records: Definition

Education records are those directly related to a student that are maintained by the IIRP.

Education records do not include the following:

• Records of instructional, supervisory, administrative personnel and ancillary educational personnel that are in the sole possession of the maker and are not accessible or revealed to any other individual except a substitute who may temporarily perform the duties of the maker.
• Records relating to individuals who are employed by the IIRP that are made and maintained in the normal course of business, relate exclusively to individuals in their capacity as employees and are not used for another purpose.
  Note: Records of persons who are employed solely as a consequence of institute attendance, e.g., tutors, are education records.
• Records, including student health records, created and maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist or other recognized medical or counseling professional or paraprofessional, to be used solely in connection with the provision of treatment to the student and not disclosed to anyone other than for treatment purposes, provided that records may be disclosed to physicians or professionals of the student’s choice.
  Note: Treatment in this context does not include remedial education activities or other activities that are part of the program of instruction at the IIRP.
• Records of the institution that contain only information relating to a person after that person is no longer a student at the institution, e.g., accomplishments of alumni.
• Records of the institution relating to violations of federal, state or institutional regulations pertaining to alcohol or drugs.

Request for Review

Students wishing to review their education records must make a written request to the Director of Student Services, who has the record in his or her custody, listing the item or items to be reviewed. Only those records covered by the Act will be available for review.

The items requested shall be made available no later than 45 calendar days following receipt of the written request. A copy of the academic record may be refused if a hold for nonpayment of financial obligation exists. Copies may be made at the student’s expense. The fee for making copies of the educational record is $1 per page, to be remitted at the time the copy is requested. Students have the right to a copy of the education record when failure to provide a copy would prevent the student from inspecting and reviewing the record, e.g., when distance prevents the student from ready access to campus.

Limitations on Student Rights

There are some limitations on the rights of students to inspect records. Students have no right of inspection or review of the following items:

• Confidential letters and statements of recommendation placed in the records after January 1, 1975, to which the student has waived the right of inspection and review and that are related to the student’s admission, application for employment or job placement or receipt of honors.
• Education records containing information about more than one student; however, in such cases the institution will permit access to that part of the record that pertains only to the inquiring student.

Waiver of Student Rights

Students may waive any or all of their rights under the Act. The IIRP Graduate School does not require waivers, and no institutional service shall be denied students who fail to supply waivers.

All waivers must be in writing and signed by the student. Students may waive their right to inspect and review either individual documents (e.g., a letter of recommendation) or classes of documents (e.g., an admissions file). The items or documents to which students have waived the right of access shall be used only for the purpose(s) for which they were collected. If used for other purposes, the waivers shall be void, and the documents may be inspected by the student. The student may revoke the waiver in writing, but revocation does not establish the right to inspect and review documents collected while the waiver was in force.

Consent Provisions

No person outside of the IIRP shall have access to nor shall the IIRP disclose any personally identifiable information from students’ education records without the written consent of the student. The consent must specify the records to be released, the purpose of the disclosure and the party or class of parties to whom disclosure may be made. Consent must be signed and dated by the student.

Exceptions to Consent Policy

There are exceptions to the consent policy. The IIRP reserves the right, as allowed under the Act, to disclose education records or components thereof without written consent to:

• Personnel within the IIRP who demonstrate a need to know and who act in the student’s educational interest, including faculty, administration, clerical and professional employees and other persons who manage student records.
• Officials of other institutions in which the student seeks to enroll, on the condition that the IIRP make a reasonable attempt to inform the student of the disclosure at the student’s last known address. In most instances, if the student initiated the request to transfer, a permission to transfer education records is explicit in the request.
• Officials of other schools in which the student is currently enrolled.
• Persons or organizations providing student financial aid in order to determine the amount, eligibility or conditions of an award and to enforce the terms of an award.
• Accrediting organizations carrying out their functions.
• Authorized representatives of the comptroller-general of the United States, the secretary of the U.S. Department of Education and state educational authorities, if the information is necessary for audit and evaluation of federal or state-sponsored programs.
• State and federal officials to whom disclosure is required by state statute adopted prior to November 19, 1974.
• Organizations conducting studies to develop, validate and administer predictive tests, to administer student-aid programs or to improve instruction, so long as there is no further external disclosure of personally identifiable information and the information is destroyed when no longer necessary for the project.
• Persons in compliance with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena if reasonable effort is made to notify the student.
• Appropriate persons in a health or safety emergency, so long as there is a serious threat to the student or others, the knowledge of the information is necessary to meet the emergency, time is of the essence and the persons to whom the information is disclosed are in a position to deal with the emergency.

Institutional Record of Disclosure

The IIRP will keep a written record of all such exceptional disclosures and the student has the right to inspect such records, which will include the names of parties or agencies to whom disclosure was made, the legitimate reason for the disclosure and the date of the disclosure. No record of disclosure shall be required for those requests made by students for their own use, those disclosures made with a student’s written consent, those made to officials of the IIRP or those specified as directory information.

Disclosure of Education Record Information

The IIRP will obtain written consent from students before disclosing any personally identifiable information from their education record (with exceptions as noted under Exceptions to Consent Policy). Such written consent for disclosure must: specify the records to be released, state the purpose of the disclosure, identify the party or class of parties to whom disclosure may be made and be signed and dated by the student. All such consents shall be maintained in the education record of the student.

Challenge of Contents of Education Records

A student who believes that their education records contain information that is inaccurate or misleading or otherwise violates their privacy or other rights may discuss their concerns informally with the Provost. If the decision of the Provost concurs with the student’s request, the appropriate records shall be amended and the student shall be notified in writing of the amendment(s). If they disagree, the student must be notified within 15 calendar days that the records will not be amended and of the student’s right to a hearing on the matter.

Student requests for a formal hearing must be made in writing within 30 calendar days from the mailing of the notice from the Provost who, within 30 days after receipt of the written request, shall inform the student of the date, time, and place of the hearing. The student shall be afforded a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issue(s) raised. If the student desires, he or she may be assisted or represented at the hearing by one or more persons of his or her choice, including an attorney, at the student’s expense. The hearing may be conducted by any party, including an official of the IIRP, so long as the person does not have a direct interest in its outcome. The panel that adjudicates such challenges is made up of members of the Board of Trustees. The hearing panel shall base its decision solely on the evidence presented at the hearing. Its decision shall be final and in writing, summarizing the evidence and stating the reasons for the decision. The written report shall be mailed to the student and any other concerned party within 30 calendar days of the hearing.

If the hearing panel determines that the information at issue is inaccurate, misleading or a violation of privacy or other rights, the student’s record shall be amended in accordance with the decision and the student so informed in writing. If the hearing panel decision is unsatisfactory to the student, he or she may place with the education record a statement(s) commenting on the information in the record or setting forth any reason for disagreeing with the decision of the hearing panel. The statements shall be placed in the education record, maintained as part of the record and released whenever the records in question are disclosed to an authorized party.

Note: Rights of challenge cannot be used to question substantive educational judgments that are correctly recorded (e.g., course grades with which the student disagrees).

Students who believe that the adjudication of their challenges was unfair or not in keeping with the provisions of the Act may request, in writing, assistance from the President of the IIRP to aid them in filing a complaint with the Family Policy and Regulations Office, Department of Education, Room 1087, 400 Maryland Avenue S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202.

Challenge of Institutional Compliance

Students may file complaints with the Department of Education concerning alleged failure of the institution to comply with FERPA. Written complaints should be directed to the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202.

Destruction of Records

Once a student has requested access to his or her records, the records shall not be destroyed until inspection and review have been provided. The following items shall not be destroyed or removed from the record: (1) explanatory statements placed in the record by the student (see the section on challenging educational records, above); and (2) records of disclosure and requests for disclosures. The IIRP reserves the right to destroy information contained in student records and files when the information on file is no longer valid or useful, e.g., letters of recommendation once they have been used for their original purpose.

Appeal of Instructor Evaluation of Student Work

Part of an IIRP faculty member’s responsibility is to evaluate student work and award credit for each course fairly and consistently in accordance with the course expectations included in the syllabus that each student receives at the beginning of a course.

Students may challenge the instructor’s evaluation of their work by first consulting with the instructor(s). If the issue is not resolved after consultation with the instructor, students may appeal their concern to the Provost. The IIRP will deal with such challenges in a manner consistent with restorative practices.

If a student wishes to appeal the final grade received in a course the student must begin the process within 90 days from the date the grade is posted.

Dismissal

Students will be subject to disciplinary dismissal if they violate the IIRP’s standards of conduct or if they fail to meet their financial obligations to the IIRP. Dismissal will be handled in a manner consistent with restorative practices. Students who have been dismissed from the IIRP are not likely to be readmitted; however, exceptions may be considered.

Final Examinations

If a student is unable to take a final examination, the instructor’s permission must be secured in order for a make-up examination to be arranged. Appeals of the decision of the instructor should be directed to the Provost.

Grades

Minimum course expectations are as follows:

1. Students must log in and participate in online activities and/or attend all scheduled classes as defined by the instructor.
2. Assignments must be completed by the due date according to the standards specified by the course instructor.
3. Written and oral assessments must satisfy the standards specified by the course instructor.
4. The course instructor will decide on whether to allow exceptions or extensions.

Grades will be reported as follows:

1. An “F” in any graduate course will result in disqualification from the program. Students cannot continue in the graduate program or be issued a non-degree graduate certificate if they earn more than one grade of “C” in any graduate course. Students who earn a “C” may elect to retake the course to improve their grade. Exceptions to such disqualifications may be made upon appeal to the Provost.
2. When all of the course expectations are met the student’s transcript will indicate the letter grade assigned by the instructor(s) in grade reports and transcripts. Where exceptions or extensions have been granted, students must resolve any outstanding requirements within the timeframe specified. If that timeframe extends beyond the end of the term, the course will be designated as “incomplete,” abbreviated “I” in grade reports and transcripts.
3. A student who fails to complete a course within the prescribed period shall receive at the instructor’s discretion either a grade of “I” (incomplete) or “F” (failure). The instructor may permit an extension of time up to one year for the completion of the course. In such cases, any course that is still incomplete after one calendar year from its official ending will convert to the grade of “F” (failure). Depending on the circumstances, the period allowed to complete a course may be extended upon appeal to the Provost.
4. If a student chooses to withdraw from a course within the time specified in IIRP policy, the course will be designated a “withdrawal,” abbreviated “W” in grade reports and transcripts. Withdrawals do not impact the GPA but the student will be required to retake the course in order to receive credit.
5. Students required to retake a course as a result of an incomplete or withdrawal or students who elect to retake a course to improve a “C” grade must pay full tuition on re-enrollment in that course.

Leave of Absence

All matriculated graduate students are expected to enroll continuously for all three terms from the time of admission until the completion of their degree requirements. Students who plan, from the outset, to attend less than three terms each calendar year should consult with the Director of Student Services to define an alternative enrollment plan. Students, in the course of their studies, must apply for a leave of absence if they want to skip one or more terms, by consulting with the Director of Student Services. Students must complete their degree program within five years from the time of admission.

Registration

Students register for courses utilizing the online registration process through their Student Portal. New students will need to create a Student Portal prior to registering for courses.

Courses start at various times during the term. Registered students will receive an email notification when the course becomes available in Moodle, the Learning Management System.

Course requirements vary and may include purchasing books or completing work prior to the start date of the course. Registration is to be completed no later than one week prior to the start of class to provide the student with sufficient time to prepare for the course. Due to the nature of the courses, registration for RP 540 Restorative Practices Symposium and Conferences and RP 541 World Conference is permitted up to two days prior to the start of those courses.

Students who choose to register after the deadline will pay the Late Registration Materials Fee of $25, which is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Research Involving Human Subjects Policy

The IIRP Graduate School has established an Assurance of Compliance with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regulations governing research involving human subjects. Since research comprises a vital part of graduate education and research may involve human subjects, graduate students must be aware of their responsibilities.

All research involving human subjects must be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) prior to the initiation of the research.

The human subjects regulations extend into the classroom and youth counseling settings so that graduate students with teaching and counseling assignments as well as those engaged in research should carefully observe these constraints and protections. Copies of the Assurance of Compliance and HHS regulations (45 CFR 46) may be obtained from the Vice President for Administration.

Technical Proficiency

Technology

The primary purpose of the IIRP’s computing resources and other information technologies is to enhance and support the educational mission of the IIRP. These resources include workstations and multi-user computer systems, as well as local area networks and connections to other computer networks.

All students, faculty and staff are responsible for using the IIRP’s computing resources in a safe, effective, ethical and lawful manner. Note: Logging onto or otherwise connecting to the campus network implies acceptance of this policy.

The intent of this statement is to give an overview of acceptable and unacceptable uses of computing resources without exhaustively enumerating all such uses and misuses. This statement is intended as an addition to existing policies concerning academic honesty and the use of facilities. The predominant goal of this policy is to promote honesty, respect for individuals and respect for both physical and intellectual property. All expectations regarding academic honesty and professional ethics extend to assignments completed in electronic form. It is never permitted to use another person’s computer authorization for any purpose or to provide your own authorization to another.

It is never permitted to access someone else’s work without explicit permission. It is not permitted to engage in any activity that would harass others or impede their work. All members of the campus community are required to adhere to all copyright laws. As part of the internet community, students connecting their computers to the IIRP’s must take reasonable precautions against viruses.

While the IIRP makes every effort to maintain the security of its systems, no guarantee of privacy can be made for electronically stored information or email. Users of institutional computing resources also should be aware that the IIRP reserves the right to inspect information stored on its systems when there is reasonable cause to suggest a violation of the institution’s policies.

Standards of ethics and behavior while using computing resources should follow such standards as outlined in IIRP handbooks and policy documents. Disciplinary procedures for violations will follow standard institutional procedures and may result in curtailment of network privileges.

The items below constitute examples of acceptable and unacceptable use:

Acceptable Use

• Use consistent with the mission of the IIRP.
• Use for purposes of, or in support of, education and research.
• Use related to administrative and other support activities.
• Personal communications as long as these do not interfere with the mission of the institution, infringe on the time of staff or students or overload system or network resources.

Unacceptable Use

• Use of computers or networks that violates federal, state or local laws or statutes.
• Providing, assisting in or gaining unauthorized or inappropriate access to the IIRP’s computing resources.
• Use of the IIRP’s computers or networks for unauthorized or inappropriate access to systems, software or data at other sites.
• Installing on the network unauthorized network devices and network services such as wireless access points, internet address resolution servers, hubs, routers and switches.
• Use of the IIRP’s systems or networks to copy, store, display or distribute copyrighted material in any medium, or to prepare derivative works of such material, without the express permission of the copyright owner, except as otherwise allowed under copyright law.
• Installation of software on IIRP owned computers that is not either in the public domain or for which legal licensing has not been acquired by the individual user or the institution via the IIRP Technology Unit.
• Activities that interfere with the ability of others to use computing resources or other network-connected services effectively.
• Activities that result in unauthorized access to or the loss of another’s work.
• Connecting one’s personal computer to the network without taking reasonable precautions against viruses.
• Distribution of obscene, abusive or threatening messages via electronic media, such as email or instant messaging.
• Distribution of chain letters or broadcasting to lists of individuals in a manner that might cause congestion of the network.
• Use of the IIRP’s computers or networks for commercial use or profit-making enterprises except as specifically agreed to with the institution.

Internet Peer-to-Peer File-Sharing Policy

In recent years, internet peer-to-peer file-sharing programs have made it easy to download and share music, movies, and software files. This is a problem for the IIRP and other institutions because it encourages behavior that violates copyright law and because it creates internet traffic congestion. In accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the IIRP will by policy and procedure:

• Ensure for all users adequate and equitable access to the internet for academic purposes and personal communications.
• Respect our community’s rights to privacy and confidentiality, freedom of speech and academic freedom while using the network.
• Educate the network-user community on the technical, legal and ethical aspects of copyright and intellectual property.
• Uphold copyright law as spelled out in the 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act and elsewhere. The Act defines copyright and fair use in the digital age.

The IIRP prohibits the use of its systems or networks to copy, store, display or distribute copyrighted material in any medium, or to prepare derivative works of such material, without the express permission of the copyright owner, except as otherwise allowed under copyright law. In addition to sanctions by the institution, copyright violators could be subject to felony charges under state and federal law and may be sued by the copyright holder.

Under copyright law, unless you have express permission from the copyright holder to engage in the copying, downloading and sharing of files, you are in violation of the law.

Peer-to-peer programs have no provision to acquire permission. In practice, therefore, their use for downloading music and movies may put you in violation of the IIRP’s policy and the law.

Peer-to-peer file-sharing programs have legitimate uses for sharing information over the internet. In addition, the internet has allowed the democratization of the music industry, allowing musicians to distribute their works and gain audiences not possible before the internet. However compelling these arguments may be, they in no way absolve file-sharing users from the need to follow copyright law and respect intellectual property ownership.

The technology department at the IIRP does not intend to block peer-to-peer file-sharing programs, nor does it monitor the content of network traffic. However, the IIRP does monitor traffic patterns in order to guarantee acceptable network performance for all users. If the technology department becomes aware of policy violations or illegal activities in the course of investigating network congestion or determining problems, it will investigate by inspecting content stored or shared on its network.

The IIRP’s acceptable use policy also prohibits activities that interfere with the ability of others to use the IIRP’s computing resources or other network-connected services effectively. This may apply to peer-to-peer file-sharing programs irrespective of copyright violations, as these programs consume huge amounts of network resources.

Textbook Cost Containment

Transcript Requests

If a student needs a transcript that reflects graduate credits earned at the IIRP Graduate School, the student must submit a request using the Transcript Request Form, which can be accessed via the Student Portal.

An official academic transcript must be sent directly from the accredited college or university that granted your baccalaureate degree. Electronic transcripts should be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; paper transcripts should be mailed by postal service to: 
Attn: Director of Student Services, IIRP Graduate School, 531 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018. International credentials must be evaluated on a course-by-course basis by any organization approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) and sent directly by that organization to the IIRP.

Verification of Student Identity

All credit-bearing courses and programs offered through distance learning methods must verify that the student who registers for a distance education course is the same student who participates in and completes the course or program and receives academic credit for doing so.

Students seeking enrollment in distance education courses will provide appropriate information to establish their identity. All methods of verifying student identity in distance learning must protect the privacy of student information in compliance with FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). Personally identifiable information collected, such as a photo ID, may be used at the discretion of the institution as the basis for identity verification.

Each student establishes a unique username and password when creating a Student Portal to manage their student account online. The secure username and password are required to access both the Student Portal and the Learning Management System (LMS).

Should a student forget their unique information and not be able to reset access through the online password reset procedures, Student Services is responsible to verify student identity and reset access. Security questions using non-directory information are asked by Student Services to verify student identity when resetting student passwords or accessing student records for other purposes. There are no additional charges associated with verification of student identity.

Having a secure online learning environment is critical to verification of student identity. All users of the IIRP’s Student Portal and Learning Management System are responsible for maintaining the security of usernames, passwords and other access credentials. An account is assigned to an individual for exclusive use by that individual. Attempting to discover another student’s password or gain unauthorized access to someone else’s Student Portal is prohibited. It is against the IIRP’s Academic Integrity policy for a student to give someone else their password or allow others to use their account, and doing so could lead to disciplinary action. Users are responsible for any and all activity on their account.

Faculty teaching courses through distance education methods have a role in identity verification insofar as they can be alert to changes in student behavior, such as sudden shifts in academic performance or changes in writing style or language used in discussion groups or email, that may indicate academic integrity issues. Faculty will routinely use a variety of assessment instruments whenever possible.

Withdrawal from a Course

Your class registration commits you to attend and complete the class for which you have paid.

Withdrawal prior to the start of a class

For any class, you may withdraw at least one working day before the class begins by submitting the course withdrawal form through the Student Portal. Select the term. Then mark the radio button for the appropriate course, enter a reason for withdrawing, and click Submit. Your request for withdrawal will be sent to the Director of Student Services to be processed. We will refund the tuition you have paid for that course, minus a $50 withdrawal fee. No refunds will be given for registration materials.

Once classes begin, the following policies apply:

Three-credit traditional or blended courses

If you submit the course withdrawal form through your Student Portal before the third class day, you will receive a refund of 50% of the tuition you have paid and an official grade of “W”. On or after the third day, you cannot receive a refund if you withdraw. If you notify us of your withdrawal before the last day of class, you will receive an official grade of “W”.

If you do not notify us officially of your withdrawal during the time the course is being conducted, you will receive an official grade of “F”. No refunds will be given for registration materials.

Note: If this is taken as a professional development event and then applied to graduate credit and if you submit the course withdrawal form through your Student Portal before the third day from the start of the online component, you will receive a refund of 50% of the tuition you have paid and an official grade of “W”. If you withdraw on or after the date that is three days from the online component, your tuition will not be refunded and you will receive an official grade of “W”. If you do not notify us of your withdrawal prior to the scheduled online end date you will receive a grade of “F”. No refunds will be given for registration materials.

Three-credit fully online courses

If you submit the course withdrawal form through your Student Portal before the 14th day from the start of a fully online class, you will receive a refund of 50% of the tuition you have paid and an official grade of “W”. If you withdraw on or after the date that is 14 days from the start date of an online class your tuition will not be refunded and you will receive an official grade of “W”. If you do not notify us of your withdrawal prior to the scheduled online end date you will receive a grade of “F”. No refunds will be given for registration materials.

Only withdrawal requests submitted through the Student Portal will be honored.

Withdrawal from a Program

Students who intend to withdraw from an IIRP master’s program are to call the Provost.