Name and/or Address Change
It is the responsibility of each student to update any address or telephone number changes through the student information system, Workday. If a name change is required, the student must submit a request in Workday, along with legal documentation. It is imperative that these records be kept current at all times.
Please refer to the policy library on the intranet for name change policies.
Misuse of a preferred name change includes misrepresentation, attempting to avoid legal obligation.
Confidentiality & Disclosure of Student Records
Please see the University policy library for information on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) policy and procedures.
Students may review the annual notification of their rights under FERPA and other student privacy resources on myKCU at any time.
Dispute Resolution Policy
From time to time, disputes may arise between the student and KCU. Notwithstanding issues involving matters subject to the Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy and any such other issue as designated in other University policy, student discipline and grievances are handled utilizing the Student Disciplinary Committees and Student Grievances policies. For issues not resolved by the grievance procedure or a student disciplinary committee, or for other disputes where University means are not a reasonable option for resolution, such disputes remaining are subject to arbitration (see below).
Binding Arbitration Agreement
As a condition of enrollment at KCU and as otherwise specified in the relevant agreement, students must agree to the terms of a comprehensive and binding Arbitration Agreement, which is available through Workday. The Agreement includes, among other terms, a waiver of rights by the student. Students are strongly encouraged to thoroughly review that document before signing.
Information Technology
KCU recognizes the abundance of technological resources available. It is essential for individuals to have access to the latest technology and information obtainable in order to effectively and efficiently do their jobs, reach their goals, grow professionally, and fulfill their educational requirements. For this reason, through the Information Technology department (IT), KCU provides technological access to individuals. Nevertheless, KCU must respect and observe the rights and privileges of copyright holders, obey the U.S. Copyright Act and other laws pertaining to educational institutions, and preserve the integrity of its internal network systems.
Account Guidelines
Accounts are automatically created for all matriculated KCU students, employees, and on an as-needed basis for educational requirements. Accounts will remain in effect until graduation, termination, expiration of the account pursuant to the terms of the special arrangement, or when the provisions of this policy have been violated, as applicable.
User Responsibilities
Individuals who use IT resources at KCU are granted such access as a privilege. Everyone is expected to use accounts responsibly within the KCU-approved educational, academic, research, and/or administrative guidelines for which such accounts are granted.
- Individuals shall use only the KCU accounts that have been authorized for his/her use.
- Individuals are responsible for any activity conducted on his/her accounts and should protect his/her accounts by keeping passwords confidential.
- Users are responsible for ensuring that KCU authorized equipment for which he/she is responsible remains in compliance with this policy.
- Individuals learning of any misuse of KCU equipment or violations of this policy shall notify the IT department in a timely manner.
- The internet facilities provided by KCU are University property. Access to the internet imposes certain responsibilities and obligations. Use of the Internet, including the University’s Internet applications, must be ethical and honest with due respect for intellectual property rights, system security, and personal privacy.
- Users must follow KCU’s password management policies and all user accounts will be forced to change their passwords periodically throughout the year.
University Monitoring Rights
KCU reserves the right to:
- Access or monitor (without notice) any use of the KCU network and University-owned applications including, but not limited to, internet access, email use, learning management system access and use, storage of electronic, magnetic, and other files and information, etc. Use of any KCU-sponsored applications constitutes consent to such access and monitoring.
- Request and obtain proof of proper licensing from any user of any software applications found on KCU authorized equipment.
- Inspect the drive space of all account holders and any KCU computer equipment.
- Monitor and read email messages and discussion boards. All electronic mail accounts and content of the discussion boards are the property of KCU.
- Periodically audit all authorized equipment for software and other materials that may violate this policy.
Prohibited Activities
Users are strictly prohibited from performing, alone or in conjunction with, activities that include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Sharing of passwords or logins, such as an individual allowing friends, family, co-workers, or others to use his/her KCU accounts.
- Copying software without the proper authorization from KCU’s director of IT.
- Theft of hardware, software (including unauthorized reproduction), supplies, or other property.
- Installing software (including but not limited to games, shareware, freeware, careware, etc.) on any KCU computer hard drive or network drive without proper authorization from KCU’s director of IT.
- Without proper authorization, attempting to:
- Access, copy, or destroy programs or files that belong to other users or KCU;
- Disable or overload any computer system or network;
- Circumvent any system or procedure intended to protect the privacy or security of any person, network, information, data, program or system; or
- Place or use, regardless of the means, on KCU property or in accounts on any KCU equipment so-called “hacker” files or other computer programs or devices whose principal function is to defeat security or copy protection mechanisms.
- Modifying or altering KCU computing equipment:
- Changing computer settings;
- Introducing viruses, worms, Trojan horses, trap-door programs, or other intentionally destructive or disabling codes into any system running on any KCU equipment (this includes the internet).
- Making any changes without written permission from the IT department.
- Attempting to undermine network security, to impair functionality of the network, or to bypass restrictions including, but not limited to, security restrictions set by IT or KCU.
- Assisting others in violating, or negligently allowing others to violate rules.
- Sending messages with sexual, racial, discriminating or harassing content, including any offensive or unlawful remarks, jokes, slurs and obscenities.
- Sending electronic chain letters.
- Using email or internet services, including internet applications, for personal financial gain, business or commercial enterprises, or illegal activities (including use of KCU’s email address or any part of a KCU domain name to solicit or receive solicited commercial-related or illegal communications).
- Using KCU email or IT resources to send surveys, petitions, or similar communication to groups of students without prior approval by the vice provost for Student Services, other authorized student services staff person, University administrator, or faculty advisor.
- Downloading any program to any KCU computer equipment without the prior consent of KCU’s director of IT.
Email Access Policy
Graduates of KCU will maintain access to their KCU email for 90 days following graduation. Students who withdraw or are dismissed maintain access to their KCU email for 7 days from the date they received an official letter confirming the withdrawal or dismissal. Students who are administratively withdrawn from the University will have their KCU email access for 7 days from the day the administrative withdrawal was processed.
Discipline
Unauthorized or fraudulent use of the University’s computing resources is a violation of University conduct standards, including but not limited to the student Code of Professional Conduct, and may be against the law. Failure to comply with the stated provisions and applicable local, state and federal laws may result in disciplinary action and/or civil penalties (including damages, criminal fines, and/or imprisonment). Information derived from system monitoring and/or contained in electronic messages or files may be used as a basis for administrative, disciplinary, or criminal proceedings.
- Individuals who do not comply with the provisions outlined in this policy may have all user privileges suspended, restricted, or terminated. In addition, users may be subject to further disciplinary action, which may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension, expulsion or termination from KCU.
- Any account holder who knowingly or negligently allows a third party to use his/her accounts to do anything otherwise prohibited by this policy shall be disciplined as if the account holder was the responsible party.
- In addition to any action which KCU may take against the account holder, KCU reserves the right to pursue all claims (equitable, legal, and criminal) against and remedies to which KCU may be entitled to from the account holder and/or the actual third-party offender.
- KCU may report to the appropriate law enforcement agencies any actions by account holders believed to be against the law.
Personal Electronic Recording Policy
Students are prohibited to record any curricular activities, including lectures, labs, small groups, presentations, reviews, demonstrations, and any activity in which faculty members, patients, or off-campus visitors are participating without an approved accommodation from the Disability Services & Advising Coordinator. Personal recordings can impact the privacy and intellectual property rights of students, faculty, staff, and any other participant during the activity.
Students who initiate electronic recording of faculty, staff, visitors, or a curriculum activity without permission will be asked to discontinue the activity immediately. Additional action may involve referral to the University administration or Student Progress Committee for unprofessional conduct.
Communications
All KCU students are required to check their KCU email regularly. KCU will officially communicate with and notify students of important and official communications via their KCU email address. KCU may also communicate officially through standard mail via the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). It is the responsibility of the student to update and keep their preferred mailing address current by submitting an Address Change form via the Student Forms section of the Registrar intranet page.
Bulletin Boards
Bulletin boards are in designated campus buildings and available for individual and group use to promote and inform students of opportunities and activities with a connection to the curriculum, student organizations, or the like, both on and off campus. Student Services has the right to remove any item(s) posted without approval or that Student Services otherwise deems to be irrelevant to KCU’s educational mission. All postings should be dated to reflect the time of posting. Students are prohibited from affixing posters, flyers or informational materials to walls, restroom stalls, elevators, etc.
myKCU
The intranet (myKCU) is a private, internal website for KCU students, faculty, and staff. This site provides students with information regarding KCU administrative departments, links to Student Services resources, a calendar of events, online approval forms for campus activities, a campus directory, important announcements, building hours, cafeteria menu, and a helpful resource center. NOTABLY, this internal website also houses KCU’s policy library, which includes policies that apply to students that may be in addition to the Catalog and Student Handbook. Students should check myKCU on a daily basis. The intranet serves as the portal for many other applications, such as the KCU email system, Canvas, Workday Self-Service, NetPartner, etc.
KCU Website
The goal of the KCU website is to inform the general public about the University and to provide its constituents with valuable resources and information.
Online Education
Instructure Canvas is the learning management system (LMS) that KCU uses to provide supplemental instruction to students. The learning management system is an integral part of the 21st century learning process. All KCU students are required to check Canvas for course-related information on a regular basis. Student resources provided by Student Services and Clinical Education are also available through Canvas.
Email
All KCU email accounts are the property of KCU and may be subject to review at any time. KCU email should never be considered private or confidential. Email is one of the official means of communication by KCU to its students, and students are required to check their email daily for any official communications. The failure of a student to check his/her email or to receive email because of a full mailbox will not excuse the student from fulfilling their responsibilities or responding to communications.
Social Media Policy
The Office of University Relations establishes and maintains KCU-branded social media accounts. Students may not create social media accounts representing or giving the appearance of representing the University without written permission from University Relations. As an alternative, KCU offers the following:
- Instagram takeovers allow students to publicly represent the University on the main KCU Instagram account, @KCUniversity. Instagram takeover request forms may be obtained from Student Services and will be approved by University Relations.
- Students are encouraged to send photos, video and other content to Student Services to be shared on KCU social media platforms. Posts and content added by the administrators of KCU social media accounts are considered official University content.
- The THRIVE app is available for download free of charge and serves as a social media platform for the University. Students may create public or private channels within THRIVE.
The following principles apply to KCU students’ use of personal social media accounts:
- KCU students’ actions may have an impact on their own images, as well as KCU’s image. The information that KCU students post or publish may be public information and, in many cases, may be visible to other members of the KCU community and beyond. Posted and/or published social media posts should be considered to be permanently available, even if the post is removed.
- The University may observe and monitor content and information available on social media networks and students are required to use their best judgment in posting material. Likewise, social media content may affect a student’s ability to achieve their personal and professional goals (e.g. match to residency, seek admission to another professional school, obtain employment, etc.).
- KCU students should always be aware of how they identify and present themselves to the public. Students are not prohibited from expressing their personal opinions on social media. Rather, all personal opinions or statements by students should be expressed in a respectful and professional manner and ensure that there is not an appearance of representing KCU.
- Although not an exclusive list, some specific examples of prohibited social media conduct include posting commentary, content, or images that are defamatory, pornographic, proprietary, harassing, libelous, derogatory, racist, sexist, violent, unprofessional, or that can create a hostile campus environment.
- Students may not share or discuss confidential information and must follow standards of patient privacy and confidentiality and regulations outlined in Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g).
- KCU students may not represent themselves as a spokesperson for KCU, unless specifically authorized in writing by KCU to do so. If KCU is a subject of the content the student is creating, be clear and open about your status as a student and make it clear that the posted views do not represent that of KCU, fellow students, employees, or any others working on behalf of KCU.
- Students must obtain appropriate consent from each individual before referring to or posting images of current or former students, employees, vendors or other University constituents. Additionally, students should obtain appropriate permission to use a third party’s copyrights, copyrighted material, trademarks, service marks or other intellectual property.
- If a KCU student publishes content that involves work or subjects associated with the University, a disclaimer should be posted on the users’ social media profile, such as this: “The postings on this site are my own and do not represent KCU’s positions, strategies or opinions.”
Opinions expressed on social media channels by other users do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the University.
Publications & Media Relations
The printing or distribution of any publication, or the use of the University name, logo or seal by students must meet brand standards and have prior approval from the Office of University Relations in consultation with the Office of Student Services.
Students may not speak to any member of the media about KCU, KCU staff, or students of KCU, without the prior approval of University Relations.
Photo/Video Release
All registered students consent to allow KCU to take, record, reproduce, digitally modify for enhancement and refinement, or use photographs, voice, video or video still, digital audio, quotes, public displays, public performances, or otherwise of a student’s likeness associated with KCU and its activities for the purposes related to marketing, social media, or promotion of KCU including its classes, activities or other events without limitation. Students who do not wish to have their image used should contact the Office of the Registrar and request a FERPA hold to be placed on their student information/data. Once the proper forms have been signed by the student, the Office of the Registrar will notify the Office of University Relations of the hold which will block any identified student images from being published.
Academic Affairs Discretion
The following have the authority to assign students for both basic and advanced study:
- Executive dean of COM
- COM campus deans
- Dean of COB
- Dean of CDM
- Vice provost for Student Services
- Student Progress Committees (SPC)
Solicitation, Vending & Petitions
Solicitations on campus are prohibited. University-endorsed organizations must complete a fundraising event approval form with the Office of Student Affairs before selling anything on or off campus. All requests seeking donations from alumni, corporations, local businesses or other external constituents must be approved in advance by the Office of Advancement. Any person or group not endorsed by KCU who wishes to make a presentation, sell products, or distribute information must submit a request in writing to the vice provost for Student Services. This policy includes the distribution of information, posting information on bulletin boards, and any use of the facilities. Students are prohibited from soliciting on behalf of vendors using the University email system. All petitions, surveys, and questionnaires being distributed to students (with the exception of those distributed by KCU departments) must be approved in advance by the Office of Student Affairs.
Academic & Physical Accommodations
KCU is committed to an environment in which all students are treated with respect, dignity, and parity. This policy is intended to further KCU’s commitment to non-discrimination based on disability and to allow equal access to programs, services and activities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), and other applicable federal, state and/or local laws. KCU’s commitment includes this process for reviewing requests, evaluating eligibility, and determining what, if any, reasonable accommodation may be provided to students consistent with applicable law. This policy applies to all current students and accepted candidates planning to matriculate in KCU’s education program. Please see the University policy library for information on the Academic and Physical Accommodations policy and procedures.
Attendance Policy & Absences
Attendance at all scheduled KCU classes, laboratories, and clerkships is expected and, in many cases, required. As professionals, students are expected to adhere to this attendance policy with diligence. Any student having excessive absences from class, laboratories or clerkships may be in violation of the Code of Professional Conduct and face disciplinary action. (See Student Discipline Procedures ).
A faculty member or administrator may take attendance at any time deemed appropriate or when requested by an appropriate dean. Attendance will be taken on specific dates and reported to the Office of the Registrar. These specific dates include the following:
- The first day of a class, course, or clerkship each semester
- The first meeting day of each COM course
Please review the program’s attendance policy and procedures for additional information:
Approved Religious Holidays
KCU makes every effort to honor specific religious holy days throughout the academic year. The University will take reasonable steps to honor students’ sincerely held religious beliefs and practices. The University also makes an effort to not schedule exams on specific dates. Should a student wish to be excused from classroom, lab, or exam activities on a specific holy day, he/she will need to follow the excused absence request policy for the appropriate program.
The following are recognized by KCU as acknowledged holy days. Students may request to be excused from class activities for the following:
- Eid al Adha (Islam)
- Rosh Hashanah (Judaism)
- Yom Kippur (Judaism)
- Diwali (Hindu, Jain, Sikh)
- Hanukkah (Judaism)
- Christmas (Christianity)
- Good Friday (Christianity)
- Easter (Christianity)
- Eid al Fitr (Islam)
An excused student may not be penalized for the absence and must be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment from which the student is excused within a reasonable period after the absence. The faculty member may take appropriate action if a student fails to complete an assignment or examination within the stated period.
Exceptions to Academic Policy
The University Catalog & Student Handbook is the basic authority source for academic requirements and related policies. All students are expected to adhere to the provisions. On occasion, however, extraordinary circumstances may warrant departures from the catalog requirements. Students who believe their situation warrants a deviation from academic policy may petition for an exception to policy by filing an appeal with the vice provost for Student Services.
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