We engage in our collective work as a new Graduate School mindful of our special mission to advance restorative practices in all that we do. In that we did not arise from a pre-existing college with established traditions, we place the following expectations in front of us, as students, faculty, staff, and board members, interact with one another:
Students Should Expect…
to participate in an organization employing “fair process”;
to be supported in the process of teaching and learning by staff and Board;
to receive fair and individual attention from faculty;
to receive from faculty the opportunity to acquire a quality education that meets the goals of their programs;
to receive useful advising and guidance from faculty and staff;
to follow faculty expectations and participate actively;
to give and receive honest feedback with all others;
to offer moral and financial support to the institution as circumstances allow;
to be offered opportunity to give feedback to trustees.
Faculty Should Expect…
to participate in an organization employing “fair process”;
to be supported in the process of teaching and learning by staff and Board;
to be offered opportunity to give feedback to trustees;
to offer students fair and individual attention in classes and in advising;
to offer students the opportunity to acquire a quality education that meets the goals of the students’ programs;
to model restorative teaching styles in their classrooms;
to receive genuine effort, cooperation, and participation from students;
to cooperate with staff and Board as needed to manage the organization effectively and efficiently;
to both receive from and offer to the staff and Board trust and support;
to give and receive honest feedback with all others.
Staff Should Expect…
to participate in an organization employing “fair process”;
to support the process of teaching and learning among students and faculty;
to give and receive honest feedback with all others;
to offer students accessibility, support, quality advising, guidance, etc.;
to provide for the faculty’s needs for instructional support, technology, etc.;
to receive from the faculty timely and accurate data, cooperation, policy adherence, etc.;
to both give and receive trust and support to faculty and Board;
to support the Board’s functions with timely information, staff access, communications and updates, policy recommendations, etc.
The Board Should Expect…
to oversee an organization employing fair process;
to nurture an organization in which all constituents remain faithful to the mission;
to oversee a governance structure marked by openness, transparency, trust, respect, and safety;
to hold the President responsible for the administration of the institution and to focus its own activity on policy and program issues;
to offer trust, but also to demand accountability from all constituencies;
to be ever mindful of its oversight responsibilities for financial, educational, and mission integrity;
to receive the information it needs from faculty and staff to be timely and accurate in the making of institutional decisions;
to receive, from observing the actions and testimony of students, faculty, and staff in pursuing our mission, the encouragement to serve with a good conscience and a light heart.
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.
Student Services shall serve as advisors to students who are not admitted.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 their 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 their 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 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 their 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. General guidelines on copyright can be found on the Library website.
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. Information on United States copyright polices on fair use for educational purposes, along with resources for public domain material, are available on the Library website.
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 their 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 they have a second violation, sanctions may range from academic probation to expulsion from the Graduate School.
If a student wishes to appeal the violation, they 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.
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, email address, 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 opt out in your Student Portal.
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, and 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 Dean of Student Services, who has the record in their 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, they may be assisted or represented at the hearing by one or more persons of their 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, they 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, 400 Maryland Avenue S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202.
Destruction of Records
Once a student has requested access to their 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.
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.
All courses taken for credit at the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) that are applied toward completion of degree and certificate requirements conform to applicable state and federal regulations regarding assignment of credit hours.
The faculty of the Graduate School is responsible for developing, maintaining, and evaluating the curriculum. Assignment of credit hours for courses are determined based on the expertise of the faculty and course learning objectives. The Office of the Provost bears the responsibility for the execution of this policy.
Assignment of Credit Hours
The IIRP has adopted a variant of the traditional “Carnegie Unit” as a measure of academic credit. This unit is known by the familiar term, “credit hour,” and is the primary academic measure by which progress toward a degree is gauged. It is recognized that such a unit measures only a part, albeit a major part, of a composite learning experience, based upon formally structured and informal interactions among faculty and students, as well as work done by students independently, outside of class.
Two hours of work outside of class (reading, writing, research, project work, etc.) are expected of students for each hour of direct classroom or online participation.
Definition of a Credit Hour
The calculation of credit hours for graduate programs follows the Pennsylvania Department of Education guidelines, which are consistent with the U.S. Department of Education’s definition of a credit hour.
22 Pa. Code § 31.21 (5)
“A master’s degree must require the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 30 semester credit hours or 45 quarter credit hours beyond the baccalaureate level.”
22 Pa. Code § 31.21 (6)(d)
“To assure academic integrity, an institution shall provide students in a distance education program access to academic and student services, including textbooks, study guides, library and other learning resources, personal interaction with faculty, tutors or other educational personnel by computer, telephone, mail or face-to-face meetings. The institution shall assure integrity of student work and provide opportunity for student assessment. These programs must comply with the regulations that apply to resident-based programs as prescribed in this chapter and Chapters 35, 36, 40 and 42 and conform to generally accepted academic practices for delivery of instruction through distance education.”
At the IIRP a three-credit graduate course comprises:
42 hours of classroom (“in-class” or “in-seat”) instruction, plus
3 hours for final examination (when applicable), plus
90 hours of additional work outside of class (reading, homework, research, fieldwork, project creation, and other activities)
Total: 132 hours (135 hours if final exam is administered)
Academic Periods
There are three academic terms – fall, spring, and summer – within which the IIRP offers courses of varying durations. The fall and spring academic periods are at least 15 weeks long each; the summer academic period is typically less than 15 weeks long but nevertheless adheres to the policy in terms of instruction time and the amount of work required.
Course Durations
The length of individual courses, whether blended or online, can vary within each academic period. Published descriptions of courses clearly state the duration of each course. Every course, regardless of its duration, adheres to the credit hour policy in terms of the required instruction time and volume of work involved to earn full credit.
Course Delivery Modalities
Blended Courses Attendance at an IIRP professional development event, symposium, or conference can be followed by online coursework to complete a blended course. Direct instruction time for the online portion of each graduate course is calculated based on the amount of time spent attending the professional development event. In all instances, these courses must meet the total amount of instructional and student work time required to earn full credit, based on the definition of a credit hour as described above.
Online Courses These courses are offered entirely online with no on-site, in-person meetings. They have the same learning outcomes and substantive components as other courses offered by the IIRP. Contact time is satisfied by several means including, but not limited to: (a) Regular weekly instruction or interaction with an instructor for the duration of the course, and (b) Academic engagement through interactive tutorials, group discussions moderated by faculty, virtual study/project groups, engaging with class peers, and online projects reviewed and graded by faculty. In all instances, these courses must meet the total amount of instructional and student work time as traditional classroom courses.
Directed and Independent Study Courses Each course is individualized to allow the student to either complete the requirements of an existing course on an individual basis, or to explore a personal interest related to restorative practices not currently addressed in the curriculum. The time spent on in-person instruction, direct interaction between the instructor and student, and additional external study, research, writing, fieldwork, and other activities will conform to the standard minimum of 45 hours of direct instruction or credit hour equivalencies plus 90 hours of outside work for a three-credit course. The total time a student spends in an independent study course, including research, fieldwork, and other activities, is documented in a contract, developed by the student with a Ph.D. faculty member and approved by the faculty, which ensures that the student’s educational objectives, work plan, assignments, activities, outcomes, and evaluation are equal to those of other IIRP courses.
Accelerated Courses Courses offered outside of a standard academic period in which credit hours offered are the same as for courses offered in a standard academic period. The content and substantive learning outcomes for accelerated courses are the same as those in the standard academic period. These courses must meet the total amount of instructional time and student work as standard courses.
Definitions of In-Class and Out-of-Class Time
In online and blended courses, time spent in direct learning and interaction with the instructor and classmates via our learning management system, Moodle, is considered in-class time. Time spent in work, preparation, and related activities away from Moodle is considered out-of-class time.
Students register for courses utilizing the online registration process through their Student Portal.
Students are highly encouraged to register no later than four weeks prior to the start of a course so they have ample time to prepare. Students who register after this period will pay a $25 late registration fee. The late registration fee is non-refundable and non-transferrable.
Course requirements vary and include purchasing and obtaining books prior to the start date of the course. The final registration deadlineis one week prior to the start of the course, with the exception ofthe World Conference and Restorative Practices Symposium courses, which have registration deadlines of two days before the start date.
Students may apply course credits to a Master of Science or Graduate Certificate program for up to eight years after a course is successfully completed. Any exceptions must be approved by the Provost.
Registered students will receive an email notification when the course becomes available in Moodle, the Learning Management System.
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.
Once courses begin, the following policies regarding your grade will apply:
For all courses, if you wish to withdraw from a course, you must submit a course withdrawal form through your Student Portal.
When you register for a course, you are committing to attend and complete the course that you are enrolled in. Only course withdrawal requests submitted through your Student Portal will be honored.
Failure to submit a course withdrawal form through your Student Portal by the deadlines listed below will result in a grade of “F.”
Fully online courses: Submit the course withdrawal form through your Student Portal before the start of the 6th week in order to receive an official grade of "W."
Blended courses: Submit the course withdrawal form through your Student Portal by these deadlines in order to receive an official grade of "W."
Before the start of the 3rd week of a 4-week course
Before the start of the 4th week of a 7-week course
In-person courses: Submit the course withdrawal form through your Student Portal before the start of the 3rd week in order to receive an official grade of "W."
Financial implications for dropping a course prior to the start date:
For any course, you may withdraw at least one day before the course begins by submitting the course withdrawal form through your Student Portal.
You will receive a refund or a credit for the tuition you have paid for that course, minus a $50 withdrawal fee.
Financial implications for dropping a course after to the start date:
For any course, if you submit your course withdrawal form through your Student Portal by the end of the third day, you will receive a refund or credit for 50% of the tuition you have paid for that course.
Refunds and credits will not be issued for course withdrawals submitted after the third day of the course. Once this deadline has passed, you will remain responsible for 100% of the tuition.
Please note: You must submit the course withdrawal form in order to be considered withdrawn from the course. Simply ceasing to participate in a course is not the same as withdrawing from a course; unless you have formally withdrawn, you are still responsible for all tuition for that course.
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.
Students must log in and participate in online activities and/or attend all scheduled classes as defined by the instructor.
Assignments must be completed by the due date according to the standards specified by the course instructor.
Written and oral assessments must satisfy the standards specified by the course instructor.
The course instructor will decide on whether to allow exceptions or extensions.
Grades will be reported as follows:
Grade
Percent
Grade Point Value
Explanation
A
93-100
4.0
Exceeding Expectations
A-
90-92
3.7
B+
87-89
3.3
B
83-86
3.0
Meeting Expectations
B-
80-82
2.7
C+
77-79
2.3
C
70-76
2.0
Minimally acceptable on a limited basis
F
< 70
0.0
Failure to meet minimum standards
P
No effect
Meeting Expectations
I
No effect
Incomplete
W
No effect
Withdrawal
O
No effect
Ongoing
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, but if a “C” is earned again, they cannot continue in the program. Exceptions to such disqualifications may be made upon appeal to the Provost.
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.
A student who fails to complete a course within the prescribed period (as above) 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. The student must request that the instructor grant a grade of incomplete prior to the last class meeting. The faculty member and the student will then fill out the Incomplete Grade Form found in the Student Portal. 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.
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.
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.
All admitted students are expected to enroll continuously for all three terms from the time of admission until the completion of their degree requirements. We understand that personal circumstances may require a student to pause their program of study for a period of time. Students who need to pause their studies for one or more terms must submit a Request for Leave of Absence form found in their student portal. Students who fail to request a leave of absence or who do not re-enroll for the agreed upon term will be discontinued from the program and will need to reapply before continuing their studies.
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.
Scholarship applications open on July 1 and must be submitted by August 1. Scholarships are not retroactive, and payments already made will not be refunded. For more information, please see our Scholarship webpage.
Impact Scholarships
Impact Scholarships are awarded on August 1 and provide full tuition for graduate students who demonstrate promise for greatly impacting their communities. This is a competitive scholarship based on three criteria:
Ability to make an impact, based on your commitment to and influence within your community.
The community you seek to serve faces hardships, experiences high needs and/or has historical disadvantages.
Demonstrated and expressed financial need to pursue your studies at the IIRP.
The IIRP does not offer student visas to the U.S. Our program is designed to allow students to continue their studies from anywhere in the world without disruption.
You may begin your application by creating a Student Portal.
Those students who are awarded an Impact Scholarship must complete and submit an application for admission no later than October 1 and plan to begin their studies in the Spring term.
Shawn Suzch Scholarship
The Shawn Suzch Scholarship is awarded on August 1 to a student who is a candidate for master’s degree who demonstrates outstanding spirit and drive worthy of Shawn’s memory. $1,711 in tuition assistance will be awarded in memory of Shawn, a young man who overcame adversity with courage and determination. The scholarship recipient will also be someone who expresses financial need to support their studies. The application and further details are available in your Student Portal.
The IIRP Graduate School has a system in place to assist faculty in identifying and locating textbooks for their courses, to collect the required information and make it available in course reading lists.
Prior to the start of each course, the librarian of the IIRP Graduate School is available to assist faculty at their request in identifying possible textbooks, including publishers, editions, and costs. Faculty request examination copies if needed.
At least eight weeks prior to the start of each course, the librarian forwards the latest available version of the reading list to faculty for review within two weeks.
After receiving changes, the librarian reviews and proofreads course reading lists and verifies any additional information needed.
At least 30 days prior to the start of each course, the librarian returns a final version of the reading list to faculty for use on their Moodle course module.
The IIRP provides a list of required textbooks and recommended readings in course syllabi to students 30 days prior to the start of classes each term. The campus does not have a physical bookstore facility; therefore, the IIRP does not control or influence textbook costs. Students are responsible for obtaining their own textbooks.
If you need to obtain a copy of your official IIRP Graduate School transcript, you may request paper and electronic copies from the National Student Clearinghouse at no charge for normal processing. Any fees incurred for expedited delivery service will be at your expense.
The link below will direct you to a form at the National Student Clearinghouse website. Please complete the request form in its entirety to avoid processing delays. We are unable to honor transcript requests over the phone or via email as your electronic signature is required on the request form.
Log in using your existing National Student Clearinghouse account or create a new National Student Clearinghouse account.
Complete each step of the order form.
Note: You will be given the option to delay the processing of your transcript order until final grades are posted, or until certificates or degrees are conferred for the current term.
If you have a form or document that must accompany your transcript, you must upload that document during the ordering process. It may be in one of the following formats: jpg, jpeg, gif, png, eps, cdr, ai, pdf, tif, tiff, bmp, zip, doc, docx, xls, xlsx, txt, xml. If you need the document to be filled out along with the transcript, note that you must request a paper transcript.
All transcript requests will be fulfilled within three to five business days. If there are any complications, Student Services staff will contact you directly by email.
Students may view and print unofficial IIRP Graduate School transcripts through their Student Portal under Enrollment, then View Academic Record.
Electronic Transcripts
You will receive an email notification when your transcript is processed. You must retrieve your electronic transcript from the emailed link from NSC within 20 days.
Prior to submitting an order, please verify that the recipient can accept electronic PDF transcripts from studentclearinghouse.org. If a paper transcript is also needed, you must place a separate order.
To ensure your request will be processed:
In order to fulfill a transcript request, Student Services must have an official undergraduate transcript on file for you. You may have a transcript sent directly from the undergraduate institution to:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
IIRP, 531 Main St., Bethlehem, PA 18018-5837
Circumstances that will cause a delay in receipt of transcripts include:
A financial hold.
Incomplete information on the request form.
An official undergraduate transcript is not on file at the IIRP.
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, which may indicate academic integrity issues. Faculty will routinely use a variety of assessment instruments whenever possible.
Admitted students may choose to leave the IIRP Graduate School for various reasons. Before making a final decision to withdraw, students should discuss their options with their advisor and then with Student Services. Those who withdraw from the Graduate School lose their degree eligibility and must reapply to the program if they wish to return to the IIRP Graduate School in the future. Students choosing to withdraw must submit a Voluntary Program Withdrawal form, located in your Student Portal.
Sexual MisconductPolicy: Rape, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, and Domestic Violence
If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, go to a safe place. If you are in danger or there is an ongoing threat, call 911 for the local police department. Contact the police in order to report a crime.
Support agencies are available 24/7 to provide emotional support, as well as practical information regarding preserving evidence of the crime, getting medical attention and understanding legal options.
Services for Victims of Rape and Sexual Assault
To report an offense, contact your local police department (911).
The National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-545-4673) provides support and information and can refer callers to local agencies.
For support and information in the Lehigh Valley, contact the Crime Victims Council (610-437-6611; or 610-437-6610 for non-emergencies).
For legal help in the Lehigh Valley, call the Crime Victims Council (610-437-6610) or the Attorney Referral and Information Service (610-258-6333).
St. Luke’s University Hospital, Lehigh Valley Hospital and Easton Hospital all have rape examination kits available. Early medical care is important. St. Luke’s University Hospital (610-954-4500) Easton Hospital (610-250-4000) Lehigh Valley Hospital/Muhlenberg (484-884-2521)
Services for victims of dating violence and domestic violence
National Dating Abuse Helpline (866-331-9474).
National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233).
Turning Point, Allentown, PA (610-437-3369).
This is only a partial listing support programs. The appearance of a program or service on this list is not to be construed as the Institute’s endorsement of the identified agency.
Sexual Misconduct
Sexual misconduct in any form or context can threaten the safety, well-being, educational experience and career of students, faculty and staff and will not be tolerated whatsoever. Sexual misconduct is a broad term encompassing sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, rape and any other conduct of a sexual nature that is nonconsensual or has the purpose or effect of threatening, intimidating or coercing a person. These violations can occur between strangers or acquaintances, including people involved in an intimate or sexual relationship. Sexual misconduct can be committed by men or by women, and it can occur between people of the same gender or different genders.
An individual found to have violated the Sexual Misconduct policy will be subject to disciplinary action. This policy also prohibits retaliation against individuals for submitting complaints of sexual misconduct, or for cooperating with investigations of these crimes.
The IIRP will take disciplinary action against persons who attempt such retaliation. Those accused of sexual assault or retaliation may also be prosecuted under applicable local, state and federal laws.
Definitions
Rape is defined as forced sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral or anal) that is perpetrated against the will of the victim. The assailant may be a stranger or an acquaintance. The type of force may include physical violence, coercion or threat of harm to the complainant. Charges of rape also may be considered if the sexual offense involves penetration by a foreign object.
The legal definition of rape, according to the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, Section 3121, is as follows: “A person commits a felony of the first degree when he engages in sexual intercourse with another person . . . (1) by forcible compulsion; (2) by threat of forcible compulsion that would prevent resistance by a person of reasonable resolution; (3) who is unconscious; (4) who is so mentally deranged or deficient that such person is incapable of consent.” The crime is punishable by a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment or fine of $25,000 or both.
Sexual Assault is defined as attempted rape, the unwanted removal of another’s clothing, indecent exposure, indecent contact (i.e., the unwanted touching of intimate parts of another’s body including, but not limited to, genitals, breasts and buttocks) or causing another to have indecent contact with them.
Dating Violence refers to violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim. The existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of relationship and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
Domestic Violence includes felony and misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, a person who is or was residing in the same household as the victim or any person against someone who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction.
Consent is an informed, affirmative, knowing, unambiguous and conscious decision by each participant to engage in mutually agreed-upon sexual activity. Consent is voluntary and must be given without coercion, force, threats or intimidation. Consent means positive cooperation in the act or expression of intent to engage in the act pursuant to an exercise of free will. Even though consent does not necessarily need to be verbal, relying purely on non-verbal communication can lead to misunderstandings; a spoken agreement is the most clearly indicated form of consent. Consent may not, in any way, be inferred from silence, passivity, lack of resistance or lack of an active response alone; assuming that consent is given by the absence of a “No” is wrong. Consent is revocable. Consent to some form of sexual activity does not imply consent to other forms of sexual activity. Consent to sexual activity on one occasion is not consent to engage in sexual activity on another occasion. A current or previous dating or sexual relationship, by itself, is not sufficient to constitute consent. Even in the context of a relationship, there must be mutual consent to engage in sexual activity. Consent must be ongoing throughout a sexual encounter and can be revoked at any time. Once consent is withdrawn, the sexual activity must stop immediately.
Consent cannot be given when a person is incapacitated. A person cannot consent if she or he is unconscious or coming in and out of consciousness. A person cannot consent if she or he is under the threat of violence, bodily injury or other forms of coercion. A person cannot consent if his or her understanding of the act is affected by a physical or mental impairment. Consent must be given with rational and reasonable judgment, so if a person is physically incapacitated from the consumption of alcohol or drugs, unconsciousness, or any other kind of inability, consent cannot be obtained.
Reporting Offenses
Students at the IIRP are encouraged to report any instance of a sexual offense to faculty or administration; employees should report offenses directly to the Vice President for Administration. If the complaint is against the Vice President for Administration, the report should be made to the President. Offenses to be reported include those perpetrated by students, faculty, staff, other members of the IIRP community or non-members. Both men and women may be complainants of sexual offenses. Any person may file a complaint of sexual misconduct at any time. Early reporting is encouraged to preserve evidence and provide the victim with information regarding rights, options and resources available under this policy and federal and state laws. Resources for assistance are provided in the Student Handbook and Catalog and the Organizational Manual.
If a person decides to make an official report to the IIRP, a detailed (typed, emailed or handwritten) statement of the alleged incident(s) should be submitted to the Vice President for Administration. This formal statement should be signed and dated.
The statement should be as specific as possible, including dates, times, locations, a description of the alleged misconduct, the name(s) of the accused person(s) and a list of any person(s) who may have information that would be helpful to the investigation. A complainant may request assistance from an IIRP employee in preparing this statement. The Vice President for Administration will promptly investigate all formal reports.
In all cases the IIRP, its staff, faculty and administration will respond quickly, respectfully and with appropriate support for victims of rape, sexual assault and other forms of sexual misconduct. Victims are encouraged to contact their local police department or support agencies for written information about their rights and options, including how to obtain a restraining order and other protective measures.
At the complainant’s request, the IIRP will also assist them in notifying the local police department, if a victim elects to report the crime. Victims are not required to report to area law enforcement in order to receive assistance from or pursue options within the IIRP. Reporting sexual misconduct to the police does not commit the victim to further legal action. However, the earlier an incident is reported, the easier it will be for the police to investigate if the victim does decide to proceed with criminal charges.
All IIRP instructors, staff and administrators are categorized as Responsible Employees. Responsible Employees are required to immediately report any allegations of sexual misconduct to the Vice President for Administration. Any student or staff member who elects to share information about an incident of sexual misconduct to an IIRP staff or faculty member must understand that the information will be shared with the Vice President for Administration (or the President, if the complaint is against the Vice President for Administration).
If the complainant wishes to remain anonymous, every effort will be made to honor that request, as long as doing so does not compromise the integrity of the investigation process, as outlined below. The Institute will investigate sexual misconduct even without a formal complaint whenever it knows or has reasonable cause to believe that sexual misconduct in violation of this policy has occurred. All IIRP staff, faculty and administration are expected to maintain confidentiality to the extent possible without compromising the integrity of an investigation.
Victims of sexual offenses always have the option to file a criminal report in addition to a report under this policy. In no case should a victim be dissuaded from reporting sexual misconduct to law enforcement. Regardless of whether a victim elects to file a criminal report, the Institute will conduct an investigation of its own consistent with this policy. Even if the accused is not affiliated with the IIRP, an investigation will be conducted. The Vice President for Administration may issue a No Contact order to an accused unless and until the accused is found not responsible. If the accused is a student or faculty from a visiting institution, the IIRP reserves the right to contact that institution for further investigation.
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) requires institutions to report “specified on-campus crimes that were reported to local police agencies or to any official of the institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities.” At the IIRP, these officials are the President, the Vice President for Administration and their designated staff. When an incident is reported to any of these individuals, they are required to complete a form describing the incident, though they are permitted to preserve the anonymity of the victim. If the victim agrees to have her or his name released or if she or he opts to press charges, information about the incident and the name of the victim will be shared with the local police department and the local office of the district attorney. If the victim does not wish to have her or his name released and chooses not to press charges, information about the incident will be shared with these agencies using the designation of Jane or John Doe. The incident also will be counted for statistical reporting purposes, as required by law.
Completed incident forms are maintained in the administrative offices and used for mandatory compilation of annual crime statistics. The Northampton County District Attorney (or the district attorney from another county, if appropriate) will be notified of any felonies alleged to have occurred involving IIRP students, faculty or staff.
Process and Penalties
Sexual misconduct offenses are major violations of the Code of Conduct for students attending the IIRP, as well as for employees of the IIRP. Anyone charged with such an offense may be subject to IIRP disciplinary proceedings and possible sanctions. The choice of whether to pursue charges of a sexual offense within the confines of campus discipline parameters always resides with the complainant.
When offenses are adjudicated, complainant and alleged perpetrator are entitled to the same opportunities: to have others present during a campus disciplinary proceeding, to be informed of the outcome and to appeal the findings.
No action of the IIRP shall be construed to limit a complainant’s right to initiate civil or criminal proceedings against the alleged perpetrator.
In keeping with the gravity of sexual misconduct offenses, sanctions considered in those cases brought before the IIRP will probably start at the level of suspension or expulsion.
The victim and the alleged perpetrator, consistent with the philosophy of restorative practices, may be offered the opportunity to participate in a restorative process before any decisions are made, except where this interferes with any criminal proceedings. This is especially appropriate if the offender has admitted the offense. Participation by either party is strictly voluntary. If either party refuses participation before a disciplinary decision, all parties will be informed of the decision when it is made and again offered the opportunity to participate in a restorative conference.
Investigation
A complaint of sexual misconduct will be investigated promptly and fairly. To the extent practicable, care will be taken to protect the identity of all parties to the complaint, consistent with a thorough and appropriate investigation.
Investigation will be completed as quickly as is practicable and will include private interviews with the person reporting the incident, any witnesses and the person alleged to have engaged in sexual misconduct. Should any individual responsible for any task related to the investigation process have a conflict of interest, that person will be replaced by a neutral party. It is vital for all parties to the investigation to refrain from discussing any and all aspects of it, on or off campus. If the investigation determines that sexual misconduct has occurred, the institution will act promptly to eliminate the offending conduct and impose corrective action where appropriate.
The person who filed the complaint and the person alleged to have committed the offense will be informed at the same time of the results of the investigation. However, the complainant may not be informed of the specifics of any disciplinary action imposed upon the perpetrator to the extent that this might invade his or her privacy.
False statements made by any party in connection with a complaint of sexual misconduct during an investigation will constitute the occasion for appropriate corrective action, up to and including termination of the person’s relationship with the institution.
Corrective Action
The person who filed the complaint and the person alleged to have committed the offense, consistent with the philosophy of restorative practices, will be offered the opportunity to participate in a restorative process before any decisions are made. This is especially appropriate if the offender has admitted to the offense. Participation by either party is strictly voluntary. If either party refuses participation before a decision, all parties will be informed of the decision when it is made and again offered the opportunity to participate in a restorative conference. Should the complainant or offender refuse, there may still be a restorative process for the benefit of either party and others affected by the offense.
If it is determined that sexual misconduct has been committed, corrective action may include suspension or expulsion and such other forms of corrective action as the institution deems appropriate.
Complainant’s Rights
Because of the physical and emotional trauma experienced by victims of sexual offenses, and because rape and sexual assault are intolerable acts, the following rights are afforded to the complainant:
To report the rape or sexual assault to a primary provider of support.
To have every effort made to provide confidentiality, except as set forth above with regard to anonymous reporting requirements, and as necessary to assure adequate care for the victim.
To contact support agencies as appropriate.
To have every effort made to provide freedom from intimidation or further harassment by the alleged perpetrator or others.
To request a change of academic setting, subject to availability, while proceedings take place.
To select a support person to accompany him or her through IIRP disciplinary processes. (The support person may not directly participate in the processes.)
To protect against evidence of past sexual history, except as allowed by law.
To remain present during any disciplinary proceedings.
To be informed of the outcome of any such proceeding.
To make up any academic work missed as a consequence of the trauma and the disciplinary or judicial proceedings.
Rights of the Alleged Perpetrator
Similarly, the following rights will be afforded to the alleged perpetrator in all IIRP procedures:
To have every effort made to provide confidentiality, except in areas of the Higher Education Act of 1998, as amended, or any other state or federal regulation that allows or requires disclosure; to take into account concerns about confidentiality in light of Institute, state or federal regulations that would allow or require disclosure.
To have every effort made to provide freedom from intimidation or harassment.
To request a change of academic setting, subject to availability, while proceedings take place.
To select a support person to accompany him or her through IIRP disciplinary processes. (The support person may not directly participate in the processes.)
To protect against evidence of past sexual history, except as allowed by law.
To remain present during any disciplinary proceedings.
To be informed of the outcome of any such proceeding.
To make up any academic work missed as a consequence of the trauma and the disciplinary or judicial proceedings if it is determined that the alleged perpetrator was wrongfully accused.
This is a general statement of policy and no more. While this policy sets forth institutional goals of promoting a community free of sexual misconduct, it is not intended to limit the institution’s authority to discipline or take remedial action for conduct it deems unacceptable. It does not constitute a term or provision of any contract of employment or implied contract of employment between the IIRP and an individual employee, nor does it create contractual obligations on behalf of the institution to any person. Likewise, it does not constitute a guarantee of continued student status to any person or otherwise create any obligation on the part of the institution.
The IIRP Graduate School expects that incoming students will have basic skills in using email, the internet, and word processing, or will acquire such skills and will exhibit a willingness to learn new technical skills as necessary to complete their coursework. Communication between faculty and students relies primarily on the learning management system and email.
Students need the following equipment and software:
A computer or other device with video and audio capabilities
A headset or speakers, webcam, and microphone
The most recent versions of Microsoft Word and Adobe Reader
The ability to connect to Zoom and Moodle Learning Management System
IIRP students are eligible to make computer purchases at the Apple Education Store, which provides discounted pricing for students. For more information about Apple products and how to order through the Apple Education Store, students should visit the Apple Education Store website or call Apple customer support at 800-692-7753 (800-MY-APPLE).
Students have their own Student Portals with entry requiring a unique email address and password. Your Student Portal provides the mechanism to do many things, such as register for courses; apply for admission and track progress of application requirements; view schedules, academic records, and student audits (progress toward completion of a program); withdraw from a course; submit a leave of absence form; request a transcript; and access the learning management system for your course materials and activities.
Learning Management System
The IIRP Graduate School uses a web-based learning management system (LMS) called Moodle. This system provides electronic access to online courses through computers and mobile devices using an internet connection. Students are required to log into Moodle to obtain course materials, engage in learning activities, and submit assignments.
Students are able to access their courses in the LMS until six months after they complete their program (graduate certificate or master’s degree). We strongly advise students to save their work as they go, downloading any materials they want to keep for personal, professional, or academic reference.
Should a student withdraw from a course, they will no longer have access to that course in the LMS. If a student withdraws from the program, they will no longer have access to the LMS or to any of the courses they have taken.
Technology Policy
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.
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.
The IIRP Graduate School has a system in place to assist faculty in identifying and locating textbooks for their courses, to collect the required information, and make it available in course reading lists.
Prior to the start of each course, the librarian of the IIRP Graduate School is available to assist faculty at their request in identifying possible textbooks, including publishers, editions, and costs. Faculty request examination copies if needed.
At least eight weeks prior to the start of each course, the librarian forwards the latest available version of the reading list to faculty for review within two weeks.
After receiving changes, the librarian reviews and proofreads course reading lists and verifies any additional information needed.
At least 30 days prior to the start of each course, the librarian returns a final version of the reading list to faculty for use on their Moodle course module.
The IIRP provides a list of required textbooks and recommended readings in course syllabi to students 30 days prior to the start of classes each term. The campus does not have a physical bookstore facility; therefore, the IIRP does not control or influence textbook costs. Students are responsible for obtaining their own textbooks.
The IIRP’s campus is located in the historic district of downtown Bethlehem at 544 Main Street, at the corner of Main and Walnut. The IIRP Graduate School library and offices are located across the street at 531 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018.
Parking is available at nearby municipal parking lots and metered street spaces. For more information about parking in Bethlehem, please consult the Bethlehem Parking Authority website.
There are a number of reasonably priced restaurants within walking distance of the IIRP. A small refrigerator and microwave are available for those students who wish to bring food.
Students are responsible forascertaining the school’s status during inclement weather.
In the event that in-person classes must be cancelled or delayed due to weather conditions, an announcement will be left on the IIRP voice mail system (610-807-9221) and on our website. Select “Students” on our website, and the information will be noted there. It will also be displayed when you log in to your Student Portal.