Oct 10, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Bulletin

Adult and Continuing Education


Adult Admission

614-236-6996, http://www.capital.edu/Adults/

 



 

Mission Statement

The Adult and Continuing Education program supports the mission of Capital University by providing adults alternative and effective learning experiences through integrative advising and teaching, flexible learning environments that encourage self-directed and interdisciplinary approaches, and a commitment to experiential and lifelong learning.

Overview

The range of adult learning programs and services at Capital University exemplifies an enduring commitment to extend educational options to those adult learners whose needs are not met by the traditional campus-based degree programs. Options created for adult learners include:

  1. Bachelor of Arts degrees in business, criminology, interdisciplinary studies, psychology, and sociology.
  2. Bachelor of Social Work degree.
  3. Nursing Accelerated BSN Program.
  4. The prior learning assessment process is available to students in all undergraduate degree programs. Assessment of prior learning enables students to earn academic credit for college-level learning based on life and work experience.

Capital University blends its special commitment to serving adult learners with an allegiance to the university’s historical traditions. The staff and faculty of all programs and services for adult learners recognize that many highly motivated adults are excluded from traditional higher educational programs by the time constraints of family, job and community responsibilities. Students in these programs are usually working adults who need flexibility in schedule and program design. They respond positively to a personal approach to education which emphasizes self-direction and learning style. Many students have accumulated credit from one or more institutions of higher education and have experiences that have generated college-level learning. One of the primary objectives of adult programs and services at Capital University is to assist students in consolidating these previous learning experiences into a foundation on which to build a program of studies leading to the completion of an undergraduate degree.

The Adult & Continuing Education program is designed specifically for the adult student. In this program a student is provided with a quality education based on essential professional skills and an emphasis on the liberal arts. It is expected that graduates of Capital University will possess the skills, attitudes, values and ethical standards that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Admission

Applications are accepted on a rolling admission basis as space is available. Students accepted into the Adult and Continuing Education program may enter at the beginning of the term for which they are accepted. Students who do not matriculate in the term for which they were admitted must re-apply after one year. 

Admission Requirements

To be admitted, a prospective adult learner must meet the following requirements:

  1. The applicant must be 24 years of age or older and demonstrate capacity for self-directed, self-managed learning. Extraordinary circumstances are considered.
  2. The applicant must demonstrate basic college entry-level oral and written communication skills.
  3. There is an additional application to the BSW program. Once accepted into Capital, additional application materials will be sent.

Admission Procedures

In applying for admission, a student must do the following:

  1. Complete the appropriate application for admission form.
  2. Submit with the application a $25 nonrefundable application fee (only required of paper applications). Checks or money orders must be made payable to Capital University.
  3. Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended. 
  4. Complete an admissions interview.
  5. Candidates without previous college credit will need to demonstrate academic ability and achievement through work experience, specialized training, certifications, military service, or other experiential learning. The application for admission must include a resume that details successful learning from informal or non-collegiate sponsored instruction.

Types of Admission

There are two types of admission into the Adult and Continuing Education program:

  1. Degree seeking admission is granted to applicants who meet the admission requirements stated above.
  2. Non-degree admission is granted for those individuals wishing to take one or more courses on a transient basis for the completion of a certificate program.

Students will receive formal acknowledgment of the receipt of applications and supporting materials. It is each applicant’s responsibility to make sure all admission materials are received. An incomplete admission file may result in an applicant not being accepted into the program.

Financial Information

The total cost of tuition for completing the baccalaureate degree through the Adult and Graduate Education program will vary based on several factors, including the amount of transfer credit, the number of prior learning credit awarded, and full or part-time enrollment. Information regarding Tuition and other applicable costs can be found at https://www.capital.edu/tuition-and-fees/ or by calling 614/236-6123.  

Statement of Financial Responsibility

Before registering for classes at Capital University, you must read and accept this agreement acknowledging that you understand and agree to the following terms and conditions of financial responsibility:

  1. I have a legally binding obligation to pay Capital University all tuition, room and board (if applicable), and other applicable fees by the due date.
  2. This payment obligation is binding whether or not I access my electronic billing information (eBill), and whether my account is being paid by me or another person.
  3. If my account is not paid by the due date, I understand I may be assessed a late payment fee.
  4. Failure to attend classes does not constitute an official drop or withdraw. I understand that to drop or withdraw from a class I must complete and submit all required paperwork in a timely manner. If my account becomes delinquent, I will not be allowed to register for the next semester and, if I am a graduating student, I may not be allowed to participate in Commencement and I will not be issued a diploma until the account is paid.
  5. I understand that, should my account be placed with a collection agency, my account will be assessed a fee based on a percentage of the debt up to the maximum allowed by law and that all costs and expenses including reasonable attorney fees that Capital University incurs for the collection of this debt, will be my responsibility.
  6. Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) - I authorize Capital University and its affiliates, agents, and contractors to contact me regarding my account balance to the University, including the repayment of my balance, by any phone number I have provided and may provide in the future, including any wireless number, using automated technology (including automated telephone dialing or artificial or pre-recorded voice or text messaging.)

Withdrawal: Payment Obligations and Refunds

To withdraw from an individual course or to withdraw completely from the university, the student must complete and submit the appropriate form to the the Academic Success Office (2nd Floor, Blackmore Library). Students wanting to withdrawal should set up an appointment by contacting success@capital.edu or by calling 614/236-6871. No refund will be made without official written notification. Failure to complete study agreements DOES NOT constitute an official withdrawal. The schedule for tuition refunds may be viewed in the Financial Information section of the Bulletin.

Payment of Tuition and Fees

Completing the registration process constitutes official registration for the upcoming trimester. For students enrolling for the first time, or continuing students registering after the registration period is over, payment of tuition is expected by the first day of classes. Students may pay the entire amount or use the deferred payment plan. Continuing students completing the registration process during the registration period will receive an electronic invoice for the amount of their tuition. In order to avoid late payment charges, students are encouraged to pay particular attention to the due dates for tuition payment.

Payment Options

Deferred Payment Plan

Under this plan, students pay one-third of their total tuition and fees by the tuition due date. The second third is then due 50 days later and the final third is due 60 days from the start of the semester. Students must have fees paid in full to be allowed to register for the next semester.

The Employer Tuition Reimbursement Plan allows Adult and Continuing Education and MBA students to defer tuition payment until after grades for each semester are released. For more details and qualifications, please go to http://www.capital.edu/Graduate-Students/.

Many employers outline specific requirements that must be met before partial or full reimbursement will be granted. For this reason, the Student Accounts Office requires that all tuition be paid by the student by the tuition due date. Arrangements for reimbursement of any payments made are the responsibility of the student and the employer, not Capital University. If you anticipate a delay in your reimbursement, you must join the deferred (two) payment plan or a $200 late fee will be assessed.

Capital University will provide direct billing to companies that will provide a payment voucher to the student accounts office and will make payment directly to Capital within 30 days of invoice. Invoices are issued at the completion of the add/drop period, generally during the third week of the semester.

Financial Aid

Students enrolled in the Capital University Adult and Continuing Education program may be eligible to participate in the following aid programs: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Direct Loans and Ohio College Opportunity Grant (pending legislative approval). Students should anticipate processing time of 2-4 weeks. Questions regarding financial aid programs may be addressed to the Financial Aid Office or visit Capital’s Web site.

Step 1. Application Process

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA on-line at https://studentaid.gov/. To file online you will need an FSA ID and password.  This can be obtained from the FAFSA website before you beginning your FAFSA.  Include Capital’s federal school code number, 003023, in the appropriate section on the FAFSA and use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT), if available.

Approximately two to three days after completing your application online, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) emailed to you. Please review it for accuracy. If no changes are needed, keep the SAR for your records. Capital will receive the results of your FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA electronically. Students working toward their undergraduate degrees must submit the Financial Aid Worksheet annually found at https://www.capital.edu/admission-aid/

Step 2. Verification

For individuals filing the FAFSA, the federal government requires that Capital University ensure the accuracy of data reported on this form. Filers are selected based on criteria established by the federal government and, if selected, Capital is required to collect documentation to verify the information which was provided on the FAFSA. The consequence of not submitting the requested documentation is that federal and state aid will not be made available to assist with paying the balance.

The verification process must be completed PRIOR to awarding and crediting aid.  If a term has started and Verification has not be completed, enrollment should not be attempted unless a student has adequate resources from his or her own personal funds to pay for that term’s tuition, fees and books.

Students are usually required to provide documentation of tax return transcripts, W-2’s, and assets, along with completion of a certification form collecting information on household size, number in college, and signatures. Any changes identified in originally reported FAFSA data may result in recalculation of aid eligibility.

Step 3. Notification

Once Capital University has received required forms and reviewed the data, students can expect to receive an e-mail notifying them of their Financial Aid Award identifying all eligible programs. Along with this award, they also will receive information regarding any additional processing required to finalize programs (e.g., loans).

Consortium Agreements for Transient Students

When a student contacts the Financial Aid Office indicating he/she will be attending another school as a transient student and is requesting assistance to pay for required classes not offered by Capital, the Financial Aid Office may generate a Consortium Agreement with the school the student plans to attend, IF the student meets eligibility criteria. Further information is available in the Financial Aid Office.

If a student meets Consortium Agreement criteria, the following information must be provided to the Financial Aid Office by the following deadlines: for Summer enrollment - April 15th, for Fall enrollment - July 15th, for
Spring enrollment - November 15th:

  1. Copy of an approved Transient Form from the Registrar’s Office, and
  2. Completed Consortium Agreement signed by the student’s academic advisor and a representative from the institution the student will be attending.
  3. Students must make arrangements with the other school to pay billed expenses by their appropriate deadlines and must anticipate that aid will be delivered on a delayed basis due to additional processing required to complete the Consortium Agreement.

Veterans Benefits

The Adult and Continuing Education program is approved for veterans’ benefits under several programs. Students should contact their local VA office or visit Capital’s website at Veterans.

Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)

This grant is designed to help Ohio residents enrolled for undergraduate study in Ohio colleges and universities. Students use the FAFSA to apply for the OCOG. Annual deadlines apply.

Federal Pell Grant

Eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant will be based directly on the information submitted on the FAFSA.  The amount of a student’s Pell Grant is based on the Federal EFC and level of course enrollment.  Once registration is verified, payment will be credited to the student’s account.  The Federal Pell Grant may be available for a year. The terms during which the Federal Pell Grant award may be distributed are:

*Summer 2024
 Fall 2024
 Spring 2025

Federal Direct Loan Program

You may receive financial assistance through the Federal Direct Loan Program. Your financial aid award notification will indicate the maximum loan amount available to you for the academic year. A Federal Direct Loan will be certified for the maximum amount identified on your award unless you notify the Financial Aid Office in writing that you wish to borrow less. That lesser amount should be the amount you will need for the entire year.

All borrowers must complete the Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN). An MPN is your pledge to repay federal loans awarded to you through the federal government. With the signing of an MPN, you receive multiple subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan funds for a 10-year period without signing another promissory note. Capital will determine eligibility for Federal Direct Loans each year through the award process, however, you will only complete one MPN while attending Capital.

If you are a new student or a first-time new borrower, you must complete Entrance Counseling and MPN on-line at https://studentaid.gov/. Have your FSA ID available when completing the MPN online. Capital will notify you when the loan has been originated.

If the applicant demonstrates financial need on the FAFSA, the loan will be subsidized by the Federal Government (i.e., the Federal Government pays the interest on the loan while the student is enrolled for at least 6 hours per semester); repayment starts and interest begins to accrue 6 months (unless a grace period has previously been used) after the borrower drops below 6 hours of enrollment per semester. The applicant who does not demonstrate financial need on the FAFSA still may borrow a Federal Direct Loan, however, the loan will be unsubsidized and the student is responsible for interest payments from the time of disbursement of the loan. Borrowers may choose to make payments on the interest charged for the unsubsidized loan or allow the interest to accrue until repayment begins.

The maximum Federal Direct Loan per academic year is $5,500 (first year), $6,500 (sophomore) and $7,500 (junior and senior). Additional unsubsidized Direct Loan (in the amount of $4,000 for first year and sophomores and $5,000 for juniors and seniors) also may be requested by independent students if direct educational expenses allow for eligibility.

Resources for Books & Living Expenses

Delivery of Loan Proceeds - All students should make arrangements to have sufficient personal funds to cover non-billed costs such as books and living expenses each term until excess loan funds can be made available.

Loan Disbursements

You will be notified by the Capital University Student Accounts Office when a disbursement has been posted. At that time, arrangements will be made for finalizing your disbursement. Federal Direct Loans are usually made in equal disbursements each of the terms the student is enrolled. The federal government requires the institution to deliver loan proceeds to students’ accounts, or directly to the borrower when appropriate, in a timely manner. Capital will attempt to deliver all loan proceeds as soon as possible; however, students should not assume these funds will be available before the third week of classes. All students who are receiving funds in excess of institution charges must request receipt of these funds by completing a Refund Request Form (available through Student Accounts Office). This form cannot be completed any sooner than the first official day of each term.

Registration Deadline for Financial Aid Recipients

All students receiving financial aid of any type must have their registration process completed by the first Friday of any term. All loan proceeds received by the institution must be applied to a registered student’s account in accordance with federal regulations. Failure to complete the registration process by the first Friday of any term may result in loan proceeds being returned to the lender. Consult the Adult and Graduate Education office for assistance in completing your advisement/registration.

You will be required to complete and return a Payment Adjustment Worksheet/Billing Worksheet for each term you are enrolled at Capital University. The worksheet will be sent to you when your bill is prepared by the Finance Office. If you do not complete and return your worksheet, you will be assessed a late fee. If you have questions about your worksheet, contact the Finance Office at (614) 236-6111 or 1-800-289-6289, extension 6111.

Standards of Progress (SAP)

Federal regulations require an institution to establish, publish and apply reasonable standards of measuring whether an otherwise eligible student is maintaining satisfactory progress in his/her course of study.

The standards must include both a qualitative and quantitative measure. Capital’s qualitative measure includes grades, while quantitative standards measure a time frame in which students must complete their educational objective. In order to remain eligible according to the qualitative requirement, students using federal aid must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 after their second year of college.

The quantitative measure is based on enrollment status and be divided into increments as well as include a schedule designating the minimum amount of work to be completed at the end of each increment.  The maximum time frame for an undergraduate program cannot exceed 150 percent of the published length of our educational program for full-time students.

For Capital students, the maximum time frame which students are allowed to receive federal financial assistance is 186 hours. Any student applying for federal aid beyond 186 hours will be automatically ineligible to continue receiving assistance unless a special appeal is filed with and approved by the Financial Aid Office.

In addition to the limit of 186 credit hours, students must successfully complete at least 67% of their attempted credits in order to successfully progress toward completion.  Failure to meet any of these standards will result in a loss of aid with an opportunity to appeal  Students will be notified via e-mail if they are required to appeal to keep their financial aid. Formal dismissal from the University automatically cancels any eligibility for financial aid. See “Dismissal, Academic” in the “Undergraduate Academic Policies, Regulations and General Information” section of the Undergraduate Bulletin for additional information and information regarding the appeal process for reinstatement.

HOPE and Lifetime Learning Tax Credits

In addition to federal grants, loans and work-study, families can take advantage of education tax credits: up to $1,500 for the HOPE tax credit for each student enrolled in the first two years of college or vocational school; and up to $2,000 for the Lifetime Learning tax credit for those beyond the first two years of study for students enrolled in vocational, college, graduate and professional schools, or adults taking classes part-time to improve or upgrade their job. These credits can be claimed by eligible taxpayers when they file their tax returns.

To take advantage of the Hope and Lifetime Learning tax credits, taxpayers must complete and submit IRS form 8863 with their federal tax return. For more information, call the IRS help line at 1-800-829-1040, read IRS publication 970 or visit the U.S. Treasury Department’s website at www.irs.gov.

Withdrawal from University

Students who withdraw from the university during a term should understand that reimbursements are made to aid programs first and the student last. Withdrawals at any time may affect loan repayment options and students should always check with the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing.

QUESTIONS regarding financial aid should be addressed to:

Financial Aid Office
Capital University
1 College and Main
Columbus, OH 43209-2394
(614) 236-6511
866-544-6175

Undergraduate Academic Policies, etc.

  1. LATE REGISTRATION
    Students are permitted to add classes (or register for initial classes) during the first week of the semester. Students wishing to add classes or register during the second week of the semester are required to obtain the signature of their instructor and submit the proper signatures to the Registrar’s Office. To avoid a late registration fee all classes must be added no later than the second week of the semester. Students wishing to add classes after the second week must be approved by the University Registrar. Students must obtain their instructor and advisor signatures before seeking Registrar approval. Any student adding classes after the second week will be charged a $50.00 late fee per course according to University guidelines.
  2. REGISTRATION FOR A TRADITIONAL COURSE
    Adult and Continuing Education students who wish to enroll in traditional courses are limited to one traditional course per semester. The student must submit a “Adult and Graduate Student Taking a Traditional Course” form with the signatures of the instructor and their advisor. This form is available in  the Registrar’s Office. Students who wish to enroll in more than one traditional course in a semester must request permission from the University Registrar.

Leave of Absence

A leave of absence may be granted to a student who wishes to interrupt, but not permanently discontinue, enrollment at Capital University. Leaves of up to one academic year may be granted. Requests must be approved by the Dean of the college and submitted to the Adult and Graduate Office. A leave of absence allows a student to return without the necessity of re-applying.

If the leave of absence is requested after a term begins but before the end of the ninth week of classes for traditional students, the student will receive a notation of W (for withdrawal from the course) on the academic record. For students enrolled in the Adult and Continuing Education program for an eight-week modular course or a summer session, a notation of W is recorded up through the end of the mid-point of the term. Any leave of absence that results in course withdrawal after the mid-point of the term will result in a grade of F unless overruled by the student’s academic dean.

In the semester preceding their return to the University, students on leaves of absence will be eligible to participate in such procedures as registration for classes.

To be eligible for a leave of absence, the student must be in good academic, financial, and disciplinary standing. Students who have been dismissed for any reason from the University are not eligible to request a leave of absence.

If a student wishes to withdraw from Capital University and does not plan to return, please see “Withdrawal from the University” section of this bulletin.

Administrative Cancel

Course registrations may be administratively canceled under the following circumstances:

  1. A student has been registered for a course without meeting the required pre-requisites as stated in this bulletin.
  2. The instructor verifies, prior to the final roster being submitted to the Registrar’s Office, that a student has never attended a class for which she/he is registered.

Administrative Cancels may be initiated by the course instructor. Students should initiate all changes in registration and are encouraged to officially withdraw from a course as outlined in the section titled “Registration Procedures.” Failure to attend a course will not ensure official withdraw or administrative cancel of that registration.

There may be financial aid implications for students who are administratively canceled from courses.

Additional academic policies are listed in the section of this bulletin entitled “Undergraduate Academic Policies, Regulations and General Information.”