Policies and Procedures

Non-Discrimination Statement

Sullivan University does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of race, sex, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, political affiliation, or sexual orientation. The university is subject to Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, Federal Executive Order 11246, and all other rules and regulations that are applicable. Anyone who has questions concerning these regulations should contact the Chief Academic Officer of Sullivan University, 3101 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40205. Individuals who desire accommodations with the application process should contact the Dean of Students of Sullivan University, 3101 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40205.

Statement about Policies and Procedures Changes

Sullivan University is a private, tax-paying corporation owned by a Kentucky corporation, The Sullivan University System, Inc. The corporate officers are A.R. Sullivan, Chancellor; Glenn D. Sullivan, President; Shelton Bridges Jr., Vice President for Finance; and Patricia Schrenk, Secretary. Sullivan University retains the right to revise programs of study, hours of classes, the course schedule, and/or any other material listed in this publication; to change policies, regulations, requirements, courses, tuition, and fees; and to alter or change any statement contained herein without prior notice.

Although the editors of this policy and procedures manual have made every reasonable effort to attain factual accuracy herein, no responsibility is assumed for editorial, clerical, or printing errors or errors occasioned by mistakes. The editors have attempted to present information, which at the time of preparation for printing, most accurately describes the course offerings, faculty listing, policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements of the University. However, it does not establish contractual relationships. Sullivan University can add, remove, or revise courses and subjects, change textbooks, and make policy alterations which improve the University. It is the attitude toward worthwhile changes that keeps the University at peak efficiency.

Continuous Enrollment & Academic Leaves of Absence

All Ph.D. students are required to be continuously enrolled during the academic year. If a student fails to enroll in a course two weeks prior to the start of a new academic quarter, the student will be notified by e-mail that dismissal for lack of continuous enrollment will be recommended if the student does not enroll by the time classes start for the next academic quarter.

If a student fails to enroll in a course prior to the start of the following academic quarter, the Dean of the Graduate School or the Chair of Ph.D. Studies will notify the student that he or she has been dismissed from the program for lack of continuous enrollment.

A student may petition the Dean of the Graduate School for an academic leave of absence should issues arise in a student’s personal or professional life that requires him or her to discontinue studies for a time. Academic leave of absence (ALOA) may be granted up to two academic terms (approximately six months). During a leave of absence, tuition payments and fees for the quarters covered in the ALOA are suspended until the student either notifies Sullivan University that he or she wishes to return or the student engages in any form of academic study with the university which would count as continuous enrollment and require payment of normal tuition and fees. Other than course work, the following activities constitute continuous enrollment: (1) supervised research, (2) use of university facilities other than the library, and (3) consulting regularly with a faculty member concerning graduate work to include preparation for the qualifying exam, preparation of a dissertational proposal or prospectus, and research and writing a dissertation.

A student who exceeds the two-quarter limit for an ALOA may petition for a second ALOA (another two-quarter limit or approximately six-months); however, if the student fails to return immediately following the second ALOA period, the student must reapply for admission into the Ph.D. program to continue his or her studies. Any student who has not been enrolled for more than twelve (12) months must be readmitted before they may resume course work.

Upon return from a ALOA, the student would be subject to normal tuition paid by new students who are admitted into the Ph.D. program. The tuition lock program requires continuous enrollment, and, even though an ALOA permits a student to leave the program for a short while without seeking a new admission into the program upon return, the student is considered to have left the Ph.D. program once an ALOA is granted. The Graduate School does not guarantee course availability to any student who returns from an ALOA.

Residence Requirements

The Ph.D. program requires students to attend the annual residence conference held annually at the Sullivan University, Louisville campus or another suitable venue specified by Sullivan University. The annual residency is usually scheduled in conjunction with the Sullivan University faculty retreat. All students who take Ph.D.-level courses at Sullivan University are required to attend residencies for the first two years of their enrollments. Typically, annual residencies resemble an academic conference environment where students, faculty, and invited conference presenters and discussants present their original research, receive peer feedback of their research, and build relationships that further their research efforts. Based on the merit of the research contribution, students in the Ph.D. program may be invited to present original research or serve as a panel discussant at some time during the residency. Residencies provide students an opportunity to meet with faculty members, receive feedback on their research, build relationships with other Ph.D. students, and present their research in a conference environment. Residencies are required for students who are continuously enrolled in Ph.D. courses. Students who complete their course work and are enrolled in either comprehensive exam or dissertation hours are highly encouraged but not required to attend the annual residence.

Time Requirements for Completion

Students have a six-year period for program completion once coursework begins. In unusual circumstances, a one-year extension may be granted upon written request to the Dean of the Graduate School. An extension must be approved by the Dean of the Graduate School.

If the student fails to complete the program following an extension, the student must be readmitted to graduate study and to candidacy. The Ph.D. admissions committee may recommend that a student who is readmitted to the program demonstrate competence by taking additional coursework or a comprehensive exam.

Sullivan University Policies & Procedures

Unless otherwise specified, the policies and procedures stated in the current Sullivan University Catalog and/or in the current Sullivan University Student Handbook apply as policies and procedures for the Graduate School and for all graduate students. This document only intends to establish the policies and procedures unique to the Ph.D. program. Students should refer to the aforementioned documents for policies and procedures common to Sullivan University students, faculty, and staff.