Admissions and Policies

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General Information

Application for Admission

Application for Admission to the independent study and certificate programs is open throughout the year. All applications for admission are received and reviewed by the admissions committee and Dean. A careful evaluation is made as to the individual’s motivation, character, life experience, and academic standing for acceptance into the degree program of choice. The University may accept incoming credit toward a student’s first undergraduate degree through the assessment of the prior learning program which must meet all standardized state and federal requirements. Some degree programs require special admission criteria and prerequisites.

  1. All documents must be written and submitted in English unless through our international affiliates.
  2. All payments of application fees and tuition fees must be made in U.S. currency and made directly to the University of Natural Medicine.

Special Admissions Provision

Provisional admissions status may be granted to a qualified applicant who has not met all prerequisites. In these cases, all prerequisites for the degree program must be completed within the first 1-2 years of study. Determination of an admission to be granted with a special provision, will be made upon evaluation of a student’s application and will be the decision of the Dean and/or Academic Director.

Incoming Credit Advanced Placement

Advanced placement may be available for qualified applicants based on similar curriculum, practical training, seminars, and clinical training, completed and life/work experience.

Transcripts

Please have the schools you have attended email copies of your official transcripts to the admissions office at: . Official transcripts must be received to complete the student’s application. Preliminary status and evaluation may be obtained with unofficial copies of transcripts until official transcripts are received.

Incoming Credit for Prior Learning and Life Work Experience

Students may receive incoming credit for prior learning, life and work experience. All requests for incoming credit must be submitted with the application for admission.

Credit for Life Experience

The University offers academic credit for life/work experience related to the program of study that has been obtained outside a formal degree-granting setting. Life experience is defined as work experience (therapist, physician/clinician, teacher, counselor, nurse, business, etc.), military experience or a combination of the two.

  1. Please submit as much documentation as possible for validation.
  2. Note that life experience credit cannot be granted to doctoral students. Clinical experience may apply toward clinical credits only.

Portfolio for Incoming Credit/Prior Learning Assessment Program

Courses may only be waived and accepted for incoming credit if a prospective student has demonstrated acceptable evidence of the material covered, e.g. notarized documentation, official transcript, diploma or certificate of completion from a recognized educational institution and/or individual. Incoming credit for non- traditional education, work, and life experience will be assessed by our prior learning assessment program. Incoming credit must be appropriate to the course of study sought and evaluated and granted by Dean of Students. The student shall indicate the course(s) for which the experiential learning is being requested and the justification for it.

International Students

Students with transcripts from foreign colleges and universities are required to submit English language translations. If not submitted in English, the University will refer these transcripts to an external foreign transcripts evaluation service for review. Students pay a foreign transcript evaluation fee of $250 for this service in addition to the regular application fee.

The University does not offer 1-20 visa services for independent study programs nor will the University vouch for student status. International Students must be fluent in the English language for admission to the University unless the student is enrolled in one of our affiliate centers or institutions. All course work is offered in English, through English textbooks, and critiques made by English speaking faculty in the United States. All communications and exams are in English unless the student is enrolled through an affiliate institution or a faculty member is fluent in another language.

Notice Concerning Transferability of Credits and Credentials Earned at the University of Natural Medicine

The transferability of credits you earn at the University of Natural Medicine is at the complete discretion of an institution to which you may seek to transfer. Acceptance of the degree you earn in the educational program is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. If the degree that you earn at this institution is not accepted at the institution to which you seek to transfer, you may be required to repeat some or all of your coursework at that institution. For this reason, you should make certain that your attendance at this institution will meet your educational goals. This may include contacting an institution to which you may seek to transfer after attending the University of Natural Medicine to determine if your degree will transfer.

Transfer of Credits to Other Institutions

Course credits that are earned at UNM are not universally accepted by other institutions of higher learning. Decisions concerning the acceptance of course credit by other institutions are made at the sole discretion of the governing body of those institutions. UNM does not imply nor guarantee that course credits earned at UNM will be accepted by or transferable to any other college, university, or institution and it should not be assumed that any course credits can be transferred.

Each institution has its own policies governing the acceptance of credit from other institutions. Students wishing to transfer course credits earned at UNM to another institution should contact that institution to determine what course credits, if any, that institution will accept according to their policies on transfer of credit.

UNM has not entered into an articulation or transfer agreement with any other college or university.

Program Prerequisites for Admissions

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NATURAL HEALTH SCIENCES

Prerequisites:
High School Diploma (or equivalent or GED)
College level courses and/or equivalent life/work experience to include 35 Credit Hours* Communications (9), Mathematics (3), Laboratory Sciences (8), Social/Behavioral Sciences (6-9), Humanities & Fine Arts (6-9)

*Deficiencies in prerequisite preparation may be met as outlined in Special Admissions Provision. Some of these courses are available through the University and affiliates.

Prerequisites may also be completed at a student’s local community college or university, and through various distance learning programs either on-line or via other media.

The student must have been in good standing at the college or university attended and earned a minimum grade point average of 2.0 (on a 4-point scale) in all lower division course work.

If the student has attended a school that does not assign a 4-point grading scale, the student must submit an equivalent evaluation of his/her prior academic work.

* As required by standardized education, any student will need to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of study with the University of Natural Medicine, regardless of incoming credits, to be qualified for a bachelors’ degree from our institution.

MASTER AND DOCTORATE DEGREE PROGRAMS

Prerequisites:
A High School diploma or equivalent (GED) and a baccalaureate degree from this university or from another approved educational institution.

The student must be in good standing at the college or university attended and earned a minimum grade point average of 2.0 (on a 4-point scale) in all upper division work. If the student has attended a school that does not assign a 4-point grading scale, the student must submit an equivalent evaluation of his/her prior academic work.

Academic Policies and Procedures

  1. All program documents, study plans, papers, quizzes, exams, final projects, and evaluations must be in English and presented in a typed format.
  2. Curriculum requirements, availability of courses, and tuition fees are subject to change without prior notice in order to maintain standards and remain current with changes in the field and course of study.
  3. Policies and Procedures for assessing the student’s progress toward their program objectives will be found in Student Handbook. At the time of enrollment into a degree program, the student is provided a Student Handbook.

Enrollment Agreement

Before a student begins their studies at the University, the University shall execute an Enrollment Agreement with the student. This is an agreement to purchase a course of instruction, certificate, or degree program from the University. Enrollment Agreements are generally not required for non-degree track students purchasing individual courses (up to five courses).

As a prospective student, you are encouraged to review all pertinent information contained in this website and in the Course Catalog, prior to signing an enrollment agreement.

Class Registration

A student must register and pay the tuition for a class before he may obtain the class syllabus and begin the course work for credit. Registration is open year-round with short breaks during school administrative breaks, national and international holidays.

Course Materials for Programs of Study

Fees for course materials (such as books, manuals, videos and other training materials) for each program and course of study vary. This cost can be estimated for each program and, in most cases, should be considered additional to tuition and other fees. A complete list of course requirements (the syllabus) will be provided to the student at the beginning of his/her course of study.

Academic Support Resources

The University shall assist students in gaining access to resources needed for completion of their certificate, degree, or course of instruction. This includes books, supplies, and relevant materials needed to meet program requirements. If the source of study materials is not available as designated in the assigned coursework, the instructor should be consulted for current sources of the study material.

Additionally, a booklist identifying locations to purchase study materials for your program is provided at the time of enrollment to new degree students.

Facilities and Equipment

All class sessions are held through distance learning and may be completed at the student’s home with the assistance of UNM staff located at the UNM Administrative office. To successfully complete their studies, the student will need access to a computer with internet and email capabilities.

UNM provides instruction for its programs with manuals and textbooks, online video and other electronic means.

Attendance

The University of Natural Medicine is a distance learning University with all coursework completed at the students’ home. The student has six months (6) to complete any and all courses registered for at a time. Course syllabi give time frames in which it is estimated as reasonable to complete specific units of class material. Many courses include quizzes, projects and papers due at the end of those units. The completion and submission of these items is how UNM tracks attendance. Additionally, it is recommended that students check in at least once, and at least halfway through each course with the instructor to make sure they are on track for completion.

Student – Instructor Interaction

  • Student interaction with instructor is facilitated primarily by using telephone, email, and video conference calls. Appointments regarding coursework may be scheduled directly between the instructor and student.
  • Currently, the University’s Office of Academic Affairs will provide to the student the written final examination’s Grading Sheet, as graded by the instructor, within 30 days after receipt of the exam initially sent in by the student to the Administrative Office for grading. The final grade for the course will follow within two weeks and shall be entered into the student’s transcript.

Student Services

  • The University of Natural Medicine provides academic counseling, as well as technical support to all enrolled students via email, telephone and video / audio conference calls.

Academic Support Resources

The University shall assist students in gaining access to resources needed for completion of their certificate, degree, or course of instruction. This includes books, supplies, and relevant materials needed to meet program requirements. If the source of study materials is not available as designated in the assigned coursework, the course instructor should be consulted for current sources of the study material.

Additionally, a booklist identifying locations to purchase study materials for your program is provided at the time of enrollment to new degree students.

Grades / Evaluation

The University requires scholarly standards of academic achievement. Papers, quizzes, projects, and proctored examinations are used as an aid in ascertaining the level of proficiency and knowledge each student has achieved.

Grades issued are based on the following:

90-100 =A= 4.00 points;
80-89 = B = 3.00 points;
70-79 = C = 2.00 points;
Below 69 = D = failure;
P = Pass; I = Incomplete; W = Withdrawal.
(Some professors may have their own grading scale)

In the event that a student fails a course, the student may retake the course by paying all necessary fees for retaking the course as outlined in the Student Handbook.

Graduation Requirements / Distinguished Graduate Status

Graduation will be granted upon satisfactory completion, with passing grades, of all requirements of the degree program and the approval of the President, Registrar, and the student’s Dean. The student will be required to submit a graduation petition to ensure all requirements have been met.

Distinguished graduate status designated as cum laude (GPA 3.70+), magna cum laude (GPA 3.84+), or summa cum laude (GPA 3.95+) will be granted to those students who display outstanding aptitude in academics and in the clinical externships, practical and residential training portions of the degree program.

Graduate Transcripts

Each graduate will receive, along with a diploma or certificate of completion, a student transcript of his/her academic, practical and clinical work. Graduates may request that these transcripts be sent to prospective employers, educational institutions, and certifying agencies for a specified fee per transcript. University faculty and staff often provide recommendations for their students.

Student records must remain in the university data base for 5 years. Transcripts will be archived permanently.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Students will be responsible for upholding the Code of Student Responsibility. This code acknowledges the type of education the University offers which attracts students with a strong sense of individuality, motivation and maturity. Thus, the code endeavors to provide respect and understanding for individuals, various points of view and experiences which embody the philosophy of the learning process provided by the University. Students are expected to observe this code along with the faculty, staff and fellow students. The student is responsible to uphold her/his contracts and agreements. The complete Code of Student Responsibility is contained within the Student Handbook. At the time of enrollment into a degree program, the student will be provided with a Student Handbook for their reference.

Housing

The University of Natural Medicine is a completely distance learning University and does not have a physical campus; therefore, housing is not provided. UNM does not have dormitory facilities under its control. UNM does not have information related to housing near the administrative office as courses are not held on site. UNM has no responsibility to find or assist a student in finding housing.

Unsatisfactory Progress

Students must submit coursework within the instruction period as defined as up to six months per any number of courses or module registered for and must maintain a 2.0 grade point average (C or better) in all examinations.
Students may retake up to three (3) below grade point average or failing courses for 30% of the cost of each course (see 7.1). Any student failing four or more courses will be subject to review by the Academic Dean and the Dean of the student. An academic assessment shall be made with the student to review the program of study and the student’s goals. Should it be determined that the student may continue, a student must retake the failed course(s) at 100% of the course cost. Specifics to continue his/her course of study will rest with the Dean of the student. Should the third attempt be unsuccessful, the student may be academically disqualified. At this point, the student can apply to the Academic Dean for a reassessment for the program chosen by the student. The Academic Dean will consult with the Dean of Students, and, and then meet together with the student, they will determine whether the University can meet the goals of the student; if not, the student may decide to apply for a withdrawal or the Dean(s) can recommend dismissal.

Leave of Absence

A student may apply for a leave of absence from his/her program of study by presenting the reasons for the request in writing to the Administrative Office and paying a fee. The decision to grant the leave of absence will be made by the Academic Dean and the student’s Dean. If approved, a leave of absence will be granted for no more than one year. If the student does not return at the end of the stipulated leave, he/she will be subject to academic probation and possible dismissal.

Withdrawal from a Program of Study

Withdrawal from a course of study is subject to the refund policy of the University as stated below. The student’s Academic Counselor and the Registrar will assist the student in this process.

Academic Warning, Probation, and Dismissal

Maintaining regular curriculum progress by the student is essential. Possible consequences to the student who lapse in academic progress are:

  1. A student, who fails to submit course work within the instruction period as defined as up to six months per any number of courses or module, may receive an encouraging letter, email, and/or phone call by the University Administrative Office allowing 30 days to remedy this problem.
  2. If the student fails to submit work within the 30-day warning period, upon direction of the Dean, the student is placed on probation for a period of 60 days.
  3. Should the student not respond to the probation warning, the student will be academically disqualified. A student who is disqualified will be required to apply for re-admission and pay the application fee. Re- admission is not automatic.
  4. A student who is inactive for six-months without contact or due cause will be subject to dismissal. It is the responsibility of the student to maintain direct contact with the Administrative Office and to maintain current address, telephone, email, cell, and fax contact information.

Dismissal from a Program of Study

Dismissal from a course of study for reasons such as: academic insufficiency, failure to meet time requirements or non-contact with the University, misrepresentation of information, breaking the Code of Student Responsibility, or any other violation, will be subject to review by the Academic Director. Final appeals of disciplinary actions will be submitted to the Student Affairs Committee.

Payment of Tuition and Fees

  • All tuition and fees shall be paid and/or financed according to the policies and procedures of financial assistance and/or payment for tuition. Grants may be available in the future. j
  • Tuition is due at the time the student registers for the class. Payment for textbooks and study materials are the responsibility of the student.
  • Enrollment fee shall be paid when the Enrollment Agreement is signed.
  • Enrollment and Graduation fees are only required for degree programs. These fees are not required for certificate programs.
  • A student is not eligible to be graduated until all outstanding financial obligations to the school are satisfied.

Financial Assistance Programs

UNM does not qualify for Pell grants, Stafford Loans, Veteran Tuition Benefits, or other Federal and State Financial Assistance Loans, at this time.

Refunds on Tuition and Fees

Tuition refunds are listed on the student’s Enrollment Agreement Document. All other fees, including application, assessment, student services, books and materials are non-refundable.

Refund Policy for Degree and Non-Degree Students

• In the event that a student withdraws or is expelled after the cancellation period, a refund shall be based on the tuition received for courses not yet completed. All refunds are pro-rated from the date on which the instruction period begins which is defined as the date on which the instruction materials (courses) are handed, emailed from UNM to the student. After that date, refunds are made according to the number of months elapsed since instruction began. Refunds of tuition paid for courses delivered by affiliated institutions will be made according to the refund policies of the affiliated institutions.

No refunds will be made for fees paid toward clinical and practical trainings, the Application/Evaluation Fees, Registration/Enrollment Fees, surcharge fees, course books, manuals, or support materials, nor to any other expenses which the student may have incurred incidental to participating in a program, such as travel, lodging, and any other personal expense. If the student has received federal student financial aid funds, the student is entitled to a refund of monies not paid from federal student financial aid program funds.

  • The instruction period for distance learning at UNM is defined as up to six months per any number of courses or module.
  • Refunds of tuition will be made according to the following schedule within the instruction period, identified as:

o 1st month 90%
o 2nd month 80%
o 3rd month 70%
o Thereafter, No refund

  • Please note that this refund policy applies only to tuition. It does not apply to application or registration fees (as mentioned above), purchases of books or supplies, nor to any other expenses which the student may have incurred incidental to participating in the program, such as shipping, travel, lodging, and any other personal expenses.
  • If a student would like to withdraw and cancel the enrollment agreement, the student must send a request in writing to the UNM Administrative Office.
  • Any refund will be paid within thirty (30) days of UNM receiving written notice of a student’s withdrawal or of UNM terminating enrollment of the student, whichever is earlier. If the student wishes to reapply, new application/evaluation and registration fees will be required.

The refund policy for non-degree student paying course by course is as follows: Each course will be subject to 15-day review from the date of delivery from the University. Within that time frame, the university must receive written notice of withdrawal from the course. After 15 days, there will be no refund for the course received by a student.

Refunds involving Student Loans

The University of Natural Medicine does not handle any financial transactions between a student and a private, outside source of funding to pay for their tuition, fees or other necessary educational expenses such as study materials and clinical externships, etc. Therefore, when tuitions are paid for a student’s program, if a refund is warranted, the refund will be only paid to the party who directly paid the university for the expense.