Policies

 

The Wright Graduate Institute for the Realization of Human Potential reserves the right to make additions, deletions, and modifications to the enrollment, academic, financial, and community life policies as listed. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, the Wright Graduate Institute reserves the right to effect changes without notice or obligation. Notices of such changes are widely distributed on campus. You can also view the most recent version of this document at the Wright Graduate Institute’s website at: www.wrightgraduateinstitute.org.

 

Transferability of Credits and Non-Credit Courses

Transfer Out

The transferability of credits you earn at Wright Graduate Institute for the Realization of Human Potential is at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer to. Acceptance of the diploma you earn in the M.A. or Ed.D. in Transformational Learning, Leadership, and Coaching, or certificates you earn in Transformational Leadership, Social Intelligence, Emotional Intelligence, and Transformational Coaching, is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. If the credits that you earn at this institution are 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.

Transfer In

1. Residency Requirement

For the M.A. degree, at least 32 credits must be earned at the Wright Graduate Institute. For the Ed.D degree, at least 64 credits must be earned at the Wright Graduate Institute. For certificate programs, all the credits must be earned at the Wright Graduate Institute.

 

WGI does not grant advanced standing or credit for experiential learning.

 

2. Area of Competence Equivalency Process

The Wright Graduate Institute does not recognize transfer credits in the traditional sense because few if any courses from other institutions include all the elements addressed in our four-part Areas of Competence. Learners may petition for equivalency recognition for one or more elements of an AC based on the following guidelines:

 

A. Self-Assessment

Learners must review the syllabus for the AC and complete the Self-Assessment section that precedes Section I, Overview. This review will help learners determine their likelihood of successfully petitioning for equivalency.

B. Petition

1. Conceptual competencies — Maximum 4 credits per 8-credit AC

A learner may apply for equivalency for the overview and/or in-depth portion of each AC. Each of the following demonstrations of conceptual competency should be submitted to the Assessor:

a. Transcript from the institution indicating course work completed;

b. Syllabus of the course(s) completed;

c. Any papers written during the course(s) demonstrating knowledge gained and applied from the course. Paper must include references and address the element for which equivalence is being sought (i.e. demonstrate broad understanding if seeking overview equivalency, and demonstrate deep knowledge in at least three areas of the field for in-depth equivalency);

d. An essay explaining the applicability of the course(s) to current literature and research in the specific Area of Competence, as well as the relationship to the Comprehensive Wright Model of Human Growth and Development.

 2. Performative competencies — No credit granted

Learners who have previously completed an appropriate human development training seminar may petition for recognition of this seminar as an appropriate foundation for assessment of their performative competencies by paying $200 per AC for an assessment. This fee must be paid prior to assessment and is not returnable should the Assessor determine that prior per formative learning does not represent an appropriate foundation for the comprehensive and reflective self-assessment work product required to demonstrate performative competence. When a faculty assessor is assigned to review prior training experience, the learner is notified and it becomes his/her responsibility to set a mutually agreeable assessment date. The learner should review the competency descriptions in the relevant syllabus before the meeting.

The faculty assessor completes the report and recommendation for equivalency recognition. The report and recommendations go to the Registrar, who determines the learner’s eligibility to complete the self-assessment work product required for a demonstration of performative competence.

3. Applied Competencies — 2 credits

Because the Applied component of the AC is meant to be a reflective integration of both the conceptual and performative components, equivalency credit for the Applied component can be granted only in cases where the learner has completed the Overview, In-Depth, and Performative elements, and is requesting credit for the entire AC. Where these requirements are met, equivalency for the Leadership and Coaching Application component of the AC can be obtained by writing a paper or other work product describing the application of the AC and including the following:

a. Summary of the ways in which performative and academic learning were applied to situations such as work and family;

b. Summary of contributions made to others’ learning;

c. Demonstration of personal growth.

C. Completing and registering the AC           

If elements of the AC remain to be completed after equivalency credit has been awarded, the learner should then register for the AC for the remaining number of credits, engage an assessor, submit an AC Assessment Contract, and complete the outstanding portions for assessment. Upon completion of his or her review, the assessor will send a certificate of completion to the Registrar, including evidence of all elements for which equivalency has been granted.

 

Enrollment Policies

 

I. Admission Standards

The Wright Graduate Institute encourages applications from individuals with a strong academic and professional background and those who have demonstrated potential to succeed in an independent, tutorial education model and make a contribution to their chosen field. We value scholarship, creativity, and an independent spirit in the discovery of knowledge. Applications are evaluated according to a compensatory model that permits extensive competencies or experiences in some areas to compensate for limited competencies in others.

Admission to the Master’s Degree Program

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to do graduate-level work at a high level of quality. Submission requirements include:

·Application form and fee

• Official, sealed transcript documenting receipt of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, and official, sealed transcripts from any previous graduate level study. Applicants for admission who have international degrees will need to have their international transcripts evaluated for degree equivalency to an accredited U.S. degree/school.

·One recommendation from a former professor or supervisor

·Two short and separate essays demonstrating the applicant’s ability to function as an independent learner and engage in realistic planning

·Resume

• A recent writing sample if available that demonstrates critical thinking and writing skills, the ability to develop ideas and make a coherent argument, the ability to evaluate relevant literature and use references, and exposure to research methods. Acceptable writing samples include:

·Excerpt from a master’s or undergraduate thesis

·Academic paper from a recent graduate or undergraduate course

·Critique of a published research article in your area of interest

·Published article with your name as the sole author or first-named author

• A timed writing exercise

The admission committee evaluates the following:

·Prior academic performance. As a rule of thumb, the committee expects a G.P.A. of at least 3.0 in the last 60 credit hours undertaken.

·Critical thinking and writing skills

·Ability to function as an independent learner

·Professional goals

·Professional, academic, and/or community achievements, activities, and contributions

·Ability to use academic, professional, and community resources to achieve learning objectives

·Maturity and self-awareness as expressed in the essay questions.

·Computer literacy, familiarity with electronic databases, and access to e-mail and the Internet

·Familiarity with research design and data analysis

·Evidence of realistic planning for the time and resources required to complete the program

The final step in the admissions process is participation in the learner’s first AC in the master’s program. Learners are required to submit either an overview or an in-depth paper within 90 days of opening the AC to be considered and enrolled student at Wright Graduate Institute.

Universal Provisional Application Period

WGI has a two-step application process. If all of the above requirements are met with the learner, he or she will be provisionally accepted into the M.A. or any of the certificate programs. This provisional acceptance lasts for one quarter, during which time the learner will be engaged in one Area of Competence (a course). The learner will pay tuition for the AC. During this Provisional Application Period, both the learner and WGI will determine whether the learner has the capacity to function as an independent adult learner. This determination includes answers to the following questions:

• Did the learner complete their Overview paper at a grade level of B- or higher?
• Did the learner meet all the requirements for participation and attendance?
• Did the learner operate in accordance with the policies and procedures listed in this catalog?

If either the learner or WGI decides that our program is not appropriate for the learner, WGI will issue a full refund for the tuition for the AC to the learner, and the learner will not be enrolled. The $75 application fee is not refundable The fees for performative learning provided by the Wright Leadership Institute will only be refunded to the extent that the services have not actually been provided.

II. Admission Procedures
 

1. Application for Admission: Application forms are available on the Wright Graduate Institute website and at the administrative offices.
2. Admission Deadline: Learners are advised to apply at least 60 days in advance of their intended quarter start date. Late applications may be accepted but standard processing time may result in late registration fees being assessed.
3. Admission Decision: Applications are reviewed by an admissions committee consisting of the Chancellor and a faculty member. Learners are notified in writing upon the determination by this committee, usually within three weeks of the Wright Graduate Institute’s receipt of the learner’s application and $75 non-refundable application fee.
4. Enrollment: Enrollment and participation in Wright Graduate Institute programs creates a contract of education between the learner and the institution. Enrollment at the Wright Graduate Institute constitutes an agreement by the student to abide by the rules, regulations, and policies of the Institute. Learners are considered to have enrolled at the Wright Graduate Institute for the Realization of Human Potential upon completion of the following:
   1. A completed enrollment agreement, signed by the learner and the Chancellor or designee, and accompanied by the $75 enrollment fee
   2. Receipt of the learner's first tuition payment, or establishment of a payment plan
   3. Successful attendance/participation at the face-to-face orientation for that academic program and learning plan
   4. Learner’s submission of either an overview or an in-depth paper within 90 days of opening the AC
5. Deferred Acceptance: A learner may defer acceptance of admission for up to four quarters without special petition. After four quarters, the learner must receive permission from the Chancellor, who may require resubmission of part or all of the application for admission.
6. Financial Aid: Federal financial aid and low-interest student loans are not available to students at unaccredited schools. The Wright Graduate Institute is not accredited. Many sources of private financial assistance are available for which the Wright Graduate Institute will verify student enrollment and satisfactory progress. See Financial Assistance detailed information located under the Financial Policies section.
7. Registration: The registration deadline for each quarter is 30 days before the quarter start date. Late registrations and changes to registration are accepted on a contingent basis and will be confirmed based on the availability of Assessors for the requested Area of Competence. Priority is given to learners who have registered on time.

   A late fee of $200 will be assessed for course registrations received after the registration deadline (30 days before the quarter start date). A late fee of $300 will be assessed for registrations received between day one and day 10 of the quarter. No new registrations are accepted after day 10 of the quarter. Late fee may be waived for first quarter registration.

8. Special Needs: We make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations to learners with special needs that impact their learning. Concerns and requests for accommodation should be addressed in writing to the Dean of Student Affairs or the Chancellor, who have and has 30 days to respond to the request. 

 

Financial Policies

The Learner understands that if a separate party is financing his/her education, that the Learner, and the Learner alone, is directly responsible for all payments and monies owed to the school listed on this agreement.

 

1. Tuition
   1. Tuition for degree programs is based on credits. One credit is $500. Most courses are eight credits. In consultation with their mentor and faculty assessor, learners may choose not to enroll in any new ACs in a quarter due to continuing work on an AC previously enrolled for. If a learner does not enroll in a new AC each quarter, but wishes to stay enrolled in the program, the learner will be charged $1500 to remain an active learner for that quarter.
   2. Learners are required to pay all applicable tuition and fees for each quarter 15 days in advance of the quarter start date, unless a monthly payment plan has been established. Learners who cancel their enrollment within three business days of Enrollment are entitled to a full refund, according to Wisconsin state law.
   3. Monthly payment plans will add 5% to the price of tuition and fees due to increased administrative costs. The Institute reserves the right to deny credit to unqualified applicants. If the learner has not paid or established a payment plan by the quarter start date, he or she must do so before attending the quarterly residential session or meeting with faculty, and late registration fees will be assessed according to the schedule below.
2. Fees
   1. Late Registration Fees:
      1. Registration received after deadline (30 days prior to quarter start date) but before quarter start date: $200
      2. Registration received between day one and day ten of quarter: $300
   2. Late Payment Fee:
      1. 1-15 days late: 5% of total balance for the quarter
      2. 15-30 days late: 7.5% of total balance for the quarter
      3. 31-45 days late: 10% of total balance for the quarter. Learner faces possible withdraw from the program after account review with the Chancellor.
      4. 46 days late and beyond: Total principal balance for the quarter becomes due. Even in the case of default, the learner is required to pay all attorney fees and collection costs associated with collecting past due amounts.
   3. Library Fees: The Wright Graduate Institute maintains a physical library at the main campus. There are no additional library fees. Lost, mutilated, or stolen items will be replaced at the expense of the student.        
   4. Returned Check Fee and declined credit card transaction fee: $25 per occurrence. This fee is charged for paper and electronic checks, and automatic credit card payments returned from a bank regardless of reason, i.e., insufficient funds, closed accounts, etc.
   5. Official Transcript Fee: Each Copy: $5. This fee is charged for each requested copy of a student’s transcript. All financial obligations to the Wright Graduate Institute must be met before any degree, certificate, or transcript can be issued. Records relating to particular courses and material not required for transcript production will not be held after six years, per Wisconsin state law. Records required for transcript production are held in perpetuity.
3. Refunds
   1. For students who are provisionally enrolled in their first quarter and who do not continue their enrollment, they will receive a full refund for their tuition for that first quarter within 40 days of notification of their non-continuance. Application fees will not be refunded. Performative learning fees will be refunded based on the refund policy described below in 3.f.
   2. Full Refund: Cancellation: A learner may cancel his or her enrollment, without obligation or penalty, up to three days after the Wright Graduate Institute informs the learner in writing that the enrollment agreement has been received and accepted. The student will receive a full refund of all the money paid if the student cancels within the three-day cancellation period; the student accepted was unqualified and the school did not secure a disclaimer; the school procured the student’s enrollment as the result of false representations in the written materials used by the school or in oral representations made by or on behalf of the school.

In case of cancellation, WGI will within 10 days return any payment made by the learner.

1. Partial Refund: Withdrawal: After the three-business-day cancellation period, learners may withdraw their enrollment in a quarter in one of several ways:

Notification in writing is preferred. Once notification has been received and processed, if the learner has previously been enrolled in coursework, the Program Administrator will send a Leave of Absence form to the learner.

If withdrawal occurs prior to the quarterly residential session the Wright Graduate Institute will refund all tuition monies paid.

For a learner who calls or writes to the Program Administrator with notice of withdrawal, the effective date of withdrawal will be the date the notice is received.

1. Tuition refunds after the quarter begins: In the case of withdrawal after the quarter start date tuition refunds will be computed according to the following schedule  (During Week 1: 100% refund will be given; after Week 1 and during Week 2, 90% will be refunded):

 

Week 1	100%
Week 2	90%
Week 3	80%
Week 4	70%
Week 5	60%
Week 6	50%
Week 7	40%
Week 8	30%

 

No tuition refunds are given after week 8, except in cases where the learner withdraws due to mitigating circumstances, which are those that directly prohibit pursuit of a program and which are beyond the learner’s control. If mitigating circumstances are deemed to apply, after week 8 and during week 9, the refund will be 20%; after week 9 and during week 10, 10%. There is no refund after week 10. Refunds shall be paid within 40 days after the effective date of termination.

1. Refunds shall be paid within 40 days after the effective date of termination. A written notice of withdrawal is not required. There is not a formal refund request that the student will be responsible for initiating. The student is considered withdrawn from the school if the student fails to attend classes, to utilize instructional facilities or to submit lessons without providing an explanation to the school regarding the inactivity.

 

1. Learners withdrawing after the quarter start date who have received services for performative learning at the Wright Leadership Institute will not receive a refund of their performative program fees after participating in the performative learning. No refunds will be issued after services are rendered for performative learning.

Refunds shall be paid within 40 days of the effective date of termination.

In cases where the withdrawing or expelled learner has received tuition monies from outside sources, the Wright Graduate Institute will refund tuition and fees paid by a sponsor, donor, or scholarship to the source rather than directly to the learner who has withdrawn.

If a person desires clarification of any matter relating to refunds, he or she should contact the office or administrative unit from which the charge or refund originated.
 

1. Financial Assistance:

Learners are responsible for all tuition and fees until funds from outside sources are received.

1. Private Loans: Private loans may be available from a number of lenders. Not every lender will recognize the Wright Graduate Institute for the Realization of Human Potential as a qualifying institution.
2. Federal Grants and Loans: Federal loans are only available to learners attending accredited institutions. WGI is not accredited. Wright Graduate Institute learners cannot access federal monies until accreditation.
3. Institutional Grants: The non-profit Wright Foundation for Transformational Leadership grants loans to prospective and current Wright Graduate Institute learners who have demonstrated capacity and desire to transform their lives and the systems of which they are a part. Applications can be obtained from the Program Administrator and directly from the Foundation for Transformational Leadership.
4. Part-Time Work: Part-time work may be available in areas such as IT, office support, and marketing. Each hour of part-time work counts as a $12 credit to the learner account. Applications can be obtained from the Program Administrator.
5. Outside Scholarships: Outside scholarships received by the Program Administrator on behalf of a learner will be applied to the learner account. If doing so results in a credit, the learner may request the funds be released to them for other educational expenses (books, etc.). The Program Administrator will determine the appropriateness of the request in consultation with the learner and the granting organization/individual.
    

1. Student accounts and payment plans
   1. As outlined above, monthly payment plans of up to three installments are available. See Financial Policies section:
      1. If payment is 31-45 days late: a 10% fee will be added to total balance for the quarter. Learner faces possible withdraw from the program after account review with the Chancellor.
      2. If 46 days late and beyond: Total principal balance becomes due. Even in the case of default, the learner is required to pay all attorney fees and collection costs associated with collecting past due amounts.
      3.  
2. Placement Services

Wright Graduate Institute staff does not provide employment placement services or provide student records to employers. Mentors who are also trained as career coaches may provide informal advisory services, but the Institute does not offer placement or guarantee employment, nor does it refer learners to prospective employers. Mentors are permitted to complete letters of recommendation at the student’s request for prospective employers, but must be approved by the Chancellor prior to the recommendation being completed.

Code of Learner Conduct

General Policy

Learners at Wright Graduate Institute are expected to adhere to the Code of Student Conduct described below. Violations of policy may result in any of a range of consequences, including verbal or written reprimand; suspension, expulsion.

Freedom from Substances

Wright Graduate Institute is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and productive environment for its entire community. WGI strives to maintain a drug-free environment. Unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and/or alcohol at WGI’s facilities or as part of any of its activities is prohibited.

Learners are required to comply with policy as a condition of enrollment.

As a condition of employment, all employees of Wright Graduate Institute, including all faculty and staff, are required to adhere to this policy. Persons who are not employees, but who perform work for WGI (such as contractors and their employees, temporary employees provided by agencies, visitors engaged in joint projects, etc.) are also required to comply with this policy.

The sanctions for violation of this policy may result in any of a range of consequences, including verbal or written reprimand; suspension, expulsion, or required completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program; and/or referral for prosecution.

Any learner, faculty member, or staff person who feels that a sanction has been imposed unjustly may pursue the applicable grievance procedures afforded to them by existing WGI policy.

The Wright Graduate Institute values the benefit of consciousness in any education or training activity. We want and expect learners to profit fully from what they do. Learners are to be clear and substance-free coming into any meeting or coordinated performative training, and will learn and contribute more from enhanced consciousness while substance-free. To this end, we encourage learners to abstain from drugs and/or alcohol 24 hours before any performative training. Learners who choose to enroll in WLI coordinated training activities are required by WLI to inform their performative program leader prior to the meeting if they are taking any prescription medicine that alters consciousness. If a learner attempts to attend a performative training under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or under the influence of consciousness-altering prescription medication without prior permission, he or she will be asked to leave and the meeting will be counted as an absence. No refund will be given.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality maintains the safety, integrity, and freedom of participation for all learners in performative trainings. Learners agree not to disclose the content of other learners’ work outside of the learning context and for the purpose of supporting learning. Learners agree to share only from their own experience when talking with others within or outside their performative training. In an attempt to maximize learning, Wright Leadership Institute coaches and lab leaders may communicate with one another in the service of learning and growing. Learners are encouraged to keep all relevant faculty members informed and current on issues that may arise in the course of their learning experiences. It is incumbent on the learner to identify issues he or she wishes to be kept contained in one training venue.

Anti-Harassment Policy

Preface

Members of the Wright Graduate Institute (WGI) community share a vision of a society in which individuals are able to pursue their goals with respect and dignity, and without harassment, intimidation, or exploitation.

We look forward to a society in which harassment or discrimination of any kind is nonexistent and believe that at WGI we may be a catalyst for change by assisting individuals to achieve their intellectual, professional, and personal goals in an environment which does not make artificial or arbitrary distinctions. This policy on harassment is presented with the hope and conviction that someday it will not be necessary.

Further, the Wright Graduate Institute seeks to create an environment that supports personal development, the discovery and transmission of knowledge, and a positive work environment. All members of the community are expected to contribute to the maintenance of this environment by adhering to high professional standards of conduct and ethical principles. Therefore, this policy prohibits the harassment, intimidation, and exploitation of any member of this community as a necessary measure in support of WGI’s mission, vision, and values.

Policy Statement

The Wright Graduate Institute strictly prohibits harassment of any type against an employee, learner, or outside third party because of that individual's sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, ancestry, physical or mental disability, religion, national origin, or any other protected category identified or inferred in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and not specifically mentioned herein. This document also automatically incorporates any categories of discrimination and harassment that subsequently may be recognized in the future by legal precedent of federal legislation. WGI disapproves of and will not tolerate any unlawful harassment of employees or learners by faculty, staff, fellow learners, or non-employees with whom WGI has a business relationship (such as service providers or other vendors). The harassment precluded by this policy includes any harassment against an individual because that individual is perceived to have any of the characteristics mentioned above or is associated with a person who has or is perceived to have any such characteristic. Further, this harassment policy is extended to prohibit abhorrent behavior such as persistent antagonistic, aggressive, or threatening acts or behaviors exhibited through any means (including electronic media) that have the effect of creating a hostile or intimidating learning or working environment for learners, faculty and staff of WGI. WGI assumes the responsibility of taking appropriate action in responding to reported instances of harassment using the Complaint Process outlined in this policy. Faculty, staff and learners should report instances of harassment experienced personally as well as any third-party witnessing of harassment against other members of the WGI community.

Definitions

Harassment is any conduct, directed toward an individual or groups based on one or more of the listed traits or protected categories, severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile or intimidating work or learning environment for that particular individual or group. Furthermore, this conduct can be physical, verbal or nonverbal, or accomplished through electronic means. Further, this harassment policy is extended to prohibit abhorrent behavior such as persistent antagonistic, aggressive, or threatening acts or behaviors exhibited through any means (including electronic media) that have the effect of creating a hostile or intimidating learning or working environment for learners, faculty and staff of WGI.

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when 1) submission to such conduct is made whether explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's academic progress or employment, 2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for decisions affecting such individual, or 3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's work or educational performance creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Examples include: persistent, unwanted attempts to change a professional relationship to a personal one; repeated intimations, hints, or suggestions that sexual relations are terms or conditions for participation in a WGI education or work-related activity, or repeated flirting and/or sexual joking.

Potential complainants may include third parties as well as the direct complainant. A third party may perceive favoritism or bias resulting from a relationship (between a faculty member and his or her current learner, for example) and sense that other learners are not receiving equal treatment in terms of ratings or grades.

Consensual relationships between faculty, administrators, managers, staff, and learners are prohibited when either party is in a position to:

a)   Evaluate the other's academic performance or progress,

b)   Evaluate the other's professional performance (i.e., a manager and a staff person),

c)   Exercise judgment in situations in which there is the application of a Wright Graduate Institute policy or procedure.

If a consensual relationship exists prior to either party entering into an evaluative situation, it will be the responsibility of the individual with the power or status advantage to take whatever steps necessary to immediately remove him/herself from that association. Failure to do so will lead to appropriate disciplinary action by Wright Graduate Institute.

Consensual sexual relationships between members of the community where neither individual is in a position to exercise direct power or authority over the other may also be inappropriate because of a perception of power or influence. Any member of the faculty or administrative staff who engages in such a relationship must accept responsibility for assuring that it does not result in a conflict of interest or raise other issues of professional ethics. In cases of doubt, advice and counsel should be sought from the individual's dean or administrative supervisor.

Complainant(s): An individual or group of individuals who report harassment or discrimination based on the generic description of such acts as outlined in this policy.

Complaint Adviser: A faculty or staff member within the WGI community who has received training that provides the individual with knowledge of the legal and WGI policy guidelines regarding discrimination and harassment.

Reviewing Manager: A WGI manager who has been delegated authority to act on behalf of the Chancellor in investigating and resolving discrimination and harassment complaints.

Respondent(s): An individual or group of individuals who have been identified as allegedly perpetrating acts of discrimination or harassment based on the generic description of such acts as outlined in this policy.

Harassment Complaint Procedures

Individuals who feel that they have been harassed may choose to use an informal or formal complaint procedure, depending on the severity of the act or acts.

At the current time the Chancellor will serve as the Complaint Adviser and will receive initial harassment complaints from employees and learners. The Chancellor will support potential complainants in preparing a written report of the incident or incidents; helping the complainant identify harassment; supporting the individual in confronting the alleged harasser/s; and in referring the complainant to other internal or external resources as needed. The Chancellor will be the point person for complaints from vendors or individuals external to the immediate WGI community, or for complaints where individuals other than WGI learners, faculty or staff have been identified as alleged perpetrators.

In the future, when WGI has more faculty and staff, the Chancellor will appoint and train four members (three faculty and one staff member) of the WGI community to serve as points of contact (Complaint Advisers) to receive initial harassment complaints from employees and learners. The entire WGI community will be made aware of the names and other contact information for these individuals via the WGI Website. This information will be updated annually. These individuals will support potential complainants in preparing a written report of the incident or incidents; helping the complainant identify harassment; supporting the individual in confronting the alleged harasser/s; and in referring the complainant to other internal or external resources as needed. The Chancellor will be the point person for complaints from vendors or individuals external to the immediate WGI community, or for complaints where individuals other than WGI learners, faculty or staff have been identified as alleged perpetrators.

 

Informal Complaints/Inquiries

Any member of the WGI community may approach any appointed WGI Complaint Adviser to air concerns or ask questions without necessarily instituting formal procedures. The complainant will be told of his/her rights regarding procedures for handling complaints at this time.

A complainant may:

  A) Initiate a formal grievance;

  B) Decide that he or she does not want to initiate a formal grievance, but wants help and support in responding to unwelcome behaviors before they become severe or pervasive.

Complainants will be informed that WGI has a legal obligation to address all claims of unlawful sexual harassment, whether the complainant chooses to pursue addressing such behaviors or not. The Institute will consider complaints, formal or informal, to be highly confidential, and in the course of conducting its review, will discuss complaints only with those whom the University determines necessary in order to conduct a proper investigation and achieve an effective resolution.

The Complaint Adviser will provide information that helps the potential complainant identify what constitutes harassment, explain the WGI policy guidelines and timelines, and be a resource in framing the context of the complaint, either formal or informal.

An individual who believes he or she is experiencing sexual harassment is encouraged to deal directly with the alleged offender with the intent of communicating his or her distress and resolve that the situation will not be repeated. It is important to keep a record of all events or incidents that comprise the offending behavior and any subsequent communication about the behavior.

If the individual does not feel that this action would be appropriate or prefers not to handle it in this manner, he or she may take his or her concern or complaint to any identified WGI Complaint Adviser. The purpose for doing so may be to ask for resolution, to obtain assistance with problem solving, to apprise the Institute so that the authorities of the Institute may take appropriate measures, or all of the above.

The information provided to the Complaint Adviser will be kept confidential as appropriate. The information will not be shared with the rest of the community, and it will be treated with extreme respect and appropriate propriety. Legal obligations, however, compel any institution of higher learning to take appropriate action if/when allegations of sexual harassment are egregious enough. At all steps along the way, the complainant will be apprised and informed of the Wright Graduate Institute’s responsibilities.

Formal Complaints

The Chancellor or his named designees (Reviewing Managers) will receive all formal complaints of sexual harassment brought by any member of the WGI community (except in situations involving non-WGI community members as the alleged perpetrators, as outlined in the general procedures above). Reviewing Managers will be appointed annually. If appropriate or necessary, the Reviewing Manager will: 1) take action to temporarily remove the individual from any situation in which the alleged harassment could continue to take place and 2) initiate formal procedures. If the Chancellor or the Dean for External Affairs is named as the harasser, then the complainant should submit the formal complaint to a designated Reviewing Manager. Formal procedures include the following:

• A written summary of the incident to be sent to the individual accused with a request to respond within ten (10) working days. The response must be directed to the individual complainant with a copy to the Chancellor or the Dean for External Affairs (Reviewing Manager of the case).
• Depending on the details of the summary, the Reviewing Manager will initiate an investigation or make a preliminary recommendation for potential resolutions of the case. A decision on which of these two courses of action will be taken will be made within five (5) days of the receipt of the response to the allegation and the Reviewing Manager will notify the complainant of that decision.
• If an investigation is initiated, the Reviewing Manager will proceed with an investigation with the help of one or more of the WGI Complaint Advisers. This investigation will be kept as confidential as possible and will conclude within four (4) weeks of its initiation. If additional time is required to complete the investigation, the Complaint Adviser will make a request to the Reviewing Manager to extend the investigation. The results of the investigation, along with recommendations and remedies for resolution will be sent to the Reviewing Manager.
• Within five (5) working days after receiving the investigation report with recommendations for resolution, the Reviewing Manager will make a decision on the resolution of the case; notify the complainant and the respondent of that decision; and take action to conclude the complaint based on the recommendations and remedies received with the results of the investigation.
• If the Complainant is not satisfied with the outcome, the Chancellor or the Chancellor’s designee will review the case and issue a decision that is not subject to appeal.

At any point during the complaint process individuals may pursue complaints directly with the government agencies that deal with unlawful harassment, discrimination, and retaliation claims, e.g., the U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Equal Rights Division; or the appropriate investigative agency within another state, and /or the U.S. Department of Education Department's Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

Anyone lodging a complaint of sexual harassment must begin the procedure within one year of the alleged incident. The statute of limitations for addressing a harassment complaint with the EEOC or in civil court is three years. Complainants must initiate an action within three years of the occurrence. There is a 300-day time limit for filing a discrimination complaint with the Wisconsin Equal Rights Division. An attempt to penalize an individual for initiating a complaint or any other form of retaliation is strictly prohibited and will be treated as a violation of this policy. In addition, any false accusations of harassment of any kind will be considered a violation of this policy.

Complaints involving Vendors/Others:

 

III. In those cases involving complaints from within the WGI Community (learners, faculty, staff) against vendors for WGI or against other persons who are external to the WGI community (i.e., those who are not learners, faculty, staff or administration), the Dean for External Affairs shall appoint a Reviewing Manager to assist the Complainant in preparing a clear statement of the complaint in writing and shall forward the same, as presented, and without comment on the allegations, facts, merits or other elements of the complaint unto the alleged perpetrator and to the Dean for External Affairs. This written statement of the complaint shall specify what remedy or resolution the Complainant is requesting. The Dean for External Affairs will provide a copy of the complaint directly to the proprietor of the business (or alleged perpetrator's employer) and ask that same provide a response and resolution within a reasonable timeline. Depending on the outcome of this process, WGI may engage its resources to investigate the matter further, advise and assist the complainant in pursuing relief through federal or state agencies, and ultimately may terminate or limit a vendor relationship as appropriate if the harassment has not stopped or if a suitable remedy is not reached.

*Harassment, on the basis of any legally protected characteristic is a form of discrimination as described in the interpretative guidelines emanating from federal and state legislation prohibiting discrimination.

**For the purposes of this policy, adjunct faculty and other contracted faculty will be treated as WGI employees.

 

Affirmative Action Statement

The Wright Graduate Institute has developed a plan that sets forth methods and procedures to achieve the objectives of affirmative action and equal opportunity. It is designed to provide guidelines for institutional action.

Its goal is to enhance the diversity of WGI with a special emphasis on increasing the presence of people of color who have been traditionally underrepresented in the WGI community. The plan applies to all phases of learner recruitment, selection and retention, to staff and faculty employment (including recruitment, appointment, re-appointment, and nonrenewal of appointment), and to membership on the Board of Trustees. As the chief executive, the president has final oversight of the plan in all of its aspects. Responsibility for its implementation will rest with the university's Affirmative Action Officer. However, all levels of the Wright Graduate Institute are expected to make a concerted effort to advance equal opportunities for all persons at WGI. The full text of the plan can be obtained from WGI’s Affirmative Action Officer.

Policy for Learners with Disabilities

The Wright Graduate Institute is dedicated to maintaining an environment that provides equal access to its educational services for all learners. WGI is committed to developing the independence of people with disabilities in the wider community through full and equitable participation in higher education.

Within that context, WGI will foster among its faculty, staff and learner populations, informed and positive attitudes towards individuals with disabilities. WGI will continue to develop training and resources to encourage and increase awareness and sensitivity regarding disability issues.

While the support of learners with disabilities is a responsibility shared with all members of the WGI community, WGI has designated the Dean of Student Services as the initial point of contact for learners with disabilities. The Dean of Student Services will facilitate requested support and services for learners with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973. To ensure that individual needs are addressed, learners with identified needs are encouraged to contact the Dean of Student Services as early as possible to appropriately document disabilities and make any requests for accommodations.

Requests for services for learners with appropriately documented disabilities will be evaluated on an individual basis, within a reasonable time frame. A learner's preference for accommodation will be considered first, but all types of reasonable accommodation will be considered. At times, alternative methods of accommodation may be used, depending upon the resources available to the Wright Graduate Institute. While WGI takes the needs of learners with disabilities seriously, it is not able to guarantee that all services or resources requested by the learner can be provided. WGI will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with appropriately documented disabilities, provided that such reasonable accommodations do not include measures that fundamentally alter the academic program of the Wright Graduate Institute, or that place undue financial burden on WGI.

All learners requesting services are required to submit written documentation of disability prepared by an appropriate qualified professional, prior to receiving accommodations from the Wright Graduate Institute. Documentation must be current, and include the diagnosis, prognosis, and the learner's present level of functioning and limitations related to the major life activity affected by the disability. Documentation must also state that this diagnosis qualifies as a disability under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, and must be signed by the qualified professional.

Documentation must be provided in the form of a letter or report by a professional who is qualified to diagnose your disability, which may include licensed physicians, therapists, or other health care professionals. For example, a psychologist or psychiatrist may document a psychological disability, but not a spinal cord injury. Physical disabilities may be documented by a physician; however an audiologist may document hearing loss, an optometrist may document visual disabilities, etc.

Once appropriate documentation has been submitted to WGI, a learner will not need to provide further documentation of disability during enrollment, unless the learner's diagnosis and resultant needs have changed.

In addition to the required documentation, documentation of accommodations received at another educational institution or place of work may be helpful in determining appropriate and reasonable accommodations. Please feel free to submit this additional information if you think it could be applicable to your current needs.

Requests for accommodation must be submitted at least 60 days in advance of the need wherever possible in order to facilitate the acquisition of services. If a request is submitted less than 60 days in advance, this delay may result in a delay of the accommodation. Once the request and documentation have been received, the Chancellor or Dean of Student Services will schedule a conversation with the learner (either by phone, e-mail, or face-to-face). During that appointment, the learner and the Chancellor or Dean of Student Services will discuss accommodation needs. Each learner's academic accommodations will be determined on an individual case-by-case basis through engaging in an interactive process. A learner may be requested to provide additional documentation, if the Dean of Student Services does not have sufficient information on which to base decisions concerning accommodations and services.

The Chancellor or Dean of Student Services may consult with other Deans, the Chancellor or faculty in a learner's academic program to discuss appropriate accommodations and how they will be met in each instance before rendering a decision. After consulting with others relevant to the learner's academic program, the Dean of Student Services will make the final determination of reasonable and appropriate accommodations for each learner.

Learners requesting accommodations will be notified of the Chancellor or Dean of Student Services’ decision within 60 days of request and submittal of all pertinent documentation.

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Students with disabilities at WGI have the right to:

• Equal opportunity to learn and to receive reasonable accommodations.
• Equal access to courses, programs, services, activities and facilities offered through WGI.
• Information available in accessible formats.
• Confidentiality of all information regarding disabilities, and the ability to choose to whom that information may be disclosed (except disclosures as permitted by law).

Students with disabilities at WGI have the responsibility to:

• Voluntarily identify as an individual with a disability when an accommodation is needed, and to seek information, counsel, and assistance as needed.
• Contact the Dean of Student Services to make requests for reasonable accommodations, and to provide complete documentation from an appropriate source that describes the nature of the disability and the resulting limitations.
• Meet qualifications and uphold WGI standards (e.g., courses, programs, services, activities).

 

Wright Graduate Institute Rights & Responsibilities

WGI has the right to:

• Request documentation to identify the need for reasonable accommodations;
• Deny a request for accommodations if appropriate documentation is not provided, or if the documentation does not support the need for accommodations;
• Decide upon equally effective accommodations/alternatives;
• Refuse an unreasonable accommodation that would impose a fundamental revision of a program or activity of WGI, or cause an undue financial hardship for the WGI.

WGI has the responsibility to:

• Present information to learners with disabilities in accessible formats;
• Provide reasonable accommodations for learners with disabilities in courses, programs, services, activities, and facilities;
• Maintain confidentiality of records and communication, except where permitted or required by law.

Inquiries regarding this policy may be directed to:

Dean of Student Affairs

Wright Graduate Institute

N7698 County Highway H

Elkhorn, WI 53121

 

Employment issues at the Wright Graduate Institute related to ADA compliance are to be directed to the Office of the Chancellor.

Equal Opportunity Statement

 

The Wright Graduate Institute does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, arrest record, color, conviction record, creed, disability, genetic testing, honesty testing, marital status, military service, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, race, sex, sexual orientation, or use or nonuse of lawful products off the employer's premises during nonworking hours.

Inquiries regarding WGI’s equal opportunity policies may be directed to the Chancellor at WGI's Administrative Offices:

Wright Graduate Institute
N7698 County Highway H
Elkhorn, WI 53121

 

Academic Policies

Attendance

1.     Attendance at WGI educational sessions at our Wisconsin campus at various weekends is mandatory. Failure to keep agreed-upon meeting times with assessors or mentors, should it be a recurring issue, will be discussed in relation to student progress.

2.    A full-time learner must attend at least a rolling ten out of twelve WGI weekends (7a.m. Saturday through 4 p.m. on Sunday).

a.     If you miss more than two out of a rolling twelve weekends, you must listen to the MP3 recording and provide a summary of the parts of the weekend you missed to the program administrator within two weeks of the missed weekend. Include these points:

 i.    Key concepts learned

                                      ii.    How you plan to integrate these concepts into your WGI course work

iii.    Application of concepts to your life and career

3.    A half-time learner must attend at least a rolling six out of twelve WGI weekends (7a.m. Saturday through 4 p.m. on Sunday).

a.     If you miss more than six out of a rolling twelve weekends, you must listen to the MP3 recording and provide a summary of the parts of the weekend you missed to the program administrator within two weeks of the missed weekend. Include these points:

                                          i.    Key concepts learned

                                         ii.    How you plan to integrate these concepts into your WGI course work

                                        iii.    Application of concepts to your life and career

4.    Attending Year of More weekends is mandatory for learners who have not completed their overview paper for the corresponding AC.

5.    All full-time and half-time learners are required to attend the first graduate school weekend of every quarter. If the learner is not opening any new AC’s, he or she can petition for partial attendance of the first (overview) weekend. Learners that are not opening a new AC are not required to listen to the weekend recording.

6.    A certificate program learner must attend all weekends related to his/her respective AC(s) of enrollment. (7 a.m. Saturday through 4 p.m. on Sunday).

a.    If you miss the weekend, you need to listen to the MP3 recording and provide a summary of the parts you missed to the program administrator within two weeks of the missed weekend. Include these points:

i.    Key concepts learned

ii.    How you plan to integrate these concepts into your certificate program

iii.    Application of old and new concepts to your life and career

1. All learners are expected to engage in their mentoring sessions every other week.

 

 

Performative Learning

For performative learning requirements that serve as a prerequisite or a corequisite for an Area of Competence (AC), learners must submit a certificate of completion from the Wright Leadership Institute or other approved body that indicates successful completion of the approved performative learning. To obtain a certificate of completion, students must meet all of the WLI (or other approved body) requirements for the particular performative learning program.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Satisfactory academic progress is defined as follows.  A ‘B’ average or better for every AC is required for graduation.

1.    A full-time learner commits to completing his/her master’s degree in 28 months, at a minimum completion rate of twelve papers per year. 

a.    When an AC is opened, the first paper to be completed is the Overview paper. It must be uploaded by 28 days after the end of the first WGI weekend  (Sunday night) of the quarter. The In-depth paper is due 28 days from the end of second WGI weekend (Sunday night). The third paper is due prior to the first weekend of the next academic quarter.

2.    A half-time learner commits to completing his or her master’s degree in 42 to 56 months, at a minimum completion rate of one paper every two months, or six per year.

a.    When an AC is opened, the first paper to complete is the Overview paper. The Overview paper must be uploaded 6 weeks or 42 days from the end of the previous WGI weekend (Sunday night). 

b.     The second paper must be uploaded prior to the first weekend of the next academic quarter.

3.    All full-time and half-time learners are required to attend four hours of group study sessions per week. Study sessions are strongly encouraged to be in person, but may be virtual.

a.    The study sessions must be attended by at minimum two learners.

b.    Learners can petition for opting out of study sessions by sending a written petition to the program administrator only if he/she is current with their papers, that is, are completing all papers on time as determined by their full time or half time status.

4.    An affiliate learner is one who will open and complete one AC per year. She or he is required to attend the three WGI weekends for that AC.

a.    All affiliate learners are required to attend four hours of study sessions in person per month.

 i.    The study session must be attended by at minimum two learners.

 ii.    There is no opt out of the once per month study sessions for affiliate learners.

5.    Certificate program learners have 6 months to complete all 3 papers for each AC.

a. The Overview paper must be uploaded 6 weeks from the end of the first WGI weekend (Sunday night); the Performative and Applied papers are due prior to the first weekend of the next academic quarter; the Applied workshop needs to be completed by the 9^th week of the academic quarter.

6.    All full-time, half-time, and affiliate learners are encouraged to do a weekly check-in on the WGI site by Sunday bedtime that reports on their progress for that week.

7.    The Chancellor will establish the specific paper completion dates for each academic quarter and the Administrator will communicate them to all students.

8.    Within the academic quarter, if paper deadlines are missed the consequences are as follows:

a.    For the first paper deadline missed, the learner is required to participate in accountability calls and to attend an extra weekly study hall for the rest of the academic quarter.

b.    For the second paper deadline missed and in addition to the previous requirement, the learner must go to a performance coach.

c.    For the third paper deadline missed, the learner will go on academic probation and is required to meet with the Chancellor.

If satisfactory academic progress has not been achieved in the previous six months, the learner and the Chancellor or the Dean of Students together will set clear objectives and timelines for the learner to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress and the learner will be placed on academic probation for up to six months. If after six months the outlined objectives have not been met, the learner will be withdrawn unless extenuating circumstances can be substantiated. Learners who have met all objectives will be removed from probation. Learners who have been withdrawn may re-apply for admission to their program after six months. The admission process will include a new essay and interview regarding the circumstances of their withdrawal and their plan for successful completion.

Requirements for Opening a New Area of Competence (AC)

Students must be in academic compliance in order to open a new AC.

a.    Full-time learners must have completed 3 papers in the previous quarter to be in compliance. If 2 papers only are completed then the learner has the option to open the AC on a half-time basis.

b.    Half-time learners must have complete 2 papers in the previous quarter to be in compliance.

 

Standards of Academic Integrity

The ideal of academic integrity is crucial to the integrity of a university, college or institute; conversely, academic dishonesty undermines the very basis upon which institutions of higher education are organized and function. All learners, faculty, and staff at the Wright Graduate Institute are expected to meet the highest standards of integrity in the performance of their academic work. Learners, faculty and staff are expected to report observed cases of academic dishonesty to school leadership. Toward that end, Standards of Academic Integrity and procedures to enforce these standards fairly are hereby adopted.

The Standards of Academic Integrity proscribe such conduct as the giving or receiving of unauthorized help in examinations or other assignments, plagiarism and other unacknowledged or undocumented use of source material, and forgery. Learners may not re-use their own work without explicit disclosure regarding the nature of its original use and subsequent permission from the faculty Assessor.

Violations of Standards

 

A learner shall be subject to discipline for any violation of the Standards of Academic Integrity. Faculty and staff members shall be subject to reprimand for any violation of the Standards of Academic Integrity.

Disciplinary Sanctions

 

Sanctions imposed will be commensurate with the violations and may include, but not be limited to, any one of the following: an official reprimand; a requirement to repeat an assignment, an examination, or a course; a requirement to complete an alternative assignment or examination; a failing grade for an assignment, examination, or course; suspension; or expulsion from the Wright Graduate Institute. In the case of a faculty or staff member, an official reprimand or dismissal may occur.

Procedures

 

In cases of an alleged learner violation, these general procedures will be followed:

1. A faculty member who believes that a learner has violated one or more of the Standards of Academic Integrity will promptly so inform the learner and present the learner with the reasons for this belief. Such an allegation can be in reference to a learner's current coursework submitted for review, the learner's prior coursework, or both. The faculty should make a reasonable effort to discuss the allegation directly with the learner (i.e., give the learner two weeks to respond to a message, etc.) before referring the matter to the Chancellor.

2. If, after learning the learner's response, the faculty member continues to believe that a violation has occurred, the faculty member shall proceed in one of two ways:

If the faculty member deems the alleged violation to be minor, the faculty member may attempt to resolve the matter in a manner satisfactory to both the faculty member and the learner. If the matter is so resolved, the faculty member shall report the matter and its resolution to the Chancellor.

If the faculty member deems the alleged violation to be more serious, the faculty member will refer the matter to the Chancellor, normally within two weeks, giving reasons for the faculty member's belief that a violation has occurred. In that report, the faculty member may recommend a penalty.

3. If a faculty member refers an alleged violation to the Chancellor, or if a learner who is dissatisfied with the penalty imposed by a faculty member for an alleged violation appeals to the SGC, the SGC will promptly inform the learner and the faculty member in writing, and will consult with them as to the necessity for or desirability of a hearing. If a hearing results from this consultation, the SGC will schedule one as soon as possible, normally within three to four weeks.

4. The SGC will establish its own procedures for the conduct of a hearing. No attorneys will be present for either party. The hearing process will continue even if a learner elects to withdraw from the Wright Graduate Institute.

5. Following the hearing, or in the absence of one, the SGC will promptly decide whether the alleged violation has or has not occurred and will submit a written report of its findings to the Chancellor, normally within three weeks. If it decides that a violation has occurred, the SGC will include in its report its recommendation of a penalty that it considers appropriate. This penalty may be the one recommended by the faculty member or some other penalty in conformity with the disciplinary sanctions aforementioned. The SGC will also transmit the relevant files to the Chancellor.

6. The Chancellor will then review the case and decide whether to accept or reject the recommendation of the SGC, to modify it, or to remand the case to the SGC for further determinations. The Chancellor will advise the learner, the faculty member and the SGC in writing of the action taken, normally within two weeks of receiving the case.

7. If the Chancellor decides to impose a penalty (of whatever kind), the learner, within a reasonable time, may appeal this decision to the Board of Directors.

8. If the learner appeals, the Chancellor will promptly transmit the relevant file and the recommendation to the Board of Directors. The Board may concur in the decision of the Chancellor, may choose to modify the decision, may dismiss the case, or may decide to remand the case to the SGC for further determinations. In all actions by the Board but the last, the case will be considered closed.

Revocation of a Degree

 

If evidence arises that an academic degree was earned in violation of the Standards of Academic Integrity, a faculty member may recommend to the Chancellor that the degree be revoked. The Chancellor may then refer the matter to the SGC for its recommendation. If the SGC, after an appropriate hearing, recommends to the Chancellor that the degree be revoked, the Chancellor will forward his or her own recommendation to the Board of Directors. The Board will have final authority in decisions regarding revocation of a degree.

Plagiarism Prevention

 

All academic work submitted to the faculty of the Wright Graduate Institute is subject to checking through Turnitin.com. The decision whether or not to submit such work for checking is in the discretion of the individual faculty member, and some may elect to not submit such student work. Although it is not mandatory that faculty utilize this service, if they choose to do so, faculty Assessor guidelines and/or syllabi must reflect this choice and duly inform learners that they must provide electronic copies of their papers.

Any learner who objects to such submissions and is subsequently accused of plagiarism based on a hard copy of his/her work, bears the responsibility for proposing an alternative means of verifying that their work is original work in a manner satisfactory to the faculty concerned and to the SGC.

Learners may also check their own work prior to submission to the faculty, if they so desire, either through their assessing faculty's account, or through the account of a faculty mentor/faculty advisor.

Leaves and Elective Withdrawal

Leaves

Approved leaves of absence are considered a temporary hiatus from study and do not constitute dismissal from the Wright Graduate Institute. Please check with the Chancellor or Program Administrator if you have any questions about the applicability of leaves in your program(s), your eligibility for leaves, or the leave policy. There are three types of leaves available to learners at the Wright Graduate Institute: 1) leaves of absence, 2) exceptional leave, 3) military leave. The purpose of leave time is to permit learners time out from study. Time out needs are best determined by learners and can include time to deal with health (emotional and physical), family, financial, and work related concerns. Learners have the responsibility to use leaves in appropriate ways and for genuine needs.

Leaves of absence are not designed to be used for the completion of academic work, therefore, learners will not receive credit for application experience hours that were accrued while on approved leave, nor will faculty review student work such as self-assessments during the leave period.  Consequently, academic work such as self-assessments that are completed during a leave cannot be credited until a learner has returned from leave and is re-enrolled in the program.

In the event of an extenuating or special circumstance in which the learner does not wish to take a leave but is unable to abide by all polices, learners may petition the Dean of Students or the Chancellor for special accommodations.

General Procedures

• The leave request is to be made in writing or by electronic submission to the Chancellor and Program Administrator.
• Before making their request, learners are expected to review the leave policy in full.
• Student loan recipients, and learners receiving in-school deferments for student loans received prior to enrollment at the Wright Graduate Institute, are advised to contact the Program Administrator before requesting a leave. Leave time may affect the schedule of a learner's loan disbursement or the deferment status on his or her loans.
• Leaves must be requested in writing at least 15 days prior to the start date of the quarter in which the leave of absence will begin.
• Although learners may request leaves for any appropriate reasons, we are interested in knowing more about the reasons learners take leaves. Therefore, learners are asked to provide reasons with their leave of absence requests for data collection purposes only. However, all exceptional leave requests must be accompanied by a reason.
• Requests for Military Leave must be accompanied by a copy of the official notification calling the learner to active duty/deployment.

Leave of Absence – Definition & Procedure

Master’s level students in good academic standing are eligible for one term of leave time during their course of study. Doctoral students in good academic standing are eligible for up to two terms of total leave time, taken separately or consecutively, during their course of study.

A learner not in good standing must either 1) achieve good standing before he/she requests a leave, or 2) apply for the appropriate leave type to the Chancellor.

The request must include an explanation by the learner of his or her academic standing situation, and the need for the leave, and why they feel an exception is warranted. The request must also be accompanied by a statement of support for the leave from the Program Administrator. The Chancellor will review all requests for leave, and his or her decision is final.

Exceptional Leave – Definition & Procedure

If a learner in a doctoral program has used two terms of leave of absence, or if a learner in the master’s program has used one term of leave, but requires additional leave, he or she will need to make an appeal to the Chancellor. No more than two terms of leave or exceptional leave may be taken during any 12-month period.

All requests for exceptional leave must include an explanation by the learner of the situation that has led to the need for the exceptional leave. The request must also be accompanied by a statement of support for the leave from the Academic Dean or Chancellor. The Chancellor will review all requests for exceptional leave, and his/her decision is final.

The criteria evaluated by the Leave Appeals Committee as the basis for granting an exceptional leave include but are not limited to:

•   Natural disaster

•   Surgery

•   Rehabilitation

•   Family emergencies

•   Death in the family

•   Short-term financial emergencies

The Academic Credibility and Integrity Committee can approve up to, but no more than, two terms of exceptional leave for a master’s student, and one additional term for a doctoral student. If the learner needs additional time away from study and the maximum of leave of absence and exceptional leave have already been granted, he or she will need to withdraw and apply for readmission when her/his circumstances allow it.

Military Leave – Definition & Procedure

 

Enrolled learners in any academic program are eligible for military leave regardless of academic standing. Military leave requests may cover the entire time the learner is serving on active duty and for up to one year after the conclusion of such service. If there are multiple deployments, a military leave can be granted for each deployment. The leave may start as soon as two weeks after the date of the learner being notified of his or her  deployment by the military. The learner must provide copies of the official notification. The end date of the leave may be for one year after conclusion of service.

Leave Fees

 

No tuition is assessed for the time period when a learner is on a Leave of Absence, Military Leave or an exceptional leave. If students choose to continue performative learning activities through the Wright Leadership Institute they need to contract with the Wright Leadership Institute directly.

Returning from Leaves

 

Learners wishing to return from a leave earlier than originally planned should make a written request to the Chancellor or Program Administrator. Learners on leave will be contacted in advance of the course registration period for the next term. Learners on leave, who fail to register for the subsequent term by the end of the first day of the term, will be withdrawn as of the end of their leave.

Learners on military leave in any academic program will be contacted as of the end of their leave to see if their active duty is over and they are able to return. If possible, per policy, the military leave will be extended if the learner is unable to return up to one year after active duty service has ceased. Learners unable to return from military leave after that time will be considered withdrawn.

Elective Withdrawal

 

Learners are encouraged to consult with faculty, the Chancellor, the Program Administrator, and other administrative or financial personnel prior to discontinuance, to receive support in the decision-making process and to discuss alternatives to withdrawal. However, learners who wish to withdraw from an academic program at the Wright Graduate Institute must submit a signed, written statement to the Program Administrator, including reasons affecting the decision. All elective withdrawals will be effective the last day of the month in which the withdrawal request is received by the Registrar's Office, except in the cases of learners who request to withdraw while still on leave. In those cases, the withdrawal date will be the date the learner began the leave of absence.

Reenrollment

 

If a learner withdraws and later wishes to reenter the program, he or she should submit a written request to the Program Administrator. All requests must include payment of the current re-enrollment application fee.

The written request for readmission should include an explanation of the reasons the former learner wishes to return to WGI. Re-applicants will be asked to document how their circumstances have changed to permit timely completion of the program requirements. Additional application materials and a new application form may be required if the out-of-school period has been especially lengthy.

A review of the re-applicant's prior academic progress will be conducted by the Chancellor, the mentor, and possibly others. This information and relevant documents will be submitted to the Academic Credibility and Integrity Committee, which makes the final readmission decision. Upon acceptance, prior work completed at the Wright Graduate Institute will be evaluated for applicability to current program requirements. Re-admitted learners will be subject to current graduation requirements in the program they are re-entering.

The Program Administrator will notify the learner of the outcome of the request for re-enrollment, and any conditions for re-enrollment.

No learner will be readmitted without first settling any and all financial obligations to the Wright Graduate Institute.

Learner Complaint and Grievance Procedure

 

The purpose of this procedure is to assure prompt and equitable resolution of problems arising from the implementation of academic and administrative policies of the Wright Graduate Institute as they affect learners. If possible, it seeks to find resolution through mutual agreement between the parties and by a process as close to the original difficulty as possible. At the same time it attempts to be responsive to learner concerns and to provide a thorough review and due process with regard to any difficulty that has arisen.

Whenever possible, learners will utilize the informal procedures for addressing and resolving complaints. When necessary, learners may file a formal grievance according to the procedures described below.

Definition

A learner complaint is an allegation by a learner that there has been, in an individual case, an arbitrary or discriminatory application of, or failure to act pursuant to, the policies of the Wright Graduate Institute in relation to learners.

An academic complaint is one involving faculty members, deans, or program directors. Faculty evaluations and grading of learner work are based upon the substantive judgment of the faculty and are not subject to a complaint or grievance. An administrative complaint is one involving staff of the Wright Graduate Institute.

A grievance is a formal written request by a learner to a designated academic or administrative officer for which specific remedies are requested.

The parties to a grievance are the learner filing the grievance and the person(s) against whom the grievance is filed.

Informal Procedure for Resolving Learner Complaints

 

A learner is encouraged to discuss her/his complaint with the person(s) directly involved in the complaint, in an effort to come to a satisfactory resolution.

If these informal direct discussions are not successful, then the learner may contact 1) the Chancellor, 2) his or her Mentor, or 3) the head of the relevant academic or administrative area for assistance in directing the learner to the appropriate person to resolve the matter informally.

Formal Grievance

 

A Student Grievance Committee (SGC) is established to include one Board member, the Chancellor, and the Academic Dean. Any complaint received by the SGC may be accepted for review, denied, or referred to the administration for resolution.

a. Academic: If the informal procedure described above does not resolve the learner’s issue, he or she may initiate a formal grievance no later than 90 days from the precipitating event or action. For academic complaints, the formal grievance shall be submitted to the Student Grievance Committee (SGC), in writing, stating the nature and time of the offending action and the person(s) involved in the action or failure to act.

The SGC will gather information from the parties to the grievance and keep a record or summary of this information. After the committee’s review, it will recommend a solution by mutual agreement of the parties, and, if that is not acceptable, the committee will reach a decision on the grievance. In either case, the committee will state, in writing, the basis for their recommendation or decision.

b. Administrative: Grievances involving non-academic matters must be addressed to the administrative leader involved with that function, e.g. Admission, Student Services, IT, etc. The relevant administrator will review the grievance in conjunction with relevant staff other than the person(s) complained against. Together they will gather information from the parties to the grievance and keep a record or summary of this information. After their review, they will recommend a solution by mutual agreement, and, if this is not acceptable, they will reach a decision on the grievance. In either case, they will state, in writing, a basis for their recommendation or decision.

For both academic and administrative grievances, if the parties accept the recommendations of the review group in writing, the formal process terminates. If the recommendations are not accepted, the learner grievant(s) will indicate, within 15 days of receipt of the decision, whether he or she/they desire(s) to appeal for a further review. If he or she/they accept(s) the decision, the formal process terminates.

If the grievant(s) elect(s) to appeal the decision of the SGC or the administrative appeal process, the appeal will go to the Board, along with the written record from the previous steps.

Within 30 days of appeal to the Board of Directors, it must decide to review, deny review, or refer review. If it decides to review, the Board will establish a Hearing Committee and arrange for a hearing at a special time and place of its determination. The Hearing Committee will function as an administrative committee, and it will establish its own rules of procedure, of which it will inform the parties to the grievance at the outset of the hearing. The hearing must be conducted within 45 days after the decision to review.

At the hearing, all parties to the complaint must be present and testimony will be invited from each. Parties to the complaint may be accompanied by another person for support and/or assistance. Any parties to the complaint may not act in the capacity of an attorney. The learner may not be represented by an attorney at the hearing. If any party to the complaint wishes to bring an additional person, he/she should inform the chair of the Board in advance, so that other parties may be informed. A written and/or taped record of the Board’s proceedings will be maintained. The written record may be a summary of testimony and proceedings, or may be a verbatim transcript, at the discretion of the Board.

The Board will recommend steps to the parties that will provide an amicable and mutually acceptable solution. If the parties cannot agree on a solution, the Board will make a decision in writing. If the learner(s) will not accept the decision of the Board, he, she, or they must file a written appeal to the Chair of the Board within 15 days.

The Chair will accept, reject, or revise the decision of the Hearing Committee and communicate it to the learner grievant(s). This decision will be based on the record of the previous hearing and the Chair will not reopen the hearing for new testimony.

The Chair may:

a. uphold the Committee's decision;

b. revise the Committee's decision;

c. refer the matter to a new Special Hearing Committee for a new hearing on the matter; or

d. take other appropriate action.

The action of the Chair will be final, unless the matter is sent to a new Hearing Committee. In such case, the decision of the new Hearing Committee will be final.

Where a grievance directly involves and is shared by more than one learner, the grievances may be joined in a single grievance and treated in a single process, if all parties to the grievance agree to this procedure.

No reprisal of any kind shall be taken against any participant involved in a grievance procedure.

Any learner who has a complaint that is not successfully resolved through the procedures outlined in this document may contact the Wisconsin Educational Approval Board.

Wisconsin Educational Approval Board

P.O. Box 8696

Madison, WI 53708-8696

608-266-1996

 

Research Ethics Policy

Preamble

The decision to undertake research rests upon a considered judgment of the researcher about how best to contribute to the advancement of science and of human welfare. The researcher has an obligation to carry out the research with respect and concern for the dignity and welfare of the people who participate and with cognizance of federal and state regulations and generally accepted professional standards governing the conduct of research involving individuals or groups of persons. In furtherance of that goal, the following policy is set forth to govern research in the Wright Graduate Institute.

Policy

The Board of Directors of the Wright Graduate Institute affirms the policy that all student dissertation research or other research involving individuals or groups of persons carried out under the aegis or sponsorship of the WGI should be in adherence to relevant professional ethical guidelines for research dealing with human participation and animal subjects. For human subjects this policy includes all data collection regardless of whether the contact with subjects is face-to-face, via mailed questionnaires or by a third party collecting the data. Proposals for all research must be reviewed and approved or granted exempt status by the Institutional Review Board of the Wright Graduate Institute before the research is undertaken.

Procedure

 

Wright Graduate Institute will maintain an active Institutional Review Board (IRB), appointed by the Chancellor upon recommendation from the Dean for Academic Affairs. The procedures used will be in accordance with the Institutional Review Board Guidebook and the Policy Guidance set forth by the Office for Human Research Protections of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It will be the responsibility of the IRB to develop and oversee all research ethics procedures, including education of the Wright Graduate Institute academic community about the importance of research ethics and the guidelines for IRB application process.

 

Privacy Policies

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (FERPA) sets out requirements designed to afford learners certain rights with respect to their education records. In addition, it puts limits on what information The Wright Graduate Institute University may disclose to third parties without receiving prior written consent from the learner.

I. Types of Educational Records Kept

The Wright Graduate Institute will maintain student records for six years from graduation or last date of attendance. Such records will minimally include the following:

1. A copy of the enrollment agreement and other instruments relating to payment for educational services.
2. Student information, including learner name; permanent or other address at which the learner may be reached; records relating to financial payments and refunds; and, record of attendance.
3. Date of completion or termination and the reason(s) thereof.
4. Record of any learner grievance and subsequent resolution.

The Wright Graduate Institute shall provide upon request a transcript to any learner who has satisfied all financial obligations currently due and payable to the school. The original transcript will be maintained indefinitely. It will provide the name of the learner, the title of the program, total number of credit hours of instruction received, dates of enrollment, grade for each course, cumulative grade for the program, and an explanation of the grading system.

II. Procedure to Inspect Education Records

Students have the right under FERPA to inspect and review their education records. A learner who wishes to inspect and review his or her records should submit a written request to the appropriate school official. The request should identify as precisely as possible the records the learner wishes to inspect. If the requested records are subject to inspection and review by the learner, arrangements for access will be made within a reasonable period of time but in no case more than 45 days after the request was made, and the learner will be notified of the time and place where the records may be inspected. The school may require the presence of a school official during the inspection and review of a learner's records.

Certain limitations exist on a learner's right to inspect and review his/her own education records. Those limitations include, for example, the following: (i) financial information submitted by parents; (ii) confidential letters and recommendations placed in his/her file prior to January 1, 1975; (iii) confidential letters and recommendations placed in his/her file  after January 1, 1975 to which the learner has waived his or her right to inspect and review and that are related to the learner's admission, application for employment or job placement, or receipt of honors. In addition, the term "education record" does not include certain types of records such as, by way of example, records of instructional, supervisory, administrative, and certain educational personnel that are in the sole possession of the maker thereof, and are not accessible or revealed to any other individual except a substitute.

When a record contains personally identifiable information about more than one learner, the learner may inspect and review only the information that relates to him/her personally.

III. Disclosure of Educational Records

The Wright Graduate Institute generally will not permit disclosure of personally identifiable information from the records of a learner without prior written consent of the learner. Personally identifiable information is disclosed (some items are mandatory, some discretionary) from the records of a learner without that learner's prior written consent to the following individuals or institutions or in the following circumstances:

A. To Wright Graduate Institute officials who have been determined by the school to have legitimate educational interests in the records.

A school official is: 1) a person employed by the school in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position; or 2) a person employed by or under contract to the school to perform specific tasks, such as an auditor, consultant, or attorney, a person on the Board of Directors.

Legitimate interest: A learner serving on an official committee or assisting another school official, or any school official who needs information about a learner in the course of performing instructional, supervisory, advisory, or administrative duties for the Wright Graduate Institute has a legitimate educational interest.

B. To certain officials of the United States Department of Education, the Comptroller General of the United States, the Attorney General of the United States, and state and local educational authorities in connection with state or federally supported educational programs, or in connection with the learner's request for, or receipt of, financial aid necessary to determine the eligibility, amounts or conditions of financial aid, or to enforce the terms and conditions of the aid.

C. To organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school.

D. To accrediting commissions or state licensing or regulatory bodies to carry out their functions.

E. To parents of a dependent student, as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code.

F. To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena.

G. To appropriate parties in health or safety emergencies.

H. To an alleged victim of a crime of violence or a nonforcible sexual offense, the final results of the disciplinary proceedings conducted by the school against the alleged perpetrator of that crime or offense with respect to that crime or offense.

I. To persons in addition to the victim of a crime of violence or nonforcible sexual offense, the final results of the disciplinary proceedings described in paragraph H above but only if the school has determined that a student is the perpetrator of a crime of violence or non-forcible sexual offense, and with respect to the allegation made against him or her, the learner has committed a violation of the institution's rules or policies. (The Wright Graduate Institute, in such instances, may only disclose the name of the perpetrator—not the name of any other student, including a victim or witness—without the prior written consent of the other student(s)).

J. To a parent regarding the student's violation of any federal, state, or local law or of any rules or policy of the school governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if the school determines that the student has committed a disciplinary violation with respect to that use or possession, and the student is under 21 at the time of the disclosure to the parent.

Directory information (see Section V below).

IV. Record of Requests for Disclosure

Except with respect to those requests made by the learner him/herself, those disclosures made with the written consent of the learner, or to requests by or disclosures to Wright Graduate Institute officials with legitimate educational interests and disclosures of directory information (or other exceptions described in the applicable regulations), the Wright Graduate Institute will maintain a record indicating the parties who have requested or obtained personally identifiable information from a learner's education records and the legitimate interests those parties had in requesting or obtaining the information. The learner may inspect this record.

V. Directory Information

The Wright Graduate Institute designates the following information as directory information. (Directory information is personally identifiable information that may be disclosed without the learner's consent):

• Student's name
• Address: local, email and Web site
• Telephone number (local)
• Date and place of birth
• Program of study
• Participation in officially recognized activities
• Dates of attendance
• Degrees and certificates awarded
• Most recent previously attended school
• Photograph of the learner, if available
• Enrollment status (i.e., enrolled, continuing, future enrolled learner, reentry, leave of absence, etc.)

Notice of these categories and of the right of an individual in attendance at the Wright Graduate Institute to request that his or her directory information be kept confidential will be given to the learner annually. Students may request nondisclosure of student directory information by specifying nondisclosure, in writing, to the Program Administrator’s office. Failure to request nondisclosure of directory information will result in routine disclosure of one or more of the above-designated categories of personally identifiable directory information.

VI. Correction of Educational Records

Students have the right under FERPA to ask to have records corrected which they believe are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of their privacy rights. The following are the procedures for the correction of records:

A learner must ask the Program Administrator to amend a record. As part of the request, the learner should identify the part of the record he/she wants to have changed and specify why he/she believes it to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of his or her privacy rights.

The Wright Graduate Institute may either amend the record or decide not to amend the record. If it decides not to amend the record, it will notify the learner of its decision and advise the learner of the right to a hearing to challenge the information believed to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the learner's privacy rights.

Upon request, the Wright Graduate Institute will arrange for a hearing and notify the learner reasonably in advance of the date, place, and time of the hearing. The hearing will be conducted by an individual who does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing. That individual may be an official of the Wright Graduate Institute. The learner shall be afforded a forum for the opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issues raised in the original request to amend the learner's education records. The learner may be assisted by other people, including an attorney.

The Wright Graduate Institute will prepare a written decision based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing. The decision will include a summary of the evidence, and the reasons for the decision.

If, as a result of the hearing, the Wright Graduate Institute decides that the information is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the privacy rights of the learner, it will (a) amend the record accordingly; and (b) inform the learner of the amendment in writing.

If a statement is placed in the education records of a learner in the paragraph above, the Wright Graduate Institute will: (a) maintain the statement with the contested part of the record for as long as the record is maintained; and (b) disclose the statement whenever it discloses the portion of the record to which the statement relates.

If, as a result of the hearing, the Wright Graduate Institute decides that the information in the education record is not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the privacy rights of the learner, it shall inform the learner of the right to place a statement in the record commenting on the contested information in the record or stating why he or she disagrees with the decision of the school.

VII. Student Right to File Complaint

A student has the right to file a complaint with the United States Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the Wright Graduate Institute to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the governmental office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
United States Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605

 

Other Complaints

 

The Educational Approval Board (EAB) 

 

The Wright Graduate Institute is regulated by The Educational Approval Board (EAB). The Wisconsin EAB is a postsecondary education agency charged with the following responsibilities:

• Evaluating and approving private trade, technical, career, distance learning, and degree-granting schools.
• Collecting and disseminating student outcome and satisfaction information from schools.
• Performing annual reviews of schools.
• Conducting regular on−site evaluations of schools.
• Holding schools accountable for improving their performance and effectiveness.
• Supporting options for innovative and quality programs offered by schools.

EAB Strategic Values & Goals

• Assure Wisconsin consumers that EAB-approved schools are well run, educationally sound, and financially stable.
• Protect consumers and help schools through regulatory enforcement and processes that are reasonable, consistent, firm, fair, and timely.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the private postsecondary education sector by supporting the success of students and schools.
• Regularly update and/or revise applicable statutes, administrative rules, and oversight policies and procedures to reflect changes in the career education sector.

Any question a student has regarding any policies and procedures, enrollment agreements, or financial concerns that have not been satisfactorily answered by the institution may be directed to the Educational Approval Board (EAB):

 

Educational Approval Board

P.O. Box 8696

Madison, Wisconsin, 53708-8696

http://eab.state.wi.us/

608) 266-1996

 

Catalog Disclosure

 

Information about Wright Graduate Institute for the Realization of Human Potential is published in a school catalog that contains a description of certain policies, procedures, and other information about the school.  Wright Graduate Institute for the Realization of Human Potential reserves the right to change any provision of the catalog at any time.  Notice of changes will be communicated in a revised catalog, an addendum or supplement to the catalog, or other written format.  Students are expected to read and be familiar with the information contained in the school catalog, in any revisions, supplements and addenda to the catalog, and with all school policies.  By enrolling in Wright Graduate Institute for the Realization of Human Potential, the Learner agrees to abide by the terms stated in the catalog and all school policies.

 

Arbitration

 

Any dispute arising from enrollment at Wright Graduate Institute for the Realization of Human Potential, no matter how described, pleaded or styled, shall be resolved by binding arbitration under the Federal Arbitration Act conducted by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") at 225 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Illinois, 60601-7757, under its Commercial Rules. All determinations as to the scope and enforceability of this Arbitration Agreement shall be determined by the Arbitrator, and not by a court. The award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.