Rush University Academic & University Policies

Academic Policies

Academic Honesty

Rush University students and faculty belong to an academic community with high scholarly standards. As essential as academic honesty is to the trust that is fundamental to the educational process, academic dishonesty violates one of the most basic ethical principles of an academic community and will result in sanctions imposed under the University’s disciplinary system.

Examples of conduct that would subject a student to disciplinary action include but are not limited to the following: all forms of academic dishonesty including but not limited to cheating; plagiarism; collusion; gaining or seeking unfair advantage in relation to any work submitted; helping others to gain an unfair advantage; removing examination materials from a secure examination area; the unauthorized downloading or copying of examinations that are given online; fabricating assigned academic work, including clinical assessments and presenting them as authentic; facilitating academic dishonesty; and unauthorized examination behavior.

• Academic Misconduct refers to any academic behavior that is in violation of the policy stated below.
• Plagiarism refers to any attempt by students to use the work, words or ideas of others without proper attribution, or any attempt to pass off the work, words or ideas of others as their own. Such acts are considered plagiarism whether they occur intentionally, Acts of plagiarism include but are not limited to the following:
  • Presenting any phrase or extracts, verbatim, without using quotation marks and without any reference to the author
  • Paraphrasing all or part of an author’s work and presenting it without any, or with inadequate, reference to the author
  • Copying or paraphrasing all or part of another student’s work or otherwise presenting another student’s work as their own
• Collusion is an agreement or cooperation in order to cheat or deceive for a fraudulent purpose. Collusion applies to students (past, present and future) who intentionally cooperate in order to gain an unfair advantage in the gaining of an award, qualification or grade.
• Cheating is using unauthorized materials, including electronic devices, or obtaining unauthorized help from another person in any work submitted for academic credit.
• Fabrication is inventing information or citations in an academic or clinical exercise.
• Facilitating academic dishonesty is providing unauthorized material or information to another person.
• Unauthorized examination behavior is, for example, conversing with another person, passing or receiving material to or from another person, temporarily leaving an examination site to visit an unauthorized site or without permission or manipulating the physical or electronic testing environment to unfair advantage. These examples are not inclusive of all possible unauthorized examination behaviors.

Disciplinary actions will be imposed by the program/college, including but not limited to warning, probation, suspension or expulsion from the University on those members of the learning community who violate the Academic Honesty Policy.

University Student Code of Conduct

Rush University provides outstanding health sciences education and conducts impactful research in a culture of inclusion, focused on the promotion and preservation of the health and well-being of our diverse communities.

All students enrolled at Rush University are expected to uphold the I CARE values of innovation, collaboration, accountability, respect and excellence.

The Rush University Student Code of Conduct sets the standards for expected professional behavior within the University and the Medical Center. Commitment to this code is a shared responsibility of all faculty, staff and students within the Rush University community to ensure the highest standards of behavior-whether in the classroom, the laboratory or in the clinical setting-and to ensure that education obtained at Rush provides a sound foundation for each student’s future success as an academic, scientific or health care professional.

The Student Code of Conduct provides the framework for how students should conduct themselves as members of the academic learning community. At Rush University, we value and support freedom of expression in a manner that is civil and respectful to others. 

Examples of conduct that would subject a student to disciplinary action include but are not limited to the following:

• Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, adminis­tration, clinical practice and community outreach or other University or Medical Center activities
• Falsification of student records, transcripts or financial aid forms or applications
• Theft of, or damage to, University or Medical Center property or the property of a member of the University or Medical Center community
• Threatened or physical abuse of any person, or action that threatens or endangers the safety of others
• Misrepresentation, falsification, alteration or misuse of University or Medical Center documents, records or identifica­tion, or research data
• Unauthorized use or entry of University or Medical Center facilities
• Conviction of a crime deemed serious enough to render the student unfit to pursue their profession
• Conduct that is inconsistent with the ethical code of the profession the student is preparing to enter
• Unlawful use or possession of controlled substances on the University or Medical Center campus
• Unauthorized possession or concealment of firearms or other weapons on the University or Medical Center premises at any time
• Attempting to gain access to another’s email or computer account, username or password
• Knowingly setting off false fire, safety or security alarm
• An accusation of student and/or faculty academic dishonesty or misconduct made in bad faith

Student Code of Conduct Violation Enforcement

Any violations of this Student Code of Conduct or suspicion of student or academic misconduct should be reported to the student’s college for further review in accordance with the procedures specified by the college. Each college will be expected to set standards for addressing Student Code of Conduct violations and cases of misconduct in a fair and consistent manner that best fits their respective student population. Adherence to the Student Code of Conduct is required upon matriculation. The Student Code of Conduct may also be enforced for off-campus actions when the student is representing themselves as a member of the University.

Good Standing: A student who has upheld the guidelines of the Student Code of Conduct and has not been found in violation of the policy resulting in either probation, suspension or expulsion.

Student Conduct Sanctions

In determining appropriate sanctions when violations of the Student Code of Conduct occur, the college will use the current case as well as any past disciplinary infractions that were upheld. Disciplinary sanctions will be determined by reviewing the statements and interest of the complainant, the respondent and the impact that the infraction may have on the University community. The college will take into consideration the severity of the complaint, the safety of the respondent, University community and any other relevant factors when imposing sanction. The following list of sanctions is not considered an exhaustive list, but a guide to follow when determining the appropriate sanction for the violation. 

Warning: A written notification that a violation of the Student Code of Conduct occurred and that any further responsible finding of misconduct may result in more severe disciplinary action. A warning is noted for administrative purposes and is not considered a part of the student’s disciplinary record. In addition, a warning does not adversely affect a student’s standing.   

Probation: A written notification of reprimand that the matter is serious and in violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Probation is for a designated period of time and may include more severe sanctions, if found responsible for additional violations of the Student Code of Conduct, including suspension or expulsion from the college. Notification of probation is considered a change in good standing status with the college/University and the student(s) may be restricted from participating in other college or University activities.

Loss of Privileges: Denial of the use of certain college facilities or the right to participate in certain activities, events, programs or to exercise certain privileges for a designated period of time. 

Restitution: A student may be required to make payment to an individual, the college or the University related to the misconduct for damage, destruction, defacement, theft or unauthorized use of property.

No Contact Restrictions: Are those set by the college administrator, University administrator and director of security that the party is restricted from having contact whether direct or indirect with a designated party. These restrictions may include indirect or direct contact such as email, texting, U.S. mail or any other contact via a third party.  

Educational Requirements/Referrals: The college reserves the right to impose counseling or substance assessments or other required educational sanctions.

Suspension: The separation of a student from the college for a specified period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. The suspension letter will include all of the conditions that must be met before a student is reconsidered for readmission.

Students who are on suspension may not participate in any college and/or University sponsored activities both on campus and offsite that are owned or operated by Rush University and Rush University Medical Center.

Expulsion: Expulsion is the permanent separation of the student from the college and their academic program and all educational activities sanctioned by Rush University.

Student Complaint Policy

Rush University embraces a philosophy of respect and accountability as supported by the I CARE values (innovation, collaboration, accountability, respect and excellence). Rooted in these I CARE values, the Student Complaint Policies and Procedures are meant to balance a supportive and equitable process to assist students with submitting complaints. According to the Higher Learning Commission Institutional Records of Student Complaints (HLC, 2018), “An institution shall make available an account of the student complaints it has received, its processing of those complaints, and how that processing comports with the institution’s policies and procedures on the handling of grievances or complaints.”

To this end, the University strives to provide a seamless complaint process experience by making available to the student body a convenient online complaint submission process and a toll-free hotline phone number through the NAVEX Global Student Complaint Portal* (hereafter “Student Complaint Portal”). The Student Complaint Portal and Hotline offers students a confidential as well as an anonymous mechanism to submit their complaints.

The University’s Student Complaint Policies and Procedures should:

1. Provide clear instructions on how to submit a formal student complaint

2. Distinguish the various types of student complaints, (i.e., examples of academic versus non-academic complaints)

3. Provide a list of external agencies to report student complaints

*NAVEX Global is a third-party hosted resource with secured servers and is not hosted by Rush University.

*NAVEX Global is a third-party hosted resource with secured servers and is not hosted by Rush University.

Rush University endeavors to provide an environment where student concerns are addressed and resolved in a manner that fosters both respect and equality. The University encourages students to seek informal and formal procedures to allow students the flexibility to adjudicate their complaints, depending on the nature or seriousness of the complaint(s). No retaliation or reprisal shall be tolerated against a student for submitting, in good faith, a complaint either on an informal or formal basis.

All student complaint submissions will be kept confidential to the extent possible to provide thorough investigations, maintain campus safety and to ensure compliance with federal, state or local policies. Submission of complaints through the Student Complaint Portal are not meant to override any existing policies or procedures such as grade appeals, student professionalism code of conduct, Title IX, Discrimination and Harassment or any policy established by law or the university. The Student Complaint Portal is designed to work interdependently with existing student policies and procedures. Students are encouraged to file their complaint as soon as possible to ensure that all practical information is collected and available to resolve and improve the student’s experience.

Student Complaint Portal: Process of filing a complaint

1. When a student files a complaint through the Student Complaint Portal or through the Student Complaint toll-free call center, the student will receive a unique user name and are asked to choose a password. Please see link to the Student Complaint Portal.
2. Students can return to the Student Complaint Portal again either by internet or telephone and access the original report to add more detail or answer questions posed by a University representative to further help resolve any open issues.
3. Once a complaint is filed through the Student Complaint Portal, the University will review or refer the complaint to determine the appropriate follow-up. At all times, the complaint will be kept confidential to the extent possible to allow for proper investigation. Only individuals with legitimate reasons will have access to the filed complaint.
4. If the student complaint is required to be referred to a specific contact person or process (i.e., Title IX or Grade Appeals), the student will be notified that the complaint has been referred to the appropriate area for further review and the complaint will be facilitated through that specific process. However, the student complaint ticket will remain open until the complaint has been finalized and closed.
5. If a decision is not rendered after progressing through the appropriate steps, leadership of the specific area will be notified for additional review unless an existing policy dictates a different course of action. Students also have the right to file a formal complaint with external accrediting or regulating agencies affiliated with Rush University if they believe that this matter was not resolved in earnest. Links to these accrediting and regulatory agencies are listed in this policy.
6. A submission of a formal student complaint can be anonymous or non-anonymous. Anonymous complaints will be investigated to the degree that the institution has enough information to proceed with an investigation.
7. All non-anonymous complaints should contain the following information:
   • The student complainant should include their name, student identification number and contact information, including telephone number and email address, on the form.
8. All complaints should contain the following information:
   • The name of the alleged student, employee, faculty, department, etc., involved in the complaint
   • A detailed written statement that describes the nature of the complaint, including the date, day, approximate time and location of the occurrence.
   • The date of submission of the complaint will be documented in the Student Complaint Portal.

Informal Resolution

Students should begin the informal process by addressing their complaint directly with the staff, faculty or other students involved with the complaint. (Note: This requirement does not apply to alleged cases of harassment, violence, sexual misconduct, discrimination or situations that are governed by the University Academic Honesty Policy).

Formal Resolution

In the event the student is not able to resolve their complaint through informal means, the student should file a formal written complaint using the Student Complaint Portal or by reporting their complaint through the Hotline. The University will review all complaints submitted through the Student Complaint Portal.

*Academic Complaints (non-exhaustive)

Harassment and Discrimination

Rush University promotes and maintains an environment that emphasizes the dignity and worth of every member of its community, free of unlawful discrimination, including the prevention of harassment and sexual misconduct. Rush University’s prohibits sex discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct involving students. Students should report these types of incidents to the Title IX Coordinator, and follow the procedures in the Prohibition Against Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Involving Students Policy

Nancee B. Hofheimer

Title IX Coordinator

Rush University Medical Center

(312) 942-2104

Disruptive Conduct/Behavior Complaints Against Staff, Faculty & Other Students

The Code of Conduct sets the standards for expected professional behavior within the University and the Medical Center. Commitment to this Code is a shared responsibility of all faculty, staff and students within the Rush University community to ensure the highest standards of behavior-whether in the classroom, the laboratory, or in the clinical setting-and that education obtained at Rush provides a sound foundation for each student’s future success as an academic, scientific or health care professional. Violations of these standards are subject serious and disciplinary sanctions. Students witnessing this type of behavior are encouraged to file a complaint via the Student Complaint Portal.

Rush University makes every effort to review and resolve all student complaints that are reported in accordance with policies and procedures. There may be occasions under certain circumstances where the student believes that further action is required and that additional external review is needed to resolve their complaint. Listed below are external agencies that the student may contact for additional assistance. For other state authorization agencies please refer to the links listed below.

Rush University Honor Code

The Rush University Honor Code is as follows:

I pledge that my academic, research and/or clinical work will be of the highest integrity. I shall neither give nor receive unauthorized aid; I shall not represent the work of others as my own; I shall not engage in scientific misconduct, and I shall treat all persons with the greatest respect and dignity, just as the ethical codes of Rush University Medical Center and my future profession demand.

I recognize that behaviors that impede learning or undermine academic, research and clinical evaluation - including but not limited to falsification, fabrication and plagiarism - are inconsistent with Rush University values and must be reported.

Implementation of the Honor Code

This Rush University Honor Code (from now on referred to as the “Code”) sets the standards for expected professional behavior within the University and the Medical Center. Commitment to this Code is a shared responsibility of all faculty, staff and students within the Rush University community to ensure the highest standards of behavior-whether in the classroom, the laboratory or in the clinical setting-and to ensure that education obtained at Rush provides a sound foundation for each student’s future success as an academic, scientific or health care professional.

Code Enforcement

Annually, all students have the opportunity to attest to their commitment of the Code during the completion of annual mandatory trainings within the learning management system. Any violations of this Code or suspicion of student or academic misconduct should be reported to the student’s college for further review in accordance with the procedures specified by that college. Each college will be expected to set standards for addressing Honor Code violations and cases of misconduct in a fair and consistent manner that best fits their respective student population. Students refusing to sign the Code attestation must submit a letter to their dean’s office explaining why. Adherence to the Code is required for matriculation, whether or not the document has been signed. The Code may also be enforced for off-campus actions when the student is representing themselves as a member of the University.

Inappropriate Degree Usage

A student may not indicate they have earned a specific degree or certificate from Rush University until the following have been fulfilled:

• All degree or certificate requirements have been successfully completed
• Completed Degree Approval and Intent to Graduate forms have been submitted to the Office of the Registrar
• The official date of graduation for a particular term has been reached
• The degree or certificate has been officially conferred by the Office of the Registrar

A student who disregards this policy will be referred to the committee that addresses professional ethics violations for that student’s program or college.

Continuous Enrollment/Active Student Status

In order to maintain an active status, Rush University requires continuous enrollment in the majority of its academic programs from the time a student matriculates through a student’s graduation. Exemptions for the summer term only include Health Systems Management majors. Students who are not officially enrolled each term or have not submitted a Petition for Leave of Absence or Voluntary Withdrawal form risk being administratively withdrawn from the University by the Office of the Registrar.

A student enrolled in a noncredit residency or academic enrichment program prior to receipt of a degree must be registered for their program’s Continuous Enrollment course to retain active student status.

Any degree- or certificate-seeking student not enrolling in a new course but needing to replace an outstanding incomplete grade must register for their program’s Continuous Enrollment course until the grade is satisfied.

A student who is auditing a course and is not allowed in other courses during the same term must register for their program’s Continuous Enrollment course to be charged appropriately.

Credit by Proficiency

A student who passes a proficiency examination at Rush University will earn academic credit toward the degree. Programs have the discretion to offer credit by proficiency (e.g., standardized examinations, such as ACT Proficiency Examination Program (PEP) Challenge or Advanced Placement (AP) exams and/or achieved prior learning (such as continuing education units). Rush Medical College does not offer credit by proficiency.

Credit awarded by proficiency and/or achieved prior learning is based on documented equivalence with courses offered by the program. The minimum standards and format for demonstrating proficiency are determined by program faculty. Formats for demonstrating proficiency may include departmentally-developed examinations, licensure/certification exams, portfolios and competency demonstrations.

Credit awarded by proficiency and/or achieved prior learning will equal the credit value of the course(s) as listed in the Rush University Catalog under which the student matriculated. Information that is posted on the transcript for approved credit is the prefix, number and title of the course, the credits awarded and a K grade.

Credit awarded by proficiency will appear on the transcript in the appropriate term the credit was earned. Credit for achieved prior learning will appear on the transcript in the student’s term of matriculation. Credit earned by these mechanisms will not be used in calculating the student’s grade-point average.

The student’s program reserves the right to assess a fee or partial tuition based on what the student would have been charged.

Academic Credit

Academic credit is awarded to a student upon the successful completion of an approved instructional course or by the demonstration of competencies, proficiencies, or fulfillment of learning outcomes equivalent to that provided by an approved instructional course.

One unit of academic credit is the measure of the total time commitment a typical student is expected to devote to learning per week of study.

Total time devoted to learning includes but is not limited to: classroom or faculty instruction in either a synchronous or asynchronous mode; time devoted to individual conferences with instructors; reading and completion of learning activities and assignments; posting in online discussion folders; performance demonstrations; examinations; work associated with completion of capstone assignments, thesis, or dissertations; laboratory work; clinical practica; or any other activity required of the student.

One hour of credit is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that reasonably approximates not less than one hour classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out of class student work each week for approximately 15 weeks for one semester or one trimester hour of credit or the equivalent of at least 37.5 hours of work for one semester or one trimester hour of credit.  In this context, an hour of work is defined as 50 minutes.

Exceptions:  Course credit hours are not calculated for Rush Medical College.

Rush Medical College (RMC):

Rush Medical College uses weeks of instruction to measure student credit, which can be converted to credit hours using the criteria below. 

The RMC medical program is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), an accrediting program review body for medical programs in the United States and Canada. LCME requires all accredited medical education programs leading to the Doctor of Medicine (MD) to include a minimum of 130 weeks of instruction. RMC’s curriculum requirement of 164 hours of instruction over four years exceed those as outlined in the LCME Standards of Accreditation of Medical Education Programs leading to the MD degree. The conversion for instructional weeks to credit hours is as follows:

Courses in the first two years of the Rush Medical College curriculum are a uniform structure for educational experiences and contact hours. These contact hours comprise small group learning experiences, laboratories, simulated and real patient encounters. The RMC curriculum is presented in a flipped methodology with a minimum requirement of two hours of outside-of-class preparation for each hour of classroom instruction.

In the preclerkship curriculum, the average contact time for students each week is approximately 14 hours. Based on a 16 week calendar (eight weeks in the summer for M1) and a class time of 50 minutes, the equivalency of one preclerkship week is equivalent to one credit hour.

Year 1 = 40 full-time weeks (equivalent to 40 credit hours)

Year 2 = 32 full-time weeks (equivalent to 32 credit hours)

Total   = 72 credit hours

In year three and four of the clinical experience, contact hours increase for clerkship and electives. Students earn the equivalent of one semester credit hour for each 40-70 contact hours of clinical experiences.

Year 3 = 48 full-time weeks (equivalent to 48 credit hours)

Year 4 = 44 full-time weeks (equivalent to 44 credit hours)

Total   = 92 credit hours

Grade-Point Average

Transfer credits from institutions outside of Rush University are not included in the grade-point average, or GPA, calculation. Transfer credits internal to Rush University are included in the GPA calculation. Separate GPAs are calculated for a student’s undergraduate and graduate records. The GPA is calculated using all grades in courses that could count toward the program. The GPA is reset from 0.00 when a student successfully completes a program and matriculates into a new program at the graduate or professional level. Transcripts show the GPA for each term in which grade points are earned and show a cumulative GPA for all work taken at Rush University for each program degree level.

When a course is repeated, only the most recent attempt is computed in the GPA, though all grades will display on the transcript.

No grade points are assigned for work taken on a pass/no-pass basis, and therefore such work is not computed in the GPA. A GPA is not reported for Rush Medical College students.

Undergraduate students who are required to enroll in courses that typically are taught at the graduate level will have these courses count toward their undergraduate programs of study; thus, the credits and grade points will be calculated as part of the undergraduate transcript.

Grade Report

Students can access their grade report/unofficial transcript via the Rush University Portal. Grade reports are not mailed to students. Copies of a student’s grade report are unofficial and intended for the student’s personal use and should not be accepted by another college/university in lieu of an official transcript.

Grading and Numbering System

Graduation and Commencement

Only Rush University students who are candidates for a degree may participate in the commencement ceremony. Certificate candidates are ineligible to participate in commencement. Although Rush University has established a degree conferral date for each term, the University has only one commencement ceremony. Commencement is the official ceremony honoring the graduates of the academic year. Graduation is the official date on which the student’s degree is conferred.

All degree seeking students are invited to participate in the commencement ceremony if they graduated in the fall or spring term immediately preceding the current academic year’s ceremony.

Students who are not required to complete a thesis or dissertation may participate in the current academic year’s commencement if they anticipate graduating at the end of the summer term that immediately follows the ceremony.

Students completing a thesis must be prepared to defend, per their program director, by week 12 of the spring term in order to participate in the current academic year’s ceremony. Those students who will defend after this period or during the summer term after commencement are invited to participate in the following year’s ceremony.

Students completing a dissertation must have successfully defended during week 11 of the spring term and submitted a final copy of their dissertation to the Rush University Medical Center Library or Rush University Center for Academic Excellence during week 13 of the spring term in order to participate in the current academic year’s ceremony. Those students completing their dissertations during the summer term after commencement are invited to participate in the following year’s ceremony.

PhD students completing a dissertation must provide the title of their work to the Office of the Registrar by the published deadline in order to have that title included in the commencement program.

Publication of a student’s name, academic credentials and dissertation/thesis title in the commencement program does not indicate that a degree has been officially conferred by Rush University.

Students must be registered for the term in which they graduate.

All students, including certificate seekers, who anticipate graduating must submit the Intent to Graduate form to the Office of the Registrar, via the Rush University Portal, by the published deadline or risk delayed graduation.

College program directors/coordinators are required to complete and submit the degree approval forms to the Office of the Registrar by the published deadline for non-thesis/dissertation students or risk delayed graduation of students. College program directors/coordinators are required to initiate the degree approval forms for thesis/dissertation students. Thesis/dissertation students will retrieve remaining degree approval form signatures and submit the forms to the Office of the Registrar by the published deadline or risk delayed graduation.

The student’s submission of the Intent to Graduate form signals that the student is ready to graduate; allows, only for purposes of the ceremony, the release of directory information restrictions enacted by the student through their signature on the Directory Information Restriction form; permits release of the student’s name and address to the external photography vendor with whom Rush contracts and to have the vendor place photographs of the student on its website; permits the University to publish the student’s picture in a picture composite; for medical students, permits publication of the student’s name, photograph, prior degrees and universities/colleges attended in the Rush Medical College yearbook; permits Rush University to print and/or announce the following:

• Student’s name as indicated on the Intent to Graduate form
• Honors or awards received
• Previous colleges/universities attended
• Prior degrees earned

The Degree Approval form must be submitted after all academic degree requirements are completed. These include the following:

• All program prerequisites, including general education requirements
• All courses required in the major program of study and completion of required cumulative credit hours
• Residency requirements
• Dissertation/thesis/project defense (if required)
• Submission of the dissertation/thesis to the Rush University Center for Academic Excellence (if applicable)
• Achievement of the minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for undergraduate and 3.0 for graduate students (not applicable to Rush Medical College)

Awarding of Degrees

Rush University degrees are dated the last day of the term in which the degree requirements are completed. Degree requirements must be fully met before the next term officially begins; otherwise, the student will be required to register for the subsequent term and will graduate at the end of that term. The student’s transcript, diploma and other notification of degree conferrals will be held until a student’s financial obligation has been met. Outstanding financial obligations have no effect on the awarding of degrees.

Latin Honors

Candidates for the Bachelor of Science degree who have demonstrated academic excellence are honored at commencement by the Rush University faculty. Those earning a 3.40 to 3.59 cumulative grade-point average at Rush are awarded the Bachelor of Science degree cum laude; 3.60 to 3.79, magna cum laude; 3.80 to 4.00, summa cum laude. Only Rush University courses are calculated into the GPA. Latin honors appear on the student’s transcript and diploma and are typically announced during graduation exercises, including the commencement ceremony and at college/departmental convocation/awards ceremonies. Latin honors also appear in the commencement ceremony program. Here, eligibility is as of the end of the fall term; prospective spring and summer graduates have their honors recalculated prior to their respective degree conferral dates.

Thesis/Dissertation/Scholarly Project Requirements for Graduation

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidates must complete a dissertation. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program requires completion of a scholarly project. Some Master of Science (MS) programs, including Clinical Research and Integrated Biomedical Sciences, require a thesis to meet degree requirements. The thesis is optional for Clinical Nutrition and Speech-Language Pathology students.

Each thesis/dissertation/scholarly project must be original and cannot have been used to meet the requirement of any other degree, either at Rush University or any other university.

Each student will have a committee whose role is to ensure that the student’s thesis, dissertation or scholarly project is of high quality and meets the standards of the program and the University for originality, contribution to the field and scholarly presentation.

Review of a thesis/dissertation/scholarly project will follow the sequence of steps as described by each college, including the prescribed preparation manual for each degree.

Students must give a public presentation of the knowledge developed through the thesis, dissertation or scholarly project process to the academic community. Public presentation must precede the final approval by the student’s thesis, dissertation, or scholarly project’s committee.

A copy of the thesis or dissertation must be approved by the Center for Academic Excellence for conformance to publishing requirements and copyright compliance. Scholarly projects are not reviewed by the library.

Health and Immunization Requirements

All students present on the Rush University Medical Center campus at least once annually from Oct. 1 to Mar. 31 must be compliant with the influenza immunization program as defined by the Rush Infection Prevention and Control Department.

Program-specific health and immunization requirements are determined by each college and/or academic program:

• Students are notified at the time of admission by the college or program of the health and immunization requirements for matriculation into the University.
• Students must comply with annual health and immunization requirements.
• Students who do not submit the proper proof of fulfilled health and immunization requirements by the designated deadline will be prohibited from registering for the next term and may be disengaged from the program until these requirements are met. Late registration fees may apply.
• Students should be aware that clinical sites outside of Rush may have additional immunization requirements.

Students with medical and/or religious exemptions will be required to adhere to state and hospital policies concerning infection control.

Incomplete Grades

The grade of incomplete (I) is given only when circumstances beyond the student’s control prevent completion of course requirements and the student has received permission to defer completion of these unmet course requirements.

Students must be enrolled during the term in which course requirements are completed. Students enrolling only to complete requirements for a course in which a grade of incomplete was given must register for their program’s Continuous Enrollment course for zero credit hours. Upon completion of the course requirements, the incomplete grade will be replaced by the final grade earned in the course.

A student receiving an incomplete grade in a course may not begin another course for which the incomplete course is a prerequisite. A student who fails to remove the incomplete grade within the specified time period will receive a final grade of F or N in the course. It is the student’s responsibility to pursue the completion of an incomplete grade

Students in the College of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, the Graduate College and students-at-large typically must complete the unmet course requirements within one term after the term in which the incomplete grade was assigned, and not to exceed one calendar year, unless an extension is approved. Students in the College of Nursing may not register for new courses if they have two or more incomplete grades.

Rush Medical College students will be informed by the course instructor and the Office of Medical Student Programs regarding the specific time frame in which an incomplete grade must be resolved.

Additional college-specific policies may apply.

Pass/No Pass Grading Option

Designated letter grade courses may be taken as pass/no pass based on approval by the course or program director. The pass/no-pass option is college- and course-specific, as is the proportion of courses that can be taken as pass/no pass. The decision to take a course for a pass/no-pass grade cannot be changed after the first Friday of a term.

Repeated Courses

Some courses, such as research and clinical, may be repeated. These are usually indicated in the course description. All grades and grade points are counted in the GPA for these courses. For all other courses that are repeated, only the most recent grade is counted in the GPA. Both the original course and the repeated course appear on the student’s transcript. Rush Medical College offers remediation opportunities for some courses; these attempts are reflected on the student’s transcript, along with the original course.

Room Reservations

The Office of the Registrar is responsible for assigning academic space, including classrooms, collaborative learning spaces, small-group/conference rooms, lecture halls, auditoriums, ballrooms, and testing labs, in the Armour Academic Center and Triangle Office Building. Space is limited and first priority is given to course-related activities.

To obtain space, the date and times of student events must first be approved by the Office of Student Life and Engagement and be sponsored by the organization’s faculty adviser or the Office of Student Life and Engagement.

Students-at-Large

Individuals who have not formally matriculated to a degree or certificate program, but who wish to enroll in a course, may apply to do so by completing the Student-at-Large application within the RUApplying Portal. Completing the application does not guarantee admission as a student-at-large. Each college determines which student-at-large applications are accepted or denied. Students applying to take graduate level courses must provide an official transcript from an accredited institution showing that they have earned a baccalaureate degree. Graduates of foreign institutions must have their transcripts evaluated by an approved evaluator of foreign transcripts (e.g., ECE and WES) and have an equivalent of a baccalaureate degree. Representatives from each college will contact their applicants directly to communicate a decision. The Office of the Registrar will administratively register all SAL applicants approved by their respective colleges.

Rush Medical College and clinical courses from all colleges are not available to students-at-large.

A final, transcripted grade will be assigned to any course taken as a student-at-large. Prospective students are responsible for being academically prepared for requested courses.

Current degree- and certificate-seeking students have enrollment priority over students-at-large. Students-at-large may be removed from courses if degree- or certificate-seeking students need to enroll in them. Refunds will be issued if payment has already occurred.

A student may accumulate no more than 12 credit hours of academic credit as a student-at-large. These hours may be taken within one term or over a period of time. Registration as a student-at-large that results in more than the allowable number of hours in the student-at-large status can only be authorized by the dean or designee of the college offering the course(s).

Credit earned as a student-at-large will not necessarily apply toward a Rush degree or certificate program. If a SAL wishes to be admitted to a degree or certificate program, they must complete the formal application process.

Any incomplete (I) grade earned as a student-at-large will revert to a permanent failing grade (F or N) unless completed by the end of the next academic term. It is the student’s responsibility to pursue the completion of an incomplete grade.

Each college determines the student-at-large application window for their courses being offered in a given term. Late applications will only be accepted if authorized by the dean or designee of the college offering the course(s).

If admitted and enrolled as a student-at-large, payment is due to the Office of Student Financial Affairs via the Rush University Portal by the end of the first week of classes of each term.

Rush employees seeking to use internal educational assistance benefits (EAB) should apply for tuition assistance by the Human Resources-designated deadline.

Students cannot be admitted to a Rush University degree or certificate program if they have a current probationary event as a student-at-large. Students who have already been admitted when a probationary event occurs will have their admission rescinded or be dismissed from the program. In order to be considered for admission, an applicant must be considered in good academic standing.

Accounts Transcripts from Previous Institutions

As a part of the admission application process, Rush University requires final and official transcripts from all accredited institutions of higher education that a student attended, whether or not a degree was earned.

Rush University requires an independent evaluation of foreign credentials and transcripts, such as by ECE and WES, when a student completed coursework or a degree outside of the U.S. or Canada. Non-medical school graduates and attendees from foreign institutions require course-by-course U.S. equivalency reports. Evaluations of other types will not be accepted. Applicants should not submit foreign transcripts in lieu of a foreign credential evaluation. International medical school graduates and attendees can provide proof of certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) in lieu of a course-by-course evaluation. 

Individuals who apply using a Centralized Application Service, or CAS, should submit their final and official transcripts and/or foreign credential evaluations directly to the CAS.

Individuals who are taking prerequisite or other coursework not listed on their CAS application need to submit their final and official transcripts to the Rush University Office of the Registrar. NursingCAS applicants should submit all final transcripts directly to the CAS system.

Individuals who applied via CAS and did not have their degree conferred at the time of application must submit their final, official transcript, along with degree conferral information, to the Rush University Office of the Registrar. NursingCAS applicants should submit all final transcripts directly to the CAS system.

Non-CAS applicants must submit their official, final documents directly to the Rush University Office of the Registrar.

Rush University Transcripts

Copies of academic transcripts can be obtained at no cost to students. The transcript is released only with written consent of the student or as consistent with legal requirements. Transcripts will not be released if the student has an outstanding financial obligation to the University or if the student has not completed their required annual mandatory training.

Students may complete a transcript request form, which is available on the Office of the Registrar’s webpage or by writing to the Office of the Registrar, Rush University, 600 S. Paulina St., Suite 440, Chicago, IL 60612. Students can also fax requests to (312) 942-2310. The letter or fax must include the handwritten signature of the student.

Copies of transcripts issued to students will be stamped in red ink as “Issued to Student.” All transcripts bear the signature of the Rush University Registrar. Unofficial transcripts are not produced by the Office of the Registrar.

Transcript requests made by Rush Medical College students to support residency applications should be made to the Office of Medical Student Programs rather than to the Office of the Registrar. A Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) letter is included with these requests.

Transfer Credit

General Policies

Rush University will not accept transfer credit from non-accredited institutions. Only letter-graded courses are eligible for evaluation as transfer credit; pass/no-pass courses will not be considered. 

An official transcript from the college or university where courses were taken must be available in the student’s file to verify the course level and grade. Transcripts from foreign institutions must comply with the Transcripts from Previous Institutions policy.

Undergraduate level courses cannot be transferred to meet the requirements of a course taught at the graduate level at Rush. Transfer credits can only be applied to satisfy the degree requirements of one program. Once applied, they cannot be used a second time for a new degree program. Previously earned program credits at Rush University may only be used to satisfy the requirements of another program if they are at the same level (e.g., graduate) and if they meet the current curricular standards.

The number of credits granted for a given course cannot exceed the number awarded for the course on the transcript of the school where the course was taken or the number earned for the corresponding course at Rush University. Credits earned on the quarter system will be converted into semester credits where applicable. A quarter credit is equal to two-thirds of a semester credit (e.g., three quarter-system credits equals two semester credits).

Course information from originating institutions, including grades, is not recorded on the student’s transcript. The Rush University transcript will note the internal course equivalency, the number of credits accepted as transfer and a grade of T. The number of transfer credits is added to the student’s cumulative total credits. However, transfer credits are not calculated in a student’s grade-point average, GPA, calculation.

Continuing education units cannot be transferred in for credit.

Undergraduate-Level Policies

Rush University may accept up to 90 quarter hours or 60 semester hours of credit toward general education and other lower-level, undergraduate course requirements. General-education transfer credits are noted on student’s Rush transcripts as blocks; one-to-one equivalencies are not presented.

Undergraduate courses must be completed with a C or better to be awarded credit.

Graduate-Level Policies

Graduate-level transfer credit is subject to the approval of the major adviser, program or division director, or designated college administrator based on an evaluation of quality and equivalence. No more than one-third of the total number of required credits may be granted to a graduate-level student as transfer credit for work done at another graduate institution.

Graduate courses must be completed with a B or better to be awarded transfer credit.

Enrollment

Enrollment Status Definitions

Students working toward a degree or certificate and who are enrolled at least half-time may be eligible for student financial assistance. These students may also be eligible to have their federal educational loans deferred. Students are considered full-time or half-time each term based on the below credit criteria. Rush University students must be registered for one of the enrollment statuses below during any academic term to maintain an active student status. Students who are enrolled in externships or clinical work for less than nine credit hours may be considered enrolled full-time for credit hour purposes regardless of the amount of clinical work that is expected per credit hour.

Full‐Time Status for Select Populations

PhD, professional doctorate, and master’s students completing dissertations, externships or theses, respectively, may be considered full-time if they meet the following conditions each term:

• Register for nine or more graduate-level credit hours
• Or register for a minimum of two credit hours of dissertation, externship or thesis coursework

Students may register for additional courses as needed or as required by their programs. However, if registering for less than nine credit hours, the term’s enrollment must include a minimum of two credit hours in dissertation, externship or thesis coursework to be considered full-time.

Individual graduate programs may set guidelines on research enrollments, including which academic milestones should be passed before enrollment in dissertation or thesis hours are permitted. Once students successfully defend their dissertation or thesis, no further research enrollments are necessary. Each student will be allowed one term of continuous enrollment to finalize all work related to the defense of their dissertation or thesis. During this term, the student should apply for graduation, and graduation should not be deferred beyond this point.

Students with questions about their financial aid eligibility and enrollment status should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Registration

Adding/Dropping Courses

The first Friday of the term is the last day a course can be added through the Rush University Portal without instructor approval. A course dropped during the first week of the term will not appear on the student’s transcript. After that date, one of the following applies:

• Course(s) dropped in weeks two through 13 of a term will be issued a grade of W for the course.
• Course(s) dropped after week 13 of a term will be issued a final grade for the coursework completed.
• No course may be dropped after the last day of classes or after a final evaluation of the student has been delivered. No withdrawals are allowed during the final examination period.

Rush Medical College students who want to change their clinical schedules must contact the Office of Medical Student Programs at least four weeks before the start of the scheduled rotation.

For additional information concerning tuition refunds, please refer to Financial Affairs: Tuition Refund Policy.

Auditing a Course

A student wishing to attend a course without completing all the requirements for credit must register to audit the course with permission of the course and program directors. If space in class is limited, continuing and new students have priority.

Registration in a course cannot be changed from audit to credit or credit to audit after the first week of the term. A student who has audited a course may not apply for credit for that course at a later time.

Fees associated with auditing a course are listed in the Tuition and Fee Schedule.

Auditing of clinical courses is prohibited.

Auditing of courses with a laboratory component may be permitted with program director approval.

An auditing student:

• May participate in class discussion only at the invitation of the course director
• Is prohibited from taking examinations
• Is expected to attend class

An audited course will appear on the student’s transcript with the designation of AU upon successful completion; credit hours are not assigned. If the student does not attend the class, a grade of W will be assigned.

Rush Medical College (RMC) does not allow students to audit RMC courses except with the permission of Committee on Student Evaluation and Promotion (COSEP).

Course Schedule

The course schedule is available on the Rush University Portal typically one week before the registration period begins. The Office of the Registrar will generally send an email announcement to students’ Rush University email accounts regarding availability of the course schedule; new students will also receive this notification to their personal email accounts. Registration dates and deadlines are published in the academic calendar.

Changes to the course schedule, including updates to meeting times, instructors, classrooms and added/closed/canceled courses will be updated on the Rush University Portal.

Independent Study

To register for an independent study course, the student’s program coordinator, adviser or program director will approve the proposed course and its objectives. The request to create the independent study course should be sent to University Scheduling and include the instructor/course director, course title, course description, number of credit hours and grading system.

Once the course is created, the Office of the Registrar will contact the student’s college to inform of the status of the course and the student’s registration status.

Nursing students complete an independent study contract form, which is available on the Office of the Registrar’s webpage. The form is used to identify the objectives of the study and a plan to meet those objectives is described. This form should be completed and approved by the preceptor, department chair and the program director no later than the first day of the term in which the independent study is to be taken. The student’s preceptor keeps the contract.

Health Systems Management students also complete a separate independent study form, which is available in the Department of Health Systems Management.

Registration Process

Classes are filled according to the following priority order:

1. Continuing students
2. New students
3. Students-at-large

It is the responsibility of new and continuing students in programs not participating in batch registration to register using the Rush University Portal each term during the designated registration period. Late fees may be applied to students who register or who are batch registered during the late registration period.

To register for any given term, no student can have a registration hold (i.e., missing transcripts, missing/out-of-date immunizations, insurance waivers, financial holds). If the hold is removed before the end of the registration period, the student can register without penalty. If the hold is not removed by the end of the registration period, the student will need to complete an add/drop form with the Office of the Registrar as soon as the hold is resolved; a late registration fee may be assessed.

Registration is complete only when tuition and other charges for the term are paid or satisfactory arrangements for payment are made. Tuition is always due on the first day of the term.

Students who register for a class and subsequently decide to withdraw without completing an add/drop, leave of absence or voluntary withdrawal form will receive a failing grade (F or N) for that course.

Batch/Administrative Registration

Some programs participate in batch, or administrative, registration. Students in these programs do not register themselves for classes in the Rush University Portal or utilize the add/drop form to make registration changes. Students should consult the portal to confirm the accuracy of their registrations.

Withdrawal and Leave of Absence

Administrative Withdrawal

Administrative withdrawal refers to a student’s permanent, University-initiated departure from the University without the expectation of the student’s return.

Rush University requires continuous enrollment in most of its programs from the time a student matriculates through a student’s graduation. Students are required to either be registered each term or on an approved leave of absence. If the student has decided to withdraw from Rush, voluntary withdrawal paperwork must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar before the voluntary withdrawal will become official.

A student who is not registered, on an approved leave of absence or who has not submitted paperwork to voluntarily withdraw will be administratively withdrawn from the University at the end of the term in which the student stopped attending. The administrative withdrawal is posted to the student’s transcript. Students wishing to return to Rush in the future need to apply for readmission.

Voluntary Withdrawal

Voluntary withdrawal refers to a student-initiated, permanent departure from the University without expectation of the student’s return.

After matriculation to Rush University, a student may not arbitrarily cease registration. All students are required to maintain continuous enrollment or risk administrative withdrawal due to unexplained nonregistration.

Any student withdrawing from the University must give formal notification by completing a petition for withdrawal or leave of absence form, which requires the student to obtain specific signatures. The Office of the Registrar is the designated office that a student must notify if withdrawing from the University. The petition for withdrawal or leave of absence form may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar or online. The date when the student begins the withdrawal process is the official date used in processing the form.

Withdrawal forms submitted during the current term for the next term or during a break period will use the day after the end of the current term as the official withdrawal date that will be used for processing the form.

A student may not withdraw from classes during the last three weeks of any term. A student who submits a voluntary withdrawal form during the last three weeks of the term will receive grades in the registered courses.

Official withdrawal from the University entitles a student to a tuition refund from the first through the fifth weeks of the term. No other fees are refundable. The lower refund percentage is valid beginning the next Monday at midnight.

Leave of Absence

After matriculation to Rush University, a student may not arbitrarily cease registration without notice. All students are required to maintain continuous enrollment or risk administrative withdrawal after one unregistered term. A leave of absence, or LOA, is approved and granted for the term for which the LOA is desired or as otherwise approved by the college.

It is the student’s responsibility to communicate directly with their college regarding the disposition of the request for the LOA. Students who request a LOA may be displaced into a subsequent cohort, required to take a revised program of study upon return to the University or be delayed in their progression through the program based on availability of courses or clinical placements, or both. 

Students may be eligible for an LOA only after they have completed and submitting to the Office of the Registrar the petition for leave of absence required by each college. Failure to complete and submit the petition for leave of absence form will make the student ineligible for any refunds and obligated for the full term’s insurance charges. The date that the student begins the process of applying for an LOA is the official date that will be used in processing the form.

The day after the end of the current term will be the official date used in processing an LOA form submitted during the current term for the next term or during a break period.

For all approved LOAs, the last date of actual class attendance will be the date of record for calculating financial aid disbursements and returns.

A student who initiates a petition for leave of absence form after the first week of the term will receive a withdrawal grade on the transcript for any coursework. 

No classes may be withdrawn during the last three weeks of any term. A student who initiates a petition for leave of absence form on or after the Monday beginning the last three weeks of the term will receive grades in the registered courses and will be subject to an academic progression review based on the assigned grades.

Each degree has a time limit for completion that includes LOA time. The decision to include the LOA in calculating the time limits for completion of the degree is within the discretion of each college. The maximum time that will be approved for a single LOA is 12 consecutive months. Each college may have a maximum length of accumulated LOA.

Returning From a Leave of Absence

Students are responsible for registering themselves for the term in which return from an approved LOA. This registration must occur during the designated priority registration period. Registration outside of this period will result in a late registration fee. Students are responsible to consult with their adviser or program director regarding required courses for the term of re-entry. Rush Medical College students should consult with the appropriate assistant dean to determine required courses. Students must satisfy the conditions of the LOA before re-entering and must comply with all policies, requirements and course sequences in effect at the time of re-entry.

A request to extend an LOA requires a new clearance form submission. A request to extend an LOA requires only the signatures of the student’s program director, adviser or designated administrator of the college. The completed form must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar no later than the first Friday of the term for which the extension is requested.

Students who cannot return and who do not have an LOA extension approved must withdraw from the institution. Students who don’t return from their LOA on the originally approved date risk administrative withdrawal.

Student Records

Name, Address and Phone Number Changes

Rush University requires that student academic records exist under the student’s legal name.

The Office of the Registrar maintains the current official listing of student names and addresses for Rush University. It is each student’s responsibility to keep the Office of the Registrar informed of changes.

Name changes require, at the time of the request, official documentation verifying the new name. Examples of official documentation verifying a new name include the following: Social Security Card, government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license or state-issued photo ID) or court order.

Privacy and Confidentiality of Student Records and FERPA

Rush University takes seriously its commitment to protect the privacy of its students and their education records. In addition to upholding the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, or FERPA, Rush University has taken further steps to protect privacy by extending similar benefits afforded to enrolled students under FERPA to individuals who are applying for admission. If a specific privacy or confidentiality question is not answered in this text, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

Nothing in this policy may be construed to prohibit the University from disclosing information provided to the institution under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act concerning sex offenders who are required to register.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)

FERPA is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of students’ educational records. Educational records are those that contain information or documentation directly related to a student that is recorded in any way, including records produced by handwriting, computer, email, audio, video, etc. Educational records contain information directly related to a student and are maintained by Rush University or any party acting on its behalf.

FERPA protects the privacy of students’ educational records by setting strict instructions and limitations governing the release of information about students. Though FERPA contains exceptions for the release of directory information without a student’s prior written consent, students have the right to request that even directory information be withheld from disclosure to third parties.

Given the restrictions of FERPA, faculty and staff should assume all students must provide written consent that follows the format specified in FERPA before any educational records may be released to anyone other than the student. Without written consent, information cannot be released to any third party, including students’ parents, relatives and friends. Particularly sensitive information includes students’ Social Security numbers, race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, academic performance, disciplinary records, financial aid information and grades. 

Privacy During the Admissions Process

Rush University has chosen to take additional steps to protect a person’s privacy by extending to individuals who are applying for admission similar benefits afforded to enrolled students. This privacy protection covers all applicants and their application materials throughout the admissions process.

The application process exists between the applicant and a Rush University admissions office; therefore, any communication about candidates and their application status to parties beyond these entities is not acceptable unless school officials has a legitimate educational interest to know this information in order to fulfill their professional responsibilities. All those involved in the admissions process (e.g., admissions committee members, interviewers, admissions staff) must adhere to these guidelines.

Directory Information

Rush University may establish categories of information known as directory information and release this information without student consent, upon request. Rush University designates the following personally identifiable information contained in a student’s educational record as directory information:

• Student’s full name
• Address (local and permanent)
• Telephone number (local and permanent)
• Rush pager number (relevant to third- and fourth-year Rush Medical College students only)
• Rush email address
• Major and minor field(s) of study, including the college, division, department and/or program in which the student is enrolled
• Student’s classification (e.g., junior, senior) or by number referring to such
• Dates of attendance and graduation, and degrees received
• Date and place of birth
• Photograph or other electronic images*
• Honors and awards received
• Previous colleges/universities attended
• Degrees earned at previous colleges/universities
• Rush Medical College postgraduate appointment (program, institution and state)

Students may restrict the release of their directory information by completing and submitting the directory information restrictions form available on the Office of the Registrar’s webpage.

The decision to restrict directory information will apply to all requests from third parties (other than those who already have legal access to these data elements), including prospective employers. A student must formally rescind a restriction of directory information by submitting a subsequent directory information restrictions form.

* Rush University records both visually and audibly many campus events and daily activities, such as classes, commencement, convocations, student events and other public occasions. These images, as well as other information about students, are published (e.g., print media; Rush website) regularly as part of the University’s coverage of campus life and portrayal of the University to a variety of audiences. The University’s policy is to restrict the use of any photograph/electronic image to the representation, marketing or promotion of Rush activities only.

Annual Notification of Student Rights Under FERPA

Rush University notifies students annually of their rights under FERPA with respect to their educational records. These rights include the following:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s educational records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access. If an educational record contains information about other students as well, the requesting student may inspect and review only their specific information.

Students should submit written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect to the University registrar, dean, head of the academic department or another appropriate official. The University official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place for record inspection. If the records are not maintained by the University official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.

The University may deny a request for copies of educational records when the requestor refuses to furnish proper identification and/or information required by the University.

2. The right to request amendment to an educational record the student believes is inaccurate.

Students may ask the University to amend a record they believe is inaccurate. They should write the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, specify why it is inaccurate and provide the accurate information. If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of their right to a hearing regarding the amendment request. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the education record, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee (such as a disciplinary or grievance committee or assisting another school official in performing tasks). A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill a professional responsibility

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Rush University to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

The following is the name and address of the office that administers FERPA:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20202

Commencement/Graduation Activities

Completion of the Intent to Graduate form signals a student is ready to graduate. By completing the form, the student is giving permission to the University to print the following information in any Rush graduation program and/or announce this information at any Rush graduation ceremony: the student’s name as indicated on the intent to graduate form, any honors or awards received, the Rush degree and major the student is earning, previous colleges/universities attended and degrees earned at those previous colleges/universities.

If a directory information restrictions form was previously submitted, the student’s submission of the Intent to Graduate form temporarily releases-for graduation ceremony/program purposes only-the directory information restrictions enacted by the student so that the information can be published in any Rush graduation program and/or announced at any Rush graduation ceremony.

In addition, the student’s submission permits Rush University to release the student’s name and address to the external photography vendor with whom Rush contracts and to have the vendor place graduation photographs of the student on its website. The student’s submission also allows the University to publish the student’s photo in a picture composite and the student’s image in a commencement ceremony DVD that is created and distributed. The recording of the graduation ceremony could also appear on the Rush University website and/or social media sites, including but not limited to YouTube and Facebook. Finally, if the student is a medical student, the student’s signature permits publication of the student’s name, photograph, previous degrees earned and other information in the Rush Medical College yearbook.

If there are questions about how the information will be used for graduation or commencement purposes, please speak with the Office of the Registrar before submitting the intent to graduate form.

Educational Records

Rush University does not maintain educational records in one central office. Educational records are maintained in the Office of the Registrar and in the respective college and department offices. Other educational records are maintained in the Office of Student Financial Aid (financial aid information, student employment), Office of Student Financial Affairs (financial account payment information), Office of International Student Services and other offices. Questions regarding individual student records should be directed to the appropriate location.

Rush University will not issue copies of transcripts received from other institutions to anyone, including the student.

Deceased Student Records

Rush University may, upon the death of a student, release the student’s educational records to a third party. This is done at the sole discretion of Rush University.

Mailing Lists

Rush University does not release student directory information in mailing lists, except to comply with the federal Solomon Amendment.

Additional Questions

The Office of the Registrar is the compliance office for FERPA for Rush University. If there are additional questions, please contact the Office of the Registrar:

600 S. Paulina St., Suite 440
Chicago, IL 60612

(312) 942-5681
registrars_office@rush.edu

Institutional Policies

Assumption of Risk for Students

Rush University (“Rush”) (inclusive of the Colleges within) and its Clinical Partners provide opportunities for students enrolled in health sciences programs at Rush to engage in learning experiences and, as applicable, participate in on-campus and clinical experiences, including but not limited to clinical rotations (“Clinical Programs”). Students returning to campus, engaging in learning experiences and participating in Clinical Programs (referred to herein as “Students”) knowingly and voluntarily subject themselves to certain risks related to healthcare education.

In light of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, Rush and its Clinical Partners are taking certain new precautions, and ensuring that all Students are aware of the potential risks inherent to returning to campus, attending classes or other learning experiences, and participation in Clinical Programs. Students voluntarily and willingly assume certain risks in returning to campus, attending classes, and participating in and completing Clinical Programs, which are completed for their own benefit.

COVID-19 is a highly infectious, life-threatening disease declared by the World Health Organization to be a global pandemic. Aware of the foregoing, I am voluntarily returning to the campus of Rush and/or Clinical Partners.

There is a potential risk inherent in returning to campus, attending classes or other learning experiences, and/or participating in Clinical Programs. Students may be exposed to and/or care for patients who are ill with infectious diseases, and as a result may be at heightened risk for contracting infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Students may also be exposed to infectious disease, including COVID-19, through exposure from other members of the Rush community, including students, faculty, staff and patients. Students will be required to comply with any and all safety precautions and guidelines set forth by Rush, including the Rush University COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, and for Students who are participating in Clinical Programs (referred to herein as “Student Participants”), additional safety precautions and guidelines set forth by Rush and/or the Clinical Partner at which the Student is completing a Clinical Program. Such precautions and guidelines may be updated at any time. In particular, Student Participants who are working with or around patients who have or may have COVID-19 (e.g., Student Participants who work in a “COVID-19 wing”), or who have been otherwise directed to do so by Rush or a Clinical Partner, are required to wear personal protective equipment (“PPE”). Student Participants are solely responsible for notifying the Clinical Partner and Rush (through the relevant Program Director or supervising faculty member) if PPE has not been provided. Student Participants are solely responsible for using PPE correctly, and for following any other requirements set forth by Rush and/or Clinical Partners. Student Participants are also required to comply with any best practices related to the provision of health care generally (e.g., hand-washing, mask wearing, and social distancing), and related to the transmission of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, specifically, and are solely responsible for asking Rush and/or Clinical Partners for any further guidance necessary related to such best practices. PPE and other precautions cannot fully eliminate the risk of transmission of infectious disease. Student Participants are required
to report to Rush and the Clinical Partner, if relevant, known or suspected exposure to COVID-19, and to report any symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., acute respiratory illness; signs of a fever).
All Students are ultimately responsible for their own health. Rush stands ready to assist any Student, as requested, in complying with these requirements.
All Students must acknowledge these responsibilities and the inherent risks of returning to campus, engaging in learning experiences and attending class, and participating in Clinical Programs prior to resuming such participation.

IN CONSIDERATION of being given the opportunity to return to campus, engage in and attend class or other learning experiences, and/or complete Clinical Programs at Rush University and its Clinical Partners, I understand and acknowledge the following:

1) There is potential risk inherent in returning to campus, attending classes or other learning experiences, and/or participating in Clinical Programs. I understand and acknowledge that I may be around and/or care for individuals that are ill and therefore may be exposed to diseases known or unknown, including but not limited to COVID-19. I am willing to assume that risk.

2) My return to campus and/or participation in the Clinical Program is to benefit my knowledge, experience and improve my abilities and therefore purely voluntary on my part.

3) I acknowledge that Rush University has published a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy (the “Vaccination Policy”) requiring all students returning to campus to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they have an authorized exemption. I assume responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Vaccination Policy.

4) I assume responsibility for complying with any safety guidelines set forth by Rush University (and the Colleges within), Rush University Medical Center, and/or a Clinical Partner, including as related to the use of personal protective equipment (“PPE”). I acknowledge that the use of PPE and other safety precautions, such as hand-washing, does not fully eliminate any risk inherent to returning to campus, attending classes or other learning experiences, and participation in the Clinical Program. I acknowledge that I should not return to campus if I cannot comply with the safety guidelines set forth by Rush related to presence on campus and attendance in class, academic events, or other learning opportunities. I acknowledge that if I am participating in a Clinical Program, I am responsible for informing both Rush University (through the relevant Program Director or supervising faculty member) and the Clinical Partner at which I am completing a Clinical Program if I lack the necessary PPE or cannot for any reason comply with safety precautions. I voluntarily assume this responsibility and the related risk.

5) If I experience symptoms associated with COVID-19, I understand that I should not come to campus, attend any classes or other academic events, or attend my Clinical Program until the symptoms dissipate and I am tested negative for COVID-19 3-5 days after symptom onset. The only exception to coming to campus is to seek medical care on the Rush campus. I understand that in the event I am injured or ill in relation to exposure to illness on campus, I am responsible for notifying the relevant Program Director or supervising faculty member at Rush University. I understand that in the event I am injured or ill in relation to the activities I
engaged in during the Clinical Program, I am responsible for notifying the relevant Program Director or supervising faculty member at Rush University. I further understand that I will be responsible for the costs associated with any such exposure, illness, or injury, to include any follow up care that might be needed. I voluntarily assume this responsibility.

6) I understand that Rush is planning a flexible model of instruction and may provide fully online and/or remote instruction if necessary. Under this flexible model, Rush currently intends that instruction will be a hybrid of in-person and online modalities; however, the model is designed to pivot to a fully online/remote modality if necessary to help ensure health and safety of the Rush community, in line with recommendations from public health entities.

I understand that compliance with the expectations set forth in this document is an educational responsibility with which I, as a student at Rush, and a professional responsibility with which I, as a future licensed healthcare worker, agree to abide. I am freely and voluntarily entering into this assumption of risk.

Drug and Alcohol-Free Campus

Rush University and Rush University Medical Center (hereinafter, collectively referred to as Rush) comply with all state and federal regulations concerning drugs and alcohol. 

Violations of the Drug and Alcohol-Free Campus policy include, but are not limited to the following: unauthorized use, possession or sale of drugs, alcohol or other controlled substances on Rush premises, including the smoking or vaping of cannabis. For additional information, please see Rush’s Drug and Alcohol-Free Campus Policy HR-A 8.00.

Tobacco-Free Campus

Rush seeks to promote the health, safety and quality of life of all members of the Rush community. To that end, Rush is a smoke and tobacco-free campus. For additional information, please see Rush’s Tobacco Free Work Environment Policy.

Diversity, Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

For over three decades, the Rush approach to equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion has not wavered. Our approach is that these are essential components of the best employment, educational and health care practices and must be furthered. This is a continuation of a policy that emanated from the hospital charters of 1865 and 1883 and the documents governing the establishment of Rush University in 1972.

In certain instances, the implementation of this policy and our goals in this area require the use of affirmative initiatives. At Rush, these initiatives are focused on strong recruitment, development and retention efforts–not on quotas–and these recruitment and programming efforts will be continued, consistent with federal, state and municipal guidelines.

Rush is committed to attracting students who will enable the student body to achieve the educational benefits of diversity and to providing services to all students, faculty and employees on a nondiscriminatory, equitable basis.

Discrimination or harassment against any member of the Rush community because of race, color, religion, national origin, creed, age, ancestry or disability as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, gender, gender identity and/or expression, marital or parental status, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other category or categories protected by federal or state law or local ordinance that excludes an individual from  participation, denies the individual the benefits of, treats the individual differently or otherwise adversely affects a term or condition of an individual’s employment, education, living environment or participation in a Rush program or activity. This includes failing to provide reasonable accommodation consistent with state and federal law to persons with disabilities.

Inquiries regarding discrimination or harassment should be directed to the Office of Institutional Equity at Institutional_Equity@rush.edu.

Additional resources may be found within the following University offices:

Office of Student Diversity and Community Engagement
Armour Academic Center
600 S. Paulina St., Suite 984B
Chicago, IL. 60612

(312) 942-0725

Prohibition against Sexual Harassment in Rush Programs and Activities 

Introduction

Rush is committed to the principles of equal opportunity and promoting and maintaining an environment that emphasizes the dignity and worth of every member of its community. Rush strives to have an environment that is free from unlawful sexual harassment. Rush complies with Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations, which prohibit sexual harassment that occurs within its education programs or activities. sexual harassment includes quid pro quo sexual harassment, hostile environment sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

Rush has a legal duty to prevent and redress sexual harassment that occurs within its education programs or activities, as well as a moral and ethical duty to do so. Indeed, such conduct is contrary to Rush’s values, represents professionally and socially irresponsible behavior; and can damage the trust, influence and reputation of Rush and the medical profession. Moreover, because Rush’s primary mission of furthering the public good relies on maintaining public trust and confidence, it is essential that every member of the Rush community share in the responsibility for meeting our community’s conduct expectations. It is equally important that members of our community appreciate the impact sexual harassment that occurs within Rush’s education programs or activities can have on our environment, and the potential for severe consequences for such behavior.

Policy Statement

Members of the Rush Community who commit sexual harassment are subject to the full range of discipline including verbal reprimand, written reprimand, mandatory training or counseling, mandatory monitoring, partial or full probation, partial or full suspension, permanent separation from the institution (i.e., termination or dismissal), physical restriction from Rush property, cancellation of contracts and any combination of the same.

Rush will provide persons who have experienced sexual harassment ongoing remedies as reasonably necessary to restore or preserve access to the Rush’s education programs or activities.

Reporting and Response Procedures 

This policy, the Prohibition against sexual harassment in Rush Programs and Activities (hereinafter “this Policy” or “the Policy”), is administered by the Title IX Coordinator and the Office of Institutional Equity (hereinafter “Office of
Institutional Equity” or “OIE”). The Policy addresses Rush’s obligations under relevant provisions of the implementing regulations of Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972 and the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (also known as the Campus SaVE Act), the Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act, and other relevant laws. Rush values the fair, prompt and equitable inquiry into allegations that arise under this Policy. sexual harassment will not be tolerated.

It is central to the values of Rush that any member of the community who believes that they have witnessed or been the target of sexual harassment feel free to report their concerns for an appropriate response and investigation,
without fear of retaliation or retribution. Rush will respond to reports, formal complaints, or information about incidents of sexual harassment by stopping the prohibited conduct, taking steps to prevent the recurrence of prohibited conduct and addressing its effects on campus or in any Rush programs and activities regardless of location. Rush expects that all reports made under this Policy will be brought in good faith.

All reports and concerns about conduct that may violate this Policy (including retaliation for reports made pursuant this Policy) should be filed with Rush’s Title IX Coordinator or the Office of Institutional Equity at Institutional_Equity@Rush.edu. Confidential reports can also be made through the Rush Hotline at (877) 787-4009 or via the Rush web reporting tool at rush.ethicspoint.com. Anonymous reporters do not need to identify themselves, but they are asked to provide enough information to enable an investigation. Upon receipt of a complaint, the Title IX Coordinator will evaluate the information received and determine what further actions should be taken. The policy can be found here. 

Resources

For more information on this policy, and/or Rush’s Prohibition against Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct, contact:

Nancee Hofheimer, Title IX Coordinator
(312) 942-2104

or

Institutional_Equity@Rush.edu

University Student Refund Policy

Purpose/Introduction/Background

The Student Refund Policy provides students an opportunity to formally withdraw prior to the start date of an academic term without being responsible for tuition. Students deciding to withdraw after the official start date of the term will be refunded according to the schedule shown below. Students are responsible for any tuition or fee balances due until such time they are formally notified by Rush University in writing of their withdrawal status.

Non-refundable guidelines:

• Refunds are not granted for course(s) where the student has received a grade.
• Refunds are not granted to students who are part of a current disciplinary hearing, have been suspended, dismissed, expelled or for other disciplinary reasons making them ineligible to further matriculate in their program of study.
• Refunds will not be granted where Rush University has changed the delivery of course or program modality to ensure the safety and health of students. (see policy and procedure sections).

Policy Statement and Tuition Refund Schedule

Official voluntary withdrawal, leave of absence, military service or withdrawal from the University (excluding withdrawals as noted in the non-refundable guidelines) or from course(s) entitles a student to a refund of tuition according to the schedule below. *Note: Rush University does not differentiate tuition rates for online or remote courses from courses that are offered onsite (see student refund procedures section for additional details).

Any student requesting a refund for course(s) or officially withdrawing from a program must initiate the process with their program director and submit the appropriate forms and documentation to the Office of the Registrar.

Tuition Schedule

*Weeks are based on calendar days

Alternate Refund/Grading

This alternate refund/grading policy does not apply to Rush Medical College students.

*Weeks are based on calendar days

Procedures

Student Refund Process

• Rush University will notify students of the status of their refund request in writing within 10 business days upon receipt of a refund request.
• A check or direct deposit for the refund amount, less any amount owed to the University for other charges, will be sent to the student.
• Refunds will be shown as credits on the student’s account.
• Refund checks are typically processed within two weeks and mailed to the student’s address listed in the official University Student Information System.

Refund Appeals

• Students in good standing with the University may file a refund appeal. Students who are part of an ongoing disciplinary hearing, have been suspended, dismissed, expelled or have any other disciplinary reasons are ineligible to file a refund appeal.
• Students initiating a refund appeal because they were denied must appeal in writing to the University Refund Review Committee.
• All written refund appeals must be filed within 30 days of the denied refund request.
• All appeal decisions are final.

*In circumstances where Rush University courses or programs of study must be converted to a remote modality to protect the public health, safety or security for students, as long as all accreditation standards are met, no refunds will be issued in accordance with this student refund policy.

Cancellation of Classes

Students will receive a full refund for courses that are cancelled.

Withdrawal for Active Military Service

Students called to active military service are entitled to receive a refund of tuition and any adjustments to financial aid.

Nonattendance in Courses

Students are required to officially withdraw from courses by completing the Add/Drop Request on the Office of the Registrar webpage within the designated refund period. Failure to officially withdraw from courses does not entitle a student to a refund.

Non-Academic Fees

Student Health Insurance refunds

• Students who voluntarily withdraw or are dismissed from course(s) or from the University and are enrolled in the student health insurance plan, you are responsible for 100% of the insurance charge posted on your student account for that term unless the student submits a waiver for that term during the health insurance open enrollment and waiver period (this option is valid only for non-Medical College students).
• Students who request a Leave of Absence and wish to remain enrolled in the student health insurance plan throughout their Leave of Absence will have the charges posted on the student account for the effective terms. Please see the Rush University Student Health Insurance Policy for further details.  

Rush Medical College’s tuition and fees cover Student Health Insurance coverage during the period of active enrollment; therefore, students are not eligible for any health insurance refunds nor are students required to pay any additional cost for insurance coverage. See Rush University Student Health Insurance Policy for further details.

Tailor Lofts Student Apartments

Students are solely responsible for all Tailor Lofts Student Apartments leasing obligations (e.g., rent, utilities, etc.) for the term of the lease agreement. Regardless of voluntary or involuntary withdrawals, dismissals or extenuating circumstances, student will be responsible for all leasing responsibilities included in the Tailor Lofts lease agreement. 

Extenuating Circumstances

Request for refunds based on extenuating circumstances will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Verifiable documentation is required to substantiate the extenuating circumstance.

Students requesting a refund for extenuating circumstances should provide documentation and submit the Petition for an Extenuating Circumstances Refund Form to the Office of the Registrar.    

Examples of an acceptable extenuating circumstance

• Injury or illness that significantly impacted the student’s ability to continue attending classes
• Military deployment/active duty
• Death of an immediate family member (parent, spouse, civil union partner, child, brother or sister)

Examples of documentation of an extenuating circumstance

• A signed statement from a licensed medical practitioner that documents the nature of the illness, including the beginning and ending period of the illness
• Active military orders that include the beginning and ending dates of deployment
• A copy of the official death certificate

Active Military Service Withdrawal

Students who are called to active duty should submit the Leave of Absence form, including the military leave papers with dates of military service to the Office of the Registrar for processing.