SDGKU expects that all academic work submitted by students be original, or in the case of cited material, properly acknowledged as the work, ideas, or language of another. All acts of academic dishonesty are strictly prohibited. These include, but are not limited to: cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, unauthorized collaboration, misappropriation of resource material, or any other violation of university regulations. Any form of academic dishonesty reveals a serious lack of personal integrity and distracts from the quality of a student’s education. As such, cheating is a violation of university policy because it diminishes the quality of student scholarship and defrauds those who rely on the integrity of the university’s academic programs.

Academic dishonesty includes any form of cheating or plagiarism (see above), or an attempt to obtain credit for academic work through fraudulent, deceptive, or dishonest means. The following are examples of academic dishonesty, but are not intended to be inclusive:

• Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise, such as copying from another student’s test;
• Submitting work previously presented in another course;
• Using sources or materials not authorized by the instructor in an examination;
• Altering graded materials;
• Sitting for an examination by a surrogate or as a surrogate;
• Conducting any act that defrauds the result of academic process;
• Violating software copyright.

Academic Dishonesty/Plagiarism

The maintenance of academic integrity and quality education is the responsibility of each student. Cheating and plagiarism in connection with an academic program is listed as an offense for which student may be expelled, suspended, or given less severe disciplinary sanction. Academic dishonesty is a serious offense and diminishes the quality of scholarship and defrauds those who depend upon the integrity of the university programs. These may include cheating, fabrication, and plagiarism.

Student Discipline

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner that reflects commonly accepted standards of morality, honor, and good citizenship. They are also expected to abide by the regulations of the university. It is the student’s responsibility to maintain academic honesty and integrity, and to manifest a commitment to this responsibility through appropriate conduct and behavior. Any form of academic dishonesty, or inappropriate conduct by students or applicants, may result in penalties ranging from a warning to dismissal as deemed appropriate by SDGKU. Any such disciplinary action will be taken following the procedures of due process. Due process mandates that students be informed in writing of the nature of the charges against them, and that there be provisions for appeal of a decision.

Reason for Probation, Suspension, and Dismissal of Students

Following the procedures consistent with due process, students may be placed on probation, suspended, dismissed, or given a lesser sanction for any of the following reasons:

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s ideas or work as one’s own. An obvious form of plagiarism is intentionally stealing someone else’s work. Using another person’s sentence, phrase, or even a word that a person coined requires students to acknowledge the source of the sentence, phrase, or coined word. To acknowledge the source, students can either use quotation marks or paraphrase the author. In both cases, students must cite the source of the quotation or paraphrased ideas properly.
Student must give credit for any factual information that is not either the result of original research or common knowledge. For example, major historical facts, such as the dates persons landed on the moon, are considered common knowledge, so there is no need to cite the source for them. It would be necessary, however, to give credit to an author who provided an argument about the strategic importance of the theory of relativity.

Students do not need to cite the source for a well-known proverb (“it takes one to know one”) or a familiar quotation (“To be or not to be”). Generally, students who are not sure whether to cite the sources are encouraged to do so.

To avoid unintentional plagiarism, students should properly quote and cite the source for their ideas. If there are any questions, students should check with the professor. The root of plagiarism is the Latin word plagiarius, which means “kidnapper.” Plagiarism, like kidnapping, is a serious offense. Students found intentionally plagiarizing are subject to the penalties provided for herein. The faculty is responsible for determining the type of academic sanction to be applied to students involved in individual incidents of plagiarism.

Cheating

The most serious form of academic dishonesty is cheating on a quiz, test, or examination. Due to the seriousness of cheating, it is imperative that a uniform policy is adopted and applied to all students. When an instructor or designated proctor has evidence of cheating during a quiz, test, or examination on the part of a student, it is the instructor’s responsibility to take action against all students involved. The instructor must take the examination from the student(s), write “Rejected” on the top of the exam(s), and sign and date the exam(s). The instructor must then notify the Chief Academic Officer verbally and by memo describing observations and any other relevant information. The student(s) will be assigned a failing grade for the examination. A remedial assignment in the form of a written report can be assigned by the instructor to replace the ”F” grade. The failing grade may be replaced with a grade as high as a ‘C’ upon completion of the remedial assignment.

Due Process

When an instructor has evidence of academic dishonesty on the part of a student, it is the instructor’s responsibility to take action against the student. The instructor is responsible for determining the type of academic sanction to be applied to students involved in individual incidents of academic dishonesty or plagiarism. A copy of the action taken is to be forwarded to the Director of Admissions and Registrar (DAR) for record purposes. Reoccurrence may be the basis of further action and sanctions by the university Chief Academic Officer (CAO).

Students will be informed in writing of the nature of the charges against them and the provisions for appeal of a decision by an Academic Integrity Decision Letter.
An appeal must be based on one or more of the following grounds:

1. New evidence which could not be adduced earlier which is likely to change the results;
2. Violation of due process; or
3. An imposed sanction that is too harsh given the findings of fact.

A student must submit an appeal in writing to the university CAO, clearly articulate the ground(s) they are appealing, include all supporting information, and be submitted, within ten (10) business days, from the date of the Academic Integrity Decision Letter. The student will be afforded two options:

Option A

If the student submits an appeal for an outcome of warning, probation and educational sanctions, the CAO will limit its review to the written documentation the student provided, the appeal letter, and the written documentation provided by the instructor. Students will not attend an appeal hearing.

Option B

If the student submits an appeal for an outcome of suspension or dismissal, the request is to hear the case from the beginning; the student will be present and have the opportunity to present to the CAO. Following receipt of the appeal letter a meeting with the CAO will be scheduled. Students are allowed to have an advisor at the meeting.

Possible Sanctions for Academic Dishonesty or Plagiarism

The CAO may assign sanctions for Academic Integrity Policy violations. Some of these sanctions are listed below:

Educational Opportunities

Student must attend mandatory workshops, online tutorials, and/or counseling.

Warning

Student may be given a warning with no follow-up sanctions.

Disciplinary probation

While on disciplinary probation, students may continue taking classes but may be restricted from other activities and campus privileges. Violating the terms of the probation may result in further disciplinary action, usually suspension.

Suspension

While on suspension, students may not take any classes at SDGKU. Students will have a notation of the suspension placed on their transcript for the duration of the suspension.

Dismissal

When dismissed from the University, students will receive a permanent notation of the dismissal on their transcript. Students may not participate in any campus activities after they have been dismissed.

Possible Penalties for Academic Dishonesty or Plagiarism

Specific penalties that may be considered include:

• Requirement that the work be repeated
• Reduction of grade on specific work in question
• A failing grade for the work in question, or for the entire course

The guidelines for the appropriate penalties include an “F” on the particular paper, project, or examination when the act was not premeditated or there were significant mitigating circumstances, or an “F” in the course where the dishonesty was premeditated or planned. In the case of repeated infractions by a student, the university may exercise the option of dismissal. Variables affecting the severity of the student penalties include whether the dishonesty was premeditated, the extent of the dishonesty (e.g., one answer or an entire project), and the relative importance of the academic exercise (e.g., quiz or homework assignment). The penalty for active or passive dishonesty (e.g., copier versus the copyee) shall be the same.

Non-academic Reasons for Student Discipline

In addition to the reasons outlined above, students may also be disciplined for any of the following reasons:

• Forgery, altering university documents, or knowingly providing false information;
• Disruption of educational or administrative process of the university by acts or expression;
• Physical abuse or destruction of university property;
• Physical abuse or threat of abuse to students, university employees, or their families;
• Verbal abuse or intimidation of students or university employees, including shouting, use of profanity, or other displays of hostility;
• Theft of university property;
• Sale or knowing possession of illegal drugs or narcotics;
• Possession or use or threats of use of explosives or deadly weapons on university property;
• Lewd, indecent, or obscene behavior on university property or by telephone;
• Soliciting or assisting another in an act that would subject students to a serious accident or to serious trouble among each other or with the university;
• Any action which would grossly violate the purpose of the university or the rights of those who comprise the university;
• Any act, failure to act, or conduct that would be considered a crime under federal, state, or local law.

Disciplinary action may include probation, suspension, dismissal from the university, and/or notification to INS. Students suspected of committing any violation of university policy are typically accorded procedures consistent with due process before disciplinary action is imposed. However, in some circumstances, students may be suspended prior to a due process hearing.
Any violation of the university policy (including all forms of academic dishonesty) can result in a student being barred from graduate or professional programs at this or other universities. In addition, violating university policy can make a student ineligible for government commission or other employment.

Notification of Students Rights

The university’s Chief Academic Officer shall provide information and counseling to students regarding their rights. The Chief Academic Officer will interview the accused student and explain the student’s rights and the procedures to be followed. Students who believe they have been wrongfully charged and/or penalized are encouraged to request a review and reconsideration.

Delivery to Accounts Payable

Invoices and Check Requests may be scanned and emailed to Accounts Payable at info@sdgku.edu or faxed to (888) 254-7320. t is critical that invoices be sent to Accounts Payable as quickly as possible ensure that all invoices are processed by due dates.

Processing Time/Payment Terms

Properly authorized paperwork will be processed within five (5) business days of receipt or by due date. The university’s payment terms are net 30 for all vendors. Departments are not authorized to negotiate different terms or make special arrangements concerning payment terms.  Variances from this policy can only be approved by the Chief Administration Officer.

Frequency of Check Runs and Transfers

Checks are issued and electronic transfer payments are made twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If checks must be printed outside of the normal processing schedule, the department requiring the additional check must have approval from the Chief Administration Officer. All checks will be mailed unless otherwise stated.

Payment Authorization

A full, legible signature of the individual authorizing payment is required. Initials will not be accepted.  Only those individuals having budget responsibility may approve expenditures. When a business purpose is not evident for any item purchased, a brief description should be added. Expenses must be coded with the correct cost center and account number.

Void Checks

Voided checks should not be destroyed. If a check is no longer needed, it should be sent to the SDGKU Administration Office for tracking purposes. If a check needs to be reissued, please contact the Chief Administration Officer to submit a request.

San Diego Global Knowledge University (SDGKU) administers the Cal Grant program in partnership with the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) under the Cal Grant Program Institutional Participation Agreement (IPA).  This IPA is a binding agreement that outlines the terms and conditions under which SDGKU is eligible to participate and its administrative, fiscal, and security responsibilities. The Cal Grant IPA applies to initial participation, renewals, and updates.  SDGKU’s Office of Financial Aid (OFA), Office of Admissions and Registrar (OAR), and Office of Administration (OA) are to follow the policies and procedures outlined in the IPA.

Please click here to view SDGKU’s Cal Grants Policies and Procedures Manual

When a person joins the university community either as a student, faculty member, or staff member, he or she agrees to participate meaningfully in the life of the university and to share in the obligation to promote and preserve its educational endeavors. Students, faculty, and staff are expected to abide by ethical standards both in their conduct and in their exercise of responsibility towards other members of the community.

The following prohibitions apply to students, faculty, and staff of San Diego Global Knowledge University:

• No misuse, alteration or mutilation of university property.
• No stealing of any kind.
• No physical or verbal abuse of faculty, administration, or fellow students is permitted, as well as inappropriate conduct that can threaten or endanger anyone at the university.
• No obstruction or interference of movement on university property, or disruption of activities on university property.
• No unlawful possession use or distribution of illegal drugs, or abuse of alcohol on university property during any student activities.
• No violation of any federal, state, or local ordinance.
• No aiding, abetting, encouraging, inciting, or participating in a riot.
• No use or possession of any dangerous weapons, firearms, ammunition, substances, materials, bombs, explosives, or incendiary devices prohibited by law.
• No misrepresentation or falsification of materials leading to the awarding of any degree. If this violation, which has serious legal and personal consequences, is discovered, the degree will be revoked.
• No unauthorized use of university facilities or personnel.
• No disregard of or violation of university policies or regulations.
• No forgery or misuse of university documents, records, or identification.
• No disorderly, lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct or expression in or on university property.
• No defamatory statements, undocumented allegations, attack upon personal integrity, or harassment of any kind.
• No failure to comply with directions of university officials acting in the performance of their duties.
• No conducting personal business for gain while teaching or participating in other university activities in or on university property or facilities.
• No failure to maintain the highest ethical standards in interactions with students, staff, and faculty with regard to confidentiality and personal privacy.

The personal behavior and ethical conduct of students impact the climate and reputation of the entire institution. It is essential that students act with integrity and with respect toward all members of the university community. The University assumes that all students will conduct themselves as mature, responsible and courteous individuals who will comply with all policies and regulations.

Responsibility

SDGKU students are expected to observe standards of conduct consistent with respect for the law, the fulfillment of contractual obligations, consideration for the rights of others, and a high level of personal integrity. All members of the college, students, staff and faculty, should be aware that their behavior, both online and off-line, reflects on the university.

Netiquette

The following are important rules for students to follow when participating in videoconference class sessions and posting on discussion forums online.
Videoconferences (ie. Zoom)

When you connect via videoconference, please keep in mind the following rules:

• Always make sure to connect from a place that has a stable Internet connection.
• Use a laptop or computer that has a camera and microphone installed.
• Do not connect using a mobile device such as a cell phone.
• Connect from a location that is quiet and will not be a distraction to you or your fellow classmates.
• Make sure you always turn your computer camera ON and turn your microphone to MUTE when not talking.

Being part of a Zoom videoconference requires you to do your best to be 100% present and attentive, meaning that your instructor can see and hear you at all times and especially when called upon. It is also a demonstration of good courtesy towards your instructor and fellow classmates to be present and participatory during the Zoom videoconference. The instructor has the right to tell you to please exit the Zoom videoconference at any time if any of these rules are not followed.

Discussion Posts

Learning is strongly enhanced through social construction. This means that as we share our experiences, points of view, and understandings of the course content, other members of our class can use this sharing to build or construct their own knowing. For social construction to be of benefit to all class members, it is essential that all class members contribute. Contribution is the addition of meaningful information that is relevant to the topic being discussed and shows critical thinking in terms of analysis, synthesis, and the ability to distinguish between facts and opinions.
Please make sure you keep your discussions on topic. This means to avoid covering topics not being discussed in the course or that are not addressing specific questions asked by the instructor. All posts and responses should be courteous and positive in nature.

Disagreements should not be taken personally, nor should be used to attack a fellow classmate or the instructor’s integrity or to question their motives. All posts and responses should be professional and respectful in nature, similar to how you would address a parent, employer, supervisor, pastor, spiritual guide or someone with greater authority or status than your own.

San Diego Global Knowledge University (“SDGKU”, “University”) is located at 1095 K Street, Suite B San Diego, California, 92101. SDGKU is committed to provide to its students, faculty, and staff with a safe and secure environment in pursuit of their educational goals. The University began participating in Title IV programs and effective October 1, 2021 is required to publicly disclose the Annual Safety and Security Report (ASSR). SDGKU is required to provide an environment that is proactive of the entire campus community.

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy of Campus Crime Statistics Act or Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) is a federal law that requires institutions of higher education in the United States to disclose campus safety and security information including crime statistics for the campus and surrounding areas. To comply with these regulations, we are providing the information as follows:

• Annual Security Policy and Report
• Campus Safety and Security Registration Certificate
• Campus Safety and Security Completion Certificate

I. Covered Individuals

Any officer, agent, or employee of San Diego Global Knowledge University (“SDGKU”, “University”), who works in the financial aid office or has responsibilities with respect to education loans, whether those loans are through the federal student loan programs or are private loans, is a covered individual for purposes of this Code of Conduct.

II. Gifts and Gratuities

A. No covered individual may accept any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, hospitality, loan, discount, or other thing having more than a de minimus value from any lender, guarantor, or servicer of education loans, unless such gift or thing of value comes within the following exceptions:

1) Materials or training programs related to loans, default aversion, default prevention, or financial literacy
2) Food, refreshments, training, or informational material provided as part of a training session that is designed to improve the service of a lender, guarantor or servicer, as long as the training contributes to the professional development of the SDGKU representative.

B. A student who is also an employee of SDGKU may accept favorable terms, conditions and borrower benefits that are comparable to those provided to all students at SDGKU.

C. A gift to a family member or other person with a relationship to a covered individual is a gift to the covered individual if it is given with the knowledge of the covered individual and the covered individual has reason to believe the gift was given because of his or her position with SDGKU.

III. Services and Contributions

A. SDGKU may permit a lender, servicer, or guarantor to provide entrance and exit counseling services to borrowers as long as SDGKU staff are in control of the counseling and it does not promote the products or services of any particular lender, servicer, or guarantor.

B. SDGKU may accept philanthropic contributions that are unrelated to educational loans and not made in exchange for any advantage or consideration related to education loans.

IV. Contracting and Board Arrangements

A. A covered individual may not accept any fee, payment, or other financial benefit from a lender or any affiliate of a lender as compensation for any type of consulting relationship or other contract to provide services to a lender or on behalf of a lender that relates to educational loans. With the permission of the President of SDGKU, a covered individual may serve on an advisory board or group established by a lender, guarantor, or group of lenders or guarantors, and may accept reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred in such service.

B. With the advance permission of the President of SDGKU, an officer or employee of SDGKU who is not employed in the financial aid office and does not otherwise have responsibilities for education loans may serve as a paid or unpaid member of the board of directors of a lender, servicer, or guarantor of education loans.

C. With the advance permission of the President of SDGKU, an officer, agent, or employee of SDGKU who is not employed in the financial aid office but does otherwise have responsibilities for education loans may serve as a paid or unpaid member of the board of directors of a lender, servicer, or guarantor of education loans, so long as that person recuses himself or herself from participating in any decisions of the board relating to education loans at the institution.

D. An officer, employee, or agent of a lender, guarantor, or servicer may serve on the SDGKU board so long as that board member recuses himself or herself from any decisions of the board relating to education loans.

V. Interaction with Borrowers

A. The loan of a first-time borrower may not be assigned to a particular lender through award packaging or other methods.

B. A borrower may choose any lender, and SDGKU will not refuse to certify a loan or delay in certifying a loan based on the borrower’s selection of a lender.

VI. Offers of Funds for Private Loans

No officer, employee, or agent of SDGKU shall on the University’s behalf request or accept from any lender any offer of funds to be used for private education loans in exchange for the University providing concessions or promises to the lender relating to numbers of loans, loan volume, or preferred lender arrangements.

VII. Staffing Assistance and Materials

A. SDGKU shall not solicit or accept assistance with staffing a call center or the financial aid office from any lender, except as provided below.

B. In an emergency, such as a federally or state-declared disaster or other emergency identified by the Department of Education, SDGKU may accept short-term assistance in providing financial aid related functions from a lender.

C. SDGKU may accept assistance from a lender related to professional development training for financial aid administrators.

D. SDGKU may accept educational counseling materials, financial literacy materials, or debt management materials from a lender so long as those materials disclose the identification of any lender that assisted in preparing or providing those materials.

Collection Procedures

San Diego Global Knowledge (SDGKU) maintains a structured process to ensure the timely and accurate collection of tuition and fees from students. All students are responsible for fulfilling their financial obligations as outlined in their enrollment agreement.

Payment Schedules

Payment schedules are established during the registration process. Students are required to adhere to these schedules payment plan to avoid interruptions to their academic progress.

Missed Payments

If a payment is missed, the SDGKU will promptly notify the student and provide guidance on how to bring their account up to date. Students are encouraged to address missed payments as soon as possible to avoid further complications.

Consequences of Non-Payment

Failure to meet financial obligations may result in:

• Additional fees or penalties.
• Restrictions on class attendance.
• Termination from the program.

Support for Financial Difficulties

Students experiencing financial challenges are urged to contact the Office of Financial Aid or the Office of Administration immediately. The university offers options such as payment plans and financial assistance to help students manage their obligations.

SDGKU is dedicated to supporting student success while upholding the integrity of its financial policies. Open communication and proactive engagement are essential to resolving financial concerns effectively.

Complaint Policy

A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about this university with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education by calling (888) 370-7589 toll-free or by completing a complaint form, which can be obtained on the bureau’s Internet web site www.bppe.ca.gov. A student or any member of the public may also file a complaint with the Distance Education Accrediting Commission at www.deac.org.

Registering a Complaint with a State

San Diego Global Knowledge University takes active steps to provide a positive learning environment and resources to assist students in meeting their educational goals. Though it always is the university’s desire to see students have a dispute-free experience, the university understands that sometimes challenges will arise. While students are able to file a complaint at an external agency, the university provides options for internally resolving a dispute involving students, prospective applicants, alumni, former students and others that may have concerns about something relating to the student experience with an opportunity to swiftly and fairly resolve any confusion, frustration, or issue. Individuals with a concern will have the ability to resolve their concerns informally or through the formal grievance process.

Any student may contact his or her specific state agency directly to register a complaint.

ALABAMA

Alabama Commission on Higher Education
P. O. Box 302000
Montgomery, AL 36130-2000
http://ache.edu/ACHE_Reports/Forms/NRI/federal-reg.pdf

Alabama Community College System
P.O. Box 302130
Montgomery, AL 36130-2130
https://psl.asc.edu/External/Complaints.aspx

ALASKA

Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education
P.O. Box 110505
Juneau, AK 99811-0505
EED.ACPE-IA@alaska.gov
https://acpe.alaska.gov/ConsumerProtection

ARIZONA

Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education
1740 W. Adams, Suite 3008
Phoenix, AZ 85007
https://ppse.az.gov/complaint

ARKANSAS

Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Arkansas Department of Higher Education
423 Main Street, Suite 400
Little Rock, AR 72201
ADHE_Info@adhe.edu
https://adhe.edu/institutions/ADHE-Grievance-Form

CALIFORNIA

California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education
P.O. Box 980818
W. Sacramento, CA 95798-0818
bppe@dca.ca.gov
http://www.bppe.ca.gov/forms_pubs/complaint.pdf

Attorney General’s Office
California Department of Justice
Attn: Public Inquiry Unit
P.O. Box 9044255
Sacramento, CA 94244-2550
https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/contact/business_corpform.pdf

COLORADO

Colorado Department of Higher Education
1600 Broadway, Suite 2200
Denver, Colorado 80202
https://highered.colorado.gov/filing-student-complaint

CONNECTICUT

Connecticut Office of Higher Education
450 Columbus Blvd., Suite 510
Hartford, CT 06103-1841
(860) 947-1800
pcs@ctohe.org

Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
450 Columbus Blvd., Suite 510
Hartford, CT 06103-1841
dcp.tradepractices@ct.gov
https://portal.ct.gov/DCP/Complaint-Center/Consumers—Complaint-Center

Consumer Complaint Hotline: (800) 842-2649

DELAWARE

Delaware Higher Education Office
John G. Townsend Building, Suite 2
Dover, DE 19901
dheo@doe.k12.de.us

Delaware Attorney General
Consumer Protection Wilmington:
820 N. French Street 5th floor
Wilmington, DE 19801
consumer.protection@state.de.us

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education
Higher Education Licensure Commission
1050 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
http://osse.dc.gov/service/public-complaints

FLORIDA

Florida Commission on Independent Education
325 W. Gaines Street
Suite 1414
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400
https://www.fldoe.org/about-us/office-of-the-inspector-general/file-a-complaint

GEORGIA

Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission
2082 E. Exchange Pl. #220
Tucker, GA 30084-5334
https://gnpec.georgia.gov/student-complaints

HAWAII

Hawaii Postsecondary Education Authorization Program
P.O. Box 510
Honolulu, HI 96809
hpeap@dcca.hawaii.gov
http://cca.hawaii.gov/hpeap/student-complaint-process/

IDAHO

Idaho State Board of Education
Attn: State Coordinator for Private Colleges and Proprietary Schools
650 West State Street
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0037
https://boardofed.idaho.gov/higher-education-private/private-colleges-degree-granting/student-complaint-procedures/

ILLINOIS

Illinois Board of Higher Education
1 North Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 333
Springfield, IL 62701-1404
Illinois Board of Higher Education Complaint System
Institutional Complaint Hotline: (217) 557-7359

Illinois Attorney General
Consumer Protection Bureau
500 South Second Street
Springfield, IL 62701
http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/consumers/filecomplaint.html

INDIANA

Indiana Commission for Higher Education
101 West Ohio St., Ste 300
Indianapolis, IN 46204-4206
http://www.in.gov/che/2744.htm
complaints@che.in.gov

IOWA

Iowa College Student Aid Commission
475 SW Fifth St., Suite D
Des Moines, IA 50309-4608
Toll-free Phone 877-272-4456
https://www.iowacollegeaid.gov/StudentComplaintForm

KANSAS

Kansas Board of Regents
1000 SW Jackson Street
Suite 520
Topeka, KS 66612-1368
http://www.kansasregents.org/academic_affairs/private_out_of_state/complaint_process

KENTUCKY

Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education
1024 Capital Center Dr #320
Frankfort, KY 40601-7512
cpeconsumercomplaint@ky.gov

Office of the Attorney General
Capitol Suite 118
700 Capitol Avenue
Frankfort, KY 40601-3449
Consumer Complaints Kentucy

LOUISIANA

Louisiana Attorney General Office
Consumer Protection Section
P.O. Box 94005
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
(800) 351-4889
(225) 326-6465
ConsumerInfo@ag.louisiana.gov
http://www.ag.state.la.us/ConsumerDisputes

Louisiana Board of Regents
ATTN: LeAnn Detillier
P.O. Box 3677
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3677
http://www.regents.la.gov/assets/docs/2013/03/Board-of-Regents-SARA-Student-Complaint-Form.pdf

MAINE

Maine Department of Education
Anita Bernhardt – Complaints
23 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0023

Maine Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
6 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
http://www.maine.gov/ag/consumer/complaints/complaint_form.shtml

MARYLAND

Maryland Higher Education Commission
6 North Liberty Street, 10th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 767-3388
http://mhec.maryland.gov/institutions_training/Documents/acadaff/MHECStudentComplaintForms.pdf

Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
200 St. Paul Place
Baltimore, MD 21202
Consumer Protection Hotline: (410) 528-8662
Toll Free: (888) 743-0823
consumer@oag.state.md.us
https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/CPD/Complaint.aspx

MASSACHUSETTS

Massachusetts Board of Higher Education
One Ashburton Place
Room 1401
Boston, MA 02108
http://www.mass.edu/forstufam/complaints/complaintform.asp

MICHIGAN

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Bureau of Commercial Services, Licensing Division
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing
Schools and Licensing
P.O. Box 30018
Lansing, MI 48909
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/lara/LCE-992_0715_494884_7.pdf

MINNESOTA

Minnesota Office of Higher Education
1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 350
St. Paul, MN 55108-5227
http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=1078

MISSISSIPPI

Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation
3825 Ridgewood Road
Jackson, MS 39211-6453
http://www.mississippi.edu/mcca/downloads/studentcomplaintform.pdf

Consumer Protection Division
Office of the Attorney General
P.O. Box 22947
Jackson, Mississippi 39225-2947
https://www.ago.state.ms.us/contact/ (email)

MISSOURI

Missouri Department of Higher Education
301 W. High Street, Suite 870
Jefferson City, MO 65101
info@dhe.mo.gov
Policy: https://dhewd.mo.gov/media/pdf/complaint-resolution-policy

MONTANA

Montana Board of Regents
Office of Commissioner of Higher Education
Montana University System
560 North Park Avenue
Helena, MT 59601

Montana Office of Consumer Protection
2225 11th Avenue
P.O. Box 200151
Helena, MT 59620-0151
contactocp@mt.gov
http://mus.edu/MUS-Statement-of-Complaint-Process.asp

NEBRASKA

Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education
P.O. Box 95005
Lincoln, NE 68509-5005

Nebraska Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
2115 State Capitol
Lincoln, NE 68509
https://protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov/file-consumer-complaint
Consumer Protection Hotline: (800) 727-6432

NEVADA

Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education
2800 E. St. Louis
Las Vegas, Nevada 89104
http://cpe.nv.gov/Students/Students_Home/

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Janet Fiderio, New Hampshire Department of Education
101 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-2695
janet.fiderio@doe.nh.gov

NEW JERSEY

New Jersey Higher Education
P.O. Box 542
Trenton, NJ 08625
oshe@oshe.nj.gov
http://www.state.nj.us/highereducation/OSHEComplaintInstructions.shtml

New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
124 Halsey Street
Newark, NJ 07102
http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/Pages/File-a-Complaint-old.aspx

NEW MEXICO

New Mexico Higher Education Department
2044 Galisteo Street, Suite 4
Santa Fe, NM 87505
505-476-8411
http://www.hed.state.nm.us/students/hed-student-complaint-form.aspx
HigherEd.Info@state.nm.us

NEW YORK

New York Office of College and University Evaluation
New York State Education Department
5 North Mezzanine
Albany, NY 12234
ocueinfo@mail.nysed.gov
http://www.highered.nysed.gov/ocue/spr/COMPLAINTFORMINFO.html

NORTH CAROLINA

Postsecondary Education Complaints
c/o Assistant Director of Licensure and Workforce
University of North Carolina General Administration
910 Raleigh Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
studentcomplaint@northcarolina.edu
https://www.northcarolina.edu/wp-content/uploads/reports-and-documents/academic-affairs/student_complaint_policy.pdf
https://www.nashcc.edu/wpfd_file/ncsara-student-complaint-form/

NORTH DAKOTA

Dr. Richard Rothaus, Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs

North Dakota University System
600 E. Boulevard Ave. Dept. 2155
Bismarck, ND 58505-0230
(701) 328-4136
richard.rothous@ndus.edu
http://www.ndus.edu/system/state-authorization/

North Dakota Consumer Protection Division
Office of Attorney General
Parrell Grossman, Director, Consumer Protection Division, (701) 328-5570
Gateway Professional Center
1050 E. Interstate Ave. Suite 200
Bismarck, ND 58503-5574
https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/consumer-resources/consumer-complaints

OHIO

Ohio Department of Higher Education
25 South Front Street
Columbus, OH 43215-4183

Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools
30 East Broad Street, Suite 2481, Columbus, OH 43215
http://scr.ohio.gov/ConsumerInformation/FilingaComplaint.aspx

Ohio Attorney General
Consumer Protection Section
30 E. Broad St., 14th floor
Columbus, OH 43215-3400
http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Individuals-and-Families/Consumers/File-A-Complaint.aspx

OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
655 Research Parkway
Suite 200
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
https://www.okhighered.org/resources/Student-Complaint-Form/

Oklahoma Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Protection Unit
Attn: Investigative Analyst
313 NE 21st Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
https://www.oag.ok.gov/consumer-protection

OREGON

Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission
Oregon Office of Degree Authorization
255 State St. NE
Salem, OR 97310

Oregon Attorney General
Financial Fraud/Consumer Protection Section
1162 Court St. NE
Salem, OR 97301-4096
http://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer/pdf/consumer_complaint.pdf

PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania Department of Education
333 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333
http://www.education.pa.gov/Documents/Postsecondary-Adult/College%20and%20Career%20Education/Private%20Licensed%20Schools/Student%20Complaint%20Form.pdf

Office of Attorney General
Bureau of Consumer Protection
14th Floor, Strawberry Square
Harrisburg, PA 17120
https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/Quick_Links/Pennsylvania_Attorney_General_Complaint_Forms/

RHODE ISLAND

Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner
560 Jefferson Blvd.
Warwick, RI 02886

Rhode Island Department of Attorney General
Consumer Protection Unit
150 South Main Street
Providence, RI 02903
https://riag.wufoo.com/forms/q1851amb1bdd4d5/

SOUTH CAROLINA

South Carolina Commission on Higher Education
1122 Lady St., Suite 300
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 737-3918
http://www.che.sc.gov/Portals/0/CHE_Docs/academicaffairs/license/Complaint_Procedures_and_Form.pdf

SOUTH DAKOTA

South Dakota Secretary of State Jason M. Grant
State Capitol
500 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501-5070
sdsos@state.sd.us

South Dakota Office of Attorney General
Division of Consumer Protection
1302 E Hwy 14 Suite 3
Pierre, SD 57501-8053
http://consumer.sd.gov/complaintform.aspx

TENNESSEE

Tennessee Higher Education Commission
404 James Robertson Parkway
Suite 1900
Nashville, TN 37243
https://www.tn.gov/thec/for-institutions/postsecondary-state-authorization/request-for-complaint-review.html

TEXAS

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
1200 E. Anderson Lane
Austin, Texas 78752
https://www.highered.texas.gov/links/student-complaints/

Texas Workforce Commission
Career Schools and Colleges – Room 226-T
101 East 15th Street
Austin, Texas 78778-0001
http://www.twc.state.tx.us/files/jobseekers/csc-401a-student-complaint-form-twc.pdf
Additional complaint information: http://www.twc.state.tx.us/svcs/propschools/problem-school.html

Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
PO Box 12548
Austin, TX 78711-2548
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/cpd/file-a-consumer-complaint

UTAH

Utah Division of Consumer Protection
160 East 300 South
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
consumerprotection@utah.gov
https://consumerprotection.utah.gov/

VERMONT

Vermont Agency of Education
State Board of Education
120 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05620-2501
AOE.EdInfo@state.vt.us

Vermont Attorney General’s Office
109 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05609-1001

VIRGINIA

State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
101 N. 14TH St.
James Monroe Building
Richmond, VA 23219
communications@schev.edu
https://www.schev.edu/students/resources/student-complaints

Virginia Attorney General
Consumer Protection Section
202 North Ninth Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
https://www.oag.state.va.us/consumercomplaintform/form/start

WASHINGTON

Washington Student Achievement Council
917 Lakeridge Way
P.O. Box 43430
Olympia, WA 98504-3430
complaints@wasc.wa.gov
http://wsac.wa.gov/protecting-education-consumers

WEST VIRGINIA

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission
1018 Kanawha Blvd E., Ste 700
Charleston, WV 25301-2800

West Virginia Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
PO Box 1789
Charleston, WV 25326-1789
http://www.wvhepc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Student-Complaint-Process-revised.pdf

WISCONSIN

Wisconsin Educational Approval Program
PO Box 8366
Madison, WI 53708-8366
dspseap@wisconsin.gov
https://dsps.wi.gov/Documents/EAComplaintForm3.01.doc

WYOMING

Wyoming Department of Education
2300 Capitol Avenue
Hathaway Building, 2nd Floor
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0050
https://1ddlxtt2jowkvs672myo6z14-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Wyoming-Department-of-Education-Student-Complaint-Process.pdf
https://edu.wyoming.gov/

Attorney General’s Office
123 Capitol Building
200 W. 24th Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002

PUERTO RICO

Puerto Rico Council on Education
P.O. Box 19900
San Juan, PR 00910-1900
(787) 722-2121

Puerto Rico Department of Justice
P.O. Box 9020192
San Juan, PR 00902-0192

Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement. The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA) includes provisions that are designed to reduce the illegal uploading and downloading of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing. These provisions include requirements that:

* institutions certify to the Secretary of Education that they have developed plans to effectively combat the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material;

* institutions make an annual disclosure that informs students that the illegal distribution of copyrighted materials may subject them to criminal and civil penalties and describes the steps that institutions will take to detect and punish illegal distribution of copyrighted materials;

* institutions publicize alternatives to illegal file sharing.

SDGKU responds promptly to legitimate notices or letters of illegal copyright infringement based on the requirements of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and directs both our President/CEO, Chief Academic Officer and Chief Compliance Officer to investigate and respond.

SDGKU will cooperate fully with any investigation by public authorities related to illegally downloaded copyrighted information. Students found guilty will be subject to the full extent of fines and penalties imposed, as well as facing automatic loss of computer access, and possible suspension. Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or “statutory” damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For “willful” infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorney fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505. 

Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense. 

For more information, please see the Web site of the U.S. Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov, especially their FAQ’s at www.copyright.gov/help/faq.

Consistent with our educational principles, we view education as the most important element in combating illegal sharing of copyrighted materials at SDGKU. We use a wide variety of methods to inform our community about the law and our internal response to copyright infringement claims: 

Language has been added to the Annual Security Report outlining the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, as well as sanctions for non-compliance.

SDGKU blocks access from campus to all legitimate sources of copyrighted material. Although we cannot maintain an up-to-date list of alternatives we point students to the Educause list at http://www.educause.edu/Resources/Browse/LegalDownloading/33381

SDGKU will review this plan each year to insure it is current and maintains the appropriate and necessary information to effectively combat illegal file sharing, as well as update the methods employed as new technological deterrents become available.

To determine a student’s federal aid eligibility, the student must first complete a Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA®) for each award year.  An award year is July 1 – June 30 of each year.  During the 2024-2025 award year, the FAFSA® is available on December 1.  A completed FAFSA® that includes the school code will generate a FAFSA Submission Summary for the applicant and an ISIR for the university.  Once the Office of Financial Aid receives the ISIR, it will check for any FPS C and verification flags, and other discrepancies.  Student interested in financial aid are expected to provide Financial Aid Packet to initiate the financial aid process at San Diego Global Knowledge (SDGKU).  Once the applicant clears those edits, the Office of Financial Aid will determine the student’s maximum eligibility for the following awards on a Financial Aid Estimate form.  The student must select the aid before being awarded.

Federal Pell Grant (Undergraduate Students Only) – Full Stack Development Immersive and Bachelor’s in Global Management

Federal Pell Grant is free money from the government and does not have to be repaid.  Federal Pell Grant is awarded only to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need without a bachelor’s or professional degree.  Beginning July 1, 2024, the Student Aid Index (SAI) determines the amount of the Pell Grant award.   Every award year, the maximum eligibility may change.   A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances: (1) Students withdraw early from the program for which the grant was given to them.  (2) Students’ enrollment status changes in a way that reduces their eligibility for their grant; for instance, if a student switches from full-time enrollment to part-time, their grant amount will be reduced.  The student must complete the FAFSA application and Contributor if married or parents.  A Contributor is any individual required to provide consent and approval for federal tax information (FTI) along with their signature on the FAFSAF form, including the student, the student’s spouse, a biological or adoptive parent, or the parent’s spouse (stepparent)The 2024-2025 Pell Grant ranges from $740 to $7,395.00.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (For Undergraduate Students Only)

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans

Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need. The U.S. Department of Education (Department) pays the interest on a Direct Subsidized Loan (1) While they are in school at least half-time. (2) The first six months after students leave school (a grace period). (3) During a deferment period (a postponement of loan payments).  Before SDGKU disburses Direct Subsidized Loan, the student must complete an Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note (MPN) through the Department’s online portal, www.studentaid.gov.  Allow 24 hours for the entrance counseling and MPN to be received by SDGKU. The maximum Direct Subsidized Loan is $3500 for a first academic year student.  The award amount will increase in subsequent years based on the University’s determination of grade level.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans (Undergraduate and Graduate Students)

Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students; there is no requirement to demonstrate financial need. With unsubsidized loans, students are responsible for paying the interest on a Direct Unsubsidized Loan during all periods. Before SDGKU can Direct Unsubsidized Loan, the student must complete an Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note (MPN) through the Department’s online portal, www.studentaid.gov. Allow 24 hours for the entrance counseling and MPN to be received by the University.  An independent student may borrow up to $6,000 per academic year.  A dependent student may borrow up to $2000 per academic year.  The award amount will increase in subsequent years based on grade level determinations.

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan

When a parent applies for a Direct PLUS Loan, they can authorize the University to use their loan funds to satisfy their student’s direct and indirect costs (tuition and fees, food and housing, transportation, and personal expenses). The Parent PLUS loan is based on a parent’s personal credit.  The parent must complete a PLUS Application to consent to SDGKU to run their credit.  If approved, SDGKU will instruct the parent to complete the PLUS Master Promissory Note.  If denied, the student will be eligible to receive a higher Direct unsubsidized loan amount determined by the Office of Financial Aid. As a parent borrower, the parent can also use the Direct PLUS Loan Application to (1) Designate whether the University pays the student or the parent any credit balance. (2) Request a deferment while the student is in school and for an additional deferment for six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.  (3) Request a change to the loan amount specified in a previously submitted application. The student and Contributor must complete a FAFSA before applying for a Parent PLUS Loan.  Before a Direct PLUS Loan can be disbursed, the parent must complete an MPN through the Department’s online portal, www.studentaid.gov.  Allow 24 hours for the University to receive the MPN. The parent may borrow up to the student’s Cost of Attendance minus other financial assistance.

Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loans

Annual Student Loan Information

Please click the following link to view 2024 Annual Student Loan Information notification for students.

Example of Financial Aid Eligibility for an Undergraduate Program

If the student is an undergraduate, the Office of Financial Aid will review the student’s Student Aid Index (SAI) to determine how much (if eligible) Federal Pell Grant the student may receive. The Office of Financial will confirm with the Office of Admissions and Registrar if the student has any transfer units to determine the grade level the student is in to determine the award amount. If the student did not receive transfer credit from a previously attended school, the student will be deemed grade level one.

Example of grade level one independent student with -1500 SAI:

• Pell $7,395 (2024-2025 Award Year)
• Subsidized $3,500 (less loan fees)
• Unsubsidized $6,000 (less loan fees)

The total Award Amount the student is eligible for is $16,895 for the first academic year.

San Diego Global Knowledge University does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, handicap or disability, or age in any of its policies, procedures, or practices. The university’s nondiscrimination policies comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (pertaining to race, color, and national origin), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (pertaining to sex), Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (pertaining to veterans), and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (pertaining to age). This nondiscrimination policy covers admission and access to, and treatment and employment in, the university’s programs and activities, including vocational education. To inquire about the equal opportunity policies or to request a copy of the university’s grievance procedures covering discrimination complaints, contact the Chief Academic Officer, SDGKU, 1095 K St., Suite B., San Diego, CA 92101, telephone (619) 934-9390.

Responsibility

SDGKU students are expected to observe standards of conduct consistent with respect for the law, the fulfillment of contractual obligations, consideration for the rights of others, and a high level of personal integrity. All members of the college, students, staff and faculty, should be aware that their behavior, both online and off-line, reflects on the university.

Student Privacy Rights and Policies

The Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and its regulations adopted thereunder and California Education Code 67100 et seq. were designed to protect the privacy of students concerning their records. Institutions must provide students access to records directly related to them and an opportunity for a hearing to challenge such records on the grounds that they are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise inappropriate. The right to a hearing under the law does not include any right to challenge the appropriateness of a grade as determined by the instructor. The law requires that written consent of the student be received before releasing personally identifiable data about the student’s own records to other than a specified list of exceptions.

San Diego Global Knowledge University has adopted a set of policies and procedures concerning implementation of its statutes and regulations. Students may request copies of these policies and procedures concerning implementation of statutes and regulations in the Office of Academic Affairs. Among the types of information included in the campus statement of policies and procedures are the following:

• The type of student records and the information contained in them
• The official responsible for the maintenance of each type of record
• The location of access lists which indicate persons requesting or receiving information from the record
• Policies for reviewing and expunging records
• The access rights of students
• The procedures for challenging the content of student records
• The cost, which will be charged for reproducing copies of records
• The right of students to file a complaint with the Department of Education

The office to review complaints and adjudicate violations is:

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office (FERPA)
U.S. Department of Education
330 “C” Street, Room 4511
Washington, D.C. 20202

Under the Act, SDGKU is authorized to release information concerning students. This information may include the student’s name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student.
The above information is subject to release by the university at any time unless the campus has received prior written objections from students specifying information, which students request and be released. Written objections should be sent to the Office of Academic Affairs.

The university is authorized to provide access to student records to campus officials and employees who have legitimate educational interest in such access. These persons are those who have responsibilities in connection with the campus’ academic, administrative or service functions and who have reason for using student records connected with their campus or other related academic responsibilities. Disclosure may also be made to other persons or organizations under certain conditions (e.g., as part of accreditation or program evaluation; in response to a court order or subpoena; in connection with financial aid; or to other institutions to which the student is transferring).

The University is required by law to release information to state agencies on request concerning students who have requested in writing that such information be released to state agencies. Students will have an opportunity to request in writing release of such information. Students will also have an opportunity to forbid release of such directory information to state agencies or any other person or organization. The University will retain discretion regarding the release of such information to agencies of the State of California in cases where the student has neither requested nor forbidden the release of directory information concerning himself or herself to agencies of the State of California on request for purposes of recruitment.Appeal to either request or forbid the release of directory information to State Agencies for recruitment purposes also must be made at the Student Services Office.

Discrimination Grievances

Students who have been subject to any form of discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, handicap or disability, status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran or age, or who have been the victim of sexual harassment, may submit their complaint in accordance with the Policies and Procedures for Student Discipline and Grievances. Students should direct inquiries regarding the filing of such grievances to the Chief Academic Officer, SDGKU, 1095 K St., Suite B., San Diego, CA 92101, telephone (619) 934-9390.

Inquiries regarding federal laws and regulation about nondiscrimination in education or the university’s compliance with those provisions should be directed to:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Office for Civil Rights
50 Beale St., Suite 7200
San Francisco, CA 94105
Ocr.sanfrancisco@ed.gov
Tel: (415) 486-5555

Racial and Sexual Harassment

San Diego Global Knowledge University student body is made up of individuals from diverse ethnic, linguistic, racial, and cultural groups. It is essential that all members of the university recognize the need for an awareness of, sensitivity to, and respect for the cultural heritage, gender, disability, and sexual orientation of others. An individual’s or group’s action or activities which promote degrading or demeaning social stereotypes based on race, age, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability will not be tolerated.

Students who behave abusively toward members of the SDGKU community based on the aforementioned criteria will face serious consequences and will be subject to disciplinary action. Any student who commits acts of sexual or racial harassment manifested by acts of physical abuse, threats of physical abuse, verbal abuse, and/or hazing activities may be subject to suspension or expulsion from the university.

Discrimination on the Basis of Gender

San Diego Global Knowledge University does not discriminate on the basis of gender in its programs or activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, and the administrative regulations adopted thereunder prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender in education programs and activities. Such programs include the admission and employment of students.

SDGKU is committed to providing equal opportunities to men and women students in all programs.

Sexual Assault and Acquaintance Rape

The University will not tolerate sexual assault in any form, including date/acquaintance rape. Every allegation of sexual assault will be reported to the police. Where there is reason to believe that the university’s regulations prohibiting sexual assault have been violated, the university will pursue strong disciplinary action. This discipline includes the possibility of suspension and dismissal or termination from the University.

Any employee, student or other person at the university who commits a rape or other crime of a sexual nature specified in the California Penal Code can be criminally prosecuted. In addition, employees and students can be disciplined under the California Education Code even if the criminal justice authorities or the person assaulted choose not to pursue criminal prosecution.

Discrimination on the Basis of Race, Color, or National Origin

SDGKU complies with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the regulations adopted thereunder. No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program of the University.

Discrimination on the Basis of Age

SDGKU complies with the provisions of the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and the regulations developed under the law. The Act states that no person in the United States shall, on the basis of age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

Discrimination on the Basis of Marital Status, Religion, or Sexual Orientation

The University does not discriminate on the basis of marital status, religion, or sexual orientation. Students are urged to refer any complaint of any type of harassment to the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention

The University policy regarding the possession, use, and/or sale of alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs by SDGKU staff, faculty or visiting students is governed by state and municipal law and further governed by the Student Conduct Code. The university expects that individuals and groups will conduct themselves and operate within the scope of the rules and regulations. Proven violations of these policies and regulations will lead to serious consequences and may include criminal prosecutions as well as suspension.

Discrimination on the Basis of Disability

Click here for the university policies for students with disabilities and information on how to document a disability.

San Diego Global Knowledge University (SDGKU) European Union (EU) General Data Protection Regulation Privacy (GDRP) Policy

1. Scope

2. Responsibilities

2A: Subject Disclosure

2B: Employee Consent

3. Policy Statement

• Be transparent about the personal data it collects or processes and the uses it makes of any personal data
• Keep track of all uses and disclosures it makes of personal data
• Appropriately secure personal data

3A: Background to the General Data Protection Regulation (‘GDPR’)

3B: Definitions used by SDGKU

3C: Territorial scope

3D: General EU Definitions

• Child – GDPR defines a child as anyone under the age of 16 years old, although this may be lowered to 13 by Member State law. The processing of personal data of a child is only lawful if parental or custodian consent has been obtained. The controller shall make reasonable efforts to verify in such cases that consent is given or authorized by the holder of parental responsibility over the child.
• Data controller – the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data; where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by Union or Member State law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by Union or Member State law.
• Data subject – any living individual who is the subject of personal data held by an organization.
• Data subject consent – means any freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous indication of the data subject’s wishes by which he or she, by a statement or by a clear affirmative action, signifies agreement to the processing of personal data.
• Establishment – the main establishment of the controller in the EU will be the place in which the controller makes the main decisions as to the purpose and means of its data processing activities. The main establishment of a processor in the EU will be its administrative center. If a controller is based outside the EU, it will have to appoint a representative in the jurisdiction in which the controller operates to act on behalf of the controller and deal with supervisory authorities.
• Filing system – any structured set of personal data which are accessible according to specific criteria, whether centralized, decentralized or dispersed on a functional or geographical basis.
• Legitimate Interest – Processing of personal data is lawful if such processing is necessary for the legitimate business purposes of the data controller/processor, except where such interests are overridden by the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject which require protection of personal data.
• Personal data – any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (‘data subject’); an identifiable natural person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person.
• Processing – any operation or set of operations which is performed on personal data or on sets of personal data, whether or not by automated means, such as collection, recording, organization, structuring, storage, adaptation or alteration, retrieval, consultation, use, disclosure by transmission, dissemination or otherwise making available, alignment or combination, restriction, erasure or destruction.
• Profiling – is any form of automated processing of personal data intended to evaluate certain personal aspects relating to a natural person, or to analyze or predict that person’s performance at work, economic situation, location, health, personal preferences, reliability, or behavior. This definition is linked to the right of the data subject to object to profiling and a right to be informed about the existence of profiling, of measures based on profiling and the envisaged effects of profiling on the individual.
• Personal data breach – a breach of security leading to the accidental, or unlawful, destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorized disclosure of, or access to, personal data transmitted, stored or otherwise processed. There is an obligation on the controller to report personal data breaches to the supervisory authority and where the breach is likely to adversely affect the personal data or privacy of the data subject.
• Special categories of personal data – personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, or trade-union membership, and the processing of genetic data, biometric data for uniquely identifying a natural person, data concerning health or data concerning a natural person’s sex life or sexual orientation.
• Third party – a natural or legal person, public authority, agency or body other than the data subject, controller, processor and persons who, under the direct authority of the controller or processor, are authorized to process personal data.

4. Policy Enforcement

5. Retention Period

6. Policy Updates

7. Contacts

For the FSDI certificate program, both online and hybrid students are required to complete a proctored assessment every 5 courses (1 credit each) . For degree programs (BSGM, MSIM and MSCT), both online and hybrid students are required to complete a proctored assessment during the last week of every 3-credit course. The following steps describe the proctoring process to verify student identity for both online and hybrid students:

1. At the time of enrollment, the Director of Admissions and Registrar (DAR) verifies student identity by comparing their submitted government issued photo ID to their digital photo (both are required for enrollment).
2. The DAR will send the assigned course faculty a roster of students before the start of a course.
3. The DAR submits the digital student photo as part of the roster for the faculty to use to verify student identity. Faculty compare the digital photo provided to the student present in class.
4. Both hybrid and online students are verified for identity in the same manner during roll call. In the case of hybrid students, their identity is verified by the faculty present at the facility. Online students’ identity is verified by the same faculty through live videoconference.
5. If at any time the DAR or faculty suspect the identity of the student and the documentation provided to not match, then the student will be asked to provide additional forms of identification to evaluate student identity using the process described above.

Title IV Disbursement Requirements

San Diego Global Knowledge University (SDGKU) processes Title IV funds on a first-come, first-served basis.  Before these funds are awarded and disbursed, all students must complete the SDGKU admissions requirements and sign an Enrollment Agreement.

The standard disbursement rules are as follows:

• Federal Pell and FSEOG Grant recipients are paid within seven days of the start date.
• Direct Loan disbursements are scheduled for first-time borrowers on the 31st day of the start date, while non-first-time borrowers are paid within 30 days.

All disbursements are contingent upon students providing the documentation requested by the Office of Financial Aid.  The Office of Financial verifies the student information for accuracy and awards them in the RGM, third-party servicer (TPS) student management system.    

How/When Title IV is Disbursed

In the RGM system, Title IV disbursements are arranged and scheduled according to the start date of the academic year and the anticipated midpoint of the program or the beginning of each semester.  Following the scheduled disbursement date, SDGKU will receive a roster to verify and distribute payments to eligible students.  Award Offers are sent to students before disbursements.  Students are issued a disbursement notification on their student portal when direct loans are disbursed.

How SDGKU identifies and accounts for all federal education assistance

SDGKU participates in federal programs, including Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized, Parent PLUS, and Grad PLUS loans.  The packaging of student aid for these programs is facilitated through the third-party servicer management system, RGM.  Student records for these programs are maintained within RGM for managing Title IV eligibility and awards, student attendance, grades, SAP  (Satisfactory Academic Progress), IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), and student ledger information.

The Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and its regulations adopted thereunder and California Education Code 67100 et seq. were designed to protect the privacy of students concerning their records. Institutions must provide students access to records directly related to them and an opportunity for a hearing to challenge such records on the grounds that they are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise inappropriate. The right to a hearing under the law does not include any right to challenge the appropriateness of a grade as determined by the instructor. The law requires that written consent of the student be received before releasing personally identifiable data about the student’s own records to other than a specified list of exceptions.

San Diego Global Knowledge University has adopted a set of policies and procedures concerning implementation of its statutes and regulations. Students may request copies of these policies and procedures concerning implementation of statutes and regulations in the Office of Academic Affairs. Among the types of information included in the campus statement of policies and procedures are the following:

• The type of student records and the information contained in them
• The official responsible for the maintenance of each type of record
• The location of access lists which indicate persons requesting or receiving information from the record
• Policies for reviewing and expunging records
• The access rights of students
• The procedures for challenging the content of student records
• The cost, which will be charged for reproducing copies of records
• The right of students to file a complaint with the Department of Education

The office to review complaints and adjudicate violations is:

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office (FERPA)
U.S. Department of Education
330 “C” Street, Room 4511
Washington, D.C. 20202

Under the Act, SDGKU is authorized to release information concerning students. This information may include the student’s name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student.
The above information is subject to release by the university at any time unless the campus has received prior written objections from students specifying information, which students request and be released. Written objections should be sent to the Office of Academic Affairs.

The university is authorized to provide access to student records to campus officials and employees who have legitimate educational interest in such access. These persons are those who have responsibilities in connection with the campus’ academic, administrative or service functions and who have reason for using student records connected with their campus or other related academic responsibilities. Disclosure may also be made to other persons or organizations under certain conditions (e.g., as part of accreditation or program evaluation; in response to a court order or subpoena; in connection with financial aid; or to other institutions to which the student is transferring).
The University is required by law to release information to state agencies on request concerning students who have requested in writing that such information be released to state agencies. Students will have an opportunity to request in writing release of such information. Students will also have an opportunity to forbid release of such directory information to state agencies or any other person or organization. The University will retain discretion regarding the release of such information to agencies of the State of California in cases where the student has neither requested nor forbidden the release of directory information concerning himself or herself to agencies of the State of California on request for purposes of recruitment.

Appeal to either request or forbid the release of directory information to State Agencies for recruitment purposes also must be made at the Student Services Office.

Please click the following link to view SDGKU’s Annual FERPA Notification.

Institutional Policy for Grade Appeals

The university provides procedures for the orderly appeal of assigned grades and other grading-related matters. A grade appeal may be filed when a student believes a grade is based on error, violation of university policy, refusal by the instructor to report a grade, or other academic matter related to grading. Grade appeals based wholly or in part on a subjective or qualitative judgment of an instructor will not be considered. Students are encouraged to resolve matters informally with the faculty member prior to filing a grade appeal. Students should also seek the review of the appropriate department chair or designee. If the matter cannot be resolved in this manner, the student may file a formal grade appeal. The appeal must be presented in writing within six months in which the matter occurred, or the grade assigned.

Institutional Procedures for Grade Appeals

Grounds for a Grade Appeal

Students may disagree with a grade given by an instructor. The only circumstances which allow a student to appeal a grade are when one or a combination of the following events occurs:

• An error in calculating the grade
• Failure of the instructor to notify students clearly and promptly of the criteria for grade determination
• Assignment of a grade based on reasons other than the announced criteria and standards
• Assignment of a grade based on factors other than the student achievement
• Inconsistent or unequally applied standards for evaluation of student academic performance

Initial Inquiry

Any appeal of grades by a student must be communicated to the instructor in writing, within 30 days following the completion of the course. It is the responsibility of the student appealing a grade to base the appeal on clear and substantive grounds. A mere disagreement with an instructor’s judgment is not sufficient. Appeals based on a desire to improve a grade through additional work or retesting are not acceptable.

Grade Appeals Committee

If, after the student has consulted with the instructor, the appeal cannot be resolved, the student must put the appeal in writing to the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) within 30 days of the written appeal to the instructor. The student must provide relevant evidence in this written request for a grade appeal. The CAO or designee will forward the written statement to the instructor for a response, which should be received from the instructor within 30 days. The instructor’s written response will be forwarded to the student with a copy to the Chief Academic Officer.

If the appeal remains unresolved, the CAO will refer all documentation to the academic appeal’s committee, which is a standing committee. The academic appeal’s committee consists of three people: the CAO´s designee and at least two faculty members appointed by the CAO. The academic appeal’s committee will consider the documentation provided and may decide:

• To change the instructor’s grade
• To grant the student a grade appeal hearing
• That there is not sufficient evidence to justify a grade appeal hearing

The academic appeals committee will render a final decision within 30 days of receiving documentation from the CAO. The decision is forwarded to the CAO who informs the student, the instructor and the Director of Admissions and Registrar (DAR) of the decision in writing. The decision of the academic appeal’s committee on these matters is final and cannot be appealed unless the student has raised issues of discrimination in which case the student should follow the Procedures for Filing Grievances (Non-Grade Appeals).

The Grade Appeal Hearing

If the academic appeal’s committee decides that a grade appeal hearing is justified, the student, the CAO, and the instructor are notified. The grade appeal hearing should be held within the 90 days of the student’s original written appeal. The hearing will be conducted by the academic appeal’s committee, which will hear and consider relevant evidence and statements from the student, the instructor, and a student advocate. Based on the grounds for a grade appeal described above, the written documentation, and the statement made at the grade appeal hearing, the academic appeal’s committee will render a final decision within ten days of the hearing. This decision is forwarded to the instructor and the DAR in writing.

Institutional Policy for Grievances

SDGKU is committed to maintaining a working and learning environment in which students, faculty, and staff can develop intellectually, professionally, personally, and socially. Such environment must be free of intimidation, fear, coercion, and reprisal. Students who have been subject to any form of discrimination based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, handicap, disability, status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran or age, being a victim of sexual harassment, or any other form of discrimination may submit their complaint in accordance with the Institutional Procedures for Filing Grievances (Non-Grade Appeals). Students who have academic grievances associated to grading or any other grades-related matter should refer to the Institutional Policy on Grade Appels and may submit their complaint in accordance with the Institutional Procedures for Grade Appeals.

Students should direct inquiries regarding the filing of such grievances to the Chief Student Services Officer, SDGKU, 1095 K St., Suite B., San Diego, CA 92101, telephone (619) 934-9390. Inquiries regarding federal laws and regulation about nondiscrimination in education or the university’s compliance with those provisions should be directed to:

U.S. Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights
50 Beale St., Suite 7200
San Francisco, CA 94105
Ocr.sanfrancisco@ed.gov
Tel: (415) 486-5555

Institutional Procedures for Filing Grievances (Non-Grade Appeals)

Students who believe they have been discriminated against, have been a victim of sexual harassment, or believe they have a legitimate grievance in general, may file a complaint with the Chief Student Services Officer.
In order for a complaint to be processed, the complaint must be filed within 120 days of the alleged reason for the grievance, or within 120 days of the complainant’s learning of the alleged reason for the grievance. If the complaint does not meet the requirements of the procedures, the Chief Student Services Officer must immediately notify the complainant of the specific deficiencies of the complaint.
1. Complainant should first discuss the complaint with the Chief Student Services Officer to see if the matter can be satisfactorily resolved.
2. If the complaint remains unresolved, the complainant can discuss the complaint with the Chief Academic Officer.
3. If the circumstances of the complaint prevent using steps 1 and 2, or if the appropriate university officials do not resolve the complaint within five working days, the complainant may then proceed to file a complaint with the Chief Academic Officer.

Filling a Complaint with the Chief Academic Officer

The complainant submits a written statement regarding the alleged complaint:

1. Upon receipt of the written complaint, the Chief Academic Officer or his designee must advise the complainant that an investigation and discussion will begin within 14 days of receipt of the complaint;
2. If the Chief Academic Officer or his designee deems it appropriate, the identity of the complainant may be kept anonymous during the informal procedure;
3. The Chief Academic Officer or his designee must attempt to resolve the complaint by discussing the issue with all persons who are parties to the complaint. This resolution must be completed within 28 days of filing the complaint.
4. In the event that the complaint is resolved to the satisfaction of all parties, a memorandum stating resolution of the conflict must be sent to all parties and to the President.
5. In the event the Chief Academic Officer or his designee does not resolve the complaint, the formal procedures outlined below are followed. These procedures must begin no later than seven days after it is determined that the complaint cannot be resolved informally.

Institutional panel for student complaints

The complainant will be subject to a final decision made by the university President regarding the alleged complaint as follows:

1. An ad hoc sexual harassment or discrimination review panel is established.
2. The complainant nominates one person (student or employee of SDGKU) who is unbiased, not involved in the complaint, and willing and available to serve as a member of the review panel.
3. The individual against whom the complaint is filed nominates a person (student or employee of SDGKU) who is unbiased, not involved in the complaint, and willing and available to serve as a member of the review panel.
4. The two nominated panel members select, by mutual agreement, a third member (student or employee of SDGKU) who is not involved in the complaint, and is willing and available to serve as the chair. If the two members are unable to agree on a chair, the President or his designee will make a selection.
5. The Chief Academic Officer serves as recorder of the proceedings and advisor to the panel, but does not vote. Proceedings shall be tape-recorded or maintained by another appropriate means of providing a record of the proceedings. Deliberations will not be recorded.
6. The ad hoc review panel hears the complaint and receives testimony and information from such witnesses as it deems appropriate in order to evaluate the complaint.
7. The panel makes every reasonable effort to conduct its hearing and present its findings and recommendations within 14 days of the panel’s formation.
8. Within seven working days after the close of the hearing, the panel forwards its findings and recommendation to the President or his designee. Proceedings are conducted in a closed hearing. A copy of the panel’s findings and recommendation is sent to both parties to the complaint.
9. Either party to the complaint can forward commentary to the President or his designee for comment on the panel’s findings and recommendation. Such commentary must be submitted to the President within seven days of the receipt of the panel’s recommendation.
10. The President or his designee issues a decision within 14 days following receipt of the panel’s findings and recommendation.
11. The decision of the President or his designee is final.
12. The decision of the President or his designee provides an appropriate remedy upon a finding of sexual harassment or discrimination against the complainant.
13. In the event that this decision is unfavorable to the complainant, the complainant is notified that he or she has the right to file a complaint under state or federal law and should consult with counsel regarding the matter.

Any retaliatory action of any kind by an employee or student of the university against any other employee or student of the university as a result of that person seeking redress under these procedures, cooperating in an investigation, or involved in some other form of participation in these procedures, is prohibited and will be regarded as the basis for disciplinary action.

Students may request a leave of absence of no more than 180 days in any 12-months period from the university by applying in writing to the Office of the Chief Academic Officer (CAO), at any time prior to the first day of class. To be readmitted following an approved leave of absence of not more than 6 months, students need only notify the Chief Academic Officer of the intention to terminate their leave at least one month before the beginning of their intended re-instatement.

To read SDGKU’s Privacy Policy, please click here.

San Diego Global Knowledge University (SDGKU) is required to apply Return to Title IV (R2T4) provisions to Federal Student Aid (FSA) recipients who withdraw or withdrawal unofficially (non-attendance), from their program of study.

SDGKU is required to take attendance and uses attendance to measure the R2T4 calculation.

Date of Determination (DOD)

The DOD or the date that the school determined that the student withdrew, can be:

• The date that the student notifies the school they are withdrawing.
• The date the school determines the student is not returning, not to exceed 14 days from the LDA or last day of student academic activity.
• The date the student fails to return from an approved Leave of Absence (LOA).

Official withdrawal for Title IV Students
For Return to Title IV (RT24); the official withdrawal is determined as the day that the student notified the university that they wish to withdraw from the program in any type such as email or telephone.  For calculations purposes, the DOD is the date the student notifies the university.  The withdrawal date is the last date of student academic activity.   A grade “W” will be assigned for any course in an ongoing session and will reflect on the official transcript.

Unofficial withdrawal for Title IV Students

For Return to Title IV (RT24) calculations; unofficial withdrawal is determined when a student has not demonstrated academic activity in a course for 14 consecutive days. The day of determination is the day the SDGKU determines that the student is unofficially withdrawn, and the date of withdrawal shall be deemed to be the last date of academic activity. The date of determination (DOD) will be end of the of the 14^th day and the last day of attendance will be the last day of student academic activity.  A grade “W” will be assigned for any course in an ongoing session and will reflect on the official transcript.

This refund formula determines the amount of FSA funds a student has earned as of the last day of attendance or academic activity. The R2T4 policy is in addition to SDGKU institutional refund policy. If a student withdraws prior to completing more than 60 percent of the term (e.g., payment period), the percentage of FSA funds earned will equal the percentage of days completed in the payment period prior to the withdrawal date. After the 60% point in the payment period, a student has earned 100 percent of the FSA funds he or she was scheduled to receive during the period.  Specifically, if the student withdraws from school prior to the completion of the equivalent to 60 percent of the workload in any given payment period, a calculation using the percentage completed will be applied to the Title IV funds received or that could have been received and will determine the amount of Title IV funds the student earned.  Unearned funds would be returned to the program in the order stated below by the school or the student.  Student liability to loan funds will continue to be paid in accordance with the original promissory note terms.  Funds owed by the student to the Grant program are limited to 50% of the gross award per program received.  Sample calculation, completion of 25% of the payment period or enrollment period earns only 25% of the aid disbursed or that could have been disbursed.  If applicable, this would be the first calculation to determine the amount of aid that the student would be eligible for from the Title IV financial aid programs.

A second calculation would take place to determine the amount earned by the Institution during the payment period.  If the student is eligible for a loan guaranteed by the federal or state government and the student defaults on the loan, both of the following may occur:

1. The federal or statement government or a loan guarantee agency may take action against the student, including applying any income tax refund to the person it is entitled, to reduce the balance owed on the loan.
2. The student may not be eligible for any other federal student financial aid at another institution or other government assistance until the loan is repaid.

For determining when the refund must be paid, the Title IV refund will be issued as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days from the date of determination. If the RT24 calculation result in an amount to be returned that exceeds the school’s portion, the student must repay the funds owed to the university.

If the student has received any Federal Title IV financial aid funds, the school is obligated to do a R2T4 even if a credit balance has already been issued to the student. For programs beyond the current payment period, if a student withdraws prior to the next payment period then all charges collected for the next period will be refunded. If a balance due results from the R2T4 calculation, the student will be responsible for the unpaid balance. If the student has received federal student Financial Aid funds, the student is entitled to a refund of the monies not paid from federal student financial aid program funds. Students shall return 50% of grant funds if the calculation requires the student to return funds after San Diego Global Knowledge University has returned its share.

The guidelines to the order in which Title IV program funds must be returned are in accordance with the following refund distribution order:

1. Direct Unsubsidized Loans
2. Direct Subsidized Loans
3. Direct PLUS/Grad PLUS Loans
4. Federal Pell Grant
5. FSEOG
6. Iraq and Afghanistan service grant
7. Other

Credit Balance

The University will attempt to disburse credit balances to the student or parent. However, if the credit balance funds are returned to the University or not cashed by the borrower, the University will cease all attempts to disburse the funds and return them to the appropriate lender no later than 240 days after the date the first check is issued. If the funds were issued via electronic funds transfer (EFT) and subsequently returned or rejected, the University returns the funds to the applicable federal financial aid programs no later than 30 days after the funds were returned or rejected.

All unclaimed credit balances will be returned in the following order:

• Unsubsidized Direct Loans (other than Direct PLUS)
• Subsidized Direct Loans
• Direct PLUS Loans
• Federal Pell Grants

If there is a credit balance due within the 14-day period and the student withdraws, the University reserves the right to cancel the credit balance payment in process and proceed with the Return to Title IV calculation and adjusted payment based on the withdrawal date.

Post Withdrawal Disbursement (PWD)

Post withdrawal disbursements are required when the student amount disbursed is less than the amount earned, and the student is eligible for the funds.  After determining the fund sources and amount of the post withdrawal disbursements, the student is notified by the Institution of the amount of Grant funds used to cover institutional charges incurred by the student, or the available amount from Grant funds for direct disbursement to the student or other educational related expenses.  If loan funds are involved in the calculation, the Institution will notify the student or parent of the loan amount it wishes to utilize to cover education charges, the financial aid program where the funds are coming from, and the student will be reminded of their responsibility involved in receiving loan funds.  The student or parent in the case of Parent PLUS will be given 14 days to respond and accept or reject part or all of the loan funds available.  The Institution will honor late acceptances only at the Institution’s discretion.  Once the calculation is finalized, the Institutions will perform a second and different calculation using the next funds retained.

Title IV funds that the student has earned but have not yet been disbursed to the student shall be disbursed as follows:

• Grants must be disbursed within 45 days.
• Loans must be offered to the student within 30 days, allowing the student at least 14 days to respond)
• All post-withdrawal disbursements are applied to student account first, before any resulting credit balance is handled.

Timelines for Return of Funds

 The University completes a student’s R2T4 calculation within 30 days of the University date of determination. The University returns the amount of federal financial aid funds for which it is responsible as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the date the University determines the student has withdrawn.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

SDGKU’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards measure each student’s quantitative (credit completion) and qualitative (cumulative grade point average) progress toward the completion of the student’s program. The SAP standards are consistently applied to all students in establishing academic achievement within 150% (e.g. 67% of credits attempted) of the program. All students at SDGKU are full-time and enrolled with that designation. SAP standards apply to both Title IV and non-Title IV recipients. The SAP policy provides for consistent application of standards to all students within categories of students, e.g., full-time, part-time, undergraduate, and graduate students, and educational programs established by the institution.

SAP Evaluation Periods

SDGKU’s SAP standards measure a student SAP at the completion of every 12 credit hours scheduled during a minimum of 15 weeks for undergraduate and 9 credit hours scheduled during a minimum of 15 weeks for graduate students. The University can provide an academic grade report to each student, which will include grades earned in each course and units attempted.

Maximum Time Frame

The maximum time frame in which a student may complete his or her program is the period of time in which it will take the student to attempt 150% of the academic credits contained in his or her program.

Quantitative Requirement Credit Completion

Each student must complete a minimum number of credits by the end of each SAP evaluation period. Only satisfactorily complete course credits are counted as credits completed. To be making SAP, a student must complete a minimum number of attempted credits in the following schedule:

Minimum Credit Completed Requirement

Full Stack Development Immersive Certificate Program

Bachelor of Science in Global Management Program

Master of Science in Communication and Technology and Master of Science in International Management

Qualitative Requirements

SDGKU measures qualitative progress on the basis of a 4.0 scale. All courses for which a student receives a grade will be included when calculating the student’s Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).

Academic Warning

Students who do not meet the minimum standards for credits completed or cumulative grade point average in accordance with the requirements at the appropriate evaluation level will receive written notification from the Office of the DAR stating that he or she is being placed on Academic Warning. A student on Academic Warning status will have one semester or Title IV payment period to remedy deficiencies. If the student does not achieve SAP during this period, he or she will be placed on probation. During the Academic Warning period, a Title IV student will remain eligible to receive Title IV funds.

SAP Appeals, Probation, and Reinstatement

Students with Title IV financial aid who fail to make SAP must successfully appeal to be placed on probation. Therefore, if such student does not achieve SAP, the student cannot be placed on probation unless he or she successfully appeal. Appeal is a process by which a student who is not meeting SAP standards, petitions the school for re-consideration of his eligibility for FSA funds. In the submitted appeal, the student must explain why they failed to make SAP (including any mitigating circumstances), as well as explain what has changed in the student’s situation that will allow them to meet SAP requirements at the next evaluation period. If applicable, documentation for mitigating circumstances should be submitted in the appeal and/or if specifically requested by the university.

Students who fail to meet SAP requirements after an Academic Probation period will be terminated by the University and are no longer eligible to receive Title IV funds. Students are permitted to appeal the termination for the University. A SAP appeal must be filed within 30 days of receiving notice of the failure to achieve SAP after an Academic Probation period. An approved appeal will require a defined academic plan and an extended enrollment status; however, all credits and grades attempted will count towards the 150% of the program standard time frame.

A student who has been suspended, disqualified, or dismissed and who desires to apply for reinstatement must submit a written petition to the Office of Academic Affairs (OAA). The petition must include convincing evidence that the student will be ready and able to make satisfactory progress.

A student who petitions the OAA due to lack of academic progress must include documentation on the following mitigating circumstances:

• The rate of progress was slowed as a result of a physical disability or medical condition; or
• For other extenuating circumstances, such as:- COVID-19
  – Illness or injury afflicting the student during the enrollment period
  – An unavoidable change in the student’s conditions of employment
  – An unavoidable geographical transfer resulting from the student’s employment
  – An unanticipated difficulty of childcare arrangements during the enrollment period
  – Immediate family or financial obligations beyond the control of the student
  – Unanticipated active military service, including active duty or training
  – Discontinuance of the course/program by the university
  – Illness or death in student’s immediate family

Students who fail to meet OAA conditions will be dismissed from SDGKU. These disqualified students may apply for new admission to SDGKU after three months have elapsed by completing all the administrative and cost requirements of a regular entering student at the date of application.

Title IV funds will be available to dismissed students only after reinstatement.

Program Changes and Seek to Earn a Credential in a Different Program
When a student changes program the units completed, and corresponding grades will not be carried over to the new program.

Transfer of Credit and its Effect on SAP

Transfer credit (TR) does not affect CGPA. A student receives credit only on their academic transcript. Regarding SAP, as student’s transfer credit will be counted as both attempted and earned for the purpose of determining when the allowable maximum time frame has been exhausted.

Repetition of Courses and Grade Changes

Students are obligated to repeat a failed course if needed for graduation. Students may repeat any course to raise their GPA. For degree programs, the original grade entry will be changed to an (R) and the repeated course units will be considered as units attempted in computing the grade point average. When students repeat a failed course, the grade received is used to calculate the cumulative GPA. Both the original and repeat attempt will be counted in rate of progress calculation.

Any exception must be authorized by the OAA. For non-degree programs, students must re-start and repeat the entire program curriculum if previously withdrawn from the program.

Course Incompletes and its Effect on SAP

Incomplete (I) credits are counted as attempted, but not earned, and will be included in the calculation or the rate of the progression in determining SAP.

Withdrawals and its Effect on SAP

Withdrawal credits are counted as attempted, but not earned, and will be included in the calculation or rate of the progression in determine SAP.

Non-Credit, Remedial

Non-credit and remedial do not apply to this Institution. Therefore, these items have no effect upon the school’s SAP standards.

ADA Accommodations

SDGKU complies with the American Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Director of Admissions and Registrar (DAR) is the designated ADA Coordinator. Any qualified student may request accommodations by contacting the DAR to request reasonable accommodations at no cost. Students always have the option of not accepting the accommodations by informing the DAR of their decision. Students follow a three-step process for requesting reasonable accommodations and submit appropriate disability documentation. Only the DAR has access to this information to maintain privacy.

How to Request Accommodations for Online and Hybrid Programs

1. Student visits the SDGKU website to download the Student Request forms provided.
2. Student completes the Accommodation Request Form. If applicable, the student also completes the Alternative Media Agreement. Finally, the student completes the Disability Verification Form. (see below)
3. Student submits documentation by email to the DAR (dparker@sdgku.edu), who evaluates and approves the accommodations. Note: Accepted formats – .PDF or Word (.DOC or .DOCX). Submitting a form in any other format may require resubmission or result in a delay in processing.

Student Request Forms

• Accommodation Request Form
• Alternative Media Agreement
• Disability Verification Form

Disability Documentation Policy

The process for determining accommodations is a collaborative one that may or may not require third-party documentation. One or more of the following documentation categories will be considered in the evaluation of a student accommodation request:

• Primary Documentation: Self Report
  
  SDGKU believes the student is a vital source of information regarding how they may be “limited by impairment”¹. A student’s narrative of their experience of disability, barriers, and effective and ineffective accommodations is an important tool which, when structured by interview or questionnaire and interpreted by professional staff, may be sufficient for establishing disability and a need for accommodation.

• Secondary Documentation: Observation
  
  The impression and conclusions formed by SDGKU disability professionals during interviews and conversations with students or in evaluating the effectiveness of previously implemented or provisional accommodations are important forms of documentation. SDGKU employs qualified and experienced professionals who will observe students’ language, performance, and strategies as an appropriate tool in validating student narrative and self-report.

• Tertiary Documentation: External Sources
  
  Documentation form external sources may include educational or medical records, reports and assessments created by health care providers, school psychologists, teachers, or the educational system. This information is inclusive of documents that reflect educational and accommodation history, such as Individual Educational Plan (IEP), Summary of Performance (SOP), and teacher observations.² External documentation will vary in its relevance and value depending on original context, credentials of the evaluator, the level of detail provided, and the comprehensiveness of the narrative.

¹Disability is defined by the ADA as “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities, a record of such an impairment or being regarded as having such an impairment.” 42 U.S.C. 126 §12102

²Revisions to Title III regulations provide, “When considering requests for modifications, accommodations, or auxiliary aids or services, the entity gives considerable weight to documentation of past modifications, accommodations, or auxiliary aids or services received in similar testing situations, as well as modifications, accommodations, or related aids and services provided in response to an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) provided under IDEA or plan describing services provided pursuant to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973”. 28 C.F.R. § 36.309 (b)(1)(v)

Guidance and Section-by-Section Analysis provides these examples of types of information to consider: “recommendations of qualified professionals familiar with the individual, results of psycho-educational or other professional evaluations, an applicant’s history of diagnosis, participation in a special education program, observations by educators, or the applicant’s past use of testing accommodations.” 28 C.F.R. § 36(2010)

All transactions submitting personal information by the website user which is then collected by San Diego Global Knowledge University (SDGKU) requires the sender of such information (user) to attest their agreement to the following:

“I understand that by clicking “send” below, San Diego Global Knowledge University (SDGKU) may email, call and/or text me about educational services and for related purposes such as advising, enrollment, tuition settlement or telemarketing at the email and phone number provided, including a wireless number, using automated technology. I understand that I am not required to provide this consent to attend SDGKU. As an alternative to providing this consent, you may receive information and/or enroll in an SDGKU program by calling (619) 934-0797 or Toll Free (800) 215-0541.”

SDGKU is committed to protecting the privacy of its website users by using data collection methods that are based on ethical practices and responsible risk management techniques. The user will be well informed about SDGKU’s use of any personal information submitted and will require their acceptance of the terms of use.

The U.S Department of Education mandates that Universities and Colleges comply with requirement specificities under a variety of regulatory and lawful guidance; more specifically the Educational Amendments Act of 1972 (Title IX), Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), and the U.S. Department of Education Title IV (Title IV). Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance; and preventing unjust deprivations of that right. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal civil rights laws and promotes educational excellence throughout the nation through vigorous enforcement of civil rights. 

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. The U.S. Department of Education Title IV regulation (Code of Federal Regulations at 34 CFR 100) as enforced by the Department’s OCR, enforces several federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities that receive federal funds from the Department of Education. 

Download San Diego Global Knowledge University’s Title IX Policies and Procedures here

Download the Unlawful Harassment and Discrimination Student Complaint Form here

“NOTICE CONCERNING TRANSFERABILITY OF CREDITS AND CREDENTIALS EARNED AT OUR INSTITUTION:  The transferability of credits the student earns at San Diego Global Knowledge University (SDGKU) is at the complete discretion of an institution to which you may seek to transfer.  Acceptance of the degree, diploma, or certificate you earn in the educational programs is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. If the credits or degree, diploma, or certificate that you earn at SDGKU are not accepted at the institution to which you seek to transfer, you may be required to repeat some or all of the course work at the institution. For this reason you should make certain that your attendance at this institution will meet your educational goals.  This may include contacting an institution to which you may seek to transfer after attending SDGKU to determine if your credits or degree, diploma or certificate will transfer.”

Units earned at San Diego Global Knowledge University in most cases will not be transferable to any other college or university. In addition, if a student earned a degree, diploma, or certificate through San Diego Global Knowledge University, in most cases it will probably not serve as a basis for obtaining a higher level degree at another college or university.

Transfer of credit for appropriate work from another institution may be granted according to the policy established by SDGKU. No more than three-fourths of the credits required for the bachelor’s program and no more than 20% of the credits required for the master’s programs may be transferred from another institution. In most cases, transfer credits will not be possible unless the other institution offers a curriculum comparable to that of SDGKU’s programs. The awarding of transfer credits is the sole responsibility of the Chief Academic Officer (CAO).

All foreign transcripts must be translated and evaluated by a member of the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE), American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers (AACRAO), or National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) prior to the awarding of transfer credits. These foreign transcript translations and evaluations are the responsibility of the student and must be provided to SDGKU prior to admission.

San Diego Global Knowledge University does not have a vaccination policy.

SDGKU expects students to register for courses with the understanding that they will remain in the course for the entire curriculum. A refund policy has been established so that students who withdraw from class will share in costs incurred.

Official Withdrawals

It is the student’s responsibility to inform the admission’s office immediately of their intent to withdraw from a course by email or phone. In this case, the effective date of withdrawal will be the date the school is notified by the student.

Unofficial Withdrawals

If the student withdraws without notice to the university or is dismissed due to academic failure or violation of the institution’s published policies, the date of termination is the last date of attendance.

Cancellations, Withdrawals, and Refunds

The student has the right to cancel the enrollment agreement and obtain a refund of charges paid through attendance at the first-class session, or the seventh day after enrollment, whichever is later. Students who cancel within seven days receive a refund of all charges including the registration/enrollment fee. Students who cancel more than seven days after enrollment receive a refund of all charges minus the registration/enrollment fee. If the instruction is not offered in real time, the student shall have the right to cancel the enrollment agreement and receive a full refund before the first lesson and materials are received. This is applicable to online and hybrid courses.

The institution applies a prorated policy, based on the number of days enrolled divided by the number of days total in an enrollment period. If a student paid fees and did not access the instructional program, or attended class, all fees except for the non-refundable registration/enrollment fee will be returned to them. The refund will be mailed within 30 days from the time of the withdrawal or cancellation, according to the schedule below.

Students may withdraw after instruction has started and receive a pro-rata refund for the unused portion of the tuition and other refundable charges if the student has completed 60% or less of the period of attendance. A period of attendance is 15 weeks (105 days) for Certificate (non-degree) and Master’s programs. A period of attendance is 20 weeks (140 days) for Bachelor’s degree programs. A hypothetical example of a 20-week period of attendance (140 days) of $1200 has the following refund schedule:

After Attending Example

If the school cancels or discontinues a course or educational program, the school will make a full refund of all charges. Refunds will be paid within 30 days of cancellation or withdrawal.

Sample Refund Calculations

The following are time-based refund calculations for hypothetical examples of a student withdrawal from certificate, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree programs. Students that have withdrawn will receive a refund if the Period Attended is 60% or less. The students in the examples below attended less than 60% and are owed a refund. Therefore, the refund calculations proceed as follows:

Full Stack Development Immersive

• Charges of Period of Attendance: $8,890.00
• Number of Days in Period of Attendance: 105 (15 weeks)
• Number of Days Attended in the Period: 36
• Percent of Period Attended: (36 days ¸ 105 days) X 100% = 34%
• Period Attended is 34%, which is less than 60%, therefore a refund is owed to student.
• Amount Owed to Student: (100% – 34%) X $8,890.00 = $5,867.40

BS in Global Management

• Charges of Period of Attendance: $5,160.00
• Number of Days in Period of Attendance: 140 (20 weeks)
• Number of Days Attended in the Period: 36
• Percent of Period Attended: (36 days ¸ 140 days) X 100% = 26%
• Period Attended is 26%, which is less than 60%, therefore a refund is owed to student.
• Amount Owed to Student: (100% – 26%) X $5,160.00 = $3,818.40

MS in International Management or MS in Communication and Technology

• Charges of Period of Attendance: $5,859.90
• Number of Days in Period of Attendance: 105 (15 weeks)
• Number of Days Attended in the Period: 36
• Percent of Period Attended: (36 days ¸ 105 days) X 100% = 34%
• Period Attended is 34%, which is less than 60%, therefore a refund is owed to student.
• Amount Owed to Student: (100% – 34%) X $5,859.90 = $3,867.53

Purpose

To outline the institution’s participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program and establish procedures for awarding and administering Yellow Ribbon benefits to eligible students.

Policy

San Diego Global Knowledge University (SDGKU) is proud to participate in the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Bill Education Enhancement Program, also known as the Yellow Ribbon Program, beginning with the academic year August 1, 2024. The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) that provides additional financial assistance to eligible veterans and their dependents. This program allows SDGKU and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to cover tuition and fees that exceed the VA’s annual cap for private schools.  The program agreement between SDGKU and the VA specifies matching funds to cover all or a portion of the outstanding amount of charges not covered under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.

Eligibility

To qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program at San Diego Global Knowledge University (SDGKU) student must:

1. Be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill® at the 100% benefit level as determined by the VA.
2. Served as aggregate period of active duty of at least 36 months after September 10, 2001, and were honorably discharged, or
3. Received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, and was honorably discharged after any amount of service, or
4. Were honorably discharged or released from active duty for a service-connected disability and served 30 continuous days (all at once, without a break) on or after September 10, 2001, or
5. An active-duty service member who has served at least 36 months on active duty (either all at once or with breaks in service), or
6. A spouse using the transferred benefits of an active-duty service member who has served at least 36 months on active duty, or
7. A dependent child using benefits transferred by a Veteran, or
8. A Fry Scholar.
9. Be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree program at SDGKU.
10. Have tuition and fees exceeding the annual VA tuition cap.
11. Submit all required documentation by the stated deadlines (see “Procedures” below).

Institutional Contribution

San Diego Global Knowledge will:

1. Allocate funds annually to each eligible student under the Yellow Ribbon Program.
2. Match contributions dollar-for-dollar with the VA, up to the amount required to cover unmet tuition and fee charges.
3. Certify eligible enrollment with the VA.

Procedures

Application Process

1. Initial Application: Eligible students must complete and submit the following to SDGKU/Office of Admissions & Registrar:
   • A copy of the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA.
   • Written request to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program via email to info@sdgku.edu.
2. Deadlines: Requests must be submitted within 7 days of the term.

Selection Process

1. Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis based on the date of request submission.
2. Priority may be given to returning students who participated in the program the previous academic year.

Award Notification

1. Eligible students will be notified in writing via email.
2. Award details, including the institution’s contribution and VA matching amount, will be outlined.

Verification and Reporting

1. The Office of Admissions & Registrar and a designated School Certifying Official (SCO) will verify eligibility with the VA before disbursing Yellow Ribbon funds.
2. SDGKU will report participation and award amounts to the VA as required.

Limitations

1. The number of Yellow Ribbon awards is unlimited.
2. Awards are contingent upon continued funding from the VA and annual institutional budget constraints.
3. Students must remain in good academic standing to maintain eligibility.

Responsibilities

Student Responsibilities

• Ensure timely submission of all required documentation.
• Notify SDGKU of any changes in enrollment status.

Institution Responsibilities

• Maintain compliance with VA regulations and guidelines.
• Ensure proper allocation and reporting of Yellow Ribbon funds.
• Update students on program changes as necessary.

Review and Revision

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure compliance with federal laws and alignment with institutional resources.