Syllabus
GPH 751 – Advanced Policy Analysis – ILE, (Spring A 2023)
Credits - 3
Description
Advanced Policy Analysis offers the opportunity for students to develop and complete their own analysis of a public health issue that intersects with government actions as partial fulfillment of the requirements for their MPH degree. All MPH students must create a high quality written product, synthesizing public health competencies. Based on their selected topic, students will analyze data related to a real-world problem and present their findings in their ILE project report – a high quality written document. Readings and lectures will provide further education and guidance, and all assignments are designed to guide students through the analysis and writing process.
Materials
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
Public Health Competencies
PC 1. Synthesize and incorporate scientific evidence into professional writing
PC 2. Search databases and critically analyze peer-reviewed literature
PC 3. Develop strategies for qualitative and quantitative data management.
FC 1. Apply epidemiological methods to the breadth of settings and situations in public health practice
FC 2. Select quantitative and qualitative data collection methods appropriate for a given public health context
FC 3. Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using biostatistics, informatics, computer-based programming and software, as appropriate
FC 4. Interpret results of data analysis for public health research, policy or practice
FC 8. Apply awareness of cultural values and practices to the design or implementation of public health policies
FC 12. Discuss multiple dimensions of the policy-making process, including the roles of ethics and evidence
FC 14. Advocate for political, social or economic policies and programs that will improve health in diverse populations
FC 15. Evaluate policies for their impact on public health and health equity
FC 19. Communicate audience-appropriate public health content, both in writing and through oral presentation
Assignments
Assignment and discussion descriptions mentioned below are summaries. Review full assignment prompts in the course
Discussions
Initial discussion posts are due by 11:59 PM ET on Sunday, unless otherwise specified in the course. Response posts must be completed by 11:59 PM ET Wednesday, unless otherwise specified in the course. The online discussion portion is an important way to exchange ideas with your classmates. You will be graded on your participation and the effort of your posts. These posts will take time to complete but they are an essential part of this online course and a great way to get to know your colleagues. Be familiar with the course material before posting each week.
If the initial post and response are not submitted within the discussion week you will be given a zero. Posts submitted after the discussion week will not be graded.
ILE Project Report
At the end of this course, you will complete a written policy analysis, a research poster, and an oral presentation.
Grading Policy
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Grade Breakdown
| Assignments | Points |
| Week 1 Assignment: CDC Course - Introduction to Policy Analysis in Public Health | 6 |
| Week 1 Assignment: Schedule 1:1 meetings with Instructor | 1 |
| Week 2 Assignment: Literature review spreadsheet | 2 |
| Week 2 Assignment: 1:1 Progress Meeting with your instructor | 1 |
| Week 2 Discussion: Literature Review Sources | 1 |
| Week 3 Assignment: Summary characteristics public health issue | 1.5 |
| Week 3 Assignment: Literature Review | 3 |
| Week 4 Assignment: Identifying Key Stakeholders | 1.5 |
| Week 4 Discussion: Strategies for connecting with Stakeholders | 1 |
| Week 5 Assignment: Stakeholder summaries | 1.5 |
| Week 6 Assignment: Environmental scan | 1.5 |
| Week 6 Assignment: 1:1 Progress Meeting with your instructor | 1 |
| Week 6 Discussion: Jurisdictions | 1 |
| Week 7 Assignment: CDC - policy analysis framework: overarching questions (2 parts, 1.5 points each) | 3 |
| Week 8 Assignment: Key Questions - Health Impact | 1.5 |
| Week 9 Assignment: Key Questions - Feasibility | 1.5 |
| Week 9 Assignment: Edited Literature Review | 3 |
| Week 10 Assignment: Key Questions - Economic and Budgetary Impacts | 1.5 |
| Week 10 Assignment: Background Section Draft | 3 |
| Week 10 Assignment: 1:1 progress meeting #3 | 1 |
| Week 11 Assignment: Rating of Policy Options | 1.5 |
| Week 12 Assignment: Discussion Section Draft | 3 |
| Week 13 Assignment: Introduction and Abstract Draft | 3 |
| Week 14 Assignment: Presentation Slides | 4 |
| Week 14 Assignment: 1:1 progress meeting with your instructor | 1 |
| Week 15 Assignment: Final ILE Report and Abstract | 24 |
| Week 15 Assignment: Presentation | 16 |
| Week 16 Assignment: Poster | 10 |
| Total Points | 100 |
Grade Scale
| Grade | Points Grade | Point Average (GPA) |
| A | 94 – 100% | 4.00 |
| A- | 90 – 93% | 3.75 |
| B+ | 87 – 89% | 3.50 |
| B | 84 – 86% | 3.00 |
| B- | 80 – 83% | 2.75 |
| C+ | 77 – 79% | 2.50 |
| C | 74 – 76% | 2.00 |
| C- | 70 – 73% | 1.75 |
| D | 64 – 69% | 1.00 |
| F | 00 – 63% | 0.00 |
Schedule
Course Schedule:
Each week opens on Wednesday at 12:01 AM Eastern Time. Each week closes on Wednesday at 11:59 pm ET, with the exception of Week 16, which ends on Sunday.
Week 1: Jan 4 – Jan 11
Week 2: Jan 11 – Jan 18
Week 3: Jan 18 – Jan 25
Week 4: Jan 25 – Feb 1
Week 5: Feb 1 – Feb 8
Week 6: Feb 8 – Feb 15
Week 7: Feb 15 – Feb 22
Week 8: Feb 22 – Mar 1
Week 9: Mar 1 – Mar 8
Week 10: Mar 8 – Mar 15
Week 11: Mar 15 – Mar 22
Week 12: Mar 22 – Mar 29
Week 13: Mar 29 – Apr 5
Week 14: Apr 5 – Apr 12
Week 15: Apr 12 – Apr 19
Week 16: Apr 19 – Apr 23
The assignment/discussion descriptions mentioned below are summaries. Please make sure to review the full assignment prompts in the course. There may be additional readings/videos that are not mentioned in this weekly summary, make sure to carefully review the modules in the course.
Week 1: Introduction and CDC Policy Analysis Training
Outcomes:
- Apply the CDC Policy Analysis Framework to proposed policy analysis.
Materials:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Introduction to Policy Analysis in Public Health. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, CDC; 2016.
- GPH 751 Policy Analysis Outline
- Eyler A et al. Chapter 4: Prevention, Policy, and Public Health (2016).
- GPH 751 ILE Workplan Gantt template
Assignments:
Week 1 Discussion: Introduction
Welcome to GPH 751. Begin by introducing yourself to the class, and share what you hope to learn in this course, and how this course may support your current and or future public health work.
Week 1: Assignment 1 – CDC Course – Introduction to Policy Analysis in Public Health
This week, you will watch a 90-minute online course developed by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Introduction to Policy Analysis in Public Health. This online course will introduce you to the policy process, and provides specific instruction on the policy analysis component of the process. The course content will give you a better understanding of what policy analysis is, its application in public health, and how it can contribute to public health’s role in policy*. The goal of completing the online course is to give you a better understanding of how to apply the CDC Evaluation Framework, and how to conduct a Public Health policy analysis on your own.
At the end of the course, there is a course summary page (=Lesson 7) with 5 graphics. Please view and print each 1-page graph lesson’s summary. You will need the 1-page summaries as a reference as you complete your policy analysis.
Last, screenshot the final page of the training that indicates “Congratulations! You have completed the Introduction to Policy Analysis in Public Health course!” Upload your screenshot as your assignment submission.
Week 1: Assignment 2 – Schedule 1:1 Meetings with Instructor
Reach out to your instructor via email to set up 1:1 meetings throughout the course.
Please provide days and times you are available to meet with your instructor in week 2, week 6, week 10, and week 14.
(Note: Ideally, you should pick a day and time that will work for you during each of the four weeks, i.e. Tuesday mornings at 11 am, or Wed afternoon at 4.30 pm, etc.)
Week 2: Identify Public Health Topic and Policy Options – Literature Review
Outcomes:
- Describe the purpose of a literature review
- Demonstrate the appropriate methods for conducting a review of the scientific literature
Materials:
- Week 2 Lecture – Conducting a Review of the Scientific Literature | Slides | Transcript
Assignments:
Week 2 Discussion:
Initial Post:
Discuss 350 words (or less) the sources utilized for your literature review, and keywords used in your search.
Response Post:
In your responses to peers give suggestions for additional literature sources and keywords to support the literature review.
Week 2 Assignment: Literature Review Spreadsheet
Complete the Literature Review Template Spreadsheet. Share 10 articles relevant to your public health topic, and in the worksheet, highlight:
-
-
- The key findings of each article
- How the findings support/inform your policy analysis
- Which stakeholders are included in the article (if applicable).
-
Week 2: 1:1 With Your Instructor
This week you will have your first 1:1 meeting with your instructor to discuss your research progress.
Week 3: Identify Public Health Issue – Synthesize Data and Define Characteristics
Outcomes:
- Synthesize data findings into policy analysis data
Materials:
- There are no assigned lectures, readings, or discussions this week.
Assignments:
Week 3 Assignment: Summary Characteristics Public Health Issue
To understand how to best address the problem of your public health issue, it helps to define the characteristics of your issue as specifically as possible. Therefore, this week you are asked to write a summary (max 500 words and double spaced) highlighting the following characteristics of your public health issue
- The burden of the issue (how many people does it affect)
- The frequency of the issue (how often does it occur)
- The severity of the issue (how serious is the problem)
- The scope of the issue (the range of outcomes it affects)
Week 3 Assignment: Literature Review
Submit your draft literature review for your Policy Analysis using all information that you have gathered.
Week 4: Identify and Describe Policy Options – Identify Stakeholders
Outcomes:
- Identify stakeholders
- Identify types of evidence by stakeholder
Materials:
- Engaging Stakeholders – Written Lecture
Assignments:
Week 4 Discussion: Strategies for Connecting with Stakeholders
Initial post:
Identify 3 to 5 key stakeholders for your policy analysis. Explain why the selected stakeholders are valuable for your policy analysis, and what evidence they may be able to share with you regarding the issue.
Response Post:
For at least 2 peers, based on your peers’ initial post, suggest an additional stakeholder.
Week 4 Assignment: Identifying Key Stakeholders
Using Table 1.1, Identifying Key Stakeholders from the self-study guide as a template, create a table that identifies stakeholders in the three broad categories: those affected, those involved in operations, and those who may use the evaluation results of your policy analysis. Then identify key stakeholders needed to improve credibility, implementation, advocacy, or funding/authorization decisions.
Whenever possible, list the person’s first and last name, role, and organization. Not all stakeholders in the first part of the worksheet must be listed in the second part. Stakeholders may be listed in more than one category.
In the same document, develop a shortlist of questions to use when meeting with your stakeholders. Questions should be relevant, useful, and encourage stakeholder engagement (e.g. open-ended). For example:
-
- Who do you represent and why are you interested in this public health issue?
- What is important about this public health issue for you?
- What would you like this policy analysis to accomplish?
- What do you see as the critical policy barriers at this time?
- What do you hope this policy analysis will accomplish?
- How will you use the results of this policy analysis?
Week 5: Identify and Describe Policy Options – Connect with Stakeholders
Outcomes:
- Organize and interpret interview data collected
Materials:
- Template for Outreach to Key Informants
- Adams WC. Conducting Semi-Structured interviews In: Newcomer KE, Hatry HP, Wholey JS, eds. Hoboken, NJ, USA: John Wiley & Sons, Inc; 2015:492-505.
- Sample Semi-structured Interview Protocol
Assignments:
Week 5 Assignment: Stakeholder Summaries
Share your stakeholder experiences; describe how you were able to connect with your stakeholders, identify the topics discussed (questions asked), and synthesize the evidence you collected from your stakeholder re. the issue, what were the key takeaways from each of your stakeholder discussions.
Limit your summary per stakeholder to 300 words and use double space.
Week 6: Identify and Describe Policy Options – Environmental Scan
Outcomes:
- Conduct an environmental scan
- Organize and interpret evidence collected through an environmental scan
Materials:
- There are no assigned lectures or readings this week.
Assignments:
Week 6 Discussion: Jurisdictions
Initial post:
Briefly list 3 or 4 jurisdictions you plan to include in your environmental scan and explain why you selected these jurisdictions.
Response Post:
Recommend an additional jurisdiction to your peer, and explain why this may be of interest.
Week 6 Assignment: Environmental Scan
Use the Environmental Scan Worksheet to share the evidence collected.
Week 6: 1-1 With Your Instructor
This week you will have your second 1:1 meeting with your instructor to discuss your research progress.
Week 7: Identify and Describe Policy Options – Describe Policy Options – Part 1
Outcomes:
- Synthesize and describe policy options identified
- Apply CDC policy analysis framework
Materials:
- There are no assigned lectures, readings, or discussions this week.
Assignments:
Week 7 Assignment, Part 1: Summaries of Policy Options
Part 1:
Through your literature review, stakeholder interviews, and environmental scan you have gathered evidence and learned about possible policy options relevant to your policy issue. For this week’s assignment you are asked to condense your findings and make a comprehensive list with each of the possible policy options you have identified, and briefly describe each of the policy options.
You will need to have a minimum of 4 policy options
Each policy description needs to be brief, max 250 words, and double spaced.
Week 7 Assignment, Part 2: Policy Analysis Framework – Key Questions
For the next 5 weeks, you’ll be working in a google spreadsheet to complete the Policy Options worksheet.
First, you’ll need to make a copy of the spreadsheet and save it to your own google account. Clicking this will automatically make a copy. Name this document with the following convention: LastName Policy Options Worksheet. You will be working within the same spreadsheet for the next 5 weeks.
This week, you will start narrowing your 4 policy options down to 2 options that you feel are most relevant. Then, in the spreadsheet, you will need to answer the 10 overarching “CDC Framing Questions” for those 2 policy options. In answering the questions you may pull from additional sources and types of evidence. Please note, not all questions may be appropriate for the issue you identified. You need to use the policy option worksheet to record the answers to the overarching framing questions.
Week 8: Identify and Describe Policy Options – Describe Policy Options – Part 2
Outcomes:
- Evaluate differences between policy options
- Apply CDC policy analysis framework
Materials:
- Coding Process and Templates opens in new window
- GPH 751 Coding Practice, List of Themes from HCBS Public Comments opens in new window
- GPH 751 Thematic Coding Practice Session opens in new window
Assignments:
Week 8 Assignment: Key Questions – Health Impact
This week, you will be focusing on answering the questions listed for the first of the three interrelated criteria outlined in the CDC Framework: (1) health impact. In answering the public health questions for your policy options you may pull from additional sources and types of evidence. Please note, not all questions may be appropriate for the issue you identified. Use and submit your work in the Policy Options Worksheet for this week’s assignment.
Week 9: Identify and Describe Policy Options – Describe Policy Options – Part 3
Outcomes:
- Evaluate differences between policy options
- Apply CDC policy analysis framework
Materials:
- There are no assigned lectures, readings, or discussions this week.
Assignments:
Week 9 Assignment: Key Questions – Feasibility
This week, you will be focusing on answering the questions listed for the second of the three interrelated criteria outlined in the CDC Framework: (2) feasibility. In answering the feasibility questions you may pull from additional sources and types of evidence. Please note, not all questions may be appropriate for the issue you identified. Use and submit your work in the Policy Options Worksheet for this week’s assignment.
Week 9 Assignment: Edited Literature Review
Submit your edited literature review for your Policy Analysis using all information that you have gathered.
Week 10: Identify and Describe Policy Options – Describe Policy Options – Part 4
Outcomes:
- Evaluate differences between policy options
- Apply CDC policy analysis framework
Materials:
- There are no assigned lectures, readings, or discussions this week.
Assignments:
Week 10 Assignment
This week, you will be focusing on answering the questions listed for the last of the three interrelated criteria outlined in the CDC Framework: (3) economic and budgetary impacts. In answering the economic and budgetary impact questions you may pull from additional sources and types of evidence. Please note, not all questions may be appropriate for the issue you identified. Use and submit your work in the Policy Options Worksheet for this week’s assignment.
Week 10: 1:1 With your Instructor
This week you will have your third 1:1 meeting with your instructor to discuss your research progress.
Week 10 Assignment: Background Section Draft
Submit your completed Background section draft of your Policy Analysis using all information that you have gathered.
Week 11: Assess and Prioritize Policy Options
Outcomes:
- Evaluate differences between policy options
- Apply CDC policy analysis framework
Materials:
- There are no assigned lectures, readings, or discussions this week.
Assignments:
Week 11 Assignment: Rating of Policy Options
This week, you will be focusing on rating your policy options for Public Health Impact, Feasibility, and Economic and Budgetary Impact. Your ratings should be based on the evidence collected in your earlier weeks. You may also add empirical data, if available, such as: cost-effectiveness figures related to the policy option, number of lives saved, reduction in admissions, increased participation…etc. Use and submit your work in the Policy Options Worksheet for this week’s assignment.
Week 12: Discussion Section and Presentation Tips
Outcomes:
- Prepare a draft report of a policy analysis
Materials:
- There are no assigned lectures, readings, or discussions this week.
Assignments:
Week 12 Assignment: Discussion Section Draft
Submit your completed Discussion section draft of your Policy Analysis using all information that you have gathered.
Week 13: Abstract Writing and Introduction
Outcomes:
- Identify key components of an abstract
- Write and abstract using APHA guidelines
Materials:
- Abstract Writing (APHA) and Reflection on ILE lecture
- APHA guidelines for abstract writing and submission
- Search for 2 or 3 scholarly public health articles in your field of interest and review the abstracts.
- Explore DUNE (Digital UNE) and read and review scholarly work completed by UNE students, and pay attention to the structure and flow of the thesis/dissertation abstracts.
Assignments:
Week 13 Assignment: Abstract and Introduction Draft
Submit your completed Introduction section and Abstract draft of your Policy Analysis using all information that you have gathered.
Week 14: Writing Week
Outcomes:
- Prepare a draft of a report of a policy analysis
Materials:
- There are no assigned lectures, readings, or discussions this week.
Assignments:
Week 14: Presentation Slides
Submit the PowerPoint slides for your oral presentation for review and feedback.
Week 14: 1:1 With your Instructor
This week you will have your fourth (and final) 1:1 meeting with your instructor to discuss your progress.
Week 15: Submit ILE Project Report
Outcomes:
- Conduct an oral presentation
Materials:
- There are no assigned lectures, readings, or discussions this week.
Assignments:
Week 15: Final ILE Report and Abstract
Submit your final paper and abstract.
Week 15: Oral Presentation
Week 16: Poster
Outcomes:
- Compare the new APHA recommended poster format and the traditional APHA poster format
- Create a poster for your ILE Report using the APHA recommended “better-poster” format
Materials:
- How to Create a Better Research Poster in Less Time
- How do I create a QR code for my poster?
Assignments:
Week 16: Poster
Submit a poster of your ILE Project Report (using APHA’s “better-poster” guidelines).
Student Resources
Online Student Support
Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies.
Questions? Visit the Student Support Public Health page
UNE Libraries:
- Library Access for all students: Your library login ID and password are the same as the ones you use to log into Brightspace.
- Public Health Databases: https://library.une.edu/library-materials/find/research-by-subject/public-health/
- Library Questions: Ask a librarian or phone library staff at (207) 602-2361 or (207) 221-4330.
UNE Student Academic Success Center
UNE's Student Academic Success Center (SASC) offers a range of free online services to support your academic achievement. Writing support, ESOL support, study strategy and learning style consultations, as well as downloadable resources, are available to all matriculating students. The SASC also offers tutoring for GPH 712 Epidemiology, GPH 716 Biostatistics, GPH 717 Applied Epidemiology, GPH 718 Biostatistics II, and GPH 719 Research Methods. To make an appointment for any of these services, go to une.tutortrac.com. For more information and to view and download writing and studying resources, please visit:
Information Technology Services (ITS)
- ITS Contact: Toll Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673
Accommodations
Any student who would like to request, or ask any questions regarding, academic adjustments or accommodations must contact the Student Access Center at (207) 221-4438 or pcstudentaccess@une.edu. Student Access Center staff will evaluate the student's documentation and determine eligibility of accommodation(s) through the Student Access Center registration procedure.
Online Peer Support
Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.
Information Technology Services (ITS)
Students should notify their Student Support Specialist and instructor in the event of a problem relating to a course. This notification should occur promptly and proactively to support timely resolution.
ITS Contact: Toll-Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673.
Career Ready Program
The College of Professional Studies supports its online students and alumni in their career journey!
The Career Ready Program provides tools and resources to help students explore and hone in on their career goals, search for jobs, create and improve professional documents, build professional network, learn interview skills, grow as a professional, and more. Come back often, at any time, as you move through your journey from career readiness as a student to career growth, satisfaction, and success as alumni.
Policies
AMA Writing Style Statement
The American Medical Association Manual (AMA) of Style, 11th edition is the required writing format for this course. Additional support for academic writing and AMA format is provided throughout the coursework as well as at the UNE Portal for Online Students.
Online resources: AMA Style Guide
Turnitin Originality Check and Plagiarism Detection Tool
The College of Professional Studies uses Turnitin to help deter plagiarism and to foster the proper attribution of sources. Turnitin provides comparative reports for submitted assignments that reflect similarities in other written works. This can include, but is not limited to, previously submitted assignments, internet articles, research journals, and academic databases.
Make sure to cite your sources appropriately as well as use your own words in synthesizing information from published literature. Webinars and workshops, included early in your coursework, will help guide best practices in APA citation and academic writing.
You can learn more about Turnitin in the guide on how to navigate your Similarity Report.
Technology Requirements
Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Graduate Programs: Technical Requirements
Course Evaluation Policy
Course surveys are one of the most important tools that University of New England uses for evaluating the quality of your education, and for providing meaningful feedback to instructors on their teaching. In order to assure that the feedback is both comprehensive and precise, we need to receive it from each student for each course. Evaluation access is distributed via UNE email at the beginning of the last week of the course.
Late Policy
Students are responsible for submitting work by the date indicated in Brightspace.
Quizzes and Tests: Quizzes and tests must be completed by the due date. They will not be accepted after the due date.
Assignments: Unless otherwise specified, assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted.
Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3 point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.
Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor and your student support specialist if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.
Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures
The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.
UNE Course Withdrawal
Please contact your student support specialist if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. The last day to drop for 100% tuition refund is the 2nd day of the course. Financial Aid charges may still apply. Students using Financial Aid should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from a course.
Academic Integrity
The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit https://www.une.edu/studentlife/plagiarism.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
- Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
- Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
- Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
- Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.
Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.
Attendance Policy
8 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
16 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures
The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.
UNE Course Withdrawal
Please contact your student support specialist if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. The last day to drop for 100% tuition refund is the 2nd day of the course. Financial Aid charges may still apply. Students using Financial Aid should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from a course.
Academic Integrity
The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit UNE Plagiarism Policies.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
- Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
- Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
- Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
- Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.
Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.