The Master's Degree courses have weekly assignments in addition to the CE-level assignments. The Master's learning platform is more rigorous compared to CE courses. On-site courses will take place at the Chi Campus at 9650 W Hwy 318 Reddick, FL 32686, USA.

Item		Credit Hours	Tuition** and Fee	Available Online	Hybrid
Application Fee			$70
Program Registration Fee			$50
Required Core Courses
MS0110	Veterinary Acupuncture Level 1	3.5	$2,505		X
MS0120	Veterinary Acupuncture Level 2	2	$925	X
MS0130	Veterinary Acupuncture Level 3	3.5	$2,960		X
MS0200	Research Methods in TCVM	2	$750	X
MS0210	TCVM for Respiratory and Cardiovascular Disease	2	$795	X	X
MS0220	TCVM for Gastrointestinal Diseases	2	$795	X	X
MS0230	TCVM for Hepatic and Endocrine Diseases	2	$795	X	X
MS0240	TCVM for Geriatric, Urinary and Reproductive Diseases	2	$795	X	X
MS0250	TCVM for Dermatological, Immune-mediated and Neoplastic Diseases	2	$795	X	X
MS0310	Veterinary Food Therapy	1.5	$1,300	X	X
MS0330	VeterinaryTui-na	1.5	$1,400		X
MS0205	Chinese Herbal Fundamental Knowledge	1	$375	X
MS0501	Master’s Thesis part one	3	$1,125	X
MS0502	Master’s Thesis part two	3	$1,125	X
Elective Courses
MS0350	Advanced VeterinaryTui-na: Refinement	1	$1,100		X
MS0361	TCVM Diagnostics, Classical Points and Advanced Techniques: Canine	1.5	$1,300		X
MS0362	TCVM Diagnostics, Classical Points and Advanced Techniques: Equine	1.5	$1,300		X
MS0010	Evidence-based Veterinary Acupuncture	1.5	$900	X
MS0020	Integrative Approach to Neurological Disorders	2	$750	X
MS0401	TCVM Ophthalmology	1	$550	X
MS0411	TCVM Clerkship (45-hour internship)***	1	$375	N/A
MS0412	Business Management for an Integrative Veterinary Clinic	1	$400	X
Non-refundable Graduate and Diploma Fee			$300

Satisfactory completion of all core courses is required for the MS-TCVM program. 
Satisfactory completion of the Master’s Thesis course (6 credit hours) in combination with 5 credit hours of electives is required for the MS-TCVM program. 
Please refer to program web pages for the scheduled time and location of each course. Note that some courses are offered partially or completely online. 

*Hybrid courses contain both online and on-site portions.        
** Tuition does not include CE certification fees.
***TCVM Clerkship must be conducted and completed in the state of Florida

Tuition is subject to change.

The main courses of the MS-TCVM program include studies in fundamental principles of TCVM, acupuncture points and techniques, Chinese herbal materia medica and formulations, food therapy, and Tui-na (Chinese medical manipulation). The courses are designed to give the student the opportunity to master unique diagnostic skills. These include tongue and pulse diagnosis, the ability to integrate the conventional tests and to acquire the in-depth knowledge required to successfully and efficiently apply acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui-na, and/or food therapy in daily clinical cases in dogs, cats, horses and exotic animals. 

There are 3 semesters each year; Spring, Summer, Fall.

2018 Semester Dates

Spring	Jan. 3 – April 25, 2018
Summer	May 2 - Aug. 22, 2018
Fall	Aug 29, - Dec 19, 2018

 

Final grades are reported at the completion of each grading period. At the conclusion of each semester the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine reports final grades to each student. The following grading system is used, and final grades are calculated from the percentages earned in each course in accordance with the following chart provided.

Grade	Percentage or Description	GPA	Evaluation
A	90-100%	4.0	Outstanding
B+	86-89%	3.5	Very Good
B	80-85%	3.0	Very Good
C+	76-79%	2.5	Satisfactory
C	70-75%	2.0	Satisfactory
D+	66-69%	1.5	Deficient
D	60-65%	1.0	Deficient
F	0-59%	0	Failure
I	Incomplete	Not Included	Not Calculated
W	Withdrawal during Drop/Add period	Not Included	Tuition not Charged
WP	Withdrawal after Drop/Add period but before 50% or more of the course has elapsed*	Not Included	Tuition Charged
TC	Transfer Credits	Not Included	Accepted for credit
AU	Audit Class (no credit earned)	Not Included	No Evaluation
R	Repeated Course (assigned for a course that has been successfully repeated)	Not Included	No Evaluation

 

*Withdrawals will not be accepted after 50% (eight weeks) or more of a course has elapsed.

Student Verification

As the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine offers a hybrid program, a student’s identity is verified when the student is on campus on an as-needed basis by review of a government issued identification (ex: driver’s license, passport); therefore, students are expected to keep identification on them at all times while on campus. Student identity is verified for online work when the student enters their unique login and password information as required to access the portal.

Technology Requirements
Students are required to have access to a computer (either a laptop or a desktop computer) and the Internet (wired Internet connection preferred) for all coursework. We don’t suggest using iPhone/iPad or other mobile devices to watch the lecture videos. The computer must meet the following specifications:

1. Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 or a Mac with a currently supported operating system, at least 2.0GB Memory.
2. Internet Capability
3. Soundcard, microphone & speakers
4. Current Internet web browser: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer, or Microsoft Edge (only available to Windows 10 users). For Mac system, Google
    Chrome is suggested instead of Safari.

Online Technical Support
Students may receive technical support by emailing support@tcvm.com or calling 800-860-1543 x. 110. The students’ email will be answered in approximately two business days. The Associate Dean for Administration supervises the technical support. Students may file complaints to the Associate Dean for Administration if needed.

Online Academic Support
The students can receive academic support by emailing tutor@tcvm.com or submit an academic support ticket at http://tcvm.freshdesk.com/. Students’ emails or academic support tickets will be answered by a Teaching Assistant who holds a DVM degree and TCVM certifications within approximately two business days. The students can also submit questions or start a discussion on the online class discussion group with peers and the class moderator, a Teaching Assistant who holds a DVM degree and TCVM certifications. The Dean supervises the academic support. Students may file complaints to the Associate Dean for Administration if needed.

Hybrid and Online
The MS-TCVM program is taught in a hybrid format.  Hybrid courses require both online work and on-site participation. Online courses will take place completely online. For details related to each course, please refer to the program curriculum. 

Assessment
Student are assessed primarily through graded homework assignments, reports, quizzes, and answers to discussion questions using standardized rubrics. Most hybrid and on-site courses include lab activities.  In those courses, demonstration of practical competency is also included as part of the student’s assessment. A final examination is also routinely required. Please see the course syllabus for details.

Online Learning Resources
Students at Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine have access to physical library reference material on the campus as well as online library resources through Library Information Resource Network (LIRN).  Faculty and students are encouraged to recommend additions to the physical and electronic holdings to grow the collection.  As the institute grows, it will continue to expand its library and information literacy resources.

MS-TCVM Academics

For the full course availability by semester, please click here. Please note, course availability is subject to change based on the needs of the Institution and/or the students.

MS0110 Veterinary Acupuncture: Level 1 
(3.5 semester credit hours) hybrid
This course discusses the fundamental principles of TCVM including Yin-yang, Eight Principles, Five Elements and Zang-fu physiology and pathology. Scientific basis of acupuncture and research data are discussed as well as real-world implementation of acupuncture clinical usage including pain management, lameness, musculoskeletal disorders and osteoarthritis. Acupuncture points and techniques including dry-needling and aquapuncture are also discussed. A hands-on wet lab will be provided during the on-site portion of the class in Reddick, Fl. 

 

MS0120 Veterinary Acupuncture: Level 2                                         
(2 semester credit hours) online
This course discusses in-depth traditional Chinese veterinary medical theories including Jing, Qi, Shen, Body Fluids and Blood. The unique TCVM diagnosis including tongue and pulse, Eight Extraordinary Channels and etiology and pathology are also discussed. The course provides tools and techniques on how to make a sound TCM diagnosis. (Prerequisite or co-requisite: MS0110)

MS0130 Veterinary Acupuncture: Level 3 
(3.5 semester credit hours) hybrid
This course reviews not only the advanced acupuncture techniques including electro-acupuncture and moxibustion, but also how to approach internal medical diseases using the traditional Chinese medical modality. The material in the class introduces case examples showing how to put everything together in order to diagnose and treat liver and renal diseases, behavior and skin problems, as well as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and respiratory disorders. Students learn a systematic approach to the principles and practices of TCVM. Emphasis is placed on clinical application in all aspects of Five Element disorders and reproductive and endocrine diseases. Students are taught management of real-world clinical cases, tools and methods of how to promote TCVM and integrate it into daily practice. (Prerequisite or co-requisite: MS 0110, MS0120)

MS0200 Research Methods in TCVM
(2 semester credit hours) online
This course is designed to enhance a student’s ability   to design and conduct research. A research project can be an experimental study or an observational study that requires a hypothesis, an objective, a research plan, data collection, analysis and interpretation, and preparation of a manuscript for publication in a scientific journal. In this class, students should identify a research question of interest and design an appropriate study, prepare and submit a research protocol for evaluation and feedback and prepare a manuscript suitable for peer review and publication in a scientific journal. 

 

MS0210 TCVM for Respiratory and Cardiovascular Diseases
(2 semester credit hours) hybrid or online
This course reviews not only the individual Chinese herbals and formulas, but also the in-depth knowledge of the TCM Lung and Heart physiology and pathology. The material in this class introduces how to use TCVM to diagnose and treat respiratory diseases including rhinitis, sinusitis, nasal bleeding, congestion and discharge, laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Congestive heart failure, hypertension and cardiac arrhythmia are also covered. Tongue and pulse demos with diagnosis instruction in dogs and horses are included as well. (Prerequisite or co-requisite: MS0205)

MS0220 TCVM for Gastrointestinal Diseases 
(2 semester credit hours) hybrid or online
This course provides an overview of Spleen    physiology, pathology, and the importance of the Earth Element to the Chinese herbal medical practice, as well as an overview of the top 30 individual Chinese herbals and formulas. Topics include the TCVM approach to gastrointestinal diseases including stomatitis, gingivitis, gastric ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and colic, constipation and impaction, and obesity. Tongue and pulse demos with diagnosis instruction in dogs and horses are included as well. (Prerequisite MS0205)

MS0230 TCVM for Hepatic and Endocrine Diseases
(2 semester credit hours) hybrid or online
This course reviews not only the individual Chinese herbals and formulas, but also the in-depth  knowledge of the traditional Chinese medical Liver physiology and pathology. The course provides a systematic approach to endocrine diseases including diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s disease, hypo- and hyperthyroidism, cholangitis, jaundice, ascites, hepatitis, hepatomegaly, liver abscesses, ophthalmic disease, and seizure disorders. Tongue and pulse demos with diagnosis instruction in dogs and horses are included as well. (Prerequisite or co-requisite: MS0205)

MS0240 TCVM for Geriatric, Urinary and Reproductive Diseases 
(2 semester credit hours) hybrid or online
In this course, students learn to identify, detect, investigate, and prevent Water Element Disorders including Bi, Lin and Wei Syndromes. Other topics include how to use the TCVM approach to geriatric diseases, osteoarthritis, disc disease, nephritis, cystitis, renal failure, ear problems, urinary and reproductive disorders. Case examples are provided to ensure an understanding of TCVM Kidney physiology and pathology. This course includes TCVM sports medicine discussions. Tongue and pulse demos with diagnosis instruction in dogs and horses are included as well. (Prerequisite or co-requisite: MS0205)

MS0250 TCVM for Dermatological, Immune-mediated and Neoplastic Diseases 
(2 semester credit hours) hybrid or online
This course provides students with an opportunity to review the TCVM perspective of dermatology, immunology and oncology. In this class, students should learn both oral medication and topical application of individual herbals and formulations and how to use TCVM to diagnose and treat  these disorders including hypersensitivity, pruritus, eruptions, eczema, allergic dermatitis, pemphigus and lupus, autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiency diseases,  and cancers/tumors in dogs, cats and horses. Tongue and pulse demos with diagnosis instruction in dogs and horses are included as well. (Prerequisite or co-requisite: MS0205)

MS0310 Veterinary Food Therapy 
(1.5 semester credit hours) hybrid or online
Food therapy is the practice of healing using natural foods along with or instead of herbal medications. This course focuses on the most relevant facets of how to use TCVM to understand and use foods in the treatment of animals. Hands-on labs are provided for hybrid students in Reddick, Fl and video recordings of labs are provided for online students, the students gain additional practice in preparation and cooking of each recipe that is designed for a specific medical condition. Clinical case studies help students see the impact of food therapy on skin diseases and cancer. In this course, students should learn and master the basic theory and principles of food therapy, learn and grasp the simple recipes for veterinarians and their patients and be able to assign “homework” to the pet owners to  implement food therapy on their pets. 

MS0330 Veterinary Tui-na 
(1.5 semester credit hours) hybrid
Tui-na is Chinese manual therapy used for preventing and treating disease. With the intensive hands-on labs (on-site in Reddick, Fl), students are provided with an opportunity to train their hands to effectively manipulate using over 30 techniques. The focus is on both quality (evenness and softness) and quantity (duration and force) of each Tui-na technique. The ability to use hands to diagnose and treat clinical conditions is emphasized in order to accommodate an animal that may have an acupuncture needle phobia. The practice of Tui-na enhances the students TCVM diagnostic skills which is an added benefit. Simple, daily take-home techniques for the caregivers are also discussed. 

MS0205 Chinese Herbal Fundamental Knowledge 
(1 semester credit hour) online
This course discusses the history, origin, development, safety, toxicity and quality control of Chinese herbal medicine. Students will learn the scientific basis of Chinese herbal medicine and research data, as well as general indications and contraindications of Chinese herbal medicines.  

MS0350 Advanced Veterinary Tui-na: Refinement
(1 semester credit hour) hybrid
The Advanced Tui-na: Refinement course builds on the foundation laid down during the Veterinary Tui-na course (MS0330). Whereas in the Veterinary Tui-na course the emphasis was placed on developing one’s basic skills and practicing all of the 21 fundamental Tui-na techniques, the focus of this advanced course is for the student to be able to hone his/her technique. The Veterinary Tui-na course focused on acquiring a fundamental skill set and knowledge base mainly focusing on understanding quantity, (duration and force) of the techniques. This Advanced Tui-na: Refinement course has a different focus. Because the student has already learned the basics and about quantity, this course is able to apply its focus to quality; the ability to diagnose and treat with touch. Quality also implies evenness and softness of technique, as well as the ability to seamlessly integrate the 21 otherwise separate Tui-na techniques. These refined skills are what help to separate novices from experts in the field of veterinary Tui-na. (Prerequisite: MS0330) 

MS0361 TCVM Diagnostics, Classical Points and Advanced Techniques: Canine 
(1.5 semester credit hours) hybrid
This course covers three of the most important TCVM studies: TCVM Diagnosis, Classical Acupoints and Advanced Acupuncture Techniques. This course focuses on the canine species and provides advanced acupuncture methods including auricular and scalp acupuncture and gold implantation. In any medical system, effective treatment of disease hinges upon an accurate and complete diagnosis. With real clinical cases, the students are provided with intensive hands-on experience on-site in Reddick, Fl and therefore, gain full confidence in making a sound TCVM diagnosis. Locations and usage of additional classical canine acupuncture points are also discussed. (Prerequisite or co-requisite: MS0110, MS0120, MS0130)

MS0362 TCVM Diagnostics, Classical Points and Advanced Techniques: Equine 
(1.5 semester credit hours) hybrid
This course is similar to MS0361, which covers three of the most important TCVM studies: TCVM Diagnosis, Classical Acupoints and Advanced Acupuncture Techniques; however, this course focuses on equine species. The class provides advanced acupuncture methods including auricular acupuncture, scalp acupuncture and gold implantation. In any medical system, effective treatment of disease hinges upon an accurate and complete diagnosis. With real clinical cases, the students are provided with intensive hands-on experience on-site in Reddick, Fl and therefore, gain full confidence to make a sound TCVM diagnosis. Locations and usage of additional classical equine acupuncture points are also discussed. (Prerequisite or co-requisite: MS0110, MS0120, MS0130)

MS0010 Evidence-Based Veterinary Acupuncture
(1.5 semester credit hours) online
This course provides an overview of scientific research data on acupuncture. Topics of evidence-based clinical application of acupuncture include: acupuncture for renal and urinary tract infections, lameness, respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal and neurological disorders, and pain management. Discussion of trigger points,  their clinical applications, general indications and contraindications of veterinary acupuncture are included.

MS0020 Integrative Approach to Neurological Disorders
(2 semester credit hours) online
Conventional veterinary medicine and TCVM differ in their approach to the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases. However, when integrated, these two medical paradigms can lead to a deeper understanding of dysfunction and more effective therapeutic options for neurological patients. The course offers students an opportunity to understand the methods of evaluation of the neurological patient (both small animal and equine), and also diagnosing and treating the following conditions: seizure and epilepsy, cranial nerve disorders, degenerative neurological disorders, spinal cord disorders, cognitive dysfunction syndrome, meningoenchephalitis and encephalitis, head trauma and peripheral nerve damage. 

MS0401 TCVM Ophthalmology 
(1 semester credit hour) online
This course discusses the TCVM fundamental principles of eyes, and etiology and pathology of ocular diseases. Students will learn the pattern diagnosis, acupuncture and herbal medicine of corneal diseases, uveitis, conjunctivitis, glaucoma, cataracts and other eye disorders. (Prerequisite: MS0110, MS0205)

MS0412 Business Management for an Integrative Veterinary Clinic 
(1 semester credit hour) online
This course will cover basic business and management practices in operating a integrative veterinary practice. The goal is to prepare students to understand the products and services that his or her practice produces, how to manage client relationships, finances, employee management, marketing, organization and other key concepts in operating an integrative practice.

MS0411 TCVM Clerkship (1 semester credit hours)
Students gain practical knowledge in real-world application through this 45 hour internship. Students are required to complete at least two on-site sessions so that they have a functional understanding of what they will observe. Students may choose any certified veterinary acupuncturist to shadow for 45 documented hours. CVAs in the state of Florida can be found by consulting the Chi Institute practitioner directory. Students may choose any willing faculty member to complete their hours with. (Prerequisite or co-requisite: MS0110, MS0120, MS0130)

MS0501-MS0502 Master’s Thesis part 1 and part 2
(6 semester credit hours total) online
This course provides students with an overview of practical and concrete information about preparing the master’s thesis and manuscript for publication taught over two semesters. In this class students should identify the research area that students are interested in, learn how to use the library and other necessary resources to search for relevant research papers, learn data analysis and interpretation, and learn how to write the thesis and a peer-review publication.
(Prerequisite: MS0200, Part 1 must be taken before part 2)
The MS-TCVM Program Committee will coordinate with enrolled students on forming a Supervisory Committee, which will consist of three members. The first two members must be the Chi Institute Faculty. The third member can be Chi Institute Faculty or external expert on the Thesis topic of the students choosing. A student’s Thesis must be approved by all three supervisory committee members before she or he graduates.

2018 Academic Calendar	Spring 2018 1/3/18 -4/25/18	Summer 2018 5/2/18 - 8/22/18	Fall 2018 8/9/18 -12/19/18
Academic Dates & Deadlines
Course Registration Begins	10/3/18	2/2/18	5/29/18
New Student Enrollment Deadline	11/3/18	3/2/18	6/29/18
Tuition Due	12/4/18	4/2/18	7/30/18
Late Registration ($50 late registration fee)	12/5-1/10	4/3-5/9	7/31-9/5
Drop / Add Period	1/3-1/10	5/2-5/9	8/29-9/5
First Day of Classes	1/3/18	5/2/18	8/29/18
Last Day for Late Registration (deadline 5:30pm)	1/10/18	5/9/18	9/5/18
Removal of “I” (incomplete grade) Deadline from Previous Term	2/14/18	6/13/18	10/10/18
Withdrawal Deadline; Automatic Grade of “WP”	2/28/18	6/27/18	10/24/18
Last Day of Classes	4/25/18	8/22/18	12/19/18

 

Classroom hours of instruction: Residential classes are typically scheduled from 8:30 am through 6:30 pm Thursday through Saturday and 8:30 am to 12:30 pm on Sundays.  Some variation in the scheduling may occur depending on the class.

Please keep in mind the below listed course availability is subject to change based on the needs of the institute and/or students. Students will be notified via email of any changes concerning course availability.

Required Core Courses 31 total credit hours		Online (O)/ Hybrid (H)	Spring	Summer	Fall
MS0110	Veterinary Acupuncture Level 1*	H	X	X
MS0120	Veterinary Acupuncture Level 2	O	X	X	X
MS0130	Veterinary Acupuncture Level 3*	H			X
MS0200	Research Methods in TCVM	O	X		X
MS0210	TCVM for Respiratory and Cardiovascular Disease*	O/H	X
MS0220	TCVM for Gastrointestinal Diseases*	O/H	X (O/H)	X (O)
MS0230	TCVM for Hepatic and Endocrine Diseases*	O/H	X (O)		X (O)
MS0240	TCVM for Geriatric, Urinary and Reproductive Diseases*	O/H		X (O)	X (O/H)
MS0250	TCVM for Dermatological, Immune-mediated Diseases*	O/H		X (O)
MS0310	Veterinary Food Therapy*	O/H	X (O/H)		X (O)
MS0330	Veterinary Tui-na*	H			X
MS0205	Chinese Herbal Fundamental Knowledge	O	X	X	X
MS0501	Master’s Thesis I	O	X	X	X
MS0502	Master’s Thesis II	O	X	X	X
Elective Courses 5 total credit hours
MS0350	Advanced Veterinary Tui-na: Refinement*	H	X
MS0361	TCVM Diagnostics, Classical Points and Advanced Techniques: Canine*	H	X		X
MS0362	TCVM Diagnostics, Classical Points and Advanced Techniques: Equine*	H	X
MS0010	Evidence-based Veterinary Acupuncture	O	X		X
MS0020	Integrative Approach to Neurological Disorders	O		X
MS0401	TCVM Ophthalmology	O		X
MS0412	Business Management for an Integrative Veterinary Clinic	O	X		X
MS0411	TCVM Clerkship (45 hr internship)**	H		X

*Hybrid Requires online and on-site coursework. on-site course work MUST be completed at Chi US in Reddick, FL location ONLY
**Clerkship to be completed in FL ONLY

In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine allows students access to their educational records. These records include all information maintained by the school which is directly related to the student, with the exception of the financial records of their parents and educational records containing information about more than one student. The Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine  permits  access  to  that  part of the record that pertains only to the inquiring student. Student records are confidential and, other than to the student, only such agencies or individuals authorized by federal law in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act are allowed access without express permission by the student through a records release form. These records are left on file indefinitely. Directory information, however, may be released to valid inquiries unless the student specifically requests in writing that this information not be released.

In addition to complying with FERPA, the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine does not allow faculty to discuss or post grades in the public areas of the LMS.  Confidential information is only shared with students in areas that are password protected. 

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) ensures that students are progressing through their program of study both academically and in a timely manner. In order to be considered to be making satisfactory progress toward a degree or certificate, a student must achieve a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and a 67% completion rate. 

To determine satisfactory progress, a student’s cumulative grade point average and completion rate will be evaluated at the end every semester after grades are posted, approximately 10 days after the end of the semester. The completion rate is determined by dividing the number of credits earned by the number of credits attempted. To satisfy SAP requirements,  the MS-TCVM program is to be completed within a 3 year time frame, not to exceed 1.5 times the program length (4.5 years) Students are expected to complete the requirements for their program in the scheduled time frame, but in no case may the credits attempted exceed 1.5 times the credits required to complete the program.

At the end of each semester, if the student has less than a 3.0 cumulative grade point  average and/or has not earned at least 67% of the credits attempted  (required to complete the program within 150% of the program length), he or she will be notified and placed on Academic Warning for the next semester. If a student fails to achieve satisfactory progress by the end of the semester in which they are on Academic Warning, the student will be withdrawn from the program (unless the student files and is granted an appeal as defined below). If the student regains SAP by the end of the semester, they will be removed from Academic Warning.

All periods of enrollment count toward Satisfactory Academic Progress, including periods when a student does not receive financial aid.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals, Probation, and Academic Plans

A student may appeal the determination of withdrawal due to failure to re-establish satisfactory progress by the end of the warning period to the Dean based upon extenuating circumstances. These might include the death of a relative, an illness of or injury to the student or other extraordinary situations. The student’s appeal must be received on or before the first Wednesday of the first week of the new semester for the student to be eligible to register for the following semester. If it is determined that a student should have been withdrawn at the end of the prior semester for failure to maintain or regain SAP, he or she will not be charged for the new semester.

The appeal must contain 1) an explanation of why the student failed to meet the SAP standards; and  2) a description of what has changed in the student’s situation that will enable him or her to again meet the satisfactory progress standards. Supporting documentation should be submitted if possible.

The Dean will review the information submitted in the context of the student’s entire academic record, and notify the student of his or her decision within 24 hours. This decision is final. If the appeal is granted, then the student will be placed on probation for the semester, and the Dean’s notice to the student will outline the requirements of the academic plan the student must follow The terms of the academic plan must ensure the student will be able to complete the program within the maximum timeframe (1.5 times the program length) and with the required 3.0 CGPA for graduation.

At the end of the probationary semester, the student’s progress will be evaluated based upon the academic plan. If the student is meeting the SAP standards, or he or she has met all of the terms of the academic plan, the student will be eligible to remain in school. In all subsequent semesters the student must again meet the SAP standards or the terms of the academic plan.

If the student fails to meet the terms of the academic plan at the end of the probationary semester, the student will be terminated. Second appeals in this situation will only be granted at the discretion of the Director, and based upon very exceptional circumstances.

Procedure for re-establishing Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

A student who is placed on Academic Warning and re-establishes SAP at the end of the Academic Warning period will be removed from Academic Warning. A student who is placed on Probation and re-establishes SAP at the end of the Probation period will be removed from Probation

The effect on SAP for repeated course

The higher of the two grades earned for a repeated course will be used in calculating the CGPA. The credits attempted for both courses are included in the calculation of the completion rate.

The effect on SAP when student changes Programs or is re-admitted to the same program. 

If a student is re-admitted into the program, the credits and grades that are  applicable to the student's current program of study will be included in the CGPA and in credits attempted for determining the student’s satisfactory academic progress.

The effect on SAP for Transfer Credits

Credits accepted for transfer are counted as credits attempted for purposes of the completion rate, but have no impact in the calculation of CGPA.

Re-entry for students dismissed due to failure to meet SAP

Students who have been dismissed for lack of satisfactory progress may apply to be readmitted as the class schedule permits, after 6 months. Such a student will be enrolled for a probationary semester upon reentry. This procedure applies only to dismissals caused by lack of satisfactory progress It does not apply to voluntary withdrawals.

The below chart identifies how each potential grade assignment effects SAP.

 

Grade	Included in CGPA	Included as credits Attempted	Included as credits earned
A	Yes	Yes	Yes
B	Yes	Yes	Yes
C	Yes	Yes	Yes
D	Yes	Yes	Yes
F	Yes	Yes	Yes
I	No	Yes	No
W	No	No	No
WP	No	Yes	No
TC	No	Yes	Yes
AU	No	No	No
R	No	Yes	No

 

All students at the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine are expected to meet the highest standards of integrity in the performance of their academic work. The Standards of Academic Integrity forbid such conduct as the giving or receiving of unauthorized help in examinations or assignments, plagiarism and other undocumented use of source material, copyright law violations, and forgery. Each student’s work must be responsibly and honorably acquired, developed, and presented. Regardless of whether or not the attempt is successful, any effort to gain an advantage not given to all students is dishonest. Students are also expected to maintain a high level of respect toward the speakers and each other. In all courses, students must show respect for faculty and peers including writing discussion posts that are pertinent and not inflammatory, as well as responding professionally in their critiques of other students.

A violation of the Academic Integrity policy includes, but is not limited to:

• Cheating: using unauthorized materials or receiving unauthorized assistance during an examination or in connection with any work done for academic credit.
• Plagiarism: taking the work of another and offering it as one’s own without proper acknowledgement of the true source, whether that material is paraphrased or copied in verbatim or near-verbatim form.
• Unauthorized collaboration on a project, homework, or other assignment unless otherwise allowed by faculty.
• Sharing, selling, or buying information related to graded learning activities.
• Using faculty feedback for another student as the basis for an essay response.
• Resubmitting a paper that has already been submitted for another course.
• Falsifying information
• Accessing or using unauthorized materials (electronic or print) and/or websites.
• Use of an alternate, stand-in, or proxy during an examination.

The academic community regards breaches of academic integrity as extremely serious; students who do not comply with the Chi Institute’s academic integrity obligations will be penalized in accordance with the severity of their offense. Sanctions imposed may include, but not be limited to, any one of the following: an official reprimand; a requirement to repeat an assignment, an examination, or course; a failing grade for an assignment, examination, or course; suspension; or expulsion from the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. In addition, violations that include acts of copyright infringement can include both civil and criminal penalties. Cheating Copyright infringement is defined as the act of Unauthorized reproduction and/or distribution of copyrighted material, including peer-to-peer file sharing and downloading. Students found guilty of infringements may be subject to damages or fines and/or imprisonment. For more information, please see the website of the US Copyright Office at www. copyright.gov.

Note: Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine reserves the right to investigate alleged violations and enforce disciplinary action as it deems fit. Students that are not satisfied with the outcome of any school decision may file a student grievance.

School faculty and administration work with each student to resolve the issues a student may have. Every student is encouraged to discuss his or her concerns or complaints with faculty or staff most able to assist the student in resolving the matter. If, however, the student is not satisfied with these efforts then the student may pursue a formal review by following the grievance procedure as follows: 

1. Make a signed, written complaint to a school official describing the basis of the complaint in sufficient detail to allow the Associate Dean for Administration to begin an investigation;
2. The Associate Dean for Administration, or a designee, will schedule an appointment with the student within three (3) working days to discuss the complaint;
3. The Associate Dean for Administration will confirm the completion of the investigation with a written report of the disposition of the complaint mailed to the student within five (5) working days of meeting with the student;
4. If the student is not satisfied with the Associate Dean for Administration’s report as to the disposition of the complaint, the student may appeal the result in writing to the Dean within ten (10) working days. The appeal letter must include a copy of the written disposition report and an explanation as to why the student is not satisfied with the outcome;
5. The Dean will review the written disposition report and the student’s appeal letter and will conduct any further investigation necessary, including requesting additional information from the student;
6. The Dean will provide both the student and the Associate Dean for Administration with a written decision within ten (10) working days of the receipt of the appeal letter. This written decision is the final disposition of the complaint;
7. Students not satisfied with the final disposition of the grievance process may contact:

Commission for Independent Education (FLCIE) 

325 W Gaines St, Suite 1414

Tallahassee, Florida 32399

www.fldoe.org/cie/  850-245-3200  

The above process does not limit or prohibit a student from enforcing any contractual legal rights or remedies.